# Element X vs Ello Messenger

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Element X at none against Ello Messenger's 10. Element X also leads on ratings volume (168 vs 41). Ello Messenger's advantage is rating (3.9 vs 3.5) and review sentiment (65% vs 39%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ello Messenger sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $10.00 per month. Element X asks for nothing beyond the download.

Ello Messenger holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 168 and 41 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of Element X's written reviews are positive against 65% of Ello Messenger's.

Element X ships an update fortnightly, Ello Messenger every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Element X | Ello Messenger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (168 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820/reviews) | **[3.9 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ello-messenger/id6469151194/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **168** | 41 |
| Positive reviews | 38.8% of reviews | **65.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 341 MB | 365 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Vector Creations Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1154157774) | [Fast, private and encrypted](https://appshunter.io/developer/1711621771) |

## What reviewers say

### Element X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-x-secure-chat-and-call/id1631335820)

Communicate securely and privately with instant messaging and video calls. This app offers robust features for individuals and communities, allowing you to own your data and choose where it's hosted. Enjoy real-time communication with synchronized history across all your devices.

**Highlights:** Real-time messaging, Video calls, Public and private rooms, Rich messaging features, Cross-device synchronization, Data ownership and server choice

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ello Messenger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ello-messenger/id6469151194)

This app offers secure messaging and creative tools, including AI-powered content generation. It allows users to connect with others, build communities, and monetize their creations through subscriptions and exclusive content. Sign up easily with just an email.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted messaging, AI-powered text and image generation, Creator channels and exclusive content, Fan subscriptions for creators, Direct messaging and group chats, Email-based signup

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Membership | $10.00 | per month |
| Support with $1 | $1.00 | one-time |
| AI Image Experience Prompts | $4.99 | one-time |
| $5 Wallet Credit | $5.00 | one-time |
| $10 Wallet Credit | $10.00 | one-time |
| Mini | $10.00 | one-time |
| Small | $25.00 | one-time |
| $75 Wallet Credit | $75.00 | one-time |
| $100 Wallet Credit | $100.00 | one-time |
| Large | $100.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Element X free?

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

### Is Ello Messenger free?

Ello Messenger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Element X or Ello Messenger?

Ello Messenger is rated higher. Element X averages 3.5 out of 5 from 168 ratings, while Ello Messenger averages 3.9 from 41 ratings.

### Do Element X or Ello Messenger have ads?

Neither Element X nor Ello Messenger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Element X or Ello Messenger?

Element X ships an update fortnightly, and Ello Messenger every 2 weeks. Most recently, Element X was updated on November 3, 2026 and Ello Messenger on October 30, 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.*