Keybase

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinuxMacWebWindows

What Keybase is

Keybase is a free, open-source messaging and file-sharing product for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web. It uses public-key cryptography 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 servers. Users can set expiration timers on sensitive messages in direct chats and team, group, and community channels. Teams provide private multi-channel chats, file sharing, and Git collaboration; 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, while each team receives 100 GB. Keybase supports identity proofs and invitations involving Twitter, Reddit, Hacker News, GitHub, and other integrated networks. Business admin controls are available. The product supports zero-knowledge encryption and file versioning, and links to a 2018 NCC Group security review.

Who it suits

Keybase suits individuals and teams wanting encrypted chat, shared files, and Git across many device platforms. Its team features and business admin controls also fit collaborative groups.

What it does well

End-to-end encryption covers chats and shared files
Private keys remain on users’ devices
Supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and web
Message timers work in team and community channels
Open source and free to use

What to know first

Team and Git storage have 100 GB limits
The linked security review is from 2018
Client bug reporting requires terminal commands
Full card storage details are not applicable

Verdict

Keybase offers broad platform coverage with encrypted messaging, files, teams, and Git at no listed cost. Storage limits and terminal-based bug reporting are the main operational details to consider.

Facts from Keybase's own pages

Business admin controls: Yes · keybase.io, 20 Sept 2026
Device platforms: macOS,Windows,Linux,iOS,Android · keybase.io, 20 Sept 2026
Encryption: Keybase says messages and files are end-to-end encrypted so only the user and intended recipients can read them. · keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Expiring messages: Users can set a timer on sensitive messages; the feature works in one-to-one chats and team, group, and community channels. · keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
File sharing: Keybase says users can store and share group photos, videos, and documents with end-to-end encryption. · keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
File storage: Keybase says it can store a group’s photos, videos, and documents with end-to-end encryption. · keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
File versioning: Yes · keybase.io, 20 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · keybase.io, 20 Sept 2026
Free use: Keybase’s Teams launch announcement says existing free offerings would not switch to a paid model and that current use was grandfathered in. · keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
Git limit: Keybase’s encrypted Git announcement says personal repositories have a combined 100 GB limit and each team gets 100 GB. · keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
Groups: Teams are groups that can chat, use files, and collaborate on Git. · book.keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
Identity integrations: Keybase supports identity proofs and team invites involving Twitter, Reddit, Hacker News, GitHub, and other integrated social networks. · book.keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Integrations: Keybase says users can connect with public communities from Twitter, Reddit, and elsewhere. · keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
Messaging: Keybase says it uses public-key cryptography so messages stay private and even Keybase cannot read chats. · keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
Open source: Keybase describes its app as open source and links to its source code. · keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Platforms: Keybase’s installation page lists macOS, Linux, Windows, iPhone/iPad, and Android. · keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Product: Keybase describes itself as secure messaging and file-sharing. · keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Security: Keybase says private keys are stored only on users’ devices, not on its servers. · book.keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Security review: Keybase says its security was reviewed by NCC Group and links to a 2018 report. · book.keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Storage limit: 250 · keybase.io, 20 Sept 2026
Support: Keybase directs users who encounter client bugs to run `keybase log send` in a terminal and follow the instructions. · keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Team file limit: Teams and subteams can store up to 100 GB of documents, photos, and videos. · book.keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026
Teams: Keybase teams support private chats with multiple channels and team file sharing. · book.keybase.io, 5 Oct 2026
Team security: Keybase’s Teams documentation says team chats, files, and Git are end-to-end encrypted, and that team keys are changed when someone is removed or revokes a device. · book.keybase.io, 4 Oct 2026