# Element Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 Secure decentralized communication Category: Communication · Free · Open source · Replaces Slack (paid plans) · [Official website](https://element.io) ## Install with Homebrew `brew install --cask element` ## Quick take In August 2026 Element is still the main Matrix client for Mac teams that need encryption, federation, or self-hosting. The element-desktop archive was a merge into element-web, not a shutdown, but having Desktop, Element X, and Pro side by side can confuse newcomers. Pick the build that matches how you deploy. For everyday private chat Signal is simpler. For sovereign collaboration, Element is the practical choice. Best for: Teams requiring self-hosted or federated messaging, Security-conscious organizations leaving closed SaaS chat, Communities already on Matrix ## What is Element? Element is a messenger and collaboration client built on the **Matrix** open standard. It handles end-to-end encrypted chat, voice and video, spaces and rooms for teams, and you can run it against a self-hosted homeserver or a hosted one. Teams that need federation or data residency often pick it over Slack, Teams, or WhatsApp because the protocol is open and the server can be theirs. On macOS in August 2026 Element is still available as a desktop client. One thing to note: the standalone **element-desktop** GitHub repository was **archived on 25 March 2026** after the Electron wrapper was **merged back into element-web** under `apps/desktop`. That was a repo reorganization, not a shutdown. Official download pages still list Mac builds, including nightly DMGs, and Matrix ecosystem pages still describe Element Web/Desktop as stable. **Element X**, the rewritten mobile client, is also listed for Apple Silicon Macs through the App Store and notes requirements around **macOS 15.5+** and **Apple M1 or later**. **Element Pro** is the workplace packaging for organizations. Personal messaging stays free, while Server Suite and Pro deployments are commercial. If you compare it to other tools, Signal is simpler for everyday encrypted chat, Slack and Teams dominate corporate work, Discord leans community, and Cinny or Fractal are other Matrix clients you can try. Element's edge is Matrix interop, self-hosting, and the sovereignty story that regulated teams care about, not having the slickest consumer UI. App names, OS requirements, and store prices change quickly. Before you decide, check the vendor pages linked in the citations and confirm the Homebrew cask if you install that way. ## Features - **Matrix protocol foundation.** Element speaks Matrix, so rooms can federate across homeservers. You are not stuck on one vendor's closed network if you run your own server or pick a host you trust. - **End-to-end encryption.** Direct messages and rooms can use end-to-end encryption with cross-signing and secure backup. This is the core of Element's pitch to teams that cannot afford cleartext history. - **Voice and video calling.** Calls are built in and the Element Call and MatrixRTC work continues to evolve. You do not need a separate Zoom link for every quick check-in, though call polish still differs between client generations. - **Spaces and room organization.** Spaces group rooms for teams, projects, or communities. Think Slack workspaces, but built on Matrix rooms rather than a single tenant. - **Self-hosting and Element Server Suite.** Host your own Matrix stack where data residency matters, or buy Element's commercial server offerings with support SLAs when you need someone to call. - **Element Pro for workplace.** Packaging and admin flows aimed at organizations that want to replace a closed suite with collaboration they control, on desktop and mobile. - **Element X on Apple platforms.** The next-generation client focuses on speed and feel. On Mac it is listed for Apple Silicon with recent macOS versions, useful when the classic Electron build feels heavy. - **Open-source clients.** Core clients are open source, with commercial licensing for some enterprise distributions. Audits are possible in a way closed SaaS cannot match. ## How to Install Element on macOS Installing Element on macOS is straightforward. You can choose between the official direct download for the latest stable release or use the Homebrew package manager if you prefer command-line tools. 1. **Download the DMG.** Navigate to the official Element website (element.io/get-started) and download the macOS desktop client. Ensure you select the correct version for your processor (Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 or Intel), although the universal binary often handles this automatically. 2. **Install via Drag-and-Drop.** Locate the downloaded `.dmg` file in your Downloads folder and double-click to mount it. A Finder window will open showing the Element icon and the Applications folder alias. Drag the Element icon into the Applications folder. 3. **Alternative: Install via Homebrew.