Element vs Tinode
Comparing two open source alternatives to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.

Element
AGPL-3.0Open-source Matrix client for secure, decentralized messaging, voice, and video — runs on your own server.

Tinode
GPL-3.0Instant messaging platform with self-hosted backend in Go and clients for iOS, Android, web, and command line.
Side-by-side comparison
Element | Tinode | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Self-hostable | Yes | Yes |
| GitHub Stars | 13,431 | 13,480 |
| Forks | 2,743 | 2,082 |
| Open Issues | 3,790 | 41 |
| Last Commit | Sep 4, 2026 | Sep 5, 2026 |
| First Released | Jul 22, 2015 | Nov 14, 2014 |
| Categories | ||
| Tags |
GitHub stars over time
GitHub stars over time
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