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.
p2p
decentralized
anonymity
privacy
Freenet: Peer-to-Peer Platform for Censorship-Resistant Communication
A decentralized network for anonymous file sharing, website browsing, and forum chatting, Freenet provides a censorship-resistant solution for online communication and publishing.
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.
Freenet Features
Features
- Decentralized network
- Anonymous file sharing
- Anonymous web browsing and publishing
- Encrypted communication
- Censorship resistance
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
High anonymity
Difficult to block or censor
Distributed storage improves reliability
Open source and free
Cons
Slower performance than centralized networks
Requires some technical knowledge to use
Illegal content may exist on network
Official Links
The Best Freenet Alternatives
Top File Sharing and Anonymous File Sharing and other similar apps like Freenet
Here are some alternatives to Freenet:
Suggest an alternative ❐
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 blocking, DNS poisoning, etc.Supports...
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 IP addressesAllows...
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 that spans geographies,...
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:Intuitive user...
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 - Messages sent through I2P are...
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 websites -...
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 masks...
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...
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, WireGuard,...
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 including images,...
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 sharing...
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 Hide...
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 features...
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 service support for added...
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 Yggdrasil...
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 more...
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 caps256-bit AES encryption...
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 OnionCat...
Proxybear
Proxybear is a popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) service launched in 2018 that focuses on privacy and security. It allows users to encrypt their internet traffic and route it through Proxybear's global network of servers, hiding their real IP address and location.Some key features of Proxybear include:Military-grade encryption to keep...
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 of...
Unblock All
Unblock All is a free web proxy service launched in 2021 that allows users to bypass internet filters and access blocked websites. It works as a portal that users can visit to route their web traffic through Unblock All's servers, which act as an intermediary between the user and the...
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.Randomized routing...
GNUnet
GNUnet is an open-source framework for decentralized, peer-to-peer networking designed to provide secure communication and basic services without the need for centralized servers. Developed as part of the GNU Project, GNUnet aims to replace the current client-server model of the internet with a more decentralized architecture.At its core, GNUnet provides...
Snowflake Tor
Snowflake Tor is a privacy-focused web browser based on Firefox that routes internet traffic through the Tor network. Tor encrypts traffic and bounces it through a series of relay servers to obscure a user's location and usage from surveillance or network monitoring.By using Tor, Snowflake Tor aims to prevent tracking...
The Serval Project
The Serval Project is an open-source software initiative that enables decentralized and secure voice calling, text messaging, and file sharing between mobile devices. It was founded in 2012 by researchers at Flinders University in Australia to provide communications in areas impacted by natural disasters or other causes of damaged infrastructure...
Unirises VPN
Unirises VPN is a virtual private network service that aims to provide security and privacy protection when browsing the internet. It works by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and one of their servers, hiding your real IP address and routing your traffic through the VPN server.Some key features...
Ninux
Ninux is a free, open-source, decentralized mesh network software and community project that allows computers, mobile devices, and other hardware to connect directly to each other and share internet access without an internet service provider. It creates a local area peer-to-peer network using wireless network connections like WiFi or Bluetooth.The...
NetShade
NetShade is an open-source software application designed to provide increased privacy and anonymity while browsing the internet. It works by encrypting a user's internet traffic and routing it through multiple servers around the world, making it very difficult to track or monitor their online activity.Some key features of NetShade include:Encryption...
Cjdns
cjdns is an open-source encrypted mesh networking protocol and software that allows distributed peer-to-peer applications to run on an overlay network rather than relying on conventional Internet addressing systems. The goal of cjdns is to build a decentralized alternative to the existing internet routing and infrastructure by replacing IP addresses...
IPZN
IPZN is an open-source, self-hosted video conferencing solution developed as an alternative to proprietary software like Zoom or WebEx. It allows organizations and individuals to set up their own private video conferencing server rather than relying on third-party services.Some key features of IPZN include:Encrypted video calls in both group and...
ECnet
ECnet is an open-source ecommerce platform built on ASP.NET Core that provides basic yet extensible online store functionality. It allows creating an online store and managing products, orders, customers, etc. with minimal set up.It is designed to be lightweight and modular. The basic version offers essential ecommerce features required to...
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
JonDoFox is a free, open source web browser focused on privacy protection and anonymity online. It is based on Firefox and utilizes the JonDo network to route the user's web traffic through multiple servers, hiding the original IP address.Some key features of JonDoFox include:Hides your IP address by routing traffic...
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 establish...
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 devices...
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...
Proxyhound
Proxyhound is a paid proxy service launched in 2021 that provides access to a large network of residential and datacenter proxy servers located around the world. It aims to provide high-quality proxies for web scraping, sneaker bots, social media automation, market research, and more.Some key features of Proxyhound include:Residential proxies...
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 features...
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 can check out....
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 BGP...
LibertyHero
LibertyHero is an open-source virtual private network (VPN) service that focuses on providing secure and private internet access to its users. As an alternative to commercial VPN providers, LibertyHero stands out for its commitment to transparency, trustworthiness, and digital rights.As an open-source project, all of LibertyHero's code is publicly available...
Mask Surf
Mask Surf is a privacy-focused web browser that aims to protect users' personal data and browsing history from being collected by third parties. It is designed to give users more control over their online privacy.Some of the key features of Mask Surf include:Blocks online ads and trackers by default to...
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 key...
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 to protect...
SailfishVPN
SailfishVPN is an open-source virtual private network (VPN) client application designed for mobile devices running the Sailfish operating system. It enables users to establish encrypted VPN connections in order to secure their web traffic and access restricted resources.Some key features of SailfishVPN include:Support for common VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard,...
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 Bitcoin-based...
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 encrypted VPN...
IP Privacy
IP Privacy is a free and open-source software application designed to help protect users' privacy and anonymity online. It works by obscuring the user's real IP address through a variety of IP masking techniques.When installed and enabled, IP Privacy routes the user's internet traffic through multiple intermediate proxy servers before...
UltraVPN
UltraVPN is a robust virtual private network (VPN) service designed to protect your privacy and security when accessing the internet. With servers located in over 55 countries around the world, UltraVPN allows you to choose from thousands of IP addresses to mask your real location.Some key features of UltraVPN include:Military-grade...
Absentis Web Cache Service
Absentis Web Cache Service is a web caching application designed to improve website performance and load times. It works by storing static web content like images, CSS files, JavaScript files, and more on the local server rather than retrieving that content from the original web server every time a page...
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 community providing...
Netsukuku
Netsukuku is an experimental, decentralized, peer-to-peer network aimed at building an alternative internet infrastructure. The goal of Netsukuku is to get rid of centralized servers and services and allow users to connect directly to each other in a mesh network.The Netsukuku network is designed to be anonymous, secure and independent...
JonDo
JonDo is an open source anonymous proxy software used to protect online privacy and anonymity. It works by encrypting the user's internet traffic and routing it through multiple servers across different jurisdictions, masking the original IP address and location. This makes it very difficult to trace the traffic back to...
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 process capability...
FBVPN
FBVPN is a popular free virtual private network (VPN) service used by over 10 million people worldwide. It allows users to securely access restricted websites, avoid geographic blocks, and browse the internet anonymously by routing connections through remote servers.Some key features of FBVPN include:Encrypted connections to protect user data and...
CCNx
CCNx (Content Centric Networking) is an open source networking protocol optimized for efficient content distribution and retrieval. Instead of addressing endpoints like traditional IP networks, CCNx names and secures the data itself, allowing it to be efficiently cached and replicated at multiple points throughout the network.This content-centric design provides native...
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 like mode,...