Last updated:

SealTask vs. OpenProject

Open-source project management compared with privacy-first encrypted task boards.

No credit card Zero-knowledge encryption Team-ready boards

Zero-knowledge

We do not hold the client keys needed to decrypt readable workspace content

$0 Free tier

No credit card required

500+ professionals

Trusted by privacy-focused teams

Quick verdict.

Choose SealTask 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. SealTask is lighter and privacy-first for team tasks, with cloud or licensed self-hosted Docker deployment.

Feature comparison.

Feature SealTask OpenProject
End-to-End Encryption
Zero-Knowledge Architecture
Self-Hosted Deployment Option
Open-Source Product
Provider Can Access Workspace Content
GDPR Support
Open Source Crypto
Data Export
Team Collaboration
Kanban Boards
Time Tracking
Timeline / Gantt Views
Docs
Workload Planning
Starting price €0; Personal €5.90/mo; Team €4.90/seat/mo Community edition free; paid Enterprise Cloud and on-premises plans

Want the private option?

Try SealTask in the hosted cloud, or talk to us about the licensed self-hosted Docker image for your own hardware.

Who should choose which?

Choose SealTask 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.

SealTask: zero-knowledge.

SealTask encrypts readable workspace content on your device with ChaCha20-Poly1305 before sync. The client unlocks keys with an OPAQUE export key plus HKDF, and optional one-time backup keys stay user-held. The service does not hold the keys needed to decrypt that content; account and operational metadata remain server-visible.

Result: A database breach or legal demand can expose ciphertext and server-visible account, billing, security, audit, service, and workspace metadata. SealTask cannot decrypt readable workspace content without the client-held keys.

OpenProject: conventional SaaS security.

OpenProject publishes standard security, privacy, or compliance information for cloud collaboration, but it does not position the product as SealTask-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. SealTask 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 SealTask 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 SealTask-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 SealTask's zero-knowledge architecture, even our engineers cannot access encrypted workspace content because we do not have the keys.

Can I use OpenProject or SealTask for HIPAA-regulated PHI?

Do not treat either product as HIPAA-ready by default. SealTask's zero-knowledge design may help with technical safeguards. Before any PHI use, SealTask must expressly agree in writing. Where HIPAA applies, SealTask and the customer must execute a HIPAA-compliant BAA before use. OpenProject emphasizes GDPR, open source, and self-hosting; it does not publish a HIPAA or BAA program.

When should I choose OpenProject instead of SealTask?

OpenProject is stronger for open-source governance, formal project management, Gantt, work packages, and enterprise controls. SealTask is lighter and privacy-first for team tasks, with cloud or licensed self-hosted Docker deployment.

Explore private OpenProject alternatives

How do task tools' security track records compare?

We maintain dated, source-linked records of publicly documented security incidents across task-management vendors — what happened, how each event is classified, what the sources establish, and why Have I Been Pwned coverage is not the same as incident history.

Browse the incident records

Comparing for a specific kind of private work?

The guide library adds audience-specific workflows, metadata caveats, and system-of-record decisions for legal, people, executive, startup, consulting, and private-practice work.

Browse audience guides

References.

  1. 01
    OpenProject pricing - Official pricing and hosting documentation
  2. 02
    OpenProject security and privacy - Official security and privacy documentation
  3. 03
    OpenProject legal - Official legal and company documentation
  4. 04
    SealTask security architecture - Zero-knowledge encryption details
  5. 05
    RFC 8439: ChaCha20-Poly1305 - Encryption standard used by SealTask

Need private team tasks?

Start on the Free tier, or ask about the licensed self-hosted Docker distribution for your own hardware.

Start free

Try private task management

Start free