Quick Verdict
Choose Worklist if privacy and security are non-negotiable. True end-to-end encryption means even we can't access your data. Choose ClickUp if you need an all-in-one platform with extensive features like time tracking, docs, goals, and whiteboards—and you're comfortable with the company having access to your data.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Worklist | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ||
| Zero-Knowledge Architecture | ||
| Company Can Access Data | ||
| AI Features Process Your Data | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| SOC 2 Certified | ||
| Open Source Crypto | ||
| Data Export | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Time Tracking | ||
| Goals & OKRs | ||
| Whiteboards | ||
| Docs | ||
| Starting Price | $12/seat/mo | $7/seat/mo |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Worklist If:
- You handle sensitive or regulated data
- HIPAA or strict compliance is required
- You don't want AI processing your content
- Privacy is more important than features
- You want focused task management
Choose ClickUp If:
- You need an all-in-one productivity suite
- Time tracking is essential
- You want docs, whiteboards, and goals
- Feature richness outweighs privacy concerns
- You're managing non-sensitive projects
Security Architecture Comparison
Worklist: Zero-Knowledge Architecture
Worklist encrypts all data on your device using ChaCha20-Poly1305 before it reaches our servers. We use OPAQUE PAKE for authentication so we never see your password. The encryption keys are derived locally from your password—we never have them.
Result: Even if our database is breached, attackers get encrypted blobs. Even with a court order, we can only provide encrypted data we cannot decrypt.
ClickUp: Standard Cloud Security
ClickUp uses encryption at rest (AES-256) and TLS for data in transit. They maintain SOC 2 compliance and regular security audits. However, ClickUp's servers have access to your decrypted data to power features like AI, search, and automations.
Result: Standard cloud security protects against external threats but ClickUp itself can access your content. They can comply with legal data requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ClickUp end-to-end encrypted?
No. ClickUp uses encryption at rest and in transit, but not end-to-end encryption. ClickUp's servers can access and decrypt your data to provide features like AI, search, and reporting. This is standard for feature-rich SaaS platforms.
Can ClickUp employees see my data?
Yes, technically. While ClickUp has security policies and access controls, their architecture allows server-side access to your content. With Worklist's zero-knowledge encryption, we cannot access your data—we don't have the keys.
Does ClickUp use my data for AI training?
ClickUp offers AI features that process your content on their servers. Check their current privacy policy for AI training specifics. Worklist cannot use your data for AI because we literally cannot decrypt it.
Which has more features?
ClickUp is more feature-rich with goals, docs, whiteboards, time tracking, and extensive views. Worklist focuses on encrypted task management—kanban boards, checklists, and team collaboration. The trade-off is privacy: Worklist offers less features but complete data privacy.
References
- ClickUp Security — Official security documentation
- Worklist Security Architecture — Zero-knowledge encryption details
- RFC 8439: ChaCha20-Poly1305 — Encryption standard used by Worklist
Privacy Over Features?
If security matters more than bells and whistles, try Worklist free for 14 days. No credit card required.
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