Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Element.io VS Pensil

Compare Element.io VS Pensil and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Element.io logo Element.io

Secure messaging app with strong end-to-end encryption, advanced group chat privacy settings, secure video calls for teams, encrypted communication using Matrix open network. Riot.im is now Element.

Pensil logo Pensil

Pensil provides creators and educators all the digital tools they need to run their online business.
  • Element.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20
  • Pensil Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-18

Element.io features and specs

  • Open Source
    Element.io is open-source, meaning the code is freely accessible and can be modified by anyone. This allows for transparency, security audits, and customization.
  • Privacy and Security
    Element.io offers end-to-end encryption for secure communication, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read the messages.
  • Interoperability
    It supports the Matrix protocol, which allows for communication across different platforms and services, facilitating greater connectivity.
  • Rich Feature Set
    Element.io provides features such as voice and video calls, file sharing, and integrations with other services, making it suitable for both personal and team use.
  • Cross-Platform
    Available on various platforms including web, desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), and mobile (iOS, Android), ensuring accessibility from any device.
  • Customizability
    Users can personalize their experience through various settings and even set up their own server for full control over their data.

Possible disadvantages of Element.io

  • Complexity
    The extensive feature set and customization options can be overwhelming for new users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Performance Issues
    Users have reported occasional performance issues such as slow response times and lag, particularly in larger rooms or with heavy media use.
  • User Interface
    While functional, the user interface may not be as polished or intuitive as other more mainstream messaging apps, which could impact usability.
  • Server Setup
    Setting up your own server for complete data control requires technical expertise and can be time-consuming, posing a barrier for non-technical users.
  • Limited Network Effect
    Despite its capabilities, Element.io has a smaller user base compared to giants like WhatsApp or Slack, which may limit its usefulness for some users.
  • Resource Intensive
    The application can be resource-intensive, particularly on older hardware, which may result in slower performance or increased battery consumption on mobile devices.

Pensil features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

Element.io videos

RIOT : Riot.im : A New World Of Open Communication!

Pensil videos

No Pensil videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Element.io and Pensil)
Communication
99 99%
1% 1
Community Platform
0 0%
100% 100
Group Chat & Notifications
Messaging
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Element.io and Pensil

Element.io Reviews

7 best Mattermost alternatives for secure business messaging
Element is a secure messaging and communication software that operates based on the Matrix protocol. It has advanced features that promote internal collaboration and boost team productivity. It offers end-to-end encryption and supports communication through messages, voice, and video calls.
Source: www.rocket.chat
10 Best Secure Messaging Apps to Keep Your Conversation Private
Element.io, which was earlier known as Riot, is a secure chat app that is built around protecting user privacy. It offers end-to-end encryption out of the box, which means that your conversations are fully encrypted and only the sender and receiver can read the messages. After the transition from Rio to Element, the secure messaging app has become more enterprise-friendly.
Source: beebom.com
18 Best Discord Alternatives 2020 | Expert Reviews
Element, formerly known as Riot, is a great alternative to Discord with many of the same features and functions. What sets Element apart is that it was created using open-source software, which allows for customization and flexibility. Element is based on a reaction-based software called Matrix, which allows you to bring other communication channels into the app as well as...
5 best secure private messengers
Neither Riot nor Matrix have been fully audited, although Olm and Megolm have been. Riot.im has been criticized the past for its rather basic user interface, but this no longer true. It still lags behind the futuristic flashiness of Wire, but Riot is now a highly capable messenger with functionality often compared to the corporate messaging workhorse, Slack.
Source: proprivacy.com
11 Alternatives to Whatsapp that Actually Respect Your Privacy
Formerly Riot.im, Element uses Matrix as a back end, and is an excellent chat app for those who like open source from end to end. Everything from the chat client, the chat protocol, and the video conferencing software are all open source, which is an important part of why Element is so respectful of your privacy. In the open source community, people are generally very...

Pensil Reviews

9 Teachable Alternatives in 2024 Ranked
However, Pensil is still growing, which means some of the features are not as polished as those on more established platforms. Most customers recommend Pensil because of the community-oriented approach and ease of use, but they indicate that the platform is still in its development stage. If you want to build strong, sustainable communities around your courses, Pensil is...
Source: teach.io

Social recommendations and mentions

Pensil might be a bit more popular than Element.io. We know about 1 link to it since March 2021 and only 1 link to Element.io. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Element.io mentions (1)

Pensil mentions (1)

  • Open Source Community/forum platform
    I've been researching a few up and coming community platforms such as tribe.so circle.so pensil.in beam.gg which by initial looks they all seem to share similar frameworks and styles which I'm really impressed by. It's sent me down a rabbit whole to see if there is an open source framework that these platforms are built on? Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Element.io and Pensil, you can also consider the following products

Matrix.org - Matrix is an open standard for decentralized persistent communication over IP.

Discord - Step up your game with a modern voice & text chat app. Crystal clear voice, multiple server and channel support, mobile apps, and more.

Telegram - Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.

Signal - Fast, simple & secure messaging. Privacy that fits in your pocket.

Slack - A messaging app for teams who see through the Earth!

Tox - Send messages, files, create groups and make Tox to Tox audio and video calls. Securely.