Comparison

Element X vs iOrb

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Element X

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
Read full description

Freedom to communicate on your own terms For individuals and communities - private communication between family, friends, hobby groups, clubs, etc. Element X gives you fast, secure and private instant messaging and video calls built on Matrix, the open standard for real-time communication. This is a free and open-source app maintained at https://github.com/element-hq/element-x-ios Stay in touch with friends, family and communities with: • Real time messaging & video calls • Public rooms for open group communication • Private rooms for closed group communication • Rich messaging features: emoji reactions, replies, polls, pinned messages and more. • Video calling while browsing messages. • Interoperability with other Matrix-based apps such as FluffyChat, Cinny and many more. Privacy-first Unlike some other messengers from Big Tech companies, we don’t mine your data or monitor your communications. Own your conversations Choose where to host your data - from any public server (the largest free server is matrix.org, but there are plenty of others to choose from) to creating your own personal server and hosting it on your own domain. This ability to choose a server is a large part of what differentiates us from other real time communication apps. However you host, you have ownership; it’s your data. You’re not the product. You’re in control. Communicate in real time, all the time Use Element everywhere. Stay in touch wherever you are with fully synchronised message history across all your devices, including on the web at https://app.element.io Element X is our next-generation app If you’re using the previous-generation Element Classic app, it’s time to try Element X! It’s faster, easier to use, and more powerful than the classic app. It’s better in every way and we’re adding new features all the time.

About

iOrb

Features
Read full description

iOrb is your go-to app for high-quality video meetings and live streaming. Whether you’re hosting a virtual conference, webinar, business meeting, or casual video chat, iOrb provides a secure and smooth experience, similar to Jitsi Meet but with enhanced features. Key Features: - Instant Video Calls – Join or host meetings with a single tap. No complicated setup required. - HD Streaming – Experience crystal-clear audio and video, optimized for smooth performance. - Unlimited Meetings – Connect with your team, friends, or audience without restrictions. - Screen Sharing – Share presentations, documents, or tutorials effortlessly. - Secure & Private – End-to-end encryption ensures your meetings stay confidential. - Custom Meeting Links – Generate and share private meeting rooms instantly. - Multi-Device Support – Available on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Screenshots

Element X4 screens
iOrb4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Element X at fortnightly against iOrb's every 5 months. iOrb's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Element X ships an update fortnightly, iOrb every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Element X versus iOrb: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterElement XiOrb
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (169 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews38.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings169 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.514.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size341 MB76 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperVector Creations LimitedMisraj

In-app purchases

None

Element X

No in-app purchases

None

iOrb

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Element X free?
Element X is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is iOrb free?
iOrb is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Element X or iOrb have ads?
Neither Element X nor iOrb shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Element X or iOrb?
Element X ships an update fortnightly, and iOrb every 5 months. Most recently, Element X was updated on November 7, 2026 and iOrb on November 8, 2026.

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