cryptpad vs filekey
Encrypted collaboration and private file encryption compared
cryptpad is a browser-based suite for real-time collaborative editing, with content encrypted before it reaches the server. filekey encrypts and decrypts files on a device using passkeys, focusing on private storage and direct sharing rather than shared workspaces.
cryptpad: Collaborate on Documents with End-to-End Encryption
CryptPad is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted collaboration suite for editing documents in real time. It runs in a web browser and can be self-hosted, keeping document contents encrypted from the server.
filekey: Encrypt and Share Files with Passkeys
FileKey is an offline web app built on the WebAuthn PRF extension that encrypts files with passkeys on your device. It is designed for people who want private file storage or end-to-end sharing without accounts, tracking, or cloud uploads.
| cryptpad | filekey | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | JavaScript | TypeScript |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 8k | 484 |
| Forks | 873 | 36 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 31, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 |
Key differences
- cryptpad provides collaborative tools including documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, kanban boards, code, rich text, and whiteboards; filekey focuses on encrypting and sharing files.
- cryptpad synchronizes changes between collaborators in real time; filekey creates recipient-addressed encrypted files that can be sent through another transfer method.
- cryptpad is written in JavaScript and licensed under AGPL-3.0; filekey is written in TypeScript and licensed under GPL-3.0.
- cryptpad supports self-hosted production services; filekey runs as a static site and can be installed as an offline PWA.
- cryptpad depends on trusting the instance to serve safe application code; filekey depends on browser, operating-system, and passkey-provider support for WebAuthn PRF.
- cryptpad has 8k stars and 858 forks, compared with filekey's 484 stars and 36 forks; filekey's development is concentrated in one contributor, and it has had no releases in over a year.
Choose cryptpad if you…
- need real-time collaboration across documents and other shared content.
- want a self-hosted service for team workspaces.
- need several collaboration tools, such as forms, kanban boards, and whiteboards, in one suite.
Choose filekey if you…
- want to encrypt files locally with a compatible passkey, without cloud uploads or accounts.
- need to send encrypted files to a recipient using an existing transfer method.
- want an installable app for encrypting and decrypting files offline.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.