** If you have Homebrew installed, open your Terminal and run the command: `brew install --cask element`. This will automatically download and install the latest stable version (v1.12.17 in mid-2026) of Element to your Applications folder and can be easily updated later with `brew upgrade --cask element`. ## Pros - True open standard (Matrix) with federation and self-hosting options. - Strong E2EE story suitable for security-sensitive and public-sector deployments. - Cross-platform clients including Mac desktop and Element X on Apple Silicon. - Avoids single-vendor lock-in common to Slack/Teams for digital sovereignty goals. - Active open-source development even after the desktop repo merge into element-web. ## Cons - UX and onboarding remain harder than polished consumer apps like Signal or iMessage. - Feature parity differs across classic Desktop, Element X, and Pro packaging, confusing for newcomers. - Self-hosting Matrix well is an ops project, not a one-click preference toggle. - Electron-based desktop clients can feel heavier than native Mac messengers. ## Element on Mac after the desktop repo merge Element makes more sense when you see it as a viewer for a decentralized conversation store rather than just another chat app. When a flagship repo gets archived, a lot of SEO pages jump to discontinued. In this case the archive message from March 2026 is clear: desktop now lives inside element-web. What matters is that downloads keep shipping, nightlies still publish, and Matrix ecosystem pages still mark Element Web/Desktop as stable. For Mac users the choice is between classic Desktop as an Electron wrapper around Element Web, Element X where it is available on Apple Silicon, and Element Pro if your employer has standardized on it. Federation and encryption are the durable product, packaging is a detail. ## FAQ ### Is Element Desktop discontinued? No. The standalone element-desktop GitHub repository was archived in March 2026 because the code merged into element-web's apps/desktop path. Official download pages still provide Mac clients. ### Is Element free? Yes for typical app usage with public or self-hosted homeservers. Enterprise Server Suite, hosting, and Element Pro workplace deployments are commercial products sold to organizations. ### Does Element work on Apple Silicon Macs? Yes. Desktop builds support modern Macs, and Element X listings target Apple Silicon with recent macOS versions. Prefer architecture-appropriate downloads from official sources. ### How is Element different from Signal? Signal is a streamlined consumer E2EE messenger on a closed network. Element uses Matrix for federation, rooms/spaces, and self-hosting, better for teams and sovereignty, more complex for casual chat. ### Can I self-host Element? You self-host a Matrix homeserver (Synapse, Dendrite, etc.) and connect with Element clients. Element also sells commercial server suites for supported enterprise deployments. ### What is Element Pro? Workplace-focused Element packaging and services aimed at organizations that want secure collaboration with admin and support expectations beyond free community servers. ### Does Element support video calls on Mac? Yes, with ongoing MatrixRTC/Element Call evolution. Exact call UX can differ between classic Desktop and newer clients, test with your homeserver's call configuration. ### Is Matrix itself owned by Element? Matrix is an open standard under the Matrix.org Foundation. Element is a major client and commercial contributor, not the exclusive owner of the protocol. ## Sources - [Element download page](https://element.io/download) - [Element homepage](https://element.io/) - [element-desktop GitHub (archived)](https://github.com/element-hq/element-desktop) - [Element X on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/element-x-secure-chat-call/id1631335820) - [Matrix.org Element client page](https://matrix.org/ecosystem/clients/element/) - [Element pricing](https://element.io/pricing) ## Related - [Slack](https://bundl.run/apps/slack) - [Discord](https://bundl.run/apps/discord) - [Zoom](https://bundl.run/apps/zoom) - [WhatsApp](https://bundl.run/apps/whatsapp) - [Telegram](https://bundl.run/apps/telegram) - [Thunderbird](https://bundl.run/apps/thunderbird) - [Element vs Slack](https://bundl.run/compare/element-vs-slack) - [Element vs Signal](https://bundl.run/compare/element-vs-signal) - [Free alternative to Slack](https://bundl.run/https:/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "sameAs": [ "https://github.com/abhiofficial/bundl-mac-setup", "https://x.com/bundlrun", "https://www.producthunt.com/products/bundl-run" ], "foundingDate": "2024", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer support", "url": "https://bundl.run/faq" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "description": "The Ninite for Mac. Install all your essential Mac apps with one terminal command.", "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person", "name": "Jordan Kim", "jobTitle": "Productivity & Workflow Analyst", "url": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim", "worksFor": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "description": "Jordan Kim focuses on productivity software, system utilities, and workflow optimization tools. With a background in operations management and process improvement, Jordan evaluates how well applications integrate into daily workflows and enhance overall productivity. Jordan tests each tool across multiple use cases—from solo work to team collaboration—documenting setup complexity, learning curves, and long-term value. A certified project management professional with experience at Fortune 500 companies, Jordan brings rigorous methodology to software evaluation.", "knowsAbout": [ "Productivity Applications", "Note-Taking & Knowledge Management", "Task & Project Management", "Communication Tools", "System Utilities", "Workflow