Element vs Rocket.Chat: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Element
Rocket.Chat
Starting Price
$5/user/mo (cloud)
$7/user/mo (cloud)
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
1M+
25M+
Founded
2017
2015
Rating
4.2/5
4.2/5
Best For
Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralize...
Teams wanting open-source Slack alternative with s...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
ElementRocket.Chat
86Ease of Use86
88Features88
88Value for Money88
79Customer Support79
81Integrations81
82Mobile App82
AI Verdict
Element leads with a ToolScout Score of 84 vs 84 for Rocket.Chat. Element is best suited for Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging, while Rocket.Chat excels for Teams wanting open-source Slack alternative with self-hosting. Both are strong options in the Team Communication space.
CHOOSE ELEMENT IF:
Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging.
CHOOSE ROCKET.CHAT IF:
Teams wanting open-source Slack alternative with self-hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Element better than Rocket.Chat?
Element scores 84/100 on ToolScout compared to Rocket.Chat's 84/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Element is best for Privacy-focused organizations wanting decentralized, federated messaging. Rocket.Chat is best for Teams wanting open-source Slack alternative with self-hosting.
Does Element have a free plan?
Yes, Element offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $5/user/mo (cloud).
Does Rocket.Chat have a free plan?
Yes, Rocket.Chat offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $7/user/mo (cloud).
Can I migrate from Element to Rocket.Chat?
Migration between Element and Rocket.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.