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Cwtch vs Ricochet Refresh: catalog facts
Cwtch	Ricochet Refresh
Free The open-source application is available without a license fee.	Free Free and open source, supported by a not-for-profit.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Designed specifically to resist metadata collection, not just message reading No account, phone number or email required	No central server and minimal metadata Hides IP address and location from contacts
Tor routing makes delivery slow and requires both parties online Small project with a limited feature set	Both contacts must be online at the same time Desktop only, no mobile apps
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.