Leaving Mattermost? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Mattermost is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ElementRecommended Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections. | 🌍GB | Free plan available | Medium | 1-2 days | |
WireRecommended Collaborate without compromise with Wire, the trusted platform for millions worldwide. Stay in control with end-to-end encryption that's invisible, flexible collaboration, and intuitive user interface. Join now for free and boost your productivity. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 1 day | |
Threema The secure instant messenger from Switzerland. GDPR-compliant messaging for individuals and organizations that value security and data protection. | 🇨🇭Switzerland | Free plan available | Medium | 2-3 days | |
V Vantevo Vantevo is a European messaging app designed to provide secure and private communication for individuals and businesses. Hosted in EU data centers, it ensures compliance with GDPR regulations, offering peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and user privacy. Vantevo supports end-to-end encryption for all messages, safeguarding your conversations from unauthorized access. The app features a real-time message analytics dashboard, allowing users to monitor communication patterns effectively. With customizable user privacy settings and multi-language support, Vantevo caters to a diverse user base across Europe. Secure file sharing and seamless integration with third-party applications make it a versatile choice for businesses seeking reliable communication tools. Vantevo is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations that prioritize data protection and compliance with European regulations. While specific pricing details are not provided, Vantevo's value lies in its robust security features and commitment to user privacy. | 🇪🇺EU | Free plan available | Medium | 1-2 days |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
The secure instant messenger from Switzerland. GDPR-compliant messaging for individuals and organizations that value security and data protection.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections.
- 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.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Element is a Matrix-based end-to-end encrypted messenger and secure collaboration app. It’s decentralised for digital sovereign self-hosting, or through a hosting service such as Element Matrix Services. Element operates on the open Matrix network to provide interoperability and easy connections.
Advantages
- 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.
Trade-offs
- 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.
Collaborate without compromise with Wire, the trusted platform for millions worldwide. Stay in control with end-to-end encryption that's invisible, flexible collaboration, and intuitive user interface. Join now for free and boost your productivity.
Advantages
- Wire offers integrated video conferencing for real-time meetings.
- Wire supports customizable user permissions for enhanced team control.
- Wire's end-to-end encryption is available on all plans for secure messaging.
- Wire's servers are located in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Mattermost may require significant data transfer efforts.
- Wire lacks some Mattermost integrations with third-party APIs.
- Learning curve for users accustomed to Mattermost's interface.
The secure instant messenger from Switzerland. GDPR-compliant messaging for individuals and organizations that value security and data protection.
Advantages
- Threema uses Swiss servers, enhancing data privacy protections.
- Anonymous registration in Threema avoids phone number linkage.
- Threema supports self-destructing messages for enhanced security.
- End-to-end encryption is standard across all Threema plans.
Trade-offs
- Mattermost has customizable workflows that Threema lacks.
- Migrating data from Mattermost to Threema can be complex.
- Threema's group chat limit is 256, less than Mattermost's capacity.
Vantevo is a European messaging app designed to provide secure and private communication for individuals and businesses. Hosted in EU data centers, it ensures compliance with GDPR regulations, offering peace of mind regarding data sovereignty and user privacy. Vantevo supports end-to-end encryption for all messages, safeguarding your conversations from unauthorized access. The app features a real-time message analytics dashboard, allowing users to monitor communication patterns effectively. With customizable user privacy settings and multi-language support, Vantevo caters to a diverse user base across Europe. Secure file sharing and seamless integration with third-party applications make it a versatile choice for businesses seeking reliable communication tools. Vantevo is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations that prioritize data protection and compliance with European regulations. While specific pricing details are not provided, Vantevo's value lies in its robust security features and commitment to user privacy.
Advantages
- EU-hosted data centers enhance data sovereignty for EU users.
- GDPR compliant user consent management simplifies compliance processes.
- Real-time message analytics dashboard offers insights into user engagement.
- Multi-language support caters to diverse teams across Europe.
Trade-offs
- Migration from Mattermost may involve data transfer complexities.
- Fewer known integrations compared to Mattermost's extensive API options.
- Learning curve for teams familiar with Mattermost's interface.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Mattermost before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Mattermost account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Mattermost is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Mattermost?
There are 4 European alternatives to Mattermost. Element, Wire, Threema are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Mattermost?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Mattermost?
Yes, most services including Mattermost allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Mattermost account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Mattermost to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Mattermost first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Mattermost subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Mattermost to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.