Element vs Zoom Workplace: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Element scores 66 out of 100 and Zoom Workplace scores 58. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Element | Zoom Workplace | |
|---|---|---|
| Price and free plan | 50 | 33 |
| Communication | 60 | 100 |
| Security and data control | 88 | 50 |
| Track record | 63 | 50 |
Pros and cons
Element
- Built-in voice or video calls
- Has a permanent free plan
- Messages are end-to-end encrypted
- Can run on your own server
Zoom Workplace
- Built-in voice or video calls
- Has a permanent free plan
- ISO 27001 certificate or SOC 2 report
- Screen sharing
- High price per user
Facts side by side
| Fact | Element | Zoom Workplace |
|---|---|---|
| Price per user per month | Not verified | $16.99 zoom.us |
| Free plan | Yes element.io | Yes zoom.us |
| Full message history on the free plan | Yes element.io | Not verified |
| Built-in calls | Yes element.io | Yes zoom.us |
| Screen sharing | Not verified | Yes zoom.us |
| Threads | Yes element.io | Yes zoom.com |
| Guest access | Not verified | Yes zoom.com |
| End-to-end encrypted messages | Yes element.io | Not verified |
| Self-hosting | Yes element.io | Not verified |
| Open source | Yes element.io | Not verified |
| ISO 27001 or SOC 2 | Yes element.io | Yes zoom.com |
| Single sign-on (SSO) | Yes element.io | Yes zoom.us |
| Data storage in the EU | Not verified | Yes zoom.com |
| Data export | Yes element.io | Not verified |
| Message retention settings | Yes element.io | Not verified |
| Founded | 2017 element.io | 2011 zoom.com |
| Public status page | Yes status.element.io | Not verified |
| Company | Vector Creations Limited itunes.apple.com | Zoom Communications, Inc. itunes.apple.com |
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