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Communication

Element (Matrix) vs Microsoft Teams: Pricing Comparison 2026

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

Bottom line: Element (Matrix) starts at Custom pricing and Microsoft Teams starts at $4/mo. Compare all 6 pricing tiers side by side.

Last updated: July 2, 2026

Data compiled by Arthur Jacquemin
Updated July 2, 2026
Try Element (Matrix) freeTry Microsoft Teams freePrice updated 3d agoPrice updated 3d ago
Best Value

Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams offers better overall value.

Element (Matrix) vs Microsoft Teams: Quick Pricing Facts

FeatureElement (Matrix)Microsoft Teams
Starting PriceCustom pricing$4/mo
Number of Plans33
Free TierNoNo
Pricing Modelopen-sourceper-seat
Annual DiscountN/AN/A

Element (Matrix) and Microsoft Teams are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Communication tools. Together they offer 6 pricing plans with 32 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.

Element (Matrix) uses open-source pricing while Microsoft Teams uses per-seat 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 free
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams
Try 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.
Microsoft Teams EssentialsPopular
$4/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Chat, call, and video conferencing
  • Real-time collaboration with file sharing, tasks, and polling
  • Team meeting recordings with transcripts and live captions (English)4
  • 10 GB of cloud storage per user
  • Data encryption for meetings, chats, calls, and files
  • Anytime phone and web support
Start with Microsoft Teams Essentials
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.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
$6/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Identity and access management for up to 300 users
  • Web and mobile versions3 of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook apps
  • Custom business email (you@yourbusiness.com)
  • 1 TB of cloud storage per user
  • 10+ additional apps for your business needs (including Microsoft Bookings, Planner, and Forms)
  • AI chat experience with web grounding, writing assistance, data analysis, and access to agents5
  • Automatic spam and malware filtering
Start with Microsoft 365 Business Basic
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.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
$13/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Desktop, web, and mobile versions3 of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other apps
  • Webinars with attendee registration and reporting
  • Collaborative workspaces to co-create using Microsoft Loop
  • Video editing and design tools with Microsoft Clipchamp
Start with Microsoft 365 Business Standard

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Element (Matrix)

Secure decentralized messaging built on the Matrix protocol

View all Element (Matrix) plans

Microsoft Teams

Team collaboration hub with chat, meetings, and file sharing

View all Microsoft Teams plans

What Reviewers Say

Frequently Asked Questions: Element (Matrix) vs Microsoft Teams

How many pricing plans does Element (Matrix) have vs Microsoft Teams?
Element (Matrix) offers 3 pricing plans, while Microsoft Teams offers 3 plans. More plans typically means more flexibility to match your exact needs and budget.
What is the most popular Microsoft Teams plan?
The Microsoft Teams Essentials plan is Microsoft Teams' most popular tier, priced at $4/mo. Key features include Chat, call, and video conferencing, Real-time collaboration with file sharing, tasks, and polling, Team meeting recordings with transcripts and live captions (English)4.
Does Element (Matrix) or Microsoft Teams offer custom enterprise pricing?
Element (Matrix) offers a custom-priced enterprise tier for larger teams. Microsoft Teams lists all its pricing publicly.
What pricing models do Element (Matrix) and Microsoft Teams use?
Element (Matrix) uses a open-source pricing model, while Microsoft Teams uses per-seat pricing. The right model depends on your team size and usage patterns.
How do Element (Matrix) and Microsoft Teams compare for Communication?
Both Element (Matrix) and Microsoft Teams are Communication tools. Element (Matrix) offers 3 plans starting at Custom pricing, while Microsoft Teams offers 3 plans starting at $4/mo. Review the feature breakdowns above to see which better fits your Communication needs.
AI Recommendations

Sources

  1. Element (Matrix) Official Pricing- Vendor pricing page
  2. Microsoft Teams Official Pricing- Vendor pricing page

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