How We Compare
Redoubt Systems vs. Mainstream Platforms (Slack, Discord, Teams)
| Feature | Redoubt Systems | Mainstream Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Data Privacy | End-to-end encrypted, Iceland hosted, no data monetization | Platform owns data, monetization through ads/analytics |
| Infrastructure | Dedicated isolated instance per customer | Shared multi-tenant infrastructure |
| Control | You control retention, access, policies | Platform controls terms, can change or restrict access |
| Cost | $249–$699/month depending on size | Free to $15+/user/month for business plans |
| Best For | Privacy-conscious teams who want sovereignty | Teams prioritizing features and integrations over privacy |
Redoubt Systems vs. Self-Hosting Matrix
| Factor | Redoubt Systems | Self-Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Expertise | None—we handle everything | Significant—requires sysadmin skills |
| Time Investment | Minimal—sign up and start chatting | Ongoing—updates, backups, troubleshooting |
| Security & Updates | Managed by us, always current | Your responsibility to patch and secure |
| Cost | $249+/month | VPS costs ($10–40/month) + your time |
| Best For | Teams who want Matrix without the admin burden | Technical teams who want complete control |
Redoubt Systems vs. Element Matrix Services (EMS)
| Factor | Redoubt Systems | Element Matrix Services |
|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Small teams and communities (5–150 users) | Larger organizations and enterprises |
| Pricing | $249–$699/month for small teams | Starts ~$5/user/month (minimum costs typically higher) |
| Hosting Jurisdiction | Iceland (strong privacy protections) | Various locations available |
| Simplicity | Streamlined for small groups, easy onboarding | Enterprise-focused with more complexity |
| Best For | Small privacy-focused teams who want simple, affordable sovereignty | Larger organizations needing enterprise features and support |
Bottom line: Redoubt Systems is built for small, privacy-conscious teams who want the sovereignty of their own infrastructure without the complexity of self-hosting or the costs and overhead of enterprise solutions.