Element X vs Synapse
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted matrix & xmpp options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Synapse
Reference homeserver for the Matrix network
| Feature | Element X | Synapse |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 82 · Excellent | 89 · Excellent |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Swift | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, source | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 947 | ★ 4,643 |
| First released | 2022 | 2014 |
| Replaces | WhatsApp, Signal | Slack, Discord, WhatsApp |
What are Element X and Synapse?
Element X
Element X is a rewritten, sliding-sync-powered Matrix client focused on speed and a streamlined mobile experience. It connects to any Matrix homeserver for chat and calls.
- Built on Matrix Rust SDK
- Very fast sync via sliding sync
- End-to-end encryption
- Native Element Call integration
Synapse
Synapse is the reference homeserver implementation for Matrix, an open protocol for decentralized, federated, secure chat. It targets communities and organizations running their own messaging infrastructure. It is deployed via Docker or native packages.
- Federated Matrix homeserver
- End-to-end encrypted rooms
- Bridges to other networks
- Many compatible clients
Element X vs Synapse: key differences
Element X is written in Swift, while Synapse is built with Python. Element X is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Synapse. Synapse is the more established project (first released 2014), while Element X arrived in 2022. Synapse has the considerably larger community, at 4,643 GitHub stars versus 947. Synapse lists first-class Docker deployment; Element X does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Element X if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Written in Swift
- Tiny footprint — runs in 64 MB RAM
Watch out for
- Mobile-focused
- Requires a Matrix homeserver
Choose Synapse if…
- Open federated protocol
- Strong encryption
- Bridges to other chats
Watch out for
- Resource and maintenance heavy
- Complex to operate well
Frequently asked questions
Is Element X or Synapse better?
Neither is universally better. Synapse has the larger community, while Element X is simpler to set up (easy difficulty). Choose based on the comparison table above and your own setup.
Are Element X and Synapse free and open-source?
Yes. Element X is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Synapse under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Element X and Synapse with Docker?
Element X: check the project docs for container support. Synapse: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, Element X or Synapse?
Element X has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 1,024 MB for Synapse. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.