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-3.0

Decentralized private messenger using email infrastructure for secure, end-to-end encrypted communication.

Visit Full details

Element

AGPL-3.0

Open-source Matrix client for secure, decentralized messaging, voice, and video — runs on your own server.

Visit Full details

Side-by-side comparison

	Delta Chat	Element
License	GPL-3.0	AGPL-3.0
Self-hostable	No	Yes
GitHub Stars	1,556	13,311
Forks	241	2,692
Open Issues	39	3,783
Last Commit	Jul 22, 2026	Jul 22, 2026
First Released	Aug 20, 2018	Jul 22, 2015
Categories	Team Chat & Messaging Tools	Team Chat & Messaging Tools
Tags	#messaging #chat #privacy	#chat #messaging #privacy #self hosted #voice chat

Similar open source alternatives

Mumble

Low-latency, open-source voice chat built for gaming — self-host your own server with no subscription required.

Alternative to:

Discord

Chatto

A self-hosted chat application for teams and communities with video calls, voice calls, and screen sharing.

Alternative to:

Slack

Huly

All-in-one open source platform that combines project management, CRM, chat, HR, and wiki as an alternative to Linear, Jira, Slack, and Notion.

Alternative to:

Notion

Bytedesk

Open source AI-powered omnichannel customer service platform that combines live chat, ticketing, and team collaboration as an alternative to Slack, Zendesk, Intercom, and HubSpot.

Alternative to:

Slack

Tinode

Instant messaging platform with self-hosted backend in Go and clients for iOS, Android, web, and command line.

Alternative to:

Zulip

Open-source team chat with a unique topic-based threading model that makes it easy to follow multiple conversations.

Alternative to:

Slack