Crypho

Overview

Crypho is an end-to-end encrypted communications service for organizations that need chat, file sharing and video calls. It is best suited to teams with security requirements, especially in finance, energy, government and law enforcement. Persistent group rooms and dedicated Norwegian hosting are compelling; the trade-off is a sharply limited free plan and a Pro price of €379 a month.

Key features

Persistent group chats combine ongoing conversation with a shared file folder, and only invited members can access them. That structure suits teams that need controlled spaces for work, but a personal account can own just one group. End-to-end encryption is on by default. Crypho names authenticated AES with 256-bit keys in CCM mode, El-Gamal elliptic-curve 384-bit encryption and scrypt among its cryptographic methods.

TOTP two-factor authentication provides tokens through SMS or the mobile app. Crypho says it operates dedicated servers in Norway and uses no cloud services to host or store user data, a relevant distinction for organizations with specific hosting requirements. Norwegian BankID identification is also offered for company and customer processes.

File allowances vary substantially by plan: 3mb on Free, 100mb on Pro and up to 2gb on Enterprise. The Enterprise limit is the fit for teams sharing large files; Pro’s cap may be restrictive for that use. Paid organizational accounts can download plain-text chat transcripts for compliance or archiving. Enterprise also supports external guests and an optional on-premise server.

Pricing

Crypho has a free personal plan and paid organizational plans. Free costs nothing and includes encrypted calls and video calls, but limits users to one group and files up to 3mb. It is suitable for personal use, not a substitute for a team workspace with larger file needs.

Pro costs €379 a month on a monthly recurring subscription. It is aimed at professional use and supports up to 25 team members, 100 groups, files up to 100mb, encrypted calls and video calls, and content export. The monthly billing avoids a stated annual commitment, but the price is a significant step up from Free, and the member and file caps make it less suitable for larger organizations or large-file workflows.

Enterprise has custom pricing for larger organizations. It includes file sharing up to 2gb, unlimited groups, encrypted calls and video calls, external guests, content export and an optional on-premise server. This is the plan to consider when Pro’s 25-member or 100mb limits are too restrictive, though the price requires a direct inquiry.

Platforms

Crypho supports Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows. Mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS.

Who it's for

Crypho is a strong fit for organizations that need encrypted communication alongside controlled group access, file sharing and transcript export. Its named audiences include finance, energy, enterprise, government, law enforcement and small companies with security requirements. Personal users can try the service for free, but the one-group and 3mb limits leave little room for broader collaboration.

Pros and cons

• Pros: End-to-end encryption is enabled by default, with TOTP two-factor authentication as an additional account safeguard.
• Pros: Dedicated servers in Norway and no cloud services for hosting or storing user data may suit organizations with hosting constraints.
• Pros: Enterprise combines 2gb file sharing, external guests, unlimited groups and optional on-premise deployment.
• Cons: Free is capped at one group and 3mb files, so it is limited for personal collaboration beyond a small exchange.
• Cons: Pro costs €379 a month and still caps teams at 25 members and files at 100mb.
• Cons: Enterprise pricing is custom, so larger teams must contact Crypho to establish the cost.

Alternatives

For a broader set of secure messaging options, browse Secure messaging apps or Secure Team Chat Software.

Choose Jami if a free service with a wider platform range, including Linux and API access, matters more than Crypho’s organizational plans. Olvid is worth considering for its free tier with unlimited messages and attachments, secure group discussions and ephemeral messages. Choose Wire if open-source code available for verification is a priority. Delta Chat is a free and open-source option, while imo offers free calls and messages, subject to carrier data charges. Keet is free with no subscriptions, premium features or ads. Messenger is a free messaging option. Choose Session if open-source code and encrypted messaging with attachments up to 10mb are more relevant.

Verdict

Crypho is best for organizations that need default end-to-end encryption, controlled group work and Norwegian-hosted infrastructure, with Enterprise available for larger files and teams. Its strongest reason to choose is the combination of security controls and organizational features; its clearest reason to look elsewhere is the high Pro price alongside firm team and file caps. Personal users can start free, but the narrow limits make Crypho a more convincing organizational purchase than an everyday messaging choice.