Element vs Teamwire
Both Element and Teamwire 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
EU- Headquarters
- London, GB
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Teamwire
EU- Headquarters
- Munich, DE
- Pricing
- From €3/mo
- Open Source
- No
Key Differences
- Element offers a free tier, while teamwire starts at €3/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. Teamwire 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 Teamwire hosts in Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Teamwire 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.
- Each product has unique strengths: Element offers Matrix protocol and Federation, while Teamwire provides Group messaging and Status messages. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Element | Teamwire |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Element | Teamwire |
| Pricing | Free | From €3/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 | ||
| Group messaging | ||
| Status messages | ||
| File sharing | ||
| Admin dashboard | ||
| MDM integration | ||
| On-premises option | ||
| Compliance archiving |
Pricing Comparison
Element
Freefreemium
Teamwire
From €3/mosubscription
Compliance Comparison
Element
GDPRDPA
Teamwire
GDPRISO 27001DPA
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Categories
How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose Element
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose Teamwire
You're a startup or individual on a budget
Choose Element
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Teamwire
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Element
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Teamwire
Element vs Teamwire — FAQ
What is the main difference between Element and Teamwire?
Both Element and Teamwire are European messaging & chat solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Element is open source while Teamwire is proprietary, and Element uses freemium pricing while Teamwire uses subscription. Element is headquartered in London, GB, while Teamwire 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 Teamwire?
Element offers a free tier, while teamwire starts at €3/month. Pricing models differ (freemium vs. subscription), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Element and Teamwire GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Element and Teamwire 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, Teamwire holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.