ElementLinux
vs
Microsoft Teams (full desktop calling support)Windows
Element as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (full desktop calling support)
Updated
Our verdict
Element is a solid replacement for Microsoft Teams if your organization prioritizes privacy and open standards over deep Office 365 integration. It handles video and voice calls, screen sharing, persistent messaging, and group rooms reliably. Cross-platform sync works well, and Matrix federation allows communication across different servers. However, it lacks real-time document collaboration like Teams with Office Online. Best suited for teams already using or willing to adopt decentralized communication, especially those not dependent on Microsoft's ecosystem.
- License
- AGPL-3.0-only OR GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.12.32 (October 16, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports persistent group and direct messaging with full history
- Offers WebRTC-based video and voice calls with screen sharing
- Provides desktop, mobile, and web clients with account sync
- Enables bot integrations and keyword mentions for workflow automation
- Works across Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
What is different
- No built-in real-time document collaboration (e.g., shared Word or Excel editing)
- Lacks native integration with OneDrive or SharePoint for file storage
- User management and admin controls are less developed for large enterprises
- Fewer third-party app integrations compared to Teams' ecosystem
- Does not import Teams chat history or user directories directly
Opening your Microsoft Teams (full desktop calling support) files
Element does not support opening Microsoft Teams-specific files or chat exports. Files shared in Element are standard attachments and can be downloaded normally, but there is no migration path for Teams chat logs, meeting recordings, or OneNote notebooks. If documents were shared via Teams and stored in OneDrive, they must be manually downloaded and re-uploaded to Element. No tool exists to convert Teams workspace data to Matrix rooms.
Switching from Microsoft Teams (full desktop calling support) to Element, step by step
- Install Element via Flathub or official package for your distribution
- Create a new account or link to an existing Matrix server
- Invite team members and create dedicated rooms per project or team
- Set up bots for notifications, reminders, or CI/CD if needed
- Migrate important files manually by downloading and re-uploading them
- Train users on room organization, notifications, and calling features
Key features of Element
- End‑to‑end encrypted chat and calls
- Persistent rooms with unlimited history
- Customizable notifications and keyword alerts
- Bot integrations via the Element store
- Matrix federation for cross‑server communication
- Screen sharing and WebRTC video conferencing
- Desktop and mobile clients share the same account
- Wayland support via Flatpak
How to install Element on Linux
flatpak install flathub im.riot.RiotFrequently asked questions
Can Element do screen sharing on Linux?
Yes, Element supports screen sharing on Linux via WebRTC with PipeWire. It works reliably under Wayland when launched with the correct flags, especially when installed via Flatpak.
Does Element support end-to-end encryption?
Yes, Element uses the Matrix protocol with optional end-to-end encryption for both messages and calls, ensuring secure communication when enabled.
Can I use Element with colleagues outside my organization?
Yes, thanks to Matrix federation, you can communicate with users on other Matrix servers, similar to how email works across domains.
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