Freenet icon

Freenet

Freenet is a peer-to-peer platform for censorship-resistant communication and publishing. It provides a decentralized network designed to let anyone anonymously share files, browse and publish websites, and chat on forums.

What is Freenet?

Freenet is an open source, decentralized and censorship-resistant distributed peer-to-peer network designed to provide strong anonymity protections for communication over the internet. It works by pooling the spare bandwidth and storage space of member computers to allow users to anonymously publish websites, share files, and chat on forums without fear of censorship.

Some key features of Freenet include:

  • Decentralized architecture with no central points of failure
  • Cryptographic protections for anonymity of users and deniability of data stored in the network
  • Adaptive routing to find content in the network without leaking information on what is being accessed
  • Integrated apps for publishing sites, sharing files, and messaging

By distributing data storage and routing across many nodes in a mesh network, Freenet aims to make it very difficult to censor or take down content. It provides a medium for people to communicate freely without government or corporate interference. The tradeoffs are that it can be slower than normal internet access and contains some objectionable content stored by users. Overall, Freenet brings internet freedom and privacy to those facing censorship.

The Best Freenet Alternatives

Top Apps like Freenet

V2Ray, The Web, Freegate, Matrix.org, Shadowrocket, I2P, Lantern, Opera Free VPN, PenguinProxy, ibVPN, CacheBrowser, IPFS, Hide My IP, ZeroMe, Onion.ly, Shadowsocks, Yggdrasil, Decentralized Internet, Surf Anonymous Free, Touch VPN, OnionCat, Proxybear, CoovaChilli, Unblock All, Demonsaw, GNUnet, Snowflake Tor, The Serval Project, Unirises VPN, ninux, NetShade, cjdns, IPZN, ECnet, cryptostorm, JonDoFox, telehash, Tahoe-LAFS, Project Maelstrom, VPNMaster, Proxyhound, BitDust, mith.co, dn42, LibertyHero, Mask Surf, Qaul, NotMyIP, Expat Shield, SailfishVPN, Supernet, Hide IP NG, IP Privacy, UltraVPN, Absentis Web Cache Service, Phex, Netsukuku, JonDo, Osiris SPS, FBVPN, CCNx, Kommute are some alternatives to Freenet.

V2Ray

V2Ray is an open-source, cross-platform proxy software tool primarily used to bypass firewalls and network restrictions. It supports multiple transport protocols and encryption methods to route network traffic while concealing the true origin and destination.Some key features of V2Ray include:Helps bypass geo-restrictions and censorship by IP...

The Web

The World Wide Web, commonly known as the Web, is an information system enabling documents and other web resources to be accessed over the Internet. Documents and downloadable media are made available to the network through web servers and can be accessed by programs such as web browsers. Servers and...

Freegate

Freegate is a free anti-censorship and privacy protection software developed by Dynamic Internet Technology. It allows users to bypass internet censorship and access websites blocked by their government or ISP.Some key features of Freegate include:Bypasses censorship using multiple servers and encryption to route trafficCircumvents blocking via constantly changing...

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...

Shadowrocket

Shadowrocket is a popular VPN application designed specifically for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. It provides a simple way for users to configure a VPN connection and tunnel all their device's internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server.Some of the key features of Shadowrocket include...

I2P

I2P (Invisible Internet Project) is an anonymous network layer designed to allow applications to communicate securely and privately. Some key aspects of I2P include:Anonymity - I2P obscures the identity and location of users by routing traffic through an overlay network of peer-to-peer tunnels.End-to-end encryption -...

Lantern

Lantern is an open source web proxy software developed by Brave New Software. It allows users to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites by routing internet traffic through multiple proxy servers around the world using a peer-to-peer network.Here are some key features of Lantern:Bypasses censorship and blocked...

Opera Free VPN

Opera Free VPN is a free virtual private network (VPN) service offered by Opera Software, the company behind the Opera browser. It provides users a way to protect their online privacy and security while using the Opera browser on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS devices.When enabled, Opera Free VPN...

PenguinProxy

PenguinProxy is a free and open-source web proxy service launched in 2022 that allows users to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites anonymously. It works by routing web traffic through its global network of servers, hiding the user's IP address and location. As an anonymous proxy, PenguinProxy encrypts traffic and...

