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Bitmessage

Bitmessage is a decentralized, encrypted communications protocol that allows users to send messages securely over a peer-to-peer network. It provides privacy and anonymity by using bitcoin's cryptography concepts.

What is Bitmessage?

Bitmessage is an open-source, decentralized peer-to-peer messaging protocol that allows users to securely send encrypted messages to another person or to many subscribers. Inspired by Bitcoin, Bitmessage uses similar cryptography concepts to provide basic privacy and anonymity.

Instead of communicating directly from sender to receiver, Bitmessage bounces communications randomly through a decentralized network consisting of the computers of active Bitmessage users. Messages are encrypted using public-key cryptography before entering the Bitmessage network. This makes it very difficult to associate messages to any particular sender or receiver.

Some key features of Bitmessage include:

  • Encrypted communication that aims to guarantee privacy
  • User identities kept anonymous using cryptographic addresses
  • Messages forwarded through a distributed peer-to-peer network
  • Proof-of-work spoofing protection to make spam economically inefficient

Overall, Bitmessage allows ordinary users to communicate privately without relying on centralized servers that can easily be compromised or taken offline. The protocol continues to be developed by a small active open-source community.

The Best Bitmessage Alternatives

Top Apps like Bitmessage

Signal, Threema, Adium, Tox, XMPP, Tor Messenger, chat.onion, Gajim, RetroShare, FluffyChat, Element X, qTox, Peergos, BitMail, SimpleX Chat, uTox, Isotoxin, CoyIM, GoldBug, Hemlis, Pidgin-Encryption, Toxygen, Psyced, Echoplexus are some alternatives to Bitmessage.

Signal

Signal is a free, open source software application for iOS, Android, and Desktop that employs end-to-end encryption, allowing users to send end-to-end encrypted group, text, picture, and audio & video messages, and have encrypted phone conversations between Signal users.First released in July 2014, Signal is developed by the Signal Foundation...

Threema

Threema is a secure messaging and voice calling app that emphasizes privacy and security.It offers:End-to-end encryption for all messages, voice calls, group chats, and filesAnonymous user IDs not tied to phone numbers or emailsNo ads or user data collectionCertified open-source cryptographyOptional anonymous payments for any services within the...

Adium

Adium is a free and open source instant messaging application developed specifically for the macOS operating system. It supports many popular chat networks and protocols including AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Jabber/XMPP.Some key features of Adium include:A simple and easy-to-use interface that can...

Tox

Tox is an open-source, peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling platform that focuses on privacy and security. It provides end-to-end encryption for chats and calls to ensure user data remains private.Unlike many other messaging apps, Tox does not rely on central servers - it uses a distributed network where...

XMPP

XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) is an open standard communication protocol for message-oriented middleware based on XML. It enables the near-real-time exchange of structured yet extensible data between any two or more network entities.Originally named Jabber, XMPP provides features for presence, messaging, and network availability. Some key capabilities...

Tor Messenger

Tor Messenger is a free, anonymous instant messaging application built on top of the Tor network. It allows you to securely chat with contacts while hiding your IP address and location. Some key features of Tor Messenger include:End-to-end encrypted messaging to protect conversationsOnion routing of messages through the Tor...

Chat.onion

chat.onion is an anonymous online chat service that can only be accessed through the Tor browser. It allows users to have conversations securely and privately without revealing their identity or IP address. Some key features of chat.onion include:Completely anonymous - No registration or personal details required to...

Gajim

Gajim is a free, open-source instant messaging client that uses the XMPP protocol for encrypted communications. It allows you to chat with users on many XMPP-based networks like Google Talk, Jabber, and more.Some key features of Gajim include:End-to-end encryption for secure chatsSupport for group chatsCustomizable interfaces and themesFile...

RetroShare

RetroShare is a free, open-source, private and secure decentralized communication platform. It lets users securely chat, message, communicate, share files, photos, host forums and channels over the internet.Some key features of RetroShare:End-to-end encrypted messaging and chatAnonymous and private file sharingDecentralized forums and channelsWorks peer-to-peer without central serversProtects users'...

