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Element vs Discord: catalog facts
Element	Discord
Freemium The client is free and open source under the AGPL 3.0. Element Matrix Services sells…	Freemium Free to use, with an optional Nitro subscription.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, Self-hosted	Windows, iOS, Web
End-to-end encryption with cross-signed device verification Federated, so you can run your own server and still reach everyone	Drop-in voice channels without placing calls Low-latency screen and game streaming
Encryption key management confuses people the first time they log in on a new device Heavy on memory for a chat app, and slow with many large rooms	Proprietary and centrally hosted Some features sit behind the Nitro subscription
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application, Hosted service
Open source	Closed source
License: AGPL-3.0	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.