Zero-knowledge
We cannot read workspace content
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Quick verdict.
Choose Worklist if you need true end-to-end encryption for sensitive projects. Your workspace content stays private, even from us, though PHI still requires a written compliance agreement or BAA. Choose Trello if you want a free, feature-rich kanban tool and you're comfortable with conventional SaaS access controls.
Feature comparison.
| Feature | Worklist | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ||
| Zero-Knowledge Architecture | ||
| Self-Hosted Deployment Option | ||
| Provider Can Access Workspace Content | ||
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| SOC 2 Certified | ||
| Open Source Crypto | ||
| Data Export | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Power-Ups/Integrations | ||
| Butler Automation | ||
| Starting price | $8.5/seat/mo | Free (10 collaborators); paid $5-$17.50+/user/mo annually |
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 Trello if...
- You need a free tier for personal use
- You want Power-Ups and integrations
- Butler automation is important to you
- You're managing non-sensitive projects
- Your team already uses Atlassian tools
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.
Trello: standard cloud security.
Trello, owned by Atlassian, uses encryption at rest and TLS in transit. Atlassian manages keys through standard cloud key-management controls. This is conventional SaaS encryption rather than zero-knowledge encryption, so Atlassian's service can process Trello content for product operation and support.
Result: Provider-side compromise or authorized access paths could expose plaintext content. Atlassian can respond to lawful data requests with content it is technically able to access.
Frequently asked questions.
Is Trello end-to-end encrypted?
No. Trello 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 Trello employees see my data?
Trello 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 Trello 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. Atlassian currently lists Jira, Jira Service Management, and Confluence as BAA-eligible products, not Trello.
Is Trello free to use?
Trello has a free tier for small workspaces, while paid plans add more administrative and automation features. Worklist offers a 14-day free trial and then per-seat team pricing.
References.
- 01 Atlassian Trust & Security - Official security documentation
- 02 Worklist security architecture - Zero-knowledge encryption details
- 03 RFC 8439: ChaCha20-Poly1305 - Encryption standard used by Worklist
Ready for private kanban?
Try Worklist free for 14 days, or ask about the licensed self-hosted Docker distribution for your own hardware.
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