Pastebins · Comparison
PasteOkay vs PrivateBin: two zero-knowledge pastebins compared
PrivateBin proved that a pastebin can be zero-knowledge. PasteOkay takes the same idea and adds managed hosting, a manage link and a modern editor.
Updated · 4 min read · PasteOkay is our own product, so read this as a vendor comparison. Features were checked in October 2026.
In short
- Choose PasteOkay when you want zero-knowledge pastes without running a server, plus a manage link and a polished mobile editor.
- Choose PrivateBin when you need an open-source project you can host yourself, including file attachments and a public instance you trust.
- Features and prices were checked in October 2026; verify the current details with each provider.
PasteOkay
Choose PasteOkay when you want zero-knowledge pastes without running a server, plus a manage link and a polished mobile editor.
- Hosted and maintained, with no server to patch
- Short links, a manage link and optional PRO addresses
- Clean editor that works on a phone without installing anything
PrivateBin
Choose PrivateBin when you need an open-source project you can host yourself, including file attachments and a public instance you trust.
- Mature open-source codebase with public security review
- Self-hosting on ordinary PHP hosting is well documented
- Supports small file attachments in addition to text
Side by side
| Capability | PasteOkay | PrivateBin |
|---|---|---|
| Account required | No | No |
| Client-side encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Password protection | Yes | Yes |
| Burn after reading | Yes | Yes |
| Expiry control | 10 minutes to 30 days | Presets, set by the instance |
| File attachments | Text only | Yes, within instance limits |
| Self-hosting | Not packaged | Yes, the main feature |
| Price | Free, PRO $5 once | Free, hosting costs separate |
A dash means the feature is not offered in the standard flow. Plans and limits change; verify the current details with each provider before relying on them.
The shared idea: the server should not read the paste
Both services encrypt in the browser. The key is created on the device, placed in the part of the URL after the #, and never transmitted. The server stores ciphertext and cannot produce the plaintext on its own. That property separates this category from a conventional paste host.
The practical difference is operational. PrivateBin gives you the code and expects you to trust an instance or run one. PasteOkay is a hosted product: the encryption is the same idea, but deployment, patching and edge configuration are somebody else's job.
Features a hosted user notices
PasteOkay adds a manage link that is shown once and can replace or delete a paste later, without an account. It also supports readable short links on PRO, click statistics and labels when you use the link shortener. PrivateBin concentrates on the paste itself and leaves account-like features out.
On a phone, PasteOkay is a single responsive editor with a character counter, language hint, expiry selector and password field. PrivateBin's interface is functional and intentionally sparse. Neither approach is wrong; they serve different expectations.
Attachments and instance limits
PrivateBin supports attachments, which makes it a better fit for a small screenshot or a PDF that belongs with the text. PasteOkay is deliberately text-first: two megabytes on PRO, half a megabyte free, no binary uploads. That keeps the service cheap and the abuse surface small.
If you self-host PrivateBin, you inherit the storage, TLS certificate, backups and patching. If you use a public instance, you inherit that operator's limits and availability. PasteOkay is a single service with a single set of rules, which is simpler to reason about but less configurable.
Which one should you choose?
Choose PasteOkay if
- You want zero-knowledge pastes without maintaining PHP and a database
- You value a manage link, short links and a mobile-friendly editor
- You want a predictable text-only service with clear limits
Choose PrivateBin if
- You must keep all data on infrastructure you control
- You need open-source code you can audit and modify
- You want to attach a small file to the paste
Frequently asked questions
Is PrivateBin more secure than PasteOkay?
Both use client-side encryption, so the core promise is similar. PrivateBin has years of public scrutiny and can be self-hosted, which some threat models require. PasteOkay adds server-side encryption at rest and a hardened Cloudflare deployment. The answer depends on whether you trust an operator or your own server more.
Can PasteOkay read a paste encrypted in the browser?
No. The key exists only in the URL fragment, and browsers do not send fragments to servers. The server stores ciphertext and can delete it, but it cannot decrypt it.
Does PrivateBin require an account?
No. Anonymous pastes are the normal mode. Some instances add optional moderation or retention settings, but the upstream project is built around anonymous use.
Which one is better for a team?
PrivateBin is often chosen by teams that already run infrastructure. PasteOkay is easier for a team that wants a working private pastebin today, with expiry and a manage link, without operating anything.
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No account. Choose a lifetime, add a password if you need one, and encrypt in your browser when the text should never reach the server in readable form.