FluffyChat

FluffyChat is an open-source desktop chat application for the Matrix protocol. It is designed to provide an easy-to-use and feature-rich chat experience while protecting user privacy through end-to-end encryption.Some key features of FluffyChat include:Encrypted chat, audio calls, video calls, and file sharing using the Matrix protocolSupport for communities...

Element X

Element X is a versatile vector graphics software focused on providing a seamless illustration workflow. Originally designed for UI and UX designers, web developers, and graphic artists, Element X has evolved into an all-around solution for crafting 2D graphics, icons, logos, concept art, and simple animations.At its core, Element...

QTox

qTox is an open-source, free software instant messaging and video calling client that focuses on privacy, security and encryption. It is based on Tox, a decentralized peer-to-peer networking protocol.Some key features of qTox include:End-to-end encryption for secure messaging and callingAllows chatting with friends privately or in group chatsMakes...

Peergos

Peergos is an open source, end-to-end encrypted file storage and sharing platform. It allows users to store their files securely in the cloud using asymmetric cryptography and client-side encryption. This means the files are encrypted on the user's device before being sent to the storage servers. The servers never have...

BitMail

BitMail is an open-source, decentralized and encrypted email service built on blockchain technology to provide users with enhanced privacy, security and anti-censorship. It allows users to send and receive private email messages that are encrypted end-to-end using cryptography to prevent unauthorized access.Unlike traditional email services like Gmail or Outlook...

SimpleX Chat

SimpleX Chat is a free, open source instant messaging application allowing users to have secure text, voice and video chats without disclosing their personal phone numbers or any other sensitive contact information.With SimpleX, users can register with just a username and password. Their phone numbers or other personal details...

UTox

uTox is an open-source, free instant messaging and video calling app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It focuses on providing secure peer-to-peer encrypted communications between users.Some key features of uTox include:End-to-end encryption for messages, voice/video calls, and file transfers using NaCl cryptographyAbility to make HD video and...

Isotoxin

Isotoxin is an open-source load and performance testing tool designed for testing the load capacity and performance of web applications. It simulates multiple concurrent users accessing a web application to help identify bottlenecks, measure throughput thresholds, and ensure scalability.Key features of Isotoxin include:Intuitive GUI for configuring and running...

CoyIM

CoyIM is an open-source, cross-platform secure instant messenger client developed by The Tor Project that focuses on privacy and encryption. Some key features of CoyIM include:End-to-end encryption of chat messages using OTR (Off-the-Record) messaging to prevent eavesdroppingEncryption of chat metadata to hide who is talking to whomSupport for multiple...

GoldBug

GoldBug is a free and open source encrypted messaging application available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android operating systems. It features end-to-end encryption for text messages, file transfers and voice calls to ensure privacy and security of communications.Some key features of GoldBug include:End-to-end encryption using the Axolotl...

Hemlis

Hemlis is an open-source, privacy-focused messenger launched in 2018 that focuses on providing secure and private conversations. It allows users to exchange encrypted messages, make voice calls, and share files while protecting their privacy.Some key features of Hemlis include:End-to-end encryption - All chats, group conversations, calls and media shared...

Pidgin-Encryption

Pidgin-Encryption is an open source plugin developed for the Pidgin instant messaging client that enables end-to-end encryption for chat conversations. It utilizes the Off-the-Record Messaging encryption protocol to provide enhanced security and privacy for Pidgin users.Once installed, Pidgin-Encryption adds an option to encrypt chats within the Pidgin user interface...

Toxygen

Toxygen is an open-source, free instant messaging client developed by PrivatEnd, a nonprofit organization based in Switzerland. It was created as an alternative to mainstream chat apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, with a strong focus on user privacy and security.Some key features of Toxygen include:End-to-end encryption - All...

Psyced

Psyced is a versatile mind mapping and brainstorming software used by individuals and teams to visually organize ideas and information. With Psyced, users can create multi-level tree diagrams and flow charts to map out concepts, processes, notes, project plans, and more.Some key features of Psyced include:Real-time collaboration -...

Echoplexus

Echoplexus is a cloud-based business automation and integration platform designed to streamline workflows and connect data across systems. It provides a low-code development environment that enables anyone, not just developers and IT staff, to quickly build custom apps and automations to suit their unique business needs.With an intuitive drag-and-drop...