ElementLinux
vs
SignalWindows
Element as a Linux alternative to Signal
Updated
Our verdict
Element can serve as a replacement for Signal for users who need encrypted messaging, voice/video calls and file sharing, especially if they are comfortable with the Matrix ecosystem. It offers end‑to‑end encryption, group rooms, and cross‑platform accounts, making it suitable for privacy‑focused individuals and small teams. However, it introduces a different workflow (rooms instead of simple chats) and may require a Matrix server or reliance on public homeservers, which some users might find less straightforward than Signal's single‑server model.
- 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
- End‑to‑end encrypted one‑to‑one and group messaging
- Voice and video calling with WebRTC
- File and media sharing
- Cross‑platform clients (Linux, Windows, macOS, mobile)
- Open‑source code and auditability
What is different
- Element uses the Matrix federation model; Signal uses a single central server
- Group chats are organized as persistent rooms with history, not simple threads
- Signal has a simpler UI focused on personal messaging; Element adds team‑oriented features like bots and integrations
- Signal supports disappearing messages out of the box; Element requires additional configuration
- Element’s desktop client may lack some Wayland polish (e.g., missing GNOME window decorations)
Opening your Signal files
Signal stores messages and media in an encrypted local database; there is no standard export format that Element can directly import. You can manually export files from Signal (e.g., saved media) and then share them via Element, but a full chat history migration is not supported out of the box.
Switching from Signal to Element, step by step
- Install Element via Flatpak or your distribution's package manager.
- Create a new Matrix account or register on a public homeserver (e.g., matrix.org).
- Invite your contacts to your new Matrix ID or share the ID so they can add you.
- Set up end‑to‑end encryption for each room or direct chat.
- Transfer any saved media files from Signal to a folder and share them in Element as needed.
- Configure notification preferences and enable keyword alerts to mimic Signal's alert style.
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 I use Element without running my own Matrix server?
Yes, you can register on public homeservers like matrix.org; they provide the same encryption and federation features.
Does Element support disappearing messages like Signal?
Element can set message expiration per room, but it requires manual configuration and is not as seamless as Signal's default disappearing messages.
Is Element’s video call quality comparable to Signal’s?
Both use WebRTC, so call quality depends on network conditions; Element adds screen sharing, which Signal lacks, but may have slightly higher latency on some setups.
3 other alternatives to Signal
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