# Element vs Signal

Source: https://listme.name/compare/element-vs-signal
Framed by the ranking: https://listme.name/best/messaging-apps

| | Element | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 82.0 | 92.5 |
| Rank | #5 | #1 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgrades | Free |
| Best for | Self-hosted or organization chat on Matrix | Private one-to-one and group messaging |
| End-to-end encrypted by default | Yes | Yes |

Encrypted, open and self-hostable on the Matrix network, with apps for every major platform. Its personal app is less familiar than WhatsApp, and organization features sit behind paid plans. Encrypts chats and calls by default, publishes its client apps under AGPL-3.0 and runs on Linux, Windows and Mac. Reaching a contact means they must install it, so its reach is smaller than WhatsApp's.