Our verdict: Keybase is useful for small technical groups that want encrypted chat, shared files and encrypted Git repositories in one place. Its identity proofs let you check who you are talking to. Fewer people use it than mainstream messengers, and development has slowed since the Zoom acquisition.
About Keybase
Keybase is made by Keybase, Inc., which became part of Zoom in 2020. The desktop and mobile clients are open source under the BSD 3-Clause license; the service itself is free to use.
Every account has a key pair, and you can link it to accounts on other sites and to domains you own, so contacts can verify your identity. On Windows, the installer adds a K: drive where public, private and team folders are encrypted on your PC before they sync. The app also includes the Keybase Shell for command-line use.
What it does well
- Encrypted chat. One-to-one and group chats are end-to-end encrypted, including attachments.
- Teams. Team spaces with channels, roles and shared encrypted folders.
- K: drive. Public, private and team folders appear as a drive in File Explorer.
- Encrypted Git. Host private Git repositories that are encrypted end to end.
- Identity proofs. Link your key to other accounts and websites so others can verify you.
Who it is for
Good fit
Technical teams and friends who want encrypted chat, files and Git under one verified identity.
Look elsewhere
People looking for a messenger their family already uses, or for voice and video calls.
Pros and cons
Pros
- End-to-end encrypted chat and files
- Verifiable identity proofs
- Encrypted Git repositories
- Open-source clients
Cons
- Small user base outside technical circles
- No voice or video calls
- Slower development since the Zoom acquisition
How to install Keybase
The button downloads the official 64-bit MSI installer. After setup, check that the Keybase icon is in the system tray; the K: drive and the Keybase Shell are installed at the same time. Create an account or sign in, then add other devices so you do not lose access to encrypted data.
Questions about Keybase
Is Keybase free?
Yes. The Keybase app and service are free, and the clients are open source under the BSD 3-Clause license.
What is the K: drive in Keybase?
It is the Keybase file system on Windows. Files in your private and team folders are encrypted on your PC before they sync, and appear as a normal drive in File Explorer.
Does Keybase have video calls?
No. Keybase focuses on text chat, file sharing and Git; it does not offer voice or video calls.
