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

Element as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (new UI)

Updated October 28, 2026

Our verdict

Element is a capable replacement for Microsoft Teams (new UI) for users who prioritize privacy, decentralization, and open standards over tight Office 365 integration. It handles group video calls, persistent chat rooms, screen sharing, and cross-platform sync reliably. If your organization doesn’t depend on Outlook, SharePoint, or Teams-native scheduling, Element performs well for team communication and collaboration. However, it lacks deep calendar integration and Microsoft document co-editing. Best suited for tech teams, open-source projects, or organizations already using Matrix.

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

Group video conferencing with screen sharing via WebRTC
Persistent chat rooms with full message history
Cross-platform clients (desktop and mobile) syncing under one account
Mentions, keyword alerts, and customizable notifications
File sharing and bot integrations for automation

What is different

No native integration with Outlook or Microsoft 365 calendar
No direct collaboration on Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files
User presence indicators are basic compared to Teams
No built-in scheduling polls or meeting reminders synced to email
Federation model allows external servers, unlike Teams' closed network

Opening your Microsoft Teams (new UI) files

Element allows file sharing and viewing of common formats like PDF, images, and documents, but does not support real-time co-editing of Microsoft Office files. You can upload and download .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files and open them in compatible Linux apps like LibreOffice. There is no automatic conversion or syncing with OneDrive or SharePoint. If your team relies on collaborative editing in Office apps, this workflow gap must be managed externally.

Switching from Microsoft Teams (new UI) to Element, step by step

Install Element via Flathub or download from element.io
Create a new account on a public or self-hosted Matrix server
Invite team members and create dedicated rooms for each project or team
Set up bots from the Element integrations store for notifications or tasks
Migrate important files by uploading them to relevant rooms
Train users on mentions, notifications, and screen sharing 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 (Flathub)flatpak install flathub im.riot.Riot

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes, Element supports reliable WebRTC video conferencing with screen sharing, making it suitable for daily meetings. Group calls work well with up to 10–12 participants. However, it lacks call recording and advanced meeting controls found in Teams.

Does Element support single sign-on or enterprise identity providers?

Some Matrix servers support SSO via SAML or OIDC, but it depends on the server setup. Public servers like matrix.org do not offer SSO. Self-hosted instances can integrate with corporate identity systems using Synapse or other homeservers.

Can I use Element alongside Microsoft 365?

Yes, but with limitations. You can use Element for chat and video calls while using 365 in the browser for email and calendar. There’s no direct sync between Element and Outlook or Teams, so you’ll need to manage both separately.

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Is it a good replacement for Microsoft Teams (new UI)? 9