Element
Open-source chat client for the Matrix protocol, with messaging, voice and video calls.
HN commenters like it as a self-hosted Matrix client that can replace Slack12 and that runs reliably for large groups, including multi-person video calls.34 The most common complaint is device verification that fails between clients,567 and others call the UI clunky and the mobile app crash-prone.8910
Why people recommend it
Reliable at scale · 2
Commenters report it working smoothly for a 500+ user company instance and a FOSDEM devroom.
“Long live to Matrix/Element!”
“I love Martix/Element”
Self-hosting · 2
Used with self-hosted Matrix servers as a Slack or Rocket.Chat replacement, with an easy-to-maintain stack.
“we moved from slack to self-hosted matrix + element”
“Long live to Matrix/Element!”
Open protocol · 2
As a Matrix client, it is suggested for open-protocol interoperability and works alongside other clients on any device.
“you should take a look at e.g. Cheogram, Conversations, and Element and consider ways to enhance integration”
“any device where I have a matrix client like Element set up”
Video calls · 1
One organizer says group video calls with many participants worked flawlessly.
“I love Martix/Element”
Device authorization · 1
One admin likes its device authorization model.
“Long live to Matrix/Element!”
Caveats and dissent
Device verification · 3
Several users say verifying devices across clients and platforms often fails, even for experienced users.
“Whenever I open Element or any other client (Nheko, etc.) they all complain about each-other being unverified.”
“I love element, but this can’t be done without prior work to address.”
Show 1 more
“Riot.im/Element.io really knows how to shoot themselves in the foot.”
Clunky UI · 2
Some find the interface clunky, compare it to Teams, or feel uneasy using it.
“I didn't like the UI at all, it felt like Teams but more clunky?”
Mobile and voice · 1
One user reports the mobile app crashing and weak voice chat.
“Element keeps crashing on mobile, and while voice chat kinda exists in Element it's not been great imho.”
Spam exposure · 1
One user got abusive spam through Element Android notifications after joining public groups.
“I deleted my matrix account after I receive some very nasty spam in form of Element Android notification.”
Naming confusion · 1
The Element versus Matrix naming confuses some users, especially older family members.
Often compared with
Who recommends it in their own words
Threads where it came up
- Verifying your Matrix devices is becoming mandatory 4 mentions
- Matrix messaging gaining ground in government IT 2 mentions
- IRCv3 1 mention
- Returning from vacation? The government can search your phone without a warrant 1 mention
- The new CC, an AI agent built for families 1 mention
- GrapheneOS Overhauled Default Apps and Secure Clipboard 1 mention
Data: element.json. Quotes are verbatim; the verdict and theme labels are written by a model from these comments, and every clause links to its sources.
All comments 14
“the Element branding feels a bit too strong at times”
“Main messaging app can be Telegram, Whatsapp, or (in my case) Element.”
“any device where I have a matrix client like Element set up”
“you should take a look at e.g. Cheogram, Conversations, and Element and consider ways to enhance integration”
“Long live to Matrix/Element!”
“we moved from slack to self-hosted matrix + element”
“I didn't like the UI at all, it felt like Teams but more clunky?”
“Element keeps crashing on mobile, and while voice chat kinda exists in Element it's not been great imho.”
“I deleted my matrix account after I receive some very nasty spam in form of Element Android notification.”
“Riot.im/Element.io really knows how to shoot themselves in the foot.”
“I love Martix/Element”
“Whenever I open Element or any other client (Nheko, etc.) they all complain about each-other being unverified.”
“I love element, but this can’t be done without prior work to address.”
“with nheko or element via matrix”