Element

Element is an open source messaging app that connects to the Matrix network — a decentralized, federated communication protocol. You can use it for secure direct messages, group chats, voice and video calls, and rooms shared across different servers, all under your control.

Unlike Discord, which is a centralized service, Element is decentralized and federated. There is no single company running the network: you can sign up on any Matrix server (or run your own) and still talk to people on other servers. Element also provides end-to-end encryption by default for a higher level of privacy.

Yes. Element is a Matrix client, so to self-host you typically run your own Matrix homeserver — for example with Synapse or Dendrite — and then connect Element (web, desktop, or mobile) to it. This gives you full ownership of your messages and server data.

Yes. Element supports one-to-one and group voice and video calls with features like screen sharing and file transfer. These are powered by WebRTC and can be conducted directly between users, often peer-to-peer, without relying on a central media provider.

Element itself is free and open source (Apache 2.0). The underlying Matrix protocol is also open, and you can run your own homeserver at no cost. Element also offers paid hosted services and support plans if you prefer not to run your own infrastructure.