Top Alternatives to RetroShare

Deluge is a free, open-source BitTorrent client offering a lightweight and cross-platform solution for downloading and sharing files. Known for its extensibility through plugins, it provides users with a customizable and efficient torrenting experience.

Tox is a free, open-source, and secure peer-to-peer instant messaging and video calling protocol designed for strong privacy and censorship resistance. It provides end-to-end encrypted communications without reliance on central servers.

Discord is a versatile free communication platform designed initially for gamers but now widely used for communities of all types. It offers voice and text chat, video calls, and robust server customization for groups of any size, providing a centralized hub for real-time interaction and community building.

Signal is a secure, open-source messaging application that uses end-to-end encryption to protect user communications. It offers text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and file sharing, all with a strong focus on privacy and security. Available on multiple platforms, Signal is a leading choice for individuals prioritizing confidential conversations.

eMule is a veteran free peer-to-peer file sharing client for Windows, connecting to both the eDonkey and Kad networks for robust file transfers worldwide.

KTorrent is a robust and feature-rich BitTorrent client integrated with the KDE Plasma Desktop environment. It offers a lightweight and intuitive interface for downloading and sharing files over the BitTorrent network, emphasizing user control and privacy without intrusive advertisements.

Soulseek is a veteran peer-to-peer file-sharing application primarily focused on music. It provides a decentralized network for users to share and discover audio files, featuring integrated chat rooms and user profiles for community interaction.

rTorrent is a powerful and resource-efficient command-line BitTorrent client for Unix-like systems. Built on the advanced libTorrent library, it offers high performance and extensive configurability, making it ideal for users seeking control and automation.

Ring (SFLphone) is a free and open-source communication platform offering secure messaging, voice, and video calls. It leverages decentralization and end-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy across multiple operating systems including Linux, Windows, macOS, and Android.

Tribler is a free and open-source BitTorrent client enhanced with a focus on privacy, security, and decentralized content discovery. It allows users to download torrents while providing anonymity and built-in features for finding content directly within the application, eliminating the need for traditional torrent search websites.

GNUnet is a free and open-source framework for building secure, distributed, and privacy-preserving peer-to-peer applications. It goes beyond simple file sharing, offering a foundation for various decentralized services designed to resist surveillance and censorship.

BiglyBT is a feature-rich, open-source BitTorrent client designed for power users and privacy-conscious individuals. It offers robust anonymity features, including integrated I2P and Tor support, alongside essential functionalities like a built-in media player, converter, and extensive torrent management. Its focus on security, privacy, and customizability makes it a strong contender in the torrent client space.

DC++ is a robust, open-source file-sharing client for the Direct Connect (DC) network, known for its decentralized architecture. It facilitates direct peer-to-peer file transfers, offering advanced search capabilities, resume support for downloads, and an integrated chat system, making it a reliable choice for sharing various file types without centralized server reliance.

Halite is a discontinued BitTorrent client built upon the robust libtorrent library. It offered a straightforward and lightweight solution for downloading and sharing files via the BitTorrent protocol, known for its efficiency and minimal resource usage.

Bitmessage is an open-source peer-to-peer encrypted messaging system designed to provide robust privacy and security. It operates without central servers, ensuring decentralized communication and offering anonymity by design. Ideal for those prioritizing secure and private digital interactions, it leverages strong encryption to protect messages from eavesdropping.

FilePizza offers free peer-to-peer file transfers directly in your web browser. Simply select a file, and a unique link is generated for sharing, enabling recipients to download directly from your browser without needing uploads to a central server.

OnionShare is a free, open-source tool that allows you to securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat over the Tor network. It enables direct, peer-to-peer communication without relying on centralized servers, ensuring enhanced privacy and resisting censorship while simplifying secure data exchange for individuals and organizations.

TorChat is a defunct decentralized anonymous instant messenger leveraging Tor hidden services for secure text communication and file sharing without central servers.

OneSwarm was a file-sharing client focused on privacy and anonymity, designed to operate within a darknet or a friend-to-friend network.

Shareaza is a veteran peer-to-peer file sharing client for Windows, distinguished by its support for multiple network protocols including Gnutella2 (G2), eDonkey, and BitTorrent. It offers a robust feature set for searching, downloading, and managing files across various networks, providing a versatile platform for digital content acquisition.

Calypso is a discontinued cross-platform file-sharing client that operates on the anonymous MUTE network. Developed using C++ and Qt, it offers portability across Windows, Linux, and other environments, prioritizing user privacy and anonymity in file exchange.

Ares is a free, open-source P2P file-sharing client that leverages its own decentralized network to connect users and facilitate fast downloads of various file types. It distinguishes itself with a built-in media player, converter, and search functionality, making file sharing and management more comprehensive.

Bit Chat is a secure, open-source, peer-to-peer instant messenger platform that prioritizes user privacy and security through robust end-to-end encryption and a decentralized network architecture. It empowers users with direct, encrypted communication, bypassing central servers and enhancing resistance to surveillance and censorship.

Twister is a peer-to-peer microblogging platform designed for uncensored communication. It operates on a decentralized network, ensuring free speech and privacy without central servers or third-party tracking.

Echoplexus was a web-based, anonymous chatting platform designed with user privacy as a core principle. It offered IRC-like functionality along with modern features like video chat and file sharing, aiming to provide a secure and private communication space without the need for user registration.

MLDonkey is a discontinued open-source, multi-protocol file-sharing application acting as a back-end server. It supported various peer-to-peer networks like eD2k, Kad, and BitTorrent, offering a flexible solution for downloading and sharing files across different platforms.

Demonsaw is a secure, open-source platform for decentralized information sharing, focusing on user anonymity and privacy through robust end-to-end encryption and a serverless architecture.

Dialog Messenger is a robust, feature-rich enterprise messaging solution designed for businesses prioritizing security, privacy, and control. Available for both private server deployment and cloud hosting, it facilitates secure text, voice, and video communication across multiple devices, enabling seamless collaboration and real-time interaction within organizations.

Ricochet is a peer-to-peer instant messaging application designed for maximum privacy and anonymity. It leverages the Tor network to connect users directly, eliminating the need for central servers and reducing metadata leakage.