Delta Chat vs Element
Comparing two open source alternatives to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.
Delta Chat
GPL-3.0Decentralized private messenger using email infrastructure for secure, end-to-end encrypted communication.
Element
AGPL-3.0Open-source Matrix client for secure, decentralized messaging, voice, and video — runs on your own server.
Side-by-side comparison
| Delta Chat | Element | |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Self-hostable | No | Yes |
| GitHub Stars | 1,620 | 13,552 |
| Forks | 250 | 2,785 |
| Open Issues | 80 | 3,716 |
| Last Commit | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 |
| First Released | Aug 20, 2018 | Jul 22, 2015 |
| Categories | ||
| Tags |
GitHub stars over time
GitHub stars over time
Similar open source alternatives
Mumble
Low-latency, open-source voice chat built for gaming — self-host your own server with no subscription required.
Discord
Chatto
A self-hosted chat application for teams and communities with video calls, voice calls, and screen sharing.
Slack
Huly
All-in-one open source platform that combines project management, CRM, chat, HR, and wiki as an alternative to Linear, Jira, Slack, and Notion.
Notion
Bytedesk
Open source AI-powered omnichannel customer service platform that combines live chat, ticketing, and team collaboration as an alternative to Slack, Zendesk, Intercom, and HubSpot.
Slack
Tinode
Instant messaging platform with self-hosted backend in Go and clients for iOS, Android, web, and command line.
WhatsApp
Sharkord
Self-hosted chat server with voice, video, text, and screen sharing — Discord-like features on your own infrastructure.
Discord