Cryptocat icon

Cryptocat

Cryptocat is a free open source messaging application focused on security. It offers encrypted instant messaging communication using end-to-end encryption to secure conversations.

What is Cryptocat?

Cryptocat is a free and open source messaging application designed for secure online chatting. It uses strong encryption to safeguard communications, protecting the privacy of users.

Some key features of Cryptocat include:

  • End-to-end encryption - Messages are encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device, preventing third parties from accessing conversations.
  • Forward secrecy - New encryption keys are generated for each session, so past communications cannot be decrypted even if a key gets compromised in the future.
  • Off-the-record messaging - Cryptocat supports OTR messaging which enables ephemeral, self-destructing messages that leave no trace after closing the chat window.
  • No logs policy - Cryptocat does not store user conversations on servers, further enhancing privacy.
  • Open source - As an open source program, Cryptocat's code is transparent and open to independent security audits.

Cryptocat is available as a browser-based web app for desktop and mobile devices. It offers a simple, accessible way for regular users to gain the security benefits of end-to-end encrypted messaging.

The Best Cryptocat Alternatives

Top Apps like Cryptocat

Signal, Matrix.org, Threema, Tox, Briar, Jitsi Desktop, Keybase, ChatSecure, Utopia are some alternatives to Cryptocat.

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...

Matrix.org

Matrix.org is an open standard, open source, decentralized communication protocol for secure and private communication over IP. It allows different communication platforms and apps to interconnect via APIs and SDKs, facilitating messaging, voice/video calling, IoT communication, and more.Matrix aims to create a unified global namespace for communication...

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...

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...

Briar

Briar is a free, open source peer-to-peer messaging app designed for activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and anyone who needs a secure and private means of communication. It provides encrypted messaging, forums, and blogs without relying on a central server which could be monitored or blocked.Briar forms connections only between trusted...

Jitsi Desktop

Jitsi Desktop is a free, open source video conferencing application for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. It allows users to easily conduct encrypted video meetings with multiple participants.Some of the key features of Jitsi Desktop include:End-to-end encryption for secure video callsScreen sharing to present documents, slides, and...

Keybase

Keybase is a secure messaging and collaboration platform that focuses on privacy and security. It utilizes end-to-end encryption for chats and calls to keep conversations private. Additionally, Keybase uses blockchain-based authentication to verify users' identities.Some key features of Keybase include:Encrypted messaging and file transfers - Chats, group conversations...

ChatSecure

ChatSecure is an open source, encrypted messaging application developed by The Guardian Project for both iOS and Android platforms. It provides private and secure communications for activists, journalists, and everyday people around the world.Some key features of ChatSecure include:End-to-end encryption using protocols like OTR and OpenSSL to keep...

Utopia

Utopia is an open-source, decentralized peer-to-peer network designed to enable private, secure, and uncensored communication between users. It was created as an alternative to traditional centralized networks that tend to collect user data and are vulnerable to censorship and surveillance.Some key features of Utopia include:Encrypted instant messaging and...