The invention relates to a pressure compensation element (1) for compensating pressure of an inner chamber (2) of a housing, in particular an electric, motor or drive housing, a container or similar comprising, comprising an outer side (3) that is introduced into the wall (4) of the housing and a pressure compensation membrane (5). Said pressure compensation element (1) also has a cylindrical structure provided with a ventilation channel (6) that extends therethrough. Said cylindrical structure extends towards the outer side (3) in order to form a projection from the wall (4) of the housing, and said projection is delimited by an annular end surface (7) on which the membrane (5) is applied in a curved, dome-shaped form. Said pressure compensating element (1) also comprises a protective cover (8) that extends towards the outer side (3) at a distance in relation to the membrane (5) over the cylindrical structure.