Automation" ], "image": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim.svg" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bundl.run" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Apps", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Element", "item": "https://bundl.run/apps/element" } ] }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/element", "name": "Element for Mac", "description": "Secure decentralized communication", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element#software" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element#breadcrumb" } }, { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element#software", "name": "Element", "description": "Secure decentralized communication", "applicationCategory": "CommunicationApplication", "operatingSystem": "macOS", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/element", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.logo.dev/element.io", "caption": "Element app icon for Mac" }, "sameAs": [ "https://element.io/", "https://formulae.brew.sh/cask/element" ], "review": { "@type": "Review", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person" }, "reviewBody": "In August 2026 Element is still the main Matrix client for Mac teams that need encryption, federation, or self-hosting. The element-desktop archive was a merge into element-web, not a shutdown, but having Desktop, Element X, and Pro side by side can confuse newcomers. Pick the build that matches how you deploy. For everyday private chat Signal is simpler. For sovereign collaboration, Element is the practical choice." }, "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Element", "description": "Secure decentralized communication" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#website" } }, { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element#article", "headline": "Element for Mac — Full Review & Installation Guide 2026", "description": "In August 2026 Element is still the main Matrix client for Mac teams that need encryption, federation, or self-hosting. The element-desktop archive was a merge into element-web, not a shutdown, but having Desktop, Element X, and Pro side by side can confuse newcomers. Pick the build that matches how you deploy. For everyday private chat Signal is simpler. For sovereign collaboration, Element is the practical choice.", "image": "https://img.logo.dev/element.io", "author": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/authors/jordan-kim#person" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z", "dateModified": "2026-08-10T13:34:04.000Z", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element" }, "articleSection": "CommunicationApplication", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", ".key-facts" ] }, "about": { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "Element", "url": "https://bundl.run/apps/element" }, "mentions": [ { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "Slack" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Element Desktop discontinued?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The standalone element-desktop GitHub repository was archived in March 2026 because the code merged into element-web's apps/desktop path. Official download pages still provide Mac clients." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Element free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes for typical app usage with public or self-hosted homeservers. Enterprise Server Suite, hosting, and Element Pro workplace deployments are commercial products sold to organizations." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Element work on Apple Silicon Macs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Desktop builds support modern Macs, and Element X listings target Apple Silicon with recent macOS versions. Prefer architecture-appropriate downloads from official sources." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is Element different from Signal?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Signal is a streamlined consumer E2EE messenger on a closed network. Element uses Matrix for federation, rooms/spaces, and self-hosting, better for teams and sovereignty, more complex for casual chat." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I self-host Element?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You self-host a Matrix homeserver (Synapse, Dendrite, etc.) and connect with Element clients. Element also sells commercial server suites for supported enterprise deployments." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Element Pro?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Workplace-focused Element packaging and services aimed at organizations that want secure collaboration with admin and support expectations beyond free community servers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Element support video calls on Mac?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, with ongoing MatrixRTC/Element Call evolution. Exact call UX can differ between classic Desktop and newer clients, test with your homeserver's call configuration." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Matrix itself owned by Element?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Matrix is an open standard under the Matrix.org Foundation. Element is a major client and commercial contributor, not the exclusive owner of the protocol." } } ], "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://bundl.run/apps/element" } } ] } ```