Element vs Stackfield

Both Element and Stackfield are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the messaging & chat space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.

Quick Overview

Element

Headquarters: London, GB
Pricing: Free
Open Source: Yes

Stackfield

Headquarters: Munich, DE
Pricing: From €11/mo
Open Source: No

Key Differences

Element offers a free tier, while stackfield starts at €11/month. This makes Element more accessible for individuals and small teams exploring their options before committing.
Element is open source, meaning you can audit the code, self-host, and avoid vendor lock-in. Stackfield is proprietary, which often means a more polished out-of-the-box experience and dedicated support, but less flexibility for customisation.
Data residency differs: Element hosts data in GB, Germany, while Stackfield hosts in Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
Stackfield holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Element does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
Stackfield was founded in 2012, giving it a 5-year head start over Element (founded 2017). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
Each product has unique strengths: Element offers Matrix protocol and Federation, while Stackfield provides Task management and Video calls. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Element	Stackfield
Name	Element	Stackfield
Pricing	Free	From €11/mo
Free Tier
GDPR
ISO 27001
Open Source
Headquarters	London, GB	Munich, DE
Data Centers	GB, DE	DE
End-to-end encryption
Matrix protocol
Federation
Bridges to other platforms
Voice/video calls
Threads
Spaces
Self-hosting option
Widgets
Task management
Video calls
Document collaboration
Chat channels
Audit logs
Custom workflows
GDPR by design

Pricing Comparison

Element

Free

freemium

Stackfield

From €11/mo

subscription

Compliance Comparison

Element

GDPRDPA

Stackfield

GDPRISO 27001DPA

Get Started

Try Element

Secure messaging built on the Matrix protocol

Visit Element

Try Stackfield

German encrypted collaboration for teams

Visit Stackfield

How to Choose

You need code transparency or self-hosting

Choose Element

You want a fully managed, turnkey solution

Choose Stackfield

You're a startup or individual on a budget

Choose Element

Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification

Choose Stackfield

You need enterprise-grade support and stability

Choose Element

You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support

Choose Stackfield

Element vs Stackfield — FAQ

What is the main difference between Element and Stackfield?

Both Element and Stackfield are European messaging & chat and team collaboration solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Element is open source while Stackfield is proprietary, and Element uses freemium pricing while Stackfield uses subscription. Element is headquartered in London, GB, while Stackfield is based in Munich, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.

Which is more affordable, Element or Stackfield?

Element offers a free tier, while stackfield starts at €11/month. Pricing models differ (freemium vs. subscription), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.

Are both Element and Stackfield GDPR compliant?

Yes. Both Element and Stackfield are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Stackfield holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.