Element

Matrix web client for chatting, joining rooms and using open, federated and interoperable messaging.

Element provides a web interface for Matrix, an open, decentralized and federated communication protocol. The service lets you exchange direct messages, join rooms, organize discussion spaces and keep control over a messaging environment that is less dependent on centralized platforms.

It is a good entry point if you want a free alternative to closed messaging platforms, with an ecosystem that is already mature, interoperable and widely used in technical, community and open source contexts. It is particularly useful if you want everyday messaging to rely on an open protocol rather than a service that locks identity, history and contacts into one provider.

Service URL	element.hostux.net
Service type	Web messaging / Matrix client
Free software used	Element
Protocol	Matrix
Project website	element.io
Protocol website	matrix.org
Source code	github.com/element-hq/element-web
Account required	Yes

• Use Matrix from a simple web interface without immediately installing a local client.
• Exchange direct messages or participate in public and private rooms.
• Use a more open messaging system built on a federated and interoperable protocol.
• Reduce dependence on centralized platforms that lock conversations into a single ecosystem.
• Use a free client suited to both community spaces and team discussions.

• Direct messages and chat rooms to organize discussions.
• Spaces to group several rooms in one place.
• Federation and interoperability between Matrix servers.
• Support for end-to-end encryption where conversations use it.
• Device verification and key management to secure account access more reliably.

• Each Matrix account is linked to a server called a homeserver.
• You can join rooms hosted on other servers thanks to Matrix federation.
• The web client gives you access to conversations, history and spaces directly from the browser.
• End-to-end encryption depends on the relevant rooms and conversations and should not be treated as automatic in every case.

• Join community rooms related to free software, self-hosting or technical projects.
• Discuss with a team, association or collective in a more open environment.
• Use Matrix from a browser without initial local setup.
• Move part of your communication to a free, federated and interoperable protocol.

Service: element.hostux.net

IRC for real-time chat.