Chanty
Team chat and collaboration with channels, audio/video calls, and task management
Element
Matrix web client for secure, decentralized team communication
Element is a feature-rich Matrix web client built with the Matrix JS SDK, enabling encrypted messaging, voice, and video across decentralized networks.
Overview
Secure Communication on the Matrix Network
Element is a web-based Matrix client that brings decentralized, end-to-end encrypted communication to your browser. Built on the Matrix JS SDK, it enables teams and individuals to message, call, and collaborate without relying on centralized servers.
Flexible Deployment Options
Whether you use the hosted version at app.element.io, self-host your own instance, or run it as an Electron desktop application, Element adapts to your infrastructure needs. The modular ES6 architecture allows developers to build from source using Node.js and Yarn, with full control over configuration through JSON files.
Browser Support and Security
Element actively supports the latest two major versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, plus the official Element Desktop app. Security best practices are built into the deployment guidance, including recommendations for separate domain hosting to mitigate XSS risks, and comprehensive CSP headers to protect against clickjacking and MIME sniffing attacks. Mobile users benefit from community-supported mobile web access, with native Android and iOS apps available for optimal mobile experiences.
Highlights
End-to-end encrypted messaging on the decentralized Matrix network
Self-hostable web client with full configuration control
Cross-platform support: browser, desktop (Electron), and mobile web
Active security guidance including XSS mitigation and CSP headers
Pros
- Decentralized architecture eliminates single points of failure
- Self-hosting option provides complete data sovereignty
- Strong security practices with detailed deployment guidance
- Multiple deployment modes: hosted, self-hosted, or desktop app
Considerations
- Windows users cannot use yarn dist build script
- Mobile web support is community-tier, not actively triaged
- Requires separate domain from homeserver for security best practices
- Modern browser requirement excludes older environments
Managed products teams compare with
When teams consider Element, these hosted platforms usually appear on the same shortlist.
Looking for a hosted option? These are the services engineering teams benchmark against before choosing open source.
Fit guide
Great for
- Organizations requiring self-hosted, encrypted communication platforms
- Teams prioritizing data sovereignty and decentralized infrastructure
- Developers comfortable with Node.js build systems and configuration
- Users seeking Matrix protocol access through a mature web interface
Not ideal when
- Mobile-first users who need guaranteed mobile web support
- Organizations unable to maintain separate domains for security
- Teams requiring enterprise support for extended stable browser versions
- Users needing zero-configuration, plug-and-play solutions
How teams use it
Enterprise Self-Hosted Collaboration
Deploy Element on internal infrastructure to maintain full control over sensitive communications while leveraging Matrix federation for external partnerships.
Privacy-Focused Community Platform
Host a branded Element instance for community members who value end-to-end encryption and decentralized architecture over corporate messaging platforms.
Cross-Organization Federated Communication
Enable secure messaging between multiple organizations using Matrix federation, with each running their own Element instance and homeserver.
Desktop Application Deployment
Package Element as an Electron desktop app for users who prefer native application experiences with system integration and offline capabilities.
Tech snapshot
TypeScript92%
CSS6%
JavaScript1%
HTML1%
Python1%
Shell1%
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Element and Matrix?
Matrix is the decentralized communication protocol, while Element is a web client application that connects to Matrix networks. Element uses the Matrix JS SDK to interact with Matrix homeservers.
Can I use Element without self-hosting?
Yes, you can use the hosted version at app.element.io without any setup. Self-hosting is optional for those who want full control over their infrastructure.
Why should Element run on a separate domain from my homeserver?
Running Element on the same domain as your Matrix homeserver creates XSS vulnerability risks. Malicious user-generated content could gain trusted access to Element if domains are shared.
What browsers does Element support?
Element actively supports the last 2 major versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari on desktop, plus the latest Element Desktop app. Firefox ESR and Chrome Extended Stable receive best-effort support.
Is there a mobile app for Element?
Yes, native Android (element-android) and iOS (element-ios) apps are recommended for mobile devices. Mobile web browsers have community-level support but native apps provide better experiences.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 12,464
- Watchers
- 12,464
- Forks
- 2,410
LicenseAGPL-3.0
Repo age10 years old
Last commit3 hours ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageTypeScript
Last synced 2 hours ago