RetroShare Alternatives

RetroShare is described as 'open source cross-platform, private and secure decentralized communication system. It lets you to securely chat, share photos, videos, and more, using OpenPGP to authenticate peers and ' and is a very popular instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 50 alternatives to RetroShare for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iPhone. The best alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like RetroShare are Element, Discord, Tox and Jami.

RetroShare alternatives are mainly Instant Messengers but may also be Encrypted Chat Apps or Group Chat Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of RetroShare.

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RetroShare

144

Free • Open Source
Instant Messenger

Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
OpenSSL
OpenPGP

RetroShare is a open source cross-platform, private and secure decentralized communication system. It lets you to securely...

Learn more about RetroShare

Signal
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
iPad
Flathub
Ubuntu
Debian
202 alternatives to Signal
Signal is a messaging app with an unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all the features expected from a modern IM app. Signal has received a lot of praise from all around the world for its security and privacy-respecting technologies.
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Signal Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionSignal has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedSignal is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeSignal doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Self Destructing MessagesSignal supports the use of private messages that will be auto deleted according to a specified time or action.
5. No TrackingSignal will not track you or use your personal data.
6. VoiP CallsSignal allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
7. Dark ModeSignal supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. LightweightSignal consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Works OfflineSignal can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
Security focused
GPLv3
Encrypted Connection
Private messaging
Mobile friendly
Secure Chat
Stickers
Based on phone number
Protected by Password
Desktop Application
Signal vs RetroShare opinions
Most users think Signal is a great alternative to RetroShare.
Sandro_Linux
No p2p file sharing (signal is centralised), no social media and forum functionality
Negative comment•
0
Element
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Group Chat App
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
Matrix.org
Cloudron
F-Droid
FLATHUB
264 alternatives to Element
Element is a secure collaboration and messaging app based on the Matrix protocol. It’s decentralised to deliver digital sovereignty, and based on an open standard for easy connections and interoperability. It is end-to-end encrypted by default.
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Element Features
1. DecentralizedElement is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. End-to-End EncryptionElement has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedElement is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. VoiP CallsElement allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
5. No TrackingElement will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Element simultaneously.
7. Dark ModeElement supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Ad-freeElement doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. File VersioningElement has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Federated
Matrix Protocol
Voice Chat
Federation
Direct Messaging
Community-based
Per-room avatars
Multiple languages
Custom widgets
Message redaction
Element vs RetroShare opinions
Discord
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Group Chat App
Video Calling App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
BSD
iPad
Epic Games Store
Electron / Atom Shell
FreeBSD
Playstation
Xbox
Flathub
154 alternatives to Discord
Whether you’re part of a school club, a gaming group, a worldwide art community, or just a handful of friends that want to spend time together, Discord makes it easy to talk every day and hang out more often.
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Discord Features
1. VoiP CallsDiscord allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
2. Ad-freeDiscord doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Screen SharingYou can use Discord to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
4. Text to SpeechDiscord allows you to transform written text into spoken text.
5. LightweightDiscord consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
6. Two-factor AuthenticationDiscord supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
7. Dark ModeDiscord supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Multi Channel
Text chat
Bots
Chat Bot
Voice Chat
Multiple Servers
Push to talk
Stickers
Public groups chat
Custom Smileys
Tox
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
BSD
F-Droid
179 alternatives to Tox
With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.
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Tox Features
1. DecentralizedTox is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedTox is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionTox has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tox without registration.
5. Screen SharingYou can use Tox to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. LightweightTox consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. No TrackingTox will not track you or use your personal data.
8. Dark ModeTox supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. AES-256 EncryptionTox has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
Peer-To-Peer
Security focused
Multiplatform
P2P Network
Built-in player
GPLv3
White-labeled
Video Conferencing
Client side encryption
VoiP Calls
Jami
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Video Calling App
Encrypted Chat App
Instant Messenger
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
140 alternatives to Jami
Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement
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Jami Features
1. DecentralizedJami is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
2. Privacy focusedJami is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeJami doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. End-to-End EncryptionJami has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
5. Screen SharingYou can use Jami to share your screen with your colleages or friends.
6. No TrackingJami will not track you or use your personal data.
Video Conferencing
Peer-To-Peer
Multi Platform
SIP client
Team Messaging
Multiple languages
Distributed
SIP
Intercom Support
Voice Chat
Deluge
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Torrent Client
Mac
Linux
BSD
libtorrent
Python
65 alternatives to Deluge
Deluge is a full-featured BitTorrent client for Linux, Unix and Windows. It is written in python, uses libtorrent (rasterbar) at its core and GTK for the main user interface along with web and console interfaces for advanced client/server...
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Deluge Features
1. Ad-freeDeluge doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
2. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsDeluge can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
3. PortableDeluge can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Built-in Torrent client
Configurable
Windows Compatible
IP Address Blacklist
Web client
Deluge vs RetroShare opinions
This alternative is disputed. Deluge is still a legitimate alternative to RetroShare, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
Guest
Retroshare is a whole multiple chat/mail/group program while Deluge's main purpose is to download torrents.
Negative comment•
7

altersoft
torrent client only, not p2p or edonkey.
Negative comment•
5

Guest
Not the same scope as RetroShare!
Negative comment•
6
OnionShare
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Large File Transfer Service
Mac
Windows
Linux
Tor Browser Private Web
Android
41 alternatives to OnionShare
OnionShare is an open source tool that lets you securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat with friends using the Tor network.
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OnionShare Features
1. Privacy focusedOnionShare is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. No Coding RequiredOnionShare can be used without an coding or programming skills.
3. LightweightOnionShare consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Ad-freeOnionShare doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Tor
Anonymous Secure Filesharing
Privacy
Receive files
OnionShare vs RetroShare opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
Sandro_Linux
Similar functionality to retroshare but easier to use and onion routing (tor) is on by default
Positive comment•
0
BiglyBT
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Torrent Client
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
BSD
64 alternatives to BiglyBT
BiglyBT is a feature filled, open source, bittorrent client based on the Azureus open source project, now Vuze .
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BiglyBT Features
1. Ad-freeBiglyBT doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Torrenting
Swarm Merging
i2P integration
Download torrents
Integrated Chat
Support for TOR
Java based
Anonymous Chat
Media Streaming
Support for WebTorrent
Utopia
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Instant Messenger
Encrypted Chat App
Group Chat App
Mac
Windows
Linux
41 alternatives to Utopia
Utopia P2P Ecosystem. Utopia is a feature-rich platform that is specifically designed to protect privacy of communication, confidentiality, and security of personal data. Utopia is a decentralized network, with no central server involved in data transmission or storage.
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Utopia Features
1. No TrackingUtopia will not track you or use your personal data.
2. DecentralizedUtopia is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
3. AES-256 EncryptionUtopia has AES-256 Encryption, i.e. very strong security.
4. VoiP CallsUtopia allows you to make voice calls over Internet using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Encrypted Email
P2P Network
Own crypto currency (CRP)
Multiple languages
In-built Cryptocurrency Cryptons (CRP)
App lock option
Encrypted database
Integrated Web Browser
Todoist integration
In-built voice-synthesizer
Soulseek
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Mac
Windows
Linux
16 alternatives to Soulseek
Soulseek® is a unique ad-free, spyware free, and just plain free file sharing application. One of the things that makes Soulseek® unique is our community and community-related features. Based on peer-to-peer technology, virtual rooms allow you to meet people with the...
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Soulseek Features
Peer-To-Peer
Wishlist
Longevity
Android Sync