Compare software

Element vs Keybase: catalog facts
Element	Keybase
Freemium The client is free and open source under the AGPL 3.0. Element Matrix Services sells…	Free Free to install and use.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, Self-hosted	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
End-to-end encryption with cross-signed device verification Federated, so you can run your own server and still reach everyone	End-to-end encrypted chat and file storage in one app Teams can be created with anyone, including families and clubs
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	Linking public identities from other sites may not suit people who want anonymity Little recent public detail about new features or development pace
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: AGPL-3.0	License not stated
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

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