Mattermost vs Element: Unpacking End-to-End Encryption
Discover how US-based Mattermost and UK's Element secure your messages with strong encryption. See which suits your privacy needs best.
Should You Switch to Element?
Gain enhanced privacy and EU data compliance with Element.
Fewer integrations and workflow customization options.
Switch if privacy is a priority; stay if you need advanced features.
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
Mattermost
Contact
Element
freemium
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | Mattermost | Element |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US (AWS), EU (optional) | EU |
GDPR Compliance | Full | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | Optional | All plans |
Data Portability | Full export | Full export |
CLOUD Act Notice
Mattermost is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. Element is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Mattermost
🇺🇸Mattermost
Element
🌍Element
US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓Element uses the Matrix protocol for broader interoperability.
- ✓End-to-end encryption is enabled by default on all Element plans.
- ✓Element supports group chats with up to 1000 members, larger than Mattermost.
- ✓Element's open-source nature allows for community-driven improvements.
Things to Consider
- !Migration from Mattermost may require significant data transfer effort.
- !Element's user interface may have a steeper learning curve for new users.
- !Some integrations available in Mattermost may not yet exist in Element.
Migration Overview
Depends on data size and complexity
Quick Steps
Create Element account and configure settings
Export and prepare data from Mattermost
Import data, test integrations, and migrate users
Note: Element offers a similar platform with strong privacy features and self-hosting capabilities, making it a robust alternative to Mattermost.
Other alternatives to Mattermost
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Ready to make the switch?
Start using Element today and take control of your data privacy.