Element X vs Syphon
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted matrix & xmpp options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | Element X | Syphon |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 82 · Excellent | 14 · At risk |
| Category | Matrix & XMPP | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Swift | Dart |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, source | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 947 | ★ 1,059 |
| First released | 2022 | 2020 |
| Replaces | WhatsApp, Signal | WhatsApp, Discord |
What are Element X and Syphon?
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
Syphon
Syphon is a Matrix messaging client that emphasizes privacy and a calm, distraction-free interface, built with Flutter for desktop and mobile. It supports end-to-end encryption out of the box.
- Privacy-first Matrix client
- End-to-end encryption
- Distraction-free design
- Desktop and mobile
Element X vs Syphon: key differences
Element X is written in Swift, while Syphon is built with Dart. Element X is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 256 MB for Syphon. Syphon is the more established project (first released 2020), while Element X arrived in 2022.
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 Syphon if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Active community (1.1k GitHub stars)
- Written in Dart
Frequently asked questions
Is Element X or Syphon better?
Neither is universally better. Syphon has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are Element X and Syphon free and open-source?
Yes. Element X is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Syphon under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Element X and Syphon with Docker?
Element X: check the project docs for container support. Syphon: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Element X or Syphon?
Element X has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for Syphon. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.