Element vs Whereby
On the evidence we track, Whereby leads this comparison with a composite score of 86/100. Scores are only directly comparable because these tools share a category; the full breakdown and every source is below.
Capabilities
Feature-by-feature on the axes that matter for collaboration software. “-” means undocumented, not absent.
What each one is
The product in its own terms, so the numbers below have context.
Element
A secure, encrypted messaging and collaboration system built on the Matrix open standard. Element enables organizations to host their own communications servers, featuring end-to-end encryption, video conferencing, and federation between different organizations or systems.
Whereby
LeaderWhereby provides secure video calling with built-in compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001) for telehealth, education, and general business use. Available as a managed service for individuals/teams or as an embedded API for product builders.
Pricing
List pricing as published by each vendor, with the date we read it. Always verify at the source before you buy.
Element
Free open-source tier; Enterprise and Sovereign pricing available via contact
- CommunityFree
- Self-hosted Synapse server
- Element Call included
- AGPL open source
- Frontend and backend
- Server configuration
- +1 more
- EnterpriseContact sales
- Synapse Pro server
- Enhanced security advisories
- Compliance and enterprise controls
- Moderation and supervision
- Retention policies
- +11 more
- SovereignContact sales
- Synapse Pro server
- Air-gapped deployment
- Operates without internet connectivity
- Custom mobile push gateway
- Air-gapped setup and support
Whereby
LeaderFrom $9.99/mo for Build plan with 2,000 included participant minutes. Free tier available. Usage-based metering for recording, transcription, and overage minutes.
- ExploreFree
- Up to 2,000 participant minutes/mo
- Video calls
- Chat
- Screensharing
- Waiting rooms
- +6 more
- Build$9.99/mo base + usage metering for participants, recording, and transcription
- 2,000 included participant minutes/mo
- Additional participant minutes at $0.004/min
- Cloud recording at $0.01/min
- Session transcriptions from $0.0065/unmuted min
- Live captions from $0.0065/unmuted min
- +16 more
- EnterpriseContact sales
- Custom participant minute allowances
- Volume discounts
- Early access to new features
- Implementation support
- Technical Success Manager
- +4 more
Platform & deployment
Where each product runs and how it can be hosted. A dash means undocumented, not unsupported.
Integrations
What each product connects to. Counts come from the vendor's own integration directory where one exists.
- Google Calendar
- YouTube
Element
- Jitsi
- Etherpad
- Grafana
- Spotify
- EtherCalc
- TradingView
- Github
- Gitlab
- JIRA
- RSS
- Webhooks
Whereby
Leader- Microsoft Outlook
- Google Docs
- Trello
- Slack
- Chrome
Comparison generated from independently-sourced facts. Every value links to its source and retrieval date. See the method.