Keybase vs Session

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.

Session is a decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messaging app for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Account creation does not require a phone number or email address. Its onion-request routing is designed so no single server knows both the origin and destination of a message. The app supports disappearing messages and encrypted group chats for up to 100 people. Attachments can be up to 10MB; they are encrypted on the device and stored through the Session File Server. Communities are self-hosted public channels, but are not fully end-to-end encrypted. Voice and video calling are beta features for one-to-one calls only, using peer-to-peer networking; calls can expose a user’s IP address to the call partner and an STF-operated STUN/TURN server. The code is open source, and the desktop, Android, and iOS clients have been audited by Quarkslab. The free plan includes encrypted messaging and attachments up to 10MB. Pro costs $2.99 a month and adds messages up to 10,000 characters, unlimited pinned conversations, animated display pictures, and badges.