Stackfield
German collaboration platform with end-to-end encryption - an alternative to Slack and Asana
Quick Overview
| Company | Stackfield GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Collaboration |
| Headquarters | Munich, Germany |
| EU/European | Yes - Germany |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes |
| Main Features | Team chat, Tasks, Projects, File sharing, Video calls, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, E2E encryption |
| Pricing | From 4.99/user/month |
| Best For | Teams needing secure, all-in-one collaboration |
| Replaces | Slack, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Teams |
Detailed Review
Stackfield is a Munich-based collaboration platform that combines team messaging, project management, document sharing, and video conferencing into a single encrypted workspace. Founded in 2012 by Christian Mudra and Christopher Diesing, Stackfield was built from the ground up with security as its foundational design principle. Unlike Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Basecamp, which encrypt data in transit and at rest on their servers, Stackfield implements true end-to-end encryption where all content is encrypted on the user's device before being transmitted. This means that not even Stackfield employees can access your messages, files, or tasks -- a level of privacy that no major US-based collaboration tool offers.
The platform occupies a unique position in the collaboration software market by bridging the gap between team communication tools like Slack and project management platforms like Asana or Trello. Rather than requiring organizations to piece together multiple tools and manage data flowing between them, Stackfield provides an integrated environment where chat, tasks, calendars, file storage, and video calls all live within the same encrypted context. This consolidation reduces the complexity of managing multiple subscriptions, reduces data exposure across vendor boundaries, and simplifies compliance for organizations operating in regulated industries.
End-to-End Encryption Architecture
Stackfield's encryption is not a marketing feature layered on top of an otherwise standard architecture -- it is built into the core of the platform. All content, including messages, task descriptions, file attachments, comments, and discussion threads, is encrypted on the client side using AES-256 encryption before being sent to Stackfield's servers. The encryption keys are derived from workspace-specific keys that are shared only among workspace members through an asymmetric key exchange. Stackfield's servers store only encrypted data and never possess the keys needed to decrypt it.
This architecture provides protection against multiple threat vectors. In the event of a server breach, attackers would find only encrypted data they cannot read. Stackfield employees cannot be compelled by any authority to provide readable user content because they simply do not have the decryption keys. For organizations handling sensitive information -- legal firms managing client confidentiality, healthcare providers dealing with patient data, or financial institutions protecting proprietary strategies -- this technical guarantee goes beyond policy-based promises that competitors like Slack or Microsoft Teams offer.
Team Chat and Communication
Stackfield's messaging functionality supports both group channels and direct messages, similar to Slack's channel model. Users can create topic-specific rooms, send text messages with rich formatting, share files, and use mentions to notify specific team members. Threaded conversations keep discussions organized within channels, preventing the chaotic scrolling that plagues busy Slack workspaces. All messages are searchable within the encrypted context, meaning search is performed client-side after decryption rather than on the server.
The platform also supports audio and video calls directly within the workspace, eliminating the need for external tools like Zoom or Google Meet. Screen sharing is available during calls, making Stackfield suitable for remote collaboration sessions, design reviews, and presentations. The integration of calling within the same encrypted environment means meeting content benefits from the same security protections as text messages and files, unlike organizations that use Slack for messaging but switch to a separate, less secure tool for video calls.
Project and Task Management
Stackfield's project management capabilities go well beyond what Slack or Microsoft Teams offer natively. Tasks can be created with due dates, assignees, priorities, checklists, and file attachments. The Kanban board view allows teams to visualize task status across customizable columns, functioning similarly to Trello or Asana's board view. Gantt chart views provide timeline-based project planning for teams that need to manage dependencies and deadlines across multiple workstreams.
Each project in Stackfield can combine multiple modules -- chat, tasks, files, pages, and schedules -- into a unified workspace. This modular approach means a project room can contain its own dedicated chat channel, task board, shared file repository, and wiki-style pages, all organized under one umbrella. For teams that currently use Slack for communication and then switch to Asana or Jira for task tracking, Stackfield eliminates the context-switching and data fragmentation that comes with using separate tools.
