Element vs Google Chat: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Element
Google Chat
Starting Price
$5/user/mo (cloud)
$6/user/mo
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
1M+
6B+ (Workspace)
Founded
2017
2017
Rating
4.2/5
4.1/5
Best For
Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralize...
Google Workspace users wanting integrated messagin...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
ElementGoogle Chat
86Ease of Use84
88Features86
88Value for Money86
79Customer Support77
81Integrations79
82Mobile App80
AI Verdict
Element leads with a ToolScout Score of 84 vs 82 for Google Chat. Element is best suited for Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging, while Google Chat excels for Google Workspace users wanting integrated messaging. Both are strong options in the Team Communication space.
CHOOSE ELEMENT IF:
Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging.
CHOOSE GOOGLE CHAT IF:
Google Workspace users wanting integrated messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Element better than Google Chat?
Element scores 84/100 on ToolScout compared to Google Chat's 82/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Element is best for Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging. Google Chat is best for Google Workspace users wanting integrated messaging.
Does Element have a free plan?
Yes, Element offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $5/user/mo (cloud).
Does Google Chat have a free plan?
Yes, Google Chat offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $6/user/mo.
Can I migrate from Element to Google Chat?
Migration between Element and Google Chat depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Team Communication category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.