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Communication

Around vs Element (Matrix): Pricing Comparison 2026

Side-by-side pricing comparison of Around and Element (Matrix). See all plans, features, and costs at a glance.

Bottom line: Around starts at Custom pricing and Element (Matrix) starts at Custom pricing. Compare all 4 pricing tiers side by side.

Last updated: March 16, 2026

Data compiled by Arthur Jacquemin
Updated March 16, 2026

Around vs Element (Matrix): Quick Pricing Facts

FeatureAroundElement (Matrix)
Starting PriceCustom pricingCustom pricing
Number of Plans13
Free TierNoNo
Pricing Modelfreemiumopen-source
Annual DiscountN/AN/A

Around and Element (Matrix) are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Communication tools. Together they offer 4 pricing plans with 17 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.

Around uses freemium pricing while Element (Matrix) uses open-source pricing, which may affect your total cost at scale.

Review the detailed tier-by-tier comparison above to see exactly which features are included at each price point and find the best fit for your Communication needs.

Pricing Plans
Element (Matrix)
Element (Matrix)
Try it free
Tier 1
Discontinued
Custom pricing
Includes
  • Video meetings app
  • Domain no longer resolves
Start with Discontinued
Community.
Custom pricing
Includes
  • Element Server Suite Community
  • Open source under AGPL
  • Official FOSS distribution from Element
  • Free of charge frontend and backend
  • Includes Element Call
Start with Community.
Tier 2
Enterprise.
Custom pricing
Includes
  • Element Server Suite Pro
  • Includes Synapse Pro
  • Enhanced security and support
  • Corporate oversight and control
  • Dynamic scaling and cost savings
Start with Enterprise.
Tier 3
Sovereign.
Custom pricing
Includes
  • Element Server Suite Pro
  • Includes Synapse Pro
  • Operate without internet connectivity
  • Dedicated mobile push gateway
  • Air-gapped installation
Start with Sovereign.

Swipe to compare plans →

Around

Lightweight video calling designed for remote collaboration

View all Around plans

Element (Matrix)

Secure decentralized messaging built on the Matrix protocol

View all Element (Matrix) plans
Our Pick

Element (Matrix)

Element (Matrix) offers 3 tiers vs 1.

Based on pricing data only. Review the full comparison below for your specific needs.

Best value: Element (Matrix)

Try Element (Matrix) free

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Around if:

  • You prioritize Around's user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)
  • You want Around's approach to incremental feature unlocking across its 1 pricing tier
  • Around keeps its feature set lean, which means faster onboarding and less complexity

Choose Element (Matrix) if:

  • You need 3 pricing tiers for flexible team sizing—more options mean less overpaying for features you don't need
  • You want more features built-in—Element (Matrix) offers 13 additional features across its plans
  • You prioritize Element (Matrix)'s user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)

Around and Element (Matrix) offer competitively positioned plans [1], with Around starting at Custom pricing and Element (Matrix) at Custom pricing. This pricing similarity means value differentiation comes down to feature alignment rather than cost. Around provides 1 pricing tier versus Element (Matrix)'s 3 options, which affects your flexibility and cost-per-tier efficiency as your team scales and usage increases. Feature-wise, Around offers 2 total features across its tiers, while Element (Matrix) provides 15. Map your required features to each tier to determine which tool delivers the capabilities you need at your target price point. With similar pricing, your final decision should prioritize feature requirements, integration ecosystem, and hands-on user experience testing. Request demos or activate trials with both vendors to validate long-term fit before committing to annual contracts.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Around vs Element (Matrix)

How many pricing plans does Around have vs Element (Matrix)?
Around offers 1 pricing plan, while Element (Matrix) offers 3 plans. More plans typically means more flexibility to match your exact needs and budget.
Does Around or Element (Matrix) offer custom enterprise pricing?
Yes, both Around and Element (Matrix) offer custom enterprise pricing tiers with quote-based pricing. Contact each vendor for a tailored quote.
What pricing models do Around and Element (Matrix) use?
Around uses a freemium pricing model, while Element (Matrix) uses open-source pricing. The right model depends on your team size and usage patterns.
How do Around and Element (Matrix) compare for Communication?
Both Around and Element (Matrix) are Communication tools. Around offers 1 plan starting at Custom pricing, while Element (Matrix) offers 3 plans starting at Custom pricing. Review the feature breakdowns above to see which better fits your Communication needs.

Sources

  1. Around Official PricingVendor pricing page
  2. Element (Matrix) Official PricingVendor pricing page

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