Document Collaboration and File Sharing
File sharing on Stackfield is integrated throughout the platform. Users can attach files to messages, tasks, and pages, and all files are encrypted before upload. The platform provides a file browser for organizing shared documents within each workspace, with version history tracking changes over time. Files can be previewed directly in the browser without downloading, supporting common formats including PDFs, images, and office documents.
Stackfield's Pages feature functions as an internal wiki or knowledge base. Teams can create structured documents with rich text formatting, embedded images, tables, and links. Pages support collaborative editing, allowing multiple team members to contribute to documentation, meeting notes, or process guides. For organizations that currently maintain separate wikis in tools like Notion or Confluence, Stackfield's Pages provide a comparable feature set within the same encrypted environment used for communication and task management.
German Data Residency and GDPR Compliance
Stackfield stores all data exclusively in German data centers, providing full EU data residency for organizations that require it. As a German GmbH (limited liability company), Stackfield is subject to German federal data protection law and the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. The company has obtained ISO 27001 certification and undergoes regular security audits. For German enterprises and public sector organizations that must comply with strict data residency requirements, Stackfield's infrastructure guarantees that no data leaves German jurisdiction.
The combination of end-to-end encryption and German data residency creates a compliance posture that is difficult to match with US-based alternatives. Even if German authorities were to request access to Stackfield's servers, the company could not provide readable content because the encryption keys reside only with the workspace members. This technical enforcement of privacy goes beyond policy-based guarantees and provides organizations with defensible compliance claims under GDPR Article 32, which requires appropriate technical measures to protect personal data.
Mobile and Desktop Applications
Stackfield offers native applications for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, in addition to its web interface. The mobile apps maintain the full encryption model, with decryption happening on the device. Push notifications are designed to avoid exposing message content in the notification preview, a privacy detail that many messaging apps overlook. The desktop apps provide a more integrated experience than the web version, including native notifications and background sync.
Cross-device synchronization ensures that conversations, tasks, and files are accessible from any device. The apps support offline access to previously loaded content, though new messages and tasks require an internet connection due to the encryption key exchange requirements. For teams with members who work on the go, the mobile experience is polished and maintains feature parity with the desktop and web versions for core functionality.
Integrations and Workflow Automation
Stackfield supports integrations with common business tools including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and various third-party services through its API and webhook capabilities. Calendar synchronization allows Stackfield deadlines and events to appear in external calendar applications. Email integration enables forwarding messages into Stackfield rooms, creating tasks from emails, and receiving notifications via email for users who prefer inbox-based workflows.
While Stackfield's integration ecosystem is smaller than Slack's extensive app directory, it covers the most common enterprise use cases. The platform also offers Zapier integration, opening connections to thousands of additional applications for automated workflows. For organizations that need deep integrations with specific tools, Stackfield's REST API allows custom development. However, teams heavily dependent on Slack's rich integration ecosystem should evaluate whether Stackfield's available integrations cover their specific needs before migrating.
Pricing and Plan Structure
Stackfield offers tiered pricing starting from approximately 11 euros per user per month for the Business plan, which includes all core features: messaging, tasks, file sharing, video calls, and end-to-end encryption. The Premium plan adds advanced features like Gantt charts, time tracking, and custom roles at a higher per-user rate. Enterprise plans include dedicated support, custom onboarding, SSO integration, and tailored deployment options. All plans include end-to-end encryption as standard, not as a premium add-on.
When compared to the combined cost of Slack (starting at 7.25 euros per user per month), Asana (approximately 10.99 euros per user per month), and a file sharing tool, Stackfield's all-in-one approach often proves more cost-effective while delivering stronger security. Organizations that currently pay for multiple collaboration tools should calculate the total cost of their current stack against Stackfield's unified pricing. The elimination of multiple vendor contracts, separate user management systems, and cross-tool integration maintenance can provide additional hidden savings.
Limitations and Considerations
Stackfield's end-to-end encryption, while a significant advantage for security, introduces certain trade-offs. Server-side search is not possible because the server cannot read the encrypted content, so search performance depends on client-side processing. The encryption also limits some integration capabilities, as third-party tools cannot process encrypted data. Organizations that require extensive third-party app integrations comparable to Slack's ecosystem may find Stackfield's options more limited.
