OpenProject vs Element
Both OpenProject and Element are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the team collaboration space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
OpenProject
EU- Headquarters
- Berlin, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Element
EU- Headquarters
- London, GB
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- OpenProject offers a free tier, while element offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Data residency differs: OpenProject hosts data in Germany, EU, while Element hosts in GB, Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- OpenProject was founded in 2012, giving it a 5-year head start over Element (founded 2017). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: OpenProject offers Gantt charts and work packages and Agile boards (Scrum and Kanban), while Element provides End-to-end encryption and Matrix protocol. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | OpenProject | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Name | OpenProject | Element |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Berlin, DE | London, GB |
| Data Centers | DE, EU | GB, DE |
| Gantt charts and work packages | ||
| Agile boards (Scrum and Kanban) | ||
| Time and cost tracking | ||
| Resource management | ||
| Document management | ||
| Built-in wiki | ||
| Meeting management | ||
| BIM support | ||
| REST API | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| End-to-end encryption | ||
| Matrix protocol | ||
| Federation | ||
| Bridges to other platforms | ||
| Voice/video calls | ||
| Threads | ||
| Spaces | ||
| Widgets |
Pricing Comparison
OpenProject
Freefree / enterprise
Element
Freefreemium
Compliance Comparison
OpenProject
GDPRDPA
Element
GDPRDPA
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OpenProject vs Element — FAQ
What is the main difference between OpenProject and Element?
Both OpenProject and Element are European team collaboration solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: OpenProject uses free / enterprise pricing while Element uses freemium. OpenProject is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, while Element is based in London, GB. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, OpenProject or Element?
Both OpenProject and Element offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (free / enterprise vs. freemium), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both OpenProject and Element GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both OpenProject and Element are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.