Signal offers private messaging, with its site introducing a communication experience centered on privacy.
FreePick
24 alternativesRicochet Refresh
Ricochet Refresh aims to update the Ricochet project for private and anonymous instant messaging, with its code available as open source.
About Ricochet Refresh
Ricochet Refresh is a peer-to-peer instant messaging application that uses Tor to connect clients. It is described as a Blueprint for Free Speech initiative to update and improve Ricochet. According to the project, starting the app creates a Tor hidden service on the user's computer; that address is the user's anonymous identity and how contacts reach them. To chat, a user adds a contact's Ricochet Refresh hidden service address, and a Tor circuit is created between the two machines. The project describes the app as metadata resistant, anonymous, decentralized, easy to use, and able to transfer files natively.
Key features
- Peer-to-peer messaging over Tor with no central servers to trust or monitor
- Creates a Tor hidden service as the user's anonymous contact address
- Adds contacts by their Ricochet Refresh hidden service address
- Uses Tor circuits with multiple hops so no single node knows origin and destination
- Native file transfer built into the app
- Compatible with Tor Onion Services v3 instead of v2
Best for: People such as whistleblowers, activists, and journalists who need peer-to-peer messaging over Tor and can manage hidden service addresses and desktop installations.
Good for
- Uses Tor circuits with multiple hops so no single node knows both origin and destination
- Describes messages as automatically secure and private, with native file transfer
- Homepage says releases are GPG signed and include SHA256 sums
Watch out for
- Requires adding a contact's Ricochet Refresh hidden service address before chatting
- Pricing is not stated on the homepage
- The listed downloads are for Windows, macOS, and Linux only
Ricochet Refresh at a glance
- Website
- ricochetrefresh.net
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Encrypted Messaging
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Ricochet Refresh alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Use qTox, a free instant messaging application without advertising, to connect with friends and family.
Free
24 alternativesThis page compares instant messaging services and discusses how their approaches to user privacy differ.
Tox provides instant messaging for connecting with others amid corporate and government surveillance.
Free
24 alternatives
Linphone offers real-time communication software for VoIP, video calls, and instant messaging.
Rocket.Chat provides real-time messaging, voice, video, AI, and related collaboration tools for organizations.
Pick
24 alternativesPopular in Encrypted Messaging
Well-known listings from the same topic.
Ricochet Refresh FAQ
How does Ricochet Refresh connect people?
It is a peer-to-peer messenger that uses Tor. When you start it, it creates a Tor hidden service on your computer, and chats create a Tor circuit between your machine and your contact's machine.
How do I start a chat?
You add the address of the other person's Ricochet Refresh hidden service to your contacts.
What platforms are available?
The homepage lists downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including installers, portable archives, Debian packages, and AppImage packages.
Is something wrong or out of date?
Tell us and an editor will check it.
Own this website?
Claim this listing
Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.