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

Element as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Teams (newer versions)

Updated October 29, 2026

Our verdict

Element can replace Microsoft Teams for small teams that need chat, video, and file sharing, but it lacks the deep Office 365 integration and native calendar scheduling that Teams offers. It works well for open‑source environments or organizations that prefer Matrix federation and end‑to‑end encryption. Users who rely heavily on Teams’ meeting scheduling, Teams‑specific apps, or Azure AD single sign‑on may find Element insufficient.

Feature parity70%

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

Real‑time group chat with persistent rooms
WebRTC video conferencing and screen sharing
File sharing within rooms
Customizable notifications and keyword alerts
Bot integrations via Element store

What is different

No native Office 365 or SharePoint integration
Calendar/meeting scheduling is limited to third‑party services
Single sign‑on via Azure AD not supported
No built‑in meeting recording or transcription
No native integration with Microsoft Teams apps or bots
No direct support for Teams‑specific file formats like .msg or .pst

Opening your Microsoft Teams (newer versions) files

Element does not natively open Microsoft Teams‑specific file formats such as .msg or .pst. For documents shared in Teams, users typically rely on cloud storage links (OneDrive, SharePoint) which can be accessed via a web browser or a compatible office suite. Exporting from Teams to standard formats (PDF, DOCX, XLSX) is possible, but Element cannot import those files directly into its chat interface.

Switching from Microsoft Teams (newer versions) to Element, step by step

Export or download all Teams files to a shared cloud folder or local storage.
Create a Matrix server or use Element’s hosted server for your organization.
Invite team members to join Element rooms that match existing Teams channels.
Set up screen sharing and video conferencing in Element and test with a pilot group.
Configure file sharing links to point to the new cloud folder and update any shared URLs.
Train users on Element’s interface and key shortcuts for chat, calls, and file access.

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

Does Element support Azure AD single sign‑on like Teams?

No, Element does not integrate with Azure AD for SSO. Authentication is handled by the Matrix server you choose or by standard username/password.

Can I use the same calendar that Teams uses?

Element does not provide a native calendar. You can link external calendar services (Google Calendar, Outlook via CalDAV) but scheduling meetings inside Element is limited to third‑party integrations.

Will my Teams files be accessible in Element?

Only files that are stored in standard cloud services (OneDrive, SharePoint) can be accessed via links. Element itself cannot read Teams‑specific file types, so you need to export them to common formats first.