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Communication

Element (Matrix) vs Slack: Pricing Comparison 2026

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

Bottom line: Element (Matrix) starts at Custom pricing and Slack starts at $8.75/mo. Compare all 7 pricing tiers side by side.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Data compiled by Arthur Jacquemin
Updated July 6, 2026
Try Element (Matrix) freeTry Slack freePrice updated todayPrice updated today
Best Value

Slack - Slack offers a free plan, offers 4 tiers vs 3.

Element (Matrix) vs Slack: Quick Pricing Facts

FeatureElement (Matrix)Slack
Starting PriceCustom pricing$8.75/mo
Number of Plans34
Free TierNoYes
Pricing Modelopen-sourceper-seat
Annual DiscountN/AN/A

Element (Matrix) and Slack are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Communication tools. Together they offer 7 pricing plans with 75 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.

Slack stands out with a free plan for getting started. Element (Matrix) uses open-source pricing while Slack 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
Slack
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
  • 90 days of message history
  • Up to 10 apps
  • 1:1 meetings
  • 1:1 external messages
  • Basic AI
  • AI conversation summaries
  • Slackbot (personal AI agent)
  • AI workflow generation
  • AI search
  • AI daily recaps
  • AI file summaries
  • SAML-based single sign-on
  • SCIM user management
  • EMM integration support
  • Native data loss prevention
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.
Pro
$9/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Unlimited message history
  • Unlimited app integrations
  • Group meetings
  • Group external messages
  • Basic AI
  • AI conversation summaries
  • Slackbot (personal AI agent)
  • AI workflow generation
  • AI search
  • AI daily recaps
  • AI file summaries
  • SAML-based single sign-on
  • SCIM user management
  • EMM integration support
  • Native data loss prevention
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.
Business+Popular
$18/monthCheapest
Includes
  • Unlimited message history
  • Unlimited app integrations
  • Group meetings
  • Group external messages
  • Advanced AI
  • AI conversation summaries
  • Slackbot (personal AI agent) NEW
  • AI workflow generation
  • AI search
  • AI daily recaps
  • AI file summaries
  • SAML-based single sign-on
  • SCIM user management
  • EMM integration support
  • Native data loss prevention
Start with Business+
Tier 4
-
Enterprise+
Custom pricing
Includes
  • Unlimited message history
  • Unlimited app integrations
  • Group meetings
  • Group external messages
  • Enterprise-Grade AI
  • AI conversation summaries
  • Slackbot (personal AI agent) NEW
  • AI workflow generation
  • Enterprise search
  • AI daily recaps
  • AI file summaries
  • Multiple SAML configurations
  • SCIM user management
  • EMM integration support
  • Native data loss prevention
Start with Enterprise+

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Element (Matrix)

Secure decentralized messaging built on the Matrix protocol

View all Element (Matrix) plans

Slack

Channel-based messaging platform for teams

View all Slack plans

What Reviewers Say

Frequently Asked Questions: Element (Matrix) vs Slack

How many pricing plans does Element (Matrix) have vs Slack?
Element (Matrix) offers 3 pricing plans, while Slack offers 4 plans. More plans typically means more flexibility to match your exact needs and budget.
Does Element (Matrix) or Slack offer a free plan?
Slack offers a free plan, while Element (Matrix) does not. If budget is a concern, Slack lets you get started at no cost.
What is the most popular Slack plan?
The Business+ plan is Slack's most popular tier, priced at $18/mo. Key features include Unlimited message history, Unlimited app integrations, Group meetings.
Does Element (Matrix) or Slack offer custom enterprise pricing?
Yes, both Element (Matrix) and Slack offer custom enterprise pricing tiers with quote-based pricing. Contact each vendor for a tailored quote.
What pricing models do Element (Matrix) and Slack use?
Element (Matrix) uses a open-source pricing model, while Slack uses per-seat pricing. The right model depends on your team size and usage patterns.
How do Element (Matrix) and Slack compare for Communication?
Both Element (Matrix) and Slack are Communication tools. Element (Matrix) offers 3 plans starting at Custom pricing, while Slack offers 4 plans starting at $8.75/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. Slack Official Pricing- Vendor pricing page

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