Software Alternatives & Startups

Keybase VS Wickr

Compare Keybase VS Wickr and see what are their differences

Keybase

Keybase will be a public directory of publicly auditable public keys.

Rating
0 reviews
Wickr

Wickr is a free end-to-end encrypted text, video, picture and voice messenger with full sender...

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Keybase seems to be a lot more popular than Wickr. While we know about 54 links to Keybase, we've tracked only 5 mentions of Wickr.

social mentions
54 vs 5
Security & Privacy popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
119 vs 166

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Keybase
Wickr
Website keybase.io wickr.com
Pricing —
Open source Official pricing
Company — Startup from the United States · 10 - 19 employees · 2011
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Keybase 6 features
Wickr 8 features
  • End-to-End Encryption
    Keybase provides end-to-end encryption for messages and files, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read the data.
  • Cross-Platform
    Keybase is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it accessible from virtually any device.
  • Public Key Directory
    It serves as a public key directory, simplifying the process of finding and verifying colleagues and acquaintances for secure communication.
  • Integration with Social Media
    Users can verify their identities by linking their social media profiles, providing an additional layer of trust and authenticity.
  • Team Collaboration Features
    Keybase offers robust team collaboration features, including secure team messaging and file-sharing capabilities.
  • Open Source
    Keybase is open-source, which allows for community review and greater transparency about its security features.

Possible disadvantages

  • User Base
    The user base is relatively small compared to mainstream messaging apps, which may limit its usefulness for communication with non-tech-savvy individuals.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may find Keybase complicated to set up and use, especially those who are not familiar with encryption and public key infrastructure.
  • Resource Intensive
    The application can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting performance on older or low-specification devices.
  • Centralized Service
    Despite its security features, Keybase's reliance on a centralized service can be a point of failure or a target for attacks.
  • Dependency on Linked Services
    The identity verification process relies heavily on linking to external social media profiles, which may not be ideal for users who prefer to maintain strict separation of their online identities.
  • Limited Offline Access
    Keybase requires an internet connection for most of its functionalities, making it less useful in offline scenarios.
  • End-to-End Encryption
    Wickr provides end-to-end encryption for all messages, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read the messages.
  • Self-Destructing Messages
    Users can set messages to self-destruct after a certain period, enhancing privacy and minimizing data retention.
  • No Metadata Stored
    Wickr does not store any metadata, such as message timestamps or sender/receiver information, which helps protect user privacy.
  • Secure File Sharing
    The platform supports secure file sharing, enabling users to send documents, images, and other files safely.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Wickr is available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, ensuring cross-platform communication.
  • Group Messaging
    Supports group messaging, allowing for secure communications within teams or groups.
  • No Phone Number Required
    Users are not required to provide a phone number to create an account, adding an extra layer of anonymity.
  • Freemium Model
    Wickr offers a basic free version in addition to premium plans, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited User Base
    Wickr is not as widely used as some other messaging apps, which may limit its usefulness for some users.
  • Complex Interface
    The user interface can be somewhat complex and overwhelming for new users, requiring a learning curve.
  • File Size Limitations
    The free version of Wickr imposes limitations on the file sizes that can be shared, which could be restrictive.
  • No SMS Integration
    Unlike some other messaging apps, Wickr does not support the integration of SMS messages.
  • Potential Trust Issues
    As with any app claiming strong security features, users may have trust issues until the security claims are independently verified.
  • Limited Third-Party Integrations
    Wickr has fewer integrations with other apps and services compared to more mainstream messaging platforms, possibly limiting its utility for certain workflows.
  • Cost for Advanced Features
    Many of the more advanced features are only available in the paid versions, which could be a downside for users looking for fully free options.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    Wickr requires a stable internet connection for messaging, which can be an issue in areas with poor connectivity.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Keybase
Wickr

Overall verdict

  • Keybase is generally considered a good platform for users who prioritize security and privacy. It has received positive feedback for its robust encryption protocols and ease of use when it comes to secure communication and file sharing.

Why this product is good

  • Keybase is known for providing secure messaging and file-sharing services with strong encryption. It's valued for its focus on privacy and its ability to integrate with various platforms like GitHub, Twitter, and more, verifying the identities of its users. This makes it a good choice for individuals and groups who require security and integrity in their communications.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who need secure and private messaging services.
  • Teams that want a reliable platform for encrypted communication.
  • Developers and tech-savvy users who appreciate integration with services like GitHub.
  • Anyone who values verifying identities through multiple social media and professional platforms.

No analysis of Wickr yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Keybase 3 videos + Add
Wickr 3 videos + Add

Zoom Acquires Keybase: Should I keep Using It?

More videos

  • - Keybase for iOS: Review
  • - Introduction to Keybase.io | Tooling Tuesday!

AppMess Review: Wickr Messenger

More videos

  • - What is the Best Encrypted Messenger in 2020? Wire vs Wickr vs Signal vs Telegram vs Whatsapp!
  • - Properly paranoid - Nico Sell, Founder of Wickr & Wickr Foundation

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Keybase
Wickr
100% 100%
0% 0%
52% 52%
48% 48%
37% 37%
63% 63%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using Keybase and Wickr. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Keybase no reviews yet
Wickr no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Keybase yet. Be the first one to post

  • The 7 Best Texting Apps
    zapier.com · Jun 2019

    You don't even need a phone number or email address to get started with Wickr Me, which means no identifying information is tied to your account. Instead, you must register a username and make a note of your password...

  • 11 Alternatives to Whatsapp that Actually Respect Your Privacy

    Like Element, Wickr Me doesn’t require a phone number to log in and contains all manner of silly and fun features like stickers and emojis. But that’s where the similarities end. Wickr doesn’t store your contacts on...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Keybase 54 mentions
Wickr 5 mentions

View more

  • Looking for weed from trusted source
    For security and privacy reasons please contact me at Wickr: candyminer. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Where to post high resolution photos securely?
    I'll just note that I've also been using https://wickr.com/ for exchanging photos as well. It isn't good for albums, but it's nice in a Slack-like way for sharing ... If you can get anybody to use wickr/wickrpro. (Good luck with that!). Source: over 4 years ago
  • Amazon acquires Wickr secure chat app used by government agencies
    A notice posted to Wickr’s website confirmed the acquisition: “From our founding ten years ago, we have grown to serve organizations across a wide range of industries, all over the world. Together with AWS, we look forward to taking our... Source: over 5 years ago

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Alternatives to Keybase and Wickr

When comparing Keybase and Wickr, you can also consider the following products.