Keybase vs Wire
Keybase
keybase.io
Wire
wire.comSide by side
| Figure | Keybase | Wire |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | €7.45/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 4 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 7.7 (#23) | 8.3 (#8) |
| Spec score · Secure Messaging Apps | 7.8 (#21) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Encryption | Keybase says messages and files are end-to-end encrypted so only the user and intended recipients can read them. | Wire says messages, conference calls, and files are end-to-end encrypted, and only conversation participants can decrypt the information. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Keybase says users can connect with public communities from Twitter, Reddit, and elsewhere. | The pricing page lists deploying third-party integrated apps (bots) as an SMB and Enterprise feature. |
| Messaging | Keybase says it uses public-key cryptography so messages stay private and even Keybase cannot read chats. | Messaging supports groups, conversation search, sketches, reactions, file sharing, and audio and video messages. |
| Open source | Keybase describes its app as open source and links to its source code. | Wire says its source code is fully open source and available on GitHub for verification. |
| Platforms | Keybase’s installation page lists macOS, Linux, Windows, iPhone/iPad, and Android. | web,Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,API |
| Product | Keybase describes itself as secure messaging and file-sharing. | Wire provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, calls, conferencing, and file sharing for organizations. |
| Support | Keybase directs users who encounter client bugs to run `keybase log send` in a terminal and follow the instructions. | The pricing page lists standard support and optional premium support with first replies within 16 hours during business hours, premium+ within 4 hours, and optional 24/7 platinum support. |
Plans
Wire
- Wire for FreeFree
- Wire for SMB€7.45 a month
- Wire for EnterprisePriced on request
- Wire for PartnersPriced on request
In their own words
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.
Wire
Wire is a communications platform for organizations that combines messaging, calls, conferencing, and file sharing with end-to-end encryption. Messages support group conversations, search, sketches, reactions, shared files, and audio and video messages. Conferences support up to 150 participants, with screen sharing and moderation tools. File management and online document collaboration keep files in conversations tied to verified group membership. Wire says only conversation participants can decrypt messages, calls, and files. It lists ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and Cyber Essentials certifications, and says its servers are in Germany and Ireland. Organizations can choose cloud, private cloud, or on-premises deployment, including offline or air-gapped environments. Wire is available on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android; its Linux binary is described as experimental with community support. The free plan is for up to five people. Wire for SMB costs €7.45 per person/month with annual payment, or €8,94 per person/month with monthly payment.