ElementLinux
vs
Microsoft Teams (new)Windows
Element as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (new)
Updated
Our verdict
Element is a solid replacement for Microsoft Teams (new) for organizations and teams prioritizing privacy, decentralization, and open-source tools. It handles group chat, video conferencing, screen sharing, and file collaboration reliably. If your workflow doesn’t depend on deep Microsoft 365 integration or external guest access without accounts, Element works well, especially in tech-savvy or self-hosted environments. However, users needing seamless calendar sync or corporate directory integration may face limitations. It’s best suited for teams open to adopting a federated, non-proprietary platform.
- 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
- Persistent group chat rooms with full message history
- WebRTC-based video and audio conferencing for multiple participants
- Screen sharing during calls
- File sharing and collaboration within rooms
- Support for bots and integrations via the Element store
What is different
- No native integration with Microsoft 365 calendars or Outlook scheduling
- External participants must have a Matrix account or be invited via email with account creation
- No built-in AI meeting notes or transcription features
- Federation model differs from Teams’ centralized structure, affecting cross-domain discovery
- Custom notifications and keyword alerts are more flexible in Element
Opening your Microsoft Teams (new) files
Element allows uploading and sharing common file types (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, etc.), but does not natively open or convert Microsoft Teams-specific meeting artifacts like transcripts or OneNote tabs. Files shared in Element rooms can be downloaded and used with compatible Linux applications. There is no direct import of Teams chat history or file structures. If documents are in standard formats, they remain accessible, but Teams-exclusive formats or embedded content may not transfer cleanly.
Switching from Microsoft Teams (new) to Element, step by step
- Install Element via Flathub or official package for your distribution
- Create a Matrix account or connect an existing one
- Set up rooms for teams or topics and invite members by email or Matrix ID
- Configure bots and integrations from the Element store as needed
- Migrate important files manually by uploading them to relevant rooms
- Train users on notification settings and room organization
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 external partners join an Element room without creating an account?
No, all participants need a Matrix account. However, accounts are free and can be created quickly with any Matrix-compatible server.
Does Element support calendar integration for meeting scheduling?
Not directly. You can share calendar events as text or files, but there’s no automatic sync with Outlook or Google Calendar within the app.
Is end-to-end encryption enabled by default in Element?
No, E2E encryption must be manually enabled when creating a room. Once on, all messages and files are encrypted.
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