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Communication

Element (Matrix) vs Fathom: Pricing Comparison 2026

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

Bottom line: Element (Matrix) starts at Custom pricing and Fathom starts at $19/mo. Compare all 6 pricing tiers side by side.

Last updated: March 16, 2026

Data compiled by Arthur Jacquemin
Updated March 16, 2026

Element (Matrix) vs Fathom: Quick Pricing Facts

FeatureElement (Matrix)Fathom
Starting PriceCustom pricing$19/mo
Number of Plans33
Free TierNoYes
Pricing Modelopen-sourcefreemium
Annual DiscountN/AN/A

Element (Matrix) and Fathom are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Communication tools. Together they offer 6 pricing plans with 31 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.

Fathom stands out with a free plan for getting started. Element (Matrix) uses open-source pricing while Fathom uses freemium 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
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.
Free
$0/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Unlimited recordings + transcriptions
  • Instant AI call summaries
  • Clips, playlists, + search across calls
Start with Free
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.
Team
$19/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Everything from Individual Plans
  • Global search across shared calls
  • Playlists of highlights from meetings
  • Collaboration using comments, folders, keyword alerts, +more
  • Customized transcription vocabulary
  • Single sign-on (SSO)
Start with Team
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.
Business
$34/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Everything from Team
  • CRM field sync
  • Deal View summarizing insights
  • Coaching metrics and AI scorecards
  • Custom data retention policies
  • Professional services available
  • Looking to learn more? Connect with sales
Start with Business

Swipe to compare plans →

Element (Matrix)

Secure decentralized messaging built on the Matrix protocol

View all Element (Matrix) plans

Fathom

Free AI meeting assistant that records and summarizes calls

View all Fathom plans
Our Pick

Fathom

Fathom offers a free plan.

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

Best value: Fathom

Try Fathom free

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Element (Matrix) if:

  • Your team needs custom enterprise pricing—Element (Matrix) offers negotiated terms for large deployments
  • You prioritize Element (Matrix)'s user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)
  • Element (Matrix)'s 3-tier open-source structure gives clearer cost visibility for budget planning

Choose Fathom if:

  • You need a free plan with Unlimited recordings + transcriptions, Instant AI call summaries—Fathom offers no-cost access with no credit card required
  • You want more features built-in—Fathom offers 1 additional features across its plans
  • You prioritize Fathom's user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)

Fathom offers a free plan [1], eliminating the cost barrier for evaluation, while Element (Matrix) requires paid subscription from the start. This gives Fathom a significant advantage for teams with budget constraints or extended trial periods. Once you outgrow Fathom's free tier, upgrading to a paid plan at approximately $19/mo provides substantial additional functionality. Compare this pricing path against Element (Matrix)'s tiering starting at Custom pricing to assess total cost of ownership over 12 months. Fathom's 3 tiers provide flexibility at different budgets, while Element (Matrix)'s 3 tiers structure may force you into higher-cost plans than necessary for your use case. If evaluation cost matters to your decision, Fathom is the obvious starting point with zero financial commitment. Use the free tier to validate core functionality before committing to paid plans from either tool.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Element (Matrix) vs Fathom

How many pricing plans does Element (Matrix) have vs Fathom?
Element (Matrix) offers 3 pricing plans, while Fathom offers 3 plans. More plans typically means more flexibility to match your exact needs and budget.
Does Element (Matrix) or Fathom offer a free plan?
Fathom offers a free plan, while Element (Matrix) does not. If budget is a concern, Fathom lets you get started at no cost.
Does Element (Matrix) or Fathom offer custom enterprise pricing?
Element (Matrix) offers a custom-priced enterprise tier for larger teams. Fathom lists all its pricing publicly.
What pricing models do Element (Matrix) and Fathom use?
Element (Matrix) uses a open-source pricing model, while Fathom uses freemium pricing. The right model depends on your team size and usage patterns.
How do Element (Matrix) and Fathom compare for Communication?
Both Element (Matrix) and Fathom are Communication tools. Element (Matrix) offers 3 plans starting at Custom pricing, while Fathom offers 3 plans starting at $19/mo. Review the feature breakdowns above to see which better fits your Communication needs.

Sources

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

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