Element
Secure team chat on Matrix – your WhatsApp alternative from Switzerland
Element Dashboard About Element
Element is the most widely used client for the Matrix protocol – an open, decentralised network for secure communication. Whereas WhatsApp, Slack or Microsoft Teams route your messages and metadata via corporate servers in the US, with Element you run your own chat service: hosted in Switzerland, end-to-end encrypted and under your control. With Managed Matrix Hosting from OpenHosting, you receive the home server complete with Element as a fully set-up service – you chat, we manage the infrastructure.
The key benefit lies in the combination of a familiar user experience and genuine data sovereignty. Your team can use Element in a browser or as an app on iOS, Android and desktop – the interface feels like a modern messaging app, whilst all messages are routed exclusively via your server. You can chat with other Matrix users entirely without involving any US-based providers.
Staying in touch with WhatsApp contacts
The transition takes place in stages: you can link your existing WhatsApp account via a WhatsApp bridge, and WhatsApp chats will appear directly in Element. This means you remain reachable whilst your team gradually moves over to private Matrix communication. You’ll achieve the highest level of privacy once everyone involved is chatting via Matrix – at which point no messages will leave Swiss territory.
Element Hosting in Switzerland
OpenHosting operates your Matrix Home Server with Element Web on a fully managed basis in Swiss data centres in the Zurich region. Security updates, monitoring and daily 3-2-1 backups are included in the price. Managed hosting is available from CHF 29 per month for up to 25 users – the Business Plan includes the WhatsApp bridge on request and covers up to 100 users.
- ✓ End-to-end encrypted
- ✓ Apps for the web, iOS, Android and desktop
- ✓ WhatsApp integration via a bridge
- ✓ Federation with the Matrix network
- ✓ Voice & video calls
Why Element?
See how Element compares.
| Element | Slack | Microsoft Teams | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss server | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Self-hosted | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Open Source | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Without group metadata | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Price per month | from CHF 29 | Free* | from CHF 7 per user | from CHF 4 per user |
Frequently asked questions about Element
Can I also contact WhatsApp contacts using Element? ▾
Yes, via a WhatsApp bridge (mautrix-whatsapp). You link your own WhatsApp account using a QR code, and WhatsApp chats appear directly in Element. To be honest: the WhatsApp side is still run by Meta – this means you’ll remain reachable during the transition period, whilst your team gradually moves over to Matrix completely.
Is Element really private? ▾
Messages between Matrix users are end-to-end encrypted and are routed exclusively via your own server in Switzerland – without any US providers. Full privacy applies to Matrix-to-Matrix communication; only if you use the WhatsApp bridge will Meta still be able to see the WhatsApp side of the conversation.
Do I need a separate server for Element? ▾
Yes. Element is the app; the Matrix home server (Synapse) is the server behind it. With OpenHosting, both are included in the managed hosting package: we run your own home server with Element Web as the interface; you don’t need any server expertise.
What is Matrix? ▾
Matrix is an open, decentralised protocol for secure communication. Instead of a central corporate server, each organisation runs its own server – these can federate, allowing users on different servers to chat with one another. Element is the most widely used client for this network.
Which devices does Element run on? ▾
Element is available as a web application in the browser and as a native app for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux. Your chats are synchronised across devices, whilst end-to-end encryption remains in place.
Pairs well with Element
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Communication Matrix (Synapse)
Your own Matrix server for secure, independent chatting
Communication AliasVault
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Communication AnonAddy
Anonymous email forwarding
Pricing for Element
Starter
CHF 29/Mo
- ✓ Our own Matrix home server
- ✓ Up to 25 users included
- ✓ Daily backups
- ✓ Email support
Business
CHF 79/Mo
- ✓ Up to 100 users included
- ✓ WhatsApp bridge set up
- ✓ Hourly backups
- ✓ Priority Support