Delta Chat vs Element
Comparing two open source alternatives to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger . Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.
Delta Chat
GPL-3.0Decentralized private messenger using email infrastructure for secure, end-to-end encrypted communication.
Element
AGPL-3.0Open-source Matrix client for secure, decentralized messaging, voice, and video — runs on your own server.
Side-by-side comparison
Delta Chat | Element | |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Self-hostable | No | Yes |
| GitHub Stars | 1,519 | 13,180 |
| Forks | 237 | 2,647 |
| Open Issues | 75 | 3,663 |
| Last Commit | Jun 7, 2026 | Jun 7, 2026 |
| First Released | Aug 20, 2018 | Jul 22, 2015 |
| Categories | ||
| Tags |
Similar open source alternatives
Mumble
Low-latency, open-source voice chat built for gaming — self-host your own server with no subscription required.
Discord
Tinode
Instant messaging platform with self-hosted backend in Go and clients for iOS, Android, web, and command line.
Zulip
Open-source team chat with a unique topic-based threading model that makes it easy to follow multiple conversations.
Raven
Simple, open source team messaging platform
Discord
Rocket.Chat
The communications platform that puts data protection first.
Skype
Mattermost
Mattermost is an open source platform for secure collaboration across the entire software development lifecycle..
Discord