Delta Chat vs Keybase
Delta Chat
delta.chatKeybase
keybase.ioSide by side
| Figure | Delta Chat | Keybase |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.3 (#4) | 7.7 (#23) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#11) | 7.8 (#21) |
| Encryption | All messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, and attachments and their metadata are included in the encryption. | Keybase says messages and files are end-to-end encrypted so only the user and intended recipients can read them. |
| Integrations | Delta Chat supports chatmail relays and in-chat web apps, and can use a classic email address as a relay with limitations. | Keybase says users can connect with public communities from Twitter, Reddit, and elsewhere. |
| Messaging | The app supports multi-profile and multi-device use, and relays messages through secure, interoperable chatmail relays. | Keybase says it uses public-key cryptography so messages stay private and even Keybase cannot read chats. |
| Platforms | The download page lists Android, iPhone/iPad, macOS, Windows, GNU/Linux, and a community-driven Ubuntu Touch effort. | Keybase’s installation page lists macOS, Linux, Windows, iPhone/iPad, and Android. |
| Product | Delta Chat is a reliable, decentralized and secure instant messaging app for mobile and desktop. | Keybase describes itself as secure messaging and file-sharing. |
| Support | The site links to a Delta Chat forum for support and feedback. | Keybase directs users who encounter client bugs to run `keybase log send` in a terminal and follow the instructions. |
Plans
In their own words
Delta Chat
Delta Chat is a free, open-source instant messaging app for mobile and desktop, with support for self-hosting. It runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, and supports multiple profiles and devices. Messages travel through secure, interoperable chatmail relays and are end-to-end encrypted by default, including attachments and their metadata. Delta Chat uses a subset of OpenPGP with Secure-Join and Autocrypt. Servers can still see sender and receiver addresses and message size; other message, contact and group metadata is encrypted. Chats can include interactive web apps for gaming and collaboration. Android and iOS audio and video calls use peer-to-peer WebRTC, but a March 2026 post said the feature was still behind a debug setting. A classic email address can act as a relay only if used exclusively by chatmail clients, and classic email providers generally do not support push notifications. The FAQ says there are no immediate plans for a web client. The project links to a forum for support and feedback.
Keybase
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.