Cwtch
Cwtch: Free, open-source Tor messaging for private peer-to-peer conversations. Ranked #23 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for tor-based private peer-to-peer chat.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTor-based private peer-to-peer chat
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Encryption coverageDefault
- Founded2017
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- End-to-end encrypted messaging over Tor v3 onion services
- Peer-to-peer file sharing and offline group message delivery
- Password-encrypted profiles with encrypted cross-device export
Where it doesn't
- No iOS support
- Calls are not part of the verified feature set
- Group messaging and file sharing are optional experiments
Our verdict on Cwtch
Cwtch is a free, open-source messaging app and protocol for privacy-preserving communication. It is designed for people who want peer-to-peer conversations using Tor v3 onion services rather than a conventional centralized messaging service. Official builds are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Core capabilities include end-to-end encrypted messaging, local profiles, conversation search, appear-offline mode, and configurable message-history retention.
Its strongest differentiator is the combination of Tor-based routing and peer-to-peer communication. Profiles can be password-encrypted, and encrypted profile exports can be imported on another device. Cwtch also supports direct peer-to-peer file sharing. Optional group messaging uses untrusted servers, while offline delivery supports group messages when recipients are not currently connected. These features make the product more suitable for privacy-focused conversations where control over profile storage, message retention, and communication paths matters.
Cwtch is a focused choice rather than a broad communications suite. Group chat, file sharing, and other capabilities are documented as optional experiments, so users looking for a fully mature collaboration platform may prefer a product centered on established group workflows. The platform range covers Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, but not iOS. Calls are also outside the verified feature set. Choose Cwtch for free, open-source Tor messaging with encrypted profiles and peer-to-peer features; choose an alternative if iPhone access or voice and video communication is essential.
Your product? Our editors can test Cwtch in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
Cwtch pricing
Cwtch fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Encryption coverage | Default |
| Maximum group size | Not verified |
| Linked device limit | Not verified |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Not verified |
| Disappearing messages | Not verified |
| Encrypted backups | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | cwtch.im |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Cwtch
- SignalA free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support.9.4
- WhatsAppA free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.9.3
- ElementEncrypted collaboration with flexible deployment, open source foundations, and broad platform support.9.1
Also Ranked In
Cwtch is ranked in 3 of our directories.
Used Cwtch? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Cwtch for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Cwtch is listed in our Encrypted Messaging Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/cwtch/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/cwtch.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Guides on encrypted messaging apps
- What Is Signal? How to Use the Encrypted Messaging AppAug 2026
- The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2025: Signal, SimpleX, WhatsApp, and MoreAug 2026
- 8 Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Your iPhone to Unlock True PrivacyAug 2026
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update