Skip to main content
Communication

Element (Matrix) vs Rocket.Chat: Pricing Comparison 2026

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

Bottom line: Element (Matrix) starts at Custom pricing and Rocket.Chat starts at Custom pricing. 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 Rocket.Chat: Quick Pricing Facts

FeatureElement (Matrix)Rocket.Chat
Starting PriceCustom pricingCustom pricing
Number of Plans33
Free TierNoYes
Pricing Modelopen-sourceopen-source
Annual DiscountN/AN/A

Element (Matrix) and Rocket.Chat are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Communication tools. Together they offer 6 pricing plans with 34 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.

Rocket.Chat 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)
Element (Matrix)
Try it free
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat
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.
Starter
$0/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Deployment & operational control
  • Secure messaging essentials
  • Real-time communications
  • Identity access management
  • Extensibility & customization
  • Mobility and endpoint access
  • Federated communications
  • Peer-to-peer community assistance
Start with Starter
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.
Pro
Custom pricing
Includes
  • Deployment flexibility and scaling
  • Advanced customizations
  • Standard operational support
Start with Pro
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.
Enterprise
Custom pricing
Includes
  • Mission-critical scalability and resilience
  • Real-time communications
  • Advanced identity and access controls
  • Audit and information governance
  • Zero trust security
  • Sovereign AI
  • Cross-agency collaboration
  • Operational continuity and support
Start with Enterprise

Swipe to compare plans →

Element (Matrix)

Secure decentralized messaging built on the Matrix protocol

View all Element (Matrix) plans

Rocket.Chat

Open-source team communication platform you can self-host

View all Rocket.Chat plans
Our Pick

Rocket.Chat

Rocket.Chat offers a free plan.

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

Best value: Rocket.Chat

Try Rocket.Chat free

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Element (Matrix) if:

  • You prioritize Element (Matrix)'s user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)
  • Element (Matrix)'s open-source pricing lets you match exact team size without tier gaps
  • Element (Matrix)'s focused feature set keeps your team in control without tool bloat

Choose Rocket.Chat if:

  • You need a free plan with Deployment & operational control, Secure messaging essentials—Rocket.Chat offers no-cost access with no credit card required
  • You want more features built-in—Rocket.Chat offers 4 additional features across its plans
  • You prioritize Rocket.Chat's user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)

Rocket.Chat offers a free plan [1], eliminating the cost barrier for evaluation, while Element (Matrix) requires paid subscription from the start. This gives Rocket.Chat a significant advantage for teams with budget constraints or extended trial periods. Once you outgrow Rocket.Chat'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. Rocket.Chat'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, Rocket.Chat 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.

ShareShare

Frequently Asked Questions: Element (Matrix) vs Rocket.Chat

How many pricing plans does Element (Matrix) have vs Rocket.Chat?
Element (Matrix) offers 3 pricing plans, while Rocket.Chat offers 3 plans. More plans typically means more flexibility to match your exact needs and budget.
Does Element (Matrix) or Rocket.Chat offer a free plan?
Rocket.Chat offers a free plan, while Element (Matrix) does not. If budget is a concern, Rocket.Chat lets you get started at no cost.
Does Element (Matrix) or Rocket.Chat offer custom enterprise pricing?
Yes, both Element (Matrix) and Rocket.Chat offer custom enterprise pricing tiers with quote-based pricing. Contact each vendor for a tailored quote.
How do Element (Matrix) and Rocket.Chat compare for Communication?
Both Element (Matrix) and Rocket.Chat are Communication tools. Element (Matrix) offers 3 plans starting at Custom pricing, while Rocket.Chat offers 3 plans starting at Custom pricing. Review the feature breakdowns above to see which better fits your Communication needs.

Sources

  1. Element (Matrix) Official PricingVendor pricing page
  2. Rocket.Chat Official PricingVendor pricing page

Related Articles

Track Price Changes

Get notified when pricing changes for these tools.