IbVPN

ibVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service launched in 2005 that focuses on providing online privacy, security and freedom. It is operated by Ecomaster Solutions based in Romania.Some key features of ibVPN include:Strict no-logs policy to protect users' privacyAES 256-bit encryption and support of protocols such as OpenVPN...

CacheBrowser

CacheBrowser is a free, open-source web cache viewer application for Mac and Windows. It provides developers and power users a way to view, analyze, and modify the browser cache data stored locally by web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.Features of CacheBrowser include:View all cache data...

IPFS

IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a peer-to-peer distributed file system that seeks to connect all computing devices with the same system of files. It is an open-source project developed by Protocol Labs with the goal of creating a resilient and efficient file storage and sharing system.IPFS allows storing and...

Hide My IP

Hide My IP is a popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) service used to browse the internet anonymously and access blocked or restricted websites. It works by masking the user's IP address and encrypting their internet traffic so that their online activities cannot be tracked or monitored.Some key features of...

ZeroMe

ZeroMe is an open-source, decentralized platform for hosting web applications and static websites using peer-to-peer technology. It allows users to create censorship-resistant sites and apps that do not rely on centralized servers or domains. Instead, ZeroMe content is hosted across a distributed network of nodes run by volunteers.Some key...

Onion.ly

Onion.ly is an open-source, privacy-focused URL shortener service. It allows users to shorten links, while protecting their privacy and anonymity through encrypted and anonymous redirects.Some key features of Onion.ly include:Open-source codebase that is transparent and auditableAnonymous redirects that hide the destination URL and prevent trackingTor onion...

Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is an open-source, cross-platform proxy tool originally created in 2012 by a Chinese developer named clowwindy. It works by creating an encrypted connection between the Shadowsocks client installed on a user's device and a Shadowsocks server installed on a remote server.The encrypted connection helps users bypass firewalls and access...

Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil is an early-stage peer-to-peer network that aims to solve some of the scalability, privacy, and resilience limitations of legacy networking models. It enables a decentralized internet by having users run lightweight software on their devices that coordinate to form a global IPv6 network.Some key aspects and goals of...

Decentralized Internet

A decentralized internet refers to an alternative internet architecture that moves away from the traditional client-server model where users connect through centralized servers owned by tech companies. Instead, it allows users to connect directly to each other through peer-to-peer connections.The goal of a decentralized internet is to create a...

Surf Anonymous Free

Surf Anonymous Free is a free virtual private network (VPN) service designed to allow users to browse the internet with increased privacy and anonymity. As a VPN, it works by routing internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to hide a user's IP address and location. This prevents internet service providers...

Touch VPN

Touch VPN is a free virtual private network (VPN) service developed for mobile devices like Android and iOS. It allows users to securely access blocked websites and apps with encryption and enhanced privacy protections.Some key features of Touch VPN include:Easy one-tap connect VPNUnlimited bandwidth - no data caps...

OnionCat

OnionCat is a free and open source web browser based on Firefox that is designed for enhanced privacy and security while browsing the internet. It routes connections through the Tor network which encrypts traffic and obscures users' IP addresses, allowing them to access the web anonymously.Some key features of...

Proxybear

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CoovaChilli

CoovaChilli is an open-source captive portal and access controller software designed for authentication and accounting of users on wireless LAN access points. It provides a captive portal interface for user authentication using a web browser and controls access to the internet by authenticating MAC addresses of clients.Some key features...

Unblock All

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Demonsaw

Demonsaw is a free and open-source peer-to-peer file sharing application with a focus on security and privacy. It allows for secure and anonymous file sharing, instant messaging, and chat over a decentralized network. Some key features of Demonsaw include:End-to-end 256-bit AES encryption of file transfers, messaging, and communication channels...

GNUnet

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Snowflake Tor

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The Serval Project

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Unirises VPN

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Ninux

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NetShade

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Cjdns

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IPZN

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ECnet

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Cryptostorm

Cryptostorm is a privacy-focused VPN service based in Iceland that offers secure and anonymous internet access. Founded in 2012, Cryptostorm does not log any user activity or data, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize privacy.Some key features of Cryptostorm include:Servers located in over 20 countries around the...

