# Element Classic vs Google Chat

The clearest difference is rating: Google Chat at 4.6 against Element Classic's 3.3. Google Chat also leads on ratings volume (306K vs 578) and update cadence (weekly vs monthly). Element Classic's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment, 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.

Google Chat holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Chat has 306K ratings behind it against 578, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Element Classic's written reviews are positive against 47% of Google Chat's.

Element Classic ships an update monthly, Google Chat weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Element Classic | Google Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (578 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-classic/id1083446067/reviews) | **[4.6 (306K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-chat/id1163852619/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 578 | **306K** |
| Positive reviews | 43.7% of reviews | **47.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#32** |
| Size | 172 MB | 394 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Google Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-chat/id1163852619)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Free · Business (US App Store)

Connect, collaborate, and accomplish tasks with AI-powered messaging.  Streamline teamwork with integrations and smart features. Securely communicate with your team, whether in real-time or asynchronously.

**Highlights:** AI-powered conversation summaries, Automatic message translation, AI-powered search, Action item capture, Real-time huddles, Integration with Workspace apps, Smart chips for linking

**Features:** Siri integration

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient for contacting friends
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Efficient messaging
- 🚀 Seamless integration with Google Suite
- 👍 Useful for business communication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy and unreliable
- 🤔 Confusing layout and UI
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and security
- 🔋 High battery drain
- 🤔 Lacks key features from previous Google messaging apps

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent message delivery and notification issues
- Trouble uploading media and files
- Compatibility problems on older devices
- Frequent app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add voice/video call functionality
- Improve group chat management
- Implement read receipts
- Allow customization and personalization
- Integrate SMS/MMS support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Element Classic free?

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

### Is Google Chat free?

Google Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Element Classic or Google Chat?

Google Chat is rated higher. Element Classic averages 3.3 out of 5 from 578 ratings, while Google Chat averages 4.6 from 306K ratings.

### Do Element Classic or Google Chat have ads?

Neither Element Classic nor Google Chat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Element Classic or Google Chat?

Element Classic ships an update monthly, and Google Chat weekly. Most recently, Element Classic was updated on September 24, 2026 and Google Chat on September 25, 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.*