Element vs Microsoft Teams (legacy): is it a good Linux alternative?

Element as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (legacy)

Updated October 25, 2026

Our verdict

Element is a solid replacement for Microsoft Teams (legacy) if your organization values open standards, self-hosting, and end-to-end encryption. It supports persistent chat rooms, real-time video conferencing, and file sharing, making it suitable for team collaboration. However, it lacks native integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook and SharePoint. Best for teams already using or willing to adopt Matrix, especially those prioritizing privacy and cross-platform compatibility over seamless Microsoft ecosystem integration.

Feature parity75%

License: AGPL-3.0-only OR GPL-3.0-only
Price: Free
Latest version: 1.12.32 (October 16, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Element Website ↗

Element logged-in frontend

What works the same

Persistent, topic-based chat rooms for team organization
Real-time audio and video conferencing with screen sharing
Cross-platform support including Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
File sharing with version history in rooms
Custom notifications and @mentions for attention management

What is different

No native calendar or contact list integration — requires external tools
No direct compatibility with Microsoft 365 or Outlook
Bot ecosystem is smaller and less enterprise-focused than Teams
Federation model means users can connect across servers, but adds complexity
No built-in transcription or AI features found in modern Teams

Opening your Microsoft Teams (legacy) files

Element allows uploading and downloading files directly in rooms, preserving version history, but does not natively open or convert Microsoft Teams-specific formats like .tmsg or exported chat logs. Files shared in Teams (e.g., Word, Excel) can be viewed in Element if the user has compatible Linux applications like LibreOffice. There is no automated migration path for chat history or file metadata from Teams to Element.

Switching from Microsoft Teams (legacy) to Element, step by step

Set up a self-hosted Matrix server or choose a hosted provider
Invite team members and create dedicated rooms per project or team
Migrate important files by uploading them to relevant rooms
Integrate bots for notifications or automation from the Element store
Train users on room management, notifications, and file handling

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 (Flathub)flatpak install flathub im.riot.Riot

Frequently asked questions

Can Element replace Teams for daily stand-ups and video meetings?

Yes, Element supports reliable WebRTC-based video calls with screen sharing, making it suitable for daily meetings. Performance is comparable, though it lacks background blur or live transcription.

Can we federate with other companies using Element?

Yes, thanks to Matrix federation, your team can communicate with other Matrix servers just like email, enabling cross-organization collaboration without central control.

Is Element suitable for large enterprises?

It can be, especially if you self-host and manage users via Synapse or another Matrix server. However, it lacks some enterprise tooling like centralized policy management found in Teams.