Element
Microsoft SharePoint
| Feature | Element | Microsoft SharePoint |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $5/mo | From $5/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Best For | open-source-teams, governments, privacy-focused-orgs, developers | enterprise, large-organizations, it-departments, microsoft-users |
| Founded | 2017 | 2001 |
| Encrypted Messaging | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice Video Calls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spaces | ✓ | ✗ |
| Bridges | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self Hosting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Federation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Document Management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Team Sites | ✗ | ✓ |
| Intranet | ✗ | ✓ |
| Workflows | ✗ | ✓ |
| Search | ✗ | ✓ |
| Compliance | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Element Pros
- Decentralized architecture
- End-to-end encryption
- Self-hosting option
- Bridges to other platforms
✗ Element Cons
- Complex setup for non-technical users
- Smaller ecosystem
- Performance can lag on large rooms
✓ Microsoft SharePoint Pros
- Enterprise-grade
- Deep M365 integration
- Customizable sites
- Version control
✗ Microsoft SharePoint Cons
- Complex setup
- Requires admin expertise
- Can be slow
The Verdict
Element is built for open source teams and governments, with a focus on encrypted-messaging and voice-video-calls. Microsoft SharePoint targets enterprise and large organizations and leads with document-management and team-sites.
Both tools come in at similar price points ($5/mo for Element, $5/mo for Microsoft SharePoint), so pricing won't make the decision for you.
Element has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Microsoft SharePoint requires a paid subscription from day one.
This is a genuinely close comparison. If you can, sign up for both free trials (where available) and run a one-week test with your actual team tasks before deciding.