BitChat Free plan 8.9 Visit Keybase
keybase.io
What it is
Keybase is a free messaging and file-sharing product for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows. It uses public-key cryptography for private chats and says messages and files are end-to-end encrypted so only users and intended recipients can read them. Private keys stay on users’ devices rather than Keybase’s servers. Users can set timers on sensitive messages in one-to-one chats and team, group and community channels. Teams bring together private chats with multiple channels, file sharing and collaboration on Git. Team chats, files and Git are end-to-end encrypted, and team keys change when someone is removed or revokes a device. Teams and subteams can store up to 100 GB of documents, photos and videos; personal Git repositories have a combined 100 GB limit, and each team gets 100 GB for Git. Keybase also supports public communities and identity proofs involving integrated social networks. The download page describes it as open source, and business admin controls are available. For client bugs, Keybase directs users to run `keybase log send` in a terminal and follow the instructions.
Spec sheet
- Product
- Keybase describes itself as secure messaging and file-sharing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Platforms
- Keybase’s installation page lists macOS, Linux, Windows, iPhone/iPad, and Android.Read 5 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · keybase.io
- Integrations
- Keybase says users can connect with public communities from Twitter, Reddit, and elsewhere.Read 4 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Security
- Keybase says private keys are stored only on users’ devices, not on its servers.Read 5 Oct 2026 · book.keybase.io
- Support
- Keybase directs users who encounter client bugs to run `keybase log send` in a terminal and follow the instructions.Read 5 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Business admin controls
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · keybase.io
- Device platforms
- macOS,Windows,Linux,iOS,AndroidRead 20 Sep 2026 · keybase.io
- Encryption
- Keybase says messages and files are end-to-end encrypted so only the user and intended recipients can read them.Read 5 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Expiring messages
- Users can set a timer on sensitive messages; the feature works in one-to-one chats and team, group, and community channels.Read 4 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- File sharing
- Keybase says users can store and share group photos, videos, and documents with end-to-end encryption.Read 4 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- File storage
- Keybase says it can store a group’s photos, videos, and documents with end-to-end encryption.Read 5 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- File versioning
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · keybase.io
- Free use
- Keybase’s Teams launch announcement says existing free offerings would not switch to a paid model and that current use was grandfathered in.Read 4 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Git limit
- Keybase’s encrypted Git announcement says personal repositories have a combined 100 GB limit and each team gets 100 GB.Read 4 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Groups
- Teams are groups that can chat, use files, and collaborate on Git.Read 4 Oct 2026 · book.keybase.io
- Identity integrations
- Keybase supports identity proofs and team invites involving Twitter, Reddit, Hacker News, GitHub, and other integrated social networks.Read 5 Oct 2026 · book.keybase.io
- Messaging
- Keybase says it uses public-key cryptography so messages stay private and even Keybase cannot read chats.Read 4 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Open source
- Keybase describes its app as open source and links to its source code.Read 5 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Security review
- Keybase says its security was reviewed by NCC Group and links to a 2018 report.Read 5 Oct 2026 · book.keybase.io
- Storage limit
- 250Read 20 Sep 2026 · keybase.io
- Team file limit
- Teams and subteams can store up to 100 GB of documents, photos, and videos.Read 4 Oct 2026 · book.keybase.io
- Team security
- Keybase’s Teams documentation says team chats, files, and Git are end-to-end encrypted, and that team keys are changed when someone is removed or revokes a device.Read 4 Oct 2026 · book.keybase.io
- Teams
- Keybase teams support private chats with multiple channels and team file sharing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · book.keybase.io
- Timed messages
- Keybase says users can set a timer on sensitive messages.Read 5 Oct 2026 · keybase.io
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · keybase.io
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free across web, desktop and mobile platforms
- End-to-end encryption for messages and files
- Private keys remain on users’ devices
- Teams combine chat, files and Git
- Timed messages work in several conversation types
Limits
- Team and subteam file storage is limited to 100 GB
- Personal Git repositories share a 100 GB limit
- Client bug reporting requires a terminal command
Who it suits
Keybase suits people and teams seeking encrypted messaging, file sharing and Git collaboration across desktop, mobile and web platforms. Teams can use private channels and shared files, with business admin controls available.
Verdict
Keybase combines encrypted communication and file sharing with team Git collaboration, and its listed price is free. Review the storage limits for team files and Git against your intended use.
Where Specifiction places it
- Encrypted Messaging Apps#23 of 437.7
- Secure Messaging Apps#21 of 367.8
- Cloud Storage Services#48 of 647.8
- Cloud storage#61 of 667.4
