Compare software

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

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