Crypho

Crypho is an end-to-end encrypted workplace communications service combining chat, file exchange and video conferencing. It suits organizations where controlled membership, Norwegian data hosting and audit-friendly records matter more than a generous free tier. The platform is strongest for security-conscious professional teams, while individuals and larger groups should examine its limits and pricing closely.

Overview

Founded in Norway in 2012, Crypho targets finance, energy, government, law enforcement, enterprise and smaller companies with demanding security requirements. Its persistent group rooms keep conversation and a shared file folder together, with access restricted to invited members. That model is practical for continuing projects and sensitive customer work, but the personal account permits only one group.

Dedicated servers in Norway, with no cloud services used to host or store user data, will appeal to organizations that require a specific hosting arrangement. Norwegian BankID identification supports company and customer processes. Support is available by email or by inviting Crypho staff into an in-app chat, with coverage during European (CET) time zones.

Key features

End-to-end encryption is enabled by default. Crypho identifies 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 factor, with tokens delivered through SMS or the mobile app.

File handling is tightly tied to the subscription. Personal accounts accept files up to 3mb, Pro raises that to 100mb, and Enterprise supports files up to 2gb. The Enterprise ceiling is the sensible choice for substantial documents or media; Pro may still constrain teams that routinely exchange large files. Paid organizational accounts can export plain-text chat transcripts for compliance or archiving, turning conversations into records that regulated teams can retain.

Encrypted voice and video calls are included across the plans. Guest access is available on Enterprise, which is more suitable for bringing customers, contractors or partners into controlled conversations than the personal tier.

Pricing

Free

The Free plan costs nothing and is intended for personal use. It includes encrypted calls and video calls, files up to 3mb and one group. That is a useful way to establish a private room, but the single-group cap and small file allowance make it a poor foundation for multi-project professional work.

Pro Plan

Pro costs €379 a month on a recurring monthly subscription. It is designed for professional use, supporting up to 25 team members, 100 groups, files up to 100mb, encrypted calls and video calls, and content export. This is the practical tier for a small organization needing many persistent rooms and compliance records; the seat ceiling and 100mb file limit become significant as a team expands.

Enterprise

Enterprise uses custom pricing for larger organizations. It adds file sharing up to 2gb, unlimited groups, encrypted calls and video calls, external guests, content export and an optional on-premise server. Those additions address large teams, outside participants and heavier data-governance requirements, but buyers must contact Crypho for a quote.

Platforms

Crypho provides apps and access for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows and the web. Mobile apps are available on both major mobile platforms, allowing calls, authentication and messaging away from a desktop.

Who it's for

Crypho is a strong fit for regulated or security-sensitive organizations that need encrypted communications, controlled group membership, Norwegian hosting and exportable records. Finance, energy, government, law-enforcement teams and security-focused small businesses are its natural audience. It is less suitable for casual users, large communities seeking a broad free tier, or teams whose routine file transfers exceed 100mb without an Enterprise budget.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Default end-to-end encryption: sensitive chats and calls are protected without requiring users to switch security modes.
• Norwegian dedicated hosting: the stated no-cloud infrastructure can satisfy organizations with stringent hosting preferences.
• Compliance export: paid accounts can download plain-text transcripts for archiving and compliance workflows.
• Enterprise controls: external guests, unlimited groups, 2gb files and optional on-premise deployment cover complex deployments.

Cons

• Restrictive free tier: one group and 3mb files limit it to personal or very small uses.
• High Pro entry price: €379 a month is a substantial commitment for teams capped at 25 members.
• Pro file ceiling: 100mb may force an Enterprise upgrade for larger working files.

Alternatives

Wire is the better pick when fully open-source code, Linux support and a free plan are priorities.

Olvid suits readers wanting a free plan with unlimited messages, unlimited attachments, secure group discussions and ephemeral messages across desktop and mobile platforms.

Telegram is preferable for free, large-scale groups and channels with unlimited cloud storage.

Jami is the alternative for users seeking a wholly free project led by Savoir-faire Linux and a global free-software community.

Viber fits free messaging and calls between Viber users, with separate paid Viber Out calling.

Delta Chat is a free, open-source option with self-hosting support.

Signal is the straightforward free choice for private messaging and calling, though desktop use requires a mobile account.

SimpleX Chat is a free option for readers seeking an open-source ecosystem that permits self-hosting.

The Secure Messaging Apps and Secure Team Chat Software rankings provide broader category comparisons.

Verdict

Choose Crypho when your organization needs encrypted chat, calls, file sharing and conferencing alongside Norwegian dedicated hosting and compliance export. Its security-focused controls and Enterprise options are persuasive for regulated work; look elsewhere if your team needs a generous free plan, larger Pro file limits or a lower-cost professional subscription.