imo vs Keybase
imo
imo.imKeybase
keybase.ioSide by side
| Figure | imo | Keybase |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.2 (#10) | 7.7 (#23) |
| Integrations | The privacy policy describes iOS integration with Siri and access to iCloud Drive for sharing files. | Keybase says users can connect with public communities from Twitter, Reddit, and elsewhere. |
| Messaging | Chats support real-time messages, photo, video and voice-recording sharing, and group chat. | Keybase says it uses public-key cryptography so messages stay private and even Keybase cannot read chats. |
| Platforms | imo lists Android, iOS, Windows and Mac downloads, and its FAQ also describes using imo Web in a browser. | Keybase’s installation page lists macOS, Linux, Windows, iPhone/iPad, and Android. |
| Product | imo is an instant communication app for calls and messages. | Keybase describes itself as secure messaging and file-sharing. |
| Support | The download FAQ directs users who need help to [email protected]. | Keybase directs users who encounter client bugs to run `keybase log send` in a terminal and follow the instructions. |
Plans
In their own words
imo
imo is a communication app for internet calls and messaging, available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. It offers HD audio and video calls, including international calls, and group video calls for up to 20 participants with no fixed time limit. Chats support real-time messages, photos, videos, voice recordings, and group conversations; its Big Group feature supports up to 5,000 members. Stories hold photos, videos, and text updates for 24 hours. Listed privacy features include end-to-end encryption, Time Machine, and disappearing messages, while account controls include two-step verification and spam blocking. Encryption coverage is mixed. Instant message translation is available, and the privacy policy says Google Translate may provide it. That policy also says imo collects usage data, including communication partners, times, and message content. On iOS, imo integrates with Siri and can access iCloud Drive for file sharing. The app is free, though mobile carrier data charges may apply to internet calls.
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.