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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: March 16, 2026

Data compiled by Arthur Jacquemin
Updated March 16, 2026
Try Element (Matrix) freeTry Slack free

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 it 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+

Swipe to compare plans →

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

Our Pick

Slack

Slack 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: Slack

Try Slack 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)
  • •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 Slack if:

  • •You need a free plan with 90 days of message history, Up to 10 apps—Slack 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—Slack offers 45 additional features across its plans

Slack offers a free plan [1], eliminating the cost barrier for evaluation, while Element (Matrix) requires paid subscription from the start. This gives Slack a significant advantage for teams with budget constraints or extended trial periods. Once you outgrow Slack's free tier, upgrading to a paid plan at approximately $18/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. Slack'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, Slack 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 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.

Sources

  1. Element (Matrix) Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page
  2. Slack Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page

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