Crypho

Crypho is an end-to-end encrypted communications service for organizations, combining chat, file sharing and video conferencing. Its persistent group rooms pair conversations with a shared file folder and are limited to invited members. The service supports encrypted calls and video calls, guest access, and Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and web access. Crypho lists authenticated AES with 256-bit keys in CCM mode, El-Gamal elliptic-curve 384-bit encryption and scrypt among its cryptographic methods. It uses TOTP two-factor authentication, with tokens available by SMS or mobile app, and offers Norwegian BankID identification for company and customer processes. Crypho says it operates dedicated servers in Norway without cloud services for hosting or storing user data. The Free plan is for personal use, limited to one group and files up to 3 MB. Pro costs €379 a month and allows up to 25 team members, 100 groups and files up to 100 MB, with content export. Enterprise pricing is available by contacting Crypho; listed options include file sharing up to 2 GB, unlimited groups and an optional on-premise server.

Crypho combines encrypted communication with file sharing and video calls for organizations. Check group, file-size and pricing limits against your needs before choosing a plan.

Crypho suits organizations in finance, energy, government, law enforcement, legal and other fields with security requirements. Personal users can start with a free account, though it is limited to one group and files up to 3 MB.

Overview

Crypho is an end-to-end encrypted communications service for organizations that brings chat, file sharing and video calls into one product. It is best suited to teams with security requirements, particularly in finance, energy, government and law enforcement. Its controlled group rooms and Norwegian-hosted infrastructure stand out, but the free plan is narrow and professional use starts at €379 a month.

Key features

Persistent group chats combine ongoing conversation with a shared file folder, and access is limited to invited members. That makes groups useful as defined spaces for team work; the Free plan's one-group cap, however, leaves little room to separate projects or audiences. End-to-end encryption is on by default. Crypho names authenticated AES with 256-bit keys in CCM mode, El-Gamal elliptic-curve 384-bit encryption and scrypt among its cryptographic methods.

TOTP two-factor authentication adds a second login factor, with tokens available through SMS or the mobile app. Crypho says it operates dedicated servers in Norway and does not use cloud services to host or store user data, a meaningful fit for organizations with specific hosting requirements. Norwegian BankID identification is available for company and customer processes.

File allowances differ sharply by tier: Free supports files up to 3mb, Pro up to 100mb and Enterprise up to 2gb. Pro may work for routine team documents, while organizations moving larger files need Enterprise. Paid organizational accounts can download plain-text chat transcripts for compliance or archiving. Enterprise also supports external guests and offers an optional on-premise server, useful for organizations that need those arrangements.

Pricing

Crypho is freemium. Free costs nothing for personal use and includes encrypted calls and video calls, but limits users to one group and files up to 3mb. It is a constrained way to try the service or for modest personal use, not a substitute for a multi-group team workspace.

Pro Plan costs €379 a month on a billed-monthly recurring subscription. It covers professional use for up to 25 team members and 100 groups, raises the file limit to 100mb, and includes encrypted calls and video calls plus content export. This is the defined tier for smaller organizations needing more than the personal account permits, though its price and 25-member ceiling may not suit every team.

Enterprise has custom pricing for larger organisations. It includes file sharing up to 2gb, unlimited groups, encrypted calls and video calls, external guests, content export and an optional on-premise server. The plan is the clear fit for larger teams or those needing the higher file limit and guest access, but the price requires contacting Crypho.

Platforms

Crypho supports Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows, with mobile apps for both major mobile platforms. Linux is not among its supported platforms.

Who it's for

Crypho names finance, energy, enterprise, government, law enforcement and small companies with security requirements as typical users. The combination of default end-to-end encryption, invited-member groups, Norwegian hosting and transcript export addresses practical needs for controlled organizational communication. Individuals or teams chiefly seeking a free service, higher personal file limits or broad platform coverage should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: End-to-end encryption is enabled by default, and group rooms restrict access to invited members while pairing chat with a shared folder.
• Pros: Dedicated servers in Norway, with no cloud services used to host or store user data, may suit organizations with particular hosting requirements.
• Pros: Enterprise supports file sharing up to 2gb, external guests and optional on-premise deployment; paid organizational accounts can export transcripts.
• Cons: Free is limited to one group and 3mb files, so it is a poor fit for substantial personal sharing or team use.
• Cons: Pro costs €379 a month and caps teams at 25 members and files at 100mb.
• Cons: Enterprise pricing is custom, so larger organizations must contact Crypho to evaluate the cost.

Alternatives

Choose Viber if you want free messaging and calls to other Viber users, rather than Crypho's paid organizational tiers. Wire is worth considering if open-source code available for verification is a priority. Delta Chat is a free and open-source option. Jami is another free alternative. Monal is a free iOS and macOS XMPP chat client. Olvid offers a free plan with unlimited messages, unlimited attachments and secure group discussions. Signal offers free messaging and calling, with a mobile account required for desktop use. SimpleX Chat is a free alternative.

For more options, see Secure Messaging Apps and Secure Team Chat Software.

Verdict

Crypho is a strong fit for organizations that need encrypted group communication alongside file sharing, calls and Norwegian-hosted infrastructure. The default end-to-end encryption and organizational controls make it worth considering for sensitive work; the main reason to look elsewhere is the cost and limits, especially if a team needs more than 25 Pro seats or wants a broadly capable free plan.