The platform is predominantly used in German-speaking markets, which means the English-language community and documentation, while available, is smaller than for global products like Slack or Teams. Some advanced features like workflow automation and custom reporting are less mature than dedicated project management tools like Asana or Monday.com. For very large organizations with thousands of users, the encrypted architecture may introduce performance considerations during initial workspace loading that are not present in unencrypted platforms.
Who Should Choose Stackfield
Stackfield is ideal for organizations that need to combine team communication and project management in a single encrypted workspace. Law firms, healthcare organizations, financial services companies, and government agencies that handle sensitive data will benefit from Stackfield's genuine end-to-end encryption and German data residency. Teams currently using a combination of Slack, Asana, and file sharing tools can consolidate into Stackfield for simpler management and stronger security. European companies that must demonstrate GDPR compliance and data sovereignty will find Stackfield's technical architecture provides defensible guarantees rather than just policy promises. If your organization values privacy and needs an all-in-one collaboration platform, Stackfield is one of the most compelling European options in 2026.
Alternatives to Stackfield
Looking for other European collaboration solutions? Here are some alternatives worth considering:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Stackfield is fully GDPR compliant. As a German GmbH with all data stored exclusively in German data centers and end-to-end encryption protecting all content, it meets the highest European data protection standards. The company holds ISO 27001 certification and undergoes regular security audits. The encryption ensures that even Stackfield cannot access user content, providing technical enforcement of privacy beyond policy-based guarantees.
Stackfield is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Founded in 2012 by Christian Mudra and Christopher Diesing, the company stores all data exclusively in German data centers. This ensures full EU data residency and means the platform is subject to German federal data protection law and GDPR, not US regulations like the CLOUD Act.
Yes, Stackfield provides true end-to-end encryption using AES-256 for all content including messages, tasks, files, and discussions. Content is encrypted on the user's device before transmission, and encryption keys are held only by workspace members through asymmetric key exchange. Not even Stackfield employees can access your data, providing protection against server breaches and compelled disclosure.
Stackfield offers similar messaging features to Slack but adds integrated project management with Kanban boards and Gantt charts, genuine end-to-end encryption, and German data residency. While Slack can read your messages and is subject to US law, Stackfield's encryption means your communications remain private. Stackfield also replaces additional tools like Asana or Trello, potentially reducing total software costs.
Stackfield starts from approximately 11 euros per user per month for the Business plan, which includes messaging, tasks, file sharing, video calls, and end-to-end encryption. Premium and Enterprise plans add features like Gantt charts, time tracking, SSO, and dedicated support. When compared to the combined cost of Slack, Asana, and a file sharing tool, Stackfield's all-in-one approach is often more cost-effective.
Yes, Stackfield includes built-in audio and video calling with screen sharing, eliminating the need for external tools like Zoom or Google Meet. Calls are initiated directly from the workspace and benefit from the same encrypted environment as text messages and files. This keeps meeting content within the same security perimeter as all other communications.
Yes, Stackfield includes comprehensive project management features including task creation with due dates, assignees, and priorities, Kanban board views for visual task management, and Gantt chart views for timeline-based project planning. These features rival dedicated tools like Asana and Trello while being integrated with team chat and file sharing in a single encrypted workspace.
Stackfield offers native applications for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus a web interface. All apps maintain the full encryption model with decryption on-device. Push notifications are designed to avoid exposing message content in previews, and cross-device synchronization keeps conversations, tasks, and files accessible everywhere.
Stackfield integrates with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and various third-party services through its API and webhooks. Zapier integration connects Stackfield to thousands of additional applications. Calendar synchronization and email integration are also available. However, the integration ecosystem is smaller than Slack's app directory due to encryption constraints on server-side data processing.
Stackfield is ideal for organizations handling sensitive data, including law firms, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and government agencies. Teams wanting to consolidate Slack, Asana, and file sharing into one encrypted platform will benefit most. European companies needing demonstrable GDPR compliance and German data residency will find Stackfield's architecture provides technical guarantees rather than just policy promises.