Element (Matrix) vs Mattermost: Pricing Comparison 2026
Side-by-side pricing comparison of Element (Matrix) and Mattermost. See all plans, features, and costs at a glance.
Bottom line: Element (Matrix) starts at Custom pricing and Mattermost starts at Custom pricing. Compare all 7 pricing tiers side by side.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Element (Matrix) vs Mattermost: Quick Pricing Facts
| Feature | Element (Matrix) | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
| Number of Plans | 3 | 4 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | open-source | open-source |
| Annual Discount | N/A | N/A |
Element (Matrix) and Mattermost are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Communication tools. Together they offer 7 pricing plans with 48 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.
Mattermost stands out with a free plan for getting started.
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) Try it free |  Mattermost Try it free |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Community. Custom pricing Includes
| Free $0/monthCheapest Includes
|
| Tier 2 | Enterprise. Custom pricing Includes
| Professional Custom pricing Includes
|
| Tier 3 | Sovereign. Custom pricing Includes
| Enterprise Custom pricing Includes
|
| Tier 4 | — | Enterprise Advanced Custom pricing Includes
|
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Element (Matrix)
Secure decentralized messaging built on the Matrix protocol
View all Element (Matrix) plansMattermost
Mattermost offers a free plan, offers 4 tiers vs 3.
Based on pricing data only. Review the full comparison below for your specific needs.
Best value: Mattermost
Try Mattermost freeWhich Should You Choose?
Choose Element (Matrix) if:
- •You prioritize Element (Matrix)'s user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)
- •You prefer Element (Matrix)'s open-source model with its 3-tier structure
- •You value Element (Matrix)'s specific feature progression from free to advanced tier levels
Choose Mattermost if:
- •You need a free plan with Limited-use edition of Enterprise Advanced for technical evaluation—Mattermost offers no-cost access with no credit card required
- •You need 4 pricing tiers for flexible team sizing—more options mean less overpaying for features you don't need
- •You want more features built-in—Mattermost offers 18 additional features across its plans
Mattermost offers a free plan [1], eliminating the cost barrier for evaluation, while Element (Matrix) requires paid subscription from the start. This gives Mattermost a significant advantage for teams with budget constraints or extended trial periods. Once you outgrow Mattermost's free tier, upgrading to a paid plan at approximately Custom pricing 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. Mattermost's 4 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, Mattermost 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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Element (Matrix) vs Mattermost
How many pricing plans does Element (Matrix) have vs Mattermost?
Does Element (Matrix) or Mattermost offer a free plan?
Does Element (Matrix) or Mattermost offer custom enterprise pricing?
How do Element (Matrix) and Mattermost compare for Communication?
Sources
- Element (Matrix) Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page
- Mattermost Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page
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