Open Source Encrypted Communication Software
Encrypted Communication software secures the exchange of text messages, voice calls, and video streams. These tools use end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the intended recipients can read the shared content. This type of software prevents unauthorized parties from intercepting private conversations or accessing shared files. It is for individuals and organizations that need to manage their own messaging servers to keep metadata and chat histories off corporate clouds. Self-hosting these apps allows you to define who accesses the network and how communication logs are stored.
This page lists 34 open source tools in the Encrypted Communication category. The most popular are LocalSend, AdGuard Home and Tailscale. Most use the AGPL-3.0 or Apache-2.0 license, and 27 offer an official Docker image.
LocalSend
Share files and messages between nearby devices over a local network without requiring an internet connection.
AdGuard Home
A network-wide DNS server that blocks ads and trackers for all devices on a local network.
Tailscale
Creates private WireGuard networks to connect devices across clouds, VPCs, and on-premises networks without modifying firewall rules.
Signal
Encrypted messaging and calling that uses data connections for secure text, voice, and video communication.
SimpleX Chat
A privacy focused messaging platform that operates without user identifiers to protect metadata and identity.
Element
A communication client for encrypted messaging and collaboration built on the decentralized Matrix protocol.
BunkerWeb
A web application firewall and reverse proxy that provides secure by default protection for web services.
Technitium DNS Server
Self host an authoritative and recursive DNS server to manage network privacy, security, and ad blocking.
OnionShare
Securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat with others using the Tor network.
Blocky
A DNS proxy and ad-blocker for local networks that filters queries using external blocklists.
ejabberd
Realtime communication platform providing XMPP server, MQTT broker, and SIP service capabilities for scalable messaging.
Outline Server
A proxy server running a Shadowsocks instance with a REST API for managing access keys.
AnonAddy
An email forwarding service that creates aliases to protect real email addresses from spam and tracking.
Synapse
A homeserver implementation for the Matrix open standard for secure and interoperable real-time communications.
OpenZiti
A zero-trust networking platform that makes network services invisible to unauthorized users through cryptographic identity.
Cinny
A secure and modern Matrix client providing an encrypted interface for decentralized instant messaging conversations.
Converse
A client side XMPP chat application that runs in web browsers or as a desktop app.
Kamailio
A SIP signaling server for large scale VoIP and real time communication platforms focusing on scalability.
Quiet
A peer-to-peer team chat that syncs messages directly between devices over Tor without central servers.
Wire
Provides end to end encrypted messaging, file sharing, and video calls for secure team communication and collaboration.
nheko
A native desktop client for the Matrix protocol designed to feel like a mainstream chat application.
Peergos
A peer to peer encrypted filesystem for secure file storage, sharing, and decentralized collaboration.
Tuwunel
A high performance Matrix homeserver written in Rust for scalable and low cost communication infrastructure.
Chitchatter
A decentralized peer to peer communication tool providing encrypted chat, video conferencing, and ephemeral file sharing.
RetroShare
A decentralized communication toolkit providing secure file sharing, chat, forums, and messaging without central servers.
Secluso
A private home security camera system for Raspberry Pi featuring end-to-end encrypted remote access and alerts.
GlobaLeaks
A secure reporting platform for whistleblowing that allows organizations to set up anonymous submission channels.
OpenSIPS
A multi-functionality SIP server implementation designed for professional communication platforms requiring high performance and security.
Databag
A federated, self-hosted messenger featuring end-to-end encryption and topic-based threads for secure, decentralized communication.
Hemmelig
Share sensitive information securely using client-side encryption and self-destructing messages that delete after being viewed.
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