Element vs Mattermost: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Element
Mattermost
Starting Price
$5/user/mo (cloud)
$10/user/mo (cloud)
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
1M+
800K+
Founded
2017
2015
Rating
4.2/5
4.3/5
Best For
Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralize...
Enterprises needing data sovereignty and self-host...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
ElementMattermost
86Ease of Use88
88Features90
88Value for Money90
79Customer Support81
81Integrations83
82Mobile App84
AI Verdict
Mattermost leads with a ToolScout Score of 86 vs 84 for Element. Mattermost is best suited for Enterprises needing data sovereignty and self-hosting, while Element excels for Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging. Both are strong options in the Team Communication space.
CHOOSE ELEMENT IF:
Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging.
CHOOSE MATTERMOST IF:
Enterprises needing data sovereignty and self-hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Element better than Mattermost?
Mattermost scores 86/100 on ToolScout compared to Element's 84/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Element is best for Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging. Mattermost is best for Enterprises needing data sovereignty and self-hosting.
Does Element have a free plan?
Yes, Element offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $5/user/mo (cloud).
Does Mattermost have a free plan?
Yes, Mattermost offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $10/user/mo (cloud).
Can I migrate from Element to Mattermost?
Migration between Element and Mattermost 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.