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Free Keybase alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

4 of the 5 Keybase alternatives we track can be used for free (free, open source, or with a free plan). Signal, Element and Session rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

Keybase has been acquired. Acquired by Zoom on 7 May 2020, according to the Keybase blog.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Signal logoSignalFree—YesWindows, macOS, Linux +25 of 583.8
2Element logoElementOpen source—YesWeb, Windows, macOS +44 of 470.6
3Session logoSessionFree plan + paidFrom $2.99 a month (Session Pro)YesWindows, macOS, Linux +27 of 765.2
4Wire logoWireFree plan + paid€7.45 per person/month billed annuallyYesWeb, Windows, macOS +36 of 663.1
  1. Signal logo

    1. SignalTop pick

    Best for: Anyone who wants the strongest mainstream privacy without giving up a familiar chat app

    FreeOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    83.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Keybase

    Actively developed, widely used encrypted messenger with calls; far easier to get friends and family onto.

    Pros

    • Everything end-to-end encrypted by default, including groups
    • Collects almost no metadata
    • No ads, tracking or paid tier; open source

    Cons

    • Needs a phone number to register
    • Desktop app only works linked to a phone
    • Smaller network than WhatsApp in most countries
    Visit Signal Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Signal a good Keybase alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Organisation
    Independent nonprofit
    Checked Nov 8, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Ads and tracking
    None
    Checked Nov 8, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)
    End-to-end encryption
    Always on
    Checked Nov 8, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop app
    Requires Signal on your phone
    Checked Nov 8, 2026signal.org(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Element logo

    2. Element

    Best for: Communities and organisations that want open, federated, encrypted chat they can run themselves

    Open sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted

    70.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Keybase

    Matrix-based encrypted chat with rooms and spaces, and you can self-host the server for a team.

    Pros

    • Federated: talk across servers, or host your own
    • Encrypted by default for private chats
    • Open source, with bridges to other networks

    Cons

    • More complex than mainstream messengers
    • Key backup and device verification confuse newcomers
    • Self-hosting a homeserver takes real admin work
    Visit Element Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.1539
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Element a good Keybase alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Self-hosting
    Free community edition
    Checked Nov 8, 2026element.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Enterprise pricing
    Per seat/month
    Checked Nov 8, 2026element.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Certification
    ISO/IEC 27001:2022
    Checked Nov 8, 2026element.io(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Session logo

    3. Session

    Best for: People who want an anonymous messenger with no phone number and minimal metadata

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    65.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Keybase

    Signs you up without a phone number or email and routes messages through an onion network.

    Pros

    • No phone number or email needed
    • Onion routing hides who talks to whom
    • Open source and audited

    Cons

    • Slower delivery and less reliable calls
    • Lost recovery password means a lost account
    • Network is tied to a cryptocurrency token
    Visit Session Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.1539
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Session a good Keybase alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    License
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Phone number
    Not required
    Checked Nov 8, 2026getsession.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Routing
    Onion routing network
    Checked Nov 8, 2026getsession.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Session Pro price
    From $2.99/month
    Checked Nov 8, 2026getsession.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Steward
    Session Technology Foundation
    Checked Nov 8, 2026getsession.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    From $2.99 a month (Session Pro)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026getsession.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, private messaging stays free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026getsession.org(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Wire logo

    4. Wire

    Best for: Small teams and organisations that want an encrypted European messenger they can audit or self-host

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    63.1

    score / 100

    Why switch from Keybase

    Encrypted messaging with team and business plans, a close fit for Keybase's teams feature.

    Pros

    • End-to-end encryption with the MLS standard
    • Sign up with email, no phone number required
    • Open source, with on-premises deployment

    Cons

    • Few personal contacts use it
    • Product direction centres on businesses
    • Free plan limited to small teams
    Visit Wire Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.1539
    Freshness ×0.1570
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Wire a good Keybase alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, up to 5 people
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wire.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    €7.45 per person/month billed annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wire.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices
    Up to 8
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wire.com(opens source in a new tab)
    License
    GPL-3.0 (web app)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Encryption
    MLS, end-to-end by default
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wire.com(opens source in a new tab)
    SMB monthly price
    €8.94 per person/month billed monthly
    Checked Nov 8, 2026wire.com(opens source in a new tab)