# Message Matrix vs Element Classic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Message Matrix at 100% against Element Classic's 44%. Message Matrix also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Message Matrix | Element Classic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.3 (589 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-classic/id1083446067/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **589** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 43.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 50 MB | 180 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Message Matrix Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1643697128) | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) |

## What reviewers say

### Message Matrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/message-matrix/id1059704720)

This business messaging platform offers secure and compliant communication for organizations. It integrates voice, video, and messaging to connect with customers through their preferred channels, streamlining transactions and enhancing relationships.

**Highlights:** End-to-end cloud-based encryption, Government and industry compliance, Biometric transaction authorization, Multi-channel customer engagement, Real-time conversation enhancement, Seamless staff turnover continuity

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Element Classic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-classic/id1083446067)

This app is a legacy version of a communication platform, offering secure messaging and collaboration. It will receive security updates until the end of 2025 but no new features.

**Highlights:** Secure messaging, Collaboration, Legacy version, Security updates

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Innovative features
- 🌐 Decentralized and open-source

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unstable
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📚 Steep learning curve
- 🤔 Confusing user experience
- 🚫 Lack of key features

**Reported bugs**

- Constant crashes and freezes
- Issues with message decryption and verification
- Unreliable notifications and sync issues
- Inability to leave or delete empty rooms
- Problems with image and video sharing

**Requested features**

- Ability to pause notifications
- Option to set messages to disappear after a certain time
- Improved search functionality
- Better integration with other apps and services
- Customizable font size and notification sounds


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Message Matrix free?

Message Matrix is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Element Classic free?

Element Classic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Message Matrix or Element Classic have ads?

Neither Message Matrix nor Element Classic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Message Matrix or Element Classic?

Message Matrix ships an update monthly, and Element Classic monthly. Most recently, Message Matrix was updated on September 23, 2026 and Element Classic on October 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*