FileShot vs Keybase: Zero-Knowledge File Sharing
— Written by Brendan, Founder of FileShot.io
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Keybase | FileShot |
|---|---|---|
| Free Storage | 250 GB | 50 GB (10 GB per file) |
| Free File Size Limit | No official limit | 10 GB |
| Zero-Knowledge Encryption | Partial (complex server-side key management) | Yes (client-side only) |
| Encryption Type | PGP / NaCl | AES-256-GCM client-side |
| Account Required to Receive | Yes | No |
| Active Development | Maintenance mode (since Zoom acquisition 2020) | Actively developed |
| Social Identity Proofs | Yes (Twitter, GitHub, etc.) | No (privacy-first, no identity linking) |
| Password Protection | No (identity-based) | Yes |
| Expiration Control | No (files persist) | 1 day to unlimited |
| Built-in Tools | Chat, teams, git | PDF editor, converter, compressor, metadata scrubber, virus scanner, and more |
| Desktop App | Yes (limited updates) | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Browser Extension | No | Chrome Extension |
| Owner | Zoom Video Communications | Independent (FileShot.io) |
Why FileShot Over Keybase?
Keybase launched in 2014 as a bold attempt to make PGP encryption accessible. It introduced social identity proofs, encrypted chat, team collaboration, and a 250 GB encrypted filesystem. It was one of the most ambitious crypto projects of its era. Then Zoom acquired it in May 2020, and active development essentially stopped.
The Keybase apps still work, the servers still run, and your files are still there. But there have been no meaningful feature updates since the acquisition. The future is uncertain. For users who need a file sharing platform under active development with a clear roadmap, Keybase is a risky bet.
Encryption Architecture
Keybase uses a sophisticated cryptographic system rooted in PGP and NaCl (Networking and Cryptography library). It supports device-based key management and per-user key trees. This is powerful but complex — the server participates in key exchange and device provisioning, which means the server has a larger role in the trust model than a true zero-knowledge system.
FileShot takes a simpler, stricter approach. Files are encrypted in your browser with AES-256-GCM before upload. The decryption key exists only in the URL fragment — it never leaves your device, never touches the server. There is no key exchange, no device provisioning, no server-side key trees. The server literally cannot decrypt your files. This is zero-knowledge by design, not by policy.
Account Requirements
Keybase requires both sender and recipient to have Keybase accounts. This is because its identity-verification model depends on linking social profiles and managing device keys. While this provides strong identity assurance, it creates friction for casual file sharing. You cannot simply send a file to someone who does not already use Keybase.
FileShot requires no account for recipients. You upload a file, get a link, and anyone with that link can download and decrypt it. No sign-up, no app install, no identity verification needed. For the sender, an account is optional — you can upload anonymously on the free tier.
Active Development vs Maintenance Mode
Since the Zoom acquisition, Keybase's GitHub activity has slowed dramatically. The team was absorbed into Zoom's end-to-end encryption efforts. While the existing infrastructure continues to function, users relying on Keybase for long-term file storage face an uncomfortable question: what happens if Zoom decides the costs are no longer justified?
FileShot is independently owned and actively developed. New features ship regularly — the platform includes file sharing, P2P transfers, encrypted chat, a full tool suite (PDF editor, file converter, image compressor, metadata scrubber, archive builder, virus scanner), a desktop app, a Chrome extension, and an Android app. There is no corporate parent that might deprioritize or shut down the service.
Who Should Choose FileShot?
If you need a file sharing platform that is actively maintained, uses true zero-knowledge encryption, does not require recipients to create accounts, and offers a broad set of integrated tools, FileShot is the stronger choice. Keybase is still useful for team collaboration and identity verification, but its uncertain future and account requirements make it less practical for general-purpose secure file sharing.
For zero-knowledge file sharing that is actively maintained and free to use, try FileShot free or explore our plans.