Element vs Discord vs Cloak: Which Encrypted Chat Platform Wins?
Element (Matrix), Discord, and Cloak Chat take three very different approaches to group messaging. We compare encryption, features, usability, and privacy to help you pick the right one.
Three platforms, three philosophies
Choosing a chat platform in 2026 often comes down to a trade-off: features vs. privacy vs. complexity. Discord leads on features but has no encryption. Element (Matrix) prioritizes decentralization and optional encryption but can be complex. Cloak Chat aims to deliver both: full community features with mandatory end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture.
This article is a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which platform fits your needs.
Encryption and privacy
| Aspect | Discord | Element (Matrix) | Cloak Chat |
|---|---|---|---|
| E2EE for DMs | No | Yes (opt-in, on by default for DMs) | Yes (always on) |
| E2EE for group chat | No | Optional (room setting) | Yes (always on) |
| E2EE for voice/video | No | Via Element Call (newer feature) | Yes (WebRTC Insertable Streams) |
| Zero-knowledge architecture | No | Partial (depends on homeserver) | Yes |
| Encryption protocol | TLS only | Olm/Megolm (Matrix Crypto SDK) | Signal Protocol + AES-256-GCM |
| Server can read messages | Yes | Only if E2EE is off | Never |
| Data collection | Extensive | Varies by homeserver | Minimal |
The key difference: Discord has zero encryption. Element has optional encryption that depends on room settings and homeserver configuration. Cloak Chat encrypts everything by default, always, with no way to turn it off.
Community features
| Feature | Discord | Element | Cloak Chat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooms / servers | Yes (unlimited) | Yes (Spaces) | Yes (2–200 based on tier) |
| Text channels | Yes | Yes (rooms within Spaces) | Yes |
| Voice channels | Yes | Yes (via Element Call) | Yes (E2EE) |
| Video calls | Yes | Yes | Yes (E2EE) |
| Screen sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes (E2EE) |
| Roles & permissions | Yes (extensive) | Basic (power levels) | Yes (30+ granular) |
| Custom emoji | Yes | Limited (custom reactions) | Yes |
| Message reactions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| File sharing | Yes (unencrypted) | Yes (encrypted if room is E2EE) | Yes (encrypted vault) |
| Bots & integrations | Yes (extensive ecosystem) | Yes (bridges, widgets) | Not yet |
Usability and setup
This is where the three platforms differ most. Discord is famously easy to set up: download, create account, join a server. Element requires understanding Matrix concepts like homeservers, federation, and room settings. Cloak Chat aims for Discord-level simplicity with built-in encryption.
- Discord: instant onboarding, polished UI, mobile and desktop apps. No privacy.
- Element: requires choosing a homeserver (or self-hosting), understanding federation, and configuring encryption per room. Powerful but steep learning curve. The UI has improved significantly but still feels more technical than Discord.
- Cloak Chat: download, create account, start chatting. Encryption is automatic and invisible. Desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux plus a web app. No homeserver configuration required.
Self-hosting and decentralization
This is Element's strongest advantage. Matrix is a decentralized protocol, so you can run your own homeserver and federate with other servers. This gives you full control over your data and infrastructure.
Discord and Cloak Chat are both centralized. However, Cloak Chat's zero-knowledge architecture means that even though the server is centralized, it cannot read your data. The trade-off is simplicity: you do not need to manage infrastructure to get strong encryption.
Who should use which?
- Choose Discord if you do not care about privacy and want the largest ecosystem of servers, bots, and integrations.
- Choose Element if you want decentralization, self-hosting capabilities, and are comfortable with a more technical setup process.
- Choose Cloak Chat if you want Discord-level features with mandatory end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and no setup complexity. Especially if you are migrating a community from Discord and want to keep the familiar room/channel/role workflow while adding real privacy.
Read more about how Cloak Chat compares to other platforms in our 10 best Discord alternatives ranking.
Ready to try Cloak?
Download Cloak for free on Windows, macOS, or Linux. End-to-end encrypted messaging, video calls, and file sharing. No compromises.