JonDoFox

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Telehash

Telehash is an open-source networking protocol and software library that enables peer-to-peer connections between devices and servers without relying on centralized servers or services. It allows applications and devices to directly connect and communicate securely via the internet.The key principle behind Telehash is the use of cryptographic hashes to...

Tahoe-LAFS

Tahoe-LAFS (Tahoe Least-Authority File System) is an open source decentralized cloud storage system that uses cryptography and redundancy to provide secure and reliable file storage and sharing. Some key features and characteristics of Tahoe-LAFS include:It breaks files into chunks, encrypts them, and stores them across multiple storage nodes or...

Project Maelstrom

Project Maelstrom was a free, open-source web browser developed by BitTorrent Inc. It launched in 2015 but was discontinued the following year.Maelstrom aimed to challenge the centralized nature of traditional web browsing by utilizing a decentralized, peer-to-peer infrastructure. Instead of content being hosted on servers, Maelstrom distributed web pages, applications...

VPNMaster

VPNMaster is a virtual private network (VPN) service launched in 2018 that focuses on providing secure and private internet access to users across the world. It currently has over 3,500 high-speed VPN servers located in 94 different countries.Some key features of VPNMaster include:Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption to protect user data and...

Proxyhound

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BitDust

BitDust is an open-source peer-to-peer distributed online storage network and file sharing application. It enables users to control access to their private data, and easily share data with trusted friends. BitDust also allows users to contribute unused hard drive space to create a global distributed data storage network.Some key...

Mith.co

mith.co is a software suggestion website that focuses on providing alternatives and substitutions for popular applications and tools. The site covers a wide range of categories including productivity, design, development, writing, collaboration, utilities, and more.For each category, mith.co suggests open source, freeware, or paid alternatives that users...

Dn42

dn42 is an alternative computer network created and operated by hobbyists and networking enthusiasts. It allows participants to interconnect their networks and route traffic between each other using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).The dn42 network is decentralized with no central authority. Participants run their own Autonomous Systems (AS) and use...

LibertyHero

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Mask Surf

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Qaul

Qaul is an open source communication tool for creating community wireless networks without the use of Internet connectivity or mobile networks. It only requires an Android phone with WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC capabilities to function. The goal of Qaul is to facilitate peer-to-peer communication in areas where traditional networks and...

NotMyIP

NotMyIP is a free IP hiding software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their real IP address and location. It works by routing the user's internet traffic through multiple proxy servers, effectively hiding the user's true identity and preventing websites from tracking their browsing activities.Some...

Expat Shield

Expat Shield is a popular free virtual private network (VPN) service designed for expats and travelers. It allows users to access geographically restricted content and websites by assigning them a virtual IP address from another country.Some key features of Expat Shield include:Encrypted browsing - Encrypts users' internet traffic...

SailfishVPN

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Supernet

Supernet is an ambitious open-source project that aims to connect multiple blockchain networks into one large decentralized network. It functions as a decentralized application platform that allows dApps built on top of it to operate across different blockchains seamlessly.The key feature of Supernet is its ability to connect both...

Hide IP NG

Hide IP NG is a virtual private network (VPN) service offered by Privax Ltd. It allows users to hide their real IP address and encrypt their internet traffic to protect their online privacy and security.Some key features of Hide IP NG:Hides user's IP address and physical location using...

IP Privacy

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UltraVPN

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Absentis Web Cache Service

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Phex

Phex is an open-source peer-to-peer file sharing application designed for the gnutella network. It allows users to connect to the gnutella network and share files directly with one another without the need for a central server.Some key features of Phex include:Available on Linux, Windows, and macOS platformsActive development...

Netsukuku

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JonDo

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Osiris SPS

Osiris SPS is a comprehensive statistical process control and analytics platform designed for discrete and process manufacturers. It enables real-time analytics and visualization of manufacturing data to optimize processes, reduce variability, and improve quality.Key features of Osiris SPS include:Real-time and historical process monitoring with statistical control chartsAnalysis of...

FBVPN

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CCNx

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Kommute

Kommute is a free mobile app that allows users to easily log details about their daily commute to work or school. Whether driving, taking public transportation, biking, or walking, Kommute tracks your commute stats over time and provides helpful insights.Key features of Kommute include:- Quickly log commute details...