# Element vs K16S

> Two self-hosted projects, compared on the numbers selfhost.directory tracks live: score, popularity, release cadence and setup effort.

| | Element | K16S |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 76/100 ✓ | 43/100 |
| Rank in category | #2 of 13 in Instant Messaging | #22 of 30 in Education |
| GitHub stars | 13 623 ✓ | 226 |
| Stars, last 30 days | +119 ✓ | +0 |
| Stable releases, 12 months | 18 ✓ | 0 |
| Latest release | v1.12.33 · 27 Oct 2026 | — |
| Setup | Moderate ✓ | Advanced |
| Official Docker image | Yes ✓ | No |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | Other |
| Main language | Typescript | Shell |

## Which one should you pick?

Element scores 76/100 against 43/100 for K16S, so it is the safer default.

Element ships more often: 18 stable releases in the past year, against 0 for K16S.

If you want the quickest setup, Element is easier to run; K16S needs more configuration.

Element is growing faster right now (+119 stars in 30 days).

## Details

- [Element](https://selfhost.directory/project/element) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/element.md)
- [K16S](https://selfhost.directory/project/k16s-exam-simulator) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/k16s-exam-simulator.md)

---
Source: https://selfhost.directory/compare/element-vs-k16s-exam-simulator