Zero-knowledge
We cannot read workspace content
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Quick verdict.
Choose Worklist if private task content and zero-knowledge encryption matter more than suite breadth. Choose OpenProject if its specialized workflow is the primary requirement. OpenProject is stronger for open-source governance, formal project management, Gantt, work packages, and enterprise controls. Worklist is lighter and privacy-first for team tasks, with cloud or licensed self-hosted Docker deployment.
Feature comparison.
| Feature | Worklist | OpenProject |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ||
| Zero-Knowledge Architecture | ||
| Self-Hosted Deployment Option | ||
| Open-Source Product | ||
| Provider Can Access Workspace Content | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| Open Source Crypto | ||
| Data Export | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Time Tracking | ||
| Timeline / Gantt Views | ||
| Docs | ||
| Workload Planning | ||
| Starting price | $8.5/seat/mo | Community edition free; paid Enterprise Cloud and on-premises plans |
Want the private option?
Try Worklist in the hosted cloud, or talk to us about the licensed self-hosted Docker image for your own hardware.
Who should choose which?
Choose Worklist if...
- You handle sensitive client or internal project data
- You need strong encryption for regulated workflows
- You do not want server-side AI processing workspace content
- You prefer focused task management over a broad work OS
- You want the provider unable to read encrypted content
- You want a licensed self-hosted Docker option on your own hardware
Choose OpenProject if...
- You need open-source licensing or auditable source code
- Gantt, work packages, and formal PM are required
- IT wants to inspect and modify platform code
- Project governance matters more than simple private boards
Security architecture.
Worklist: zero-knowledge.
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 from your password using Argon2id - we don't have them.
Result: Even if our database is breached, attackers get encrypted blobs. Even if served a warrant, we can only provide encrypted data we cannot decrypt.
OpenProject: conventional SaaS security.
OpenProject publishes standard security, privacy, or compliance information for cloud collaboration, but it does not position the product as Worklist-style client-side end-to-end encrypted task management. OpenProject is stronger for open-source governance, formal project management, Gantt, work packages, and enterprise controls. Worklist is lighter and privacy-first for team tasks, with cloud or licensed self-hosted Docker deployment.
Result: That means OpenProject can operate, index, support, or process workspace content in ways a zero-knowledge task app intentionally avoids. Use Worklist when provider-readable task content is the core risk.
Frequently asked questions.
Is OpenProject end-to-end encrypted?
No. OpenProject publishes encryption at rest and in transit, but not Worklist-style client-side end-to-end encryption. That means the service can process workspace content in plaintext for product features and authorized support workflows.
Can OpenProject employees see my data?
OpenProject publishes access controls and policies limiting employee access, but its architecture still permits authorized server-side access to workspace content. With Worklist's zero-knowledge architecture, even our engineers cannot access encrypted workspace content because we do not have the keys.
Can I use OpenProject or Worklist for HIPAA-regulated PHI?
Do not treat either product as HIPAA-ready by default. Worklist's zero-knowledge design may help with technical safeguards, but PHI requires a written compliance agreement or BAA with Worklist. OpenProject emphasizes GDPR, open source, and self-hosting; it does not publish a HIPAA or BAA program.
When should I choose OpenProject instead of Worklist?
OpenProject is stronger for open-source governance, formal project management, Gantt, work packages, and enterprise controls. Worklist is lighter and privacy-first for team tasks, with cloud or licensed self-hosted Docker deployment.
References.
- 01 OpenProject pricing - Official pricing and hosting documentation
- 02 OpenProject security and privacy - Official security and privacy documentation
- 03 OpenProject legal - Official legal and company documentation
- 04 Worklist security architecture - Zero-knowledge encryption details
- 05 RFC 8439: ChaCha20-Poly1305 - Encryption standard used by Worklist
Need private team tasks?
Try Worklist free for 14 days, or ask about the licensed self-hosted Docker distribution for your own hardware.
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