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GNUnet vs Freenet: catalog facts
GNUnet	Freenet
Free Free software from the GNU project with no paid tier.	Free Free to use; the project is funded by grants and donations.
Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
Designed to protect metadata, not only message content Backed by academic research	No central servers behind the apps Browser demo of River without installing anything
A protocol stack and framework rather than a polished end-user app Technical to install and understand	The browser version keeps your keys on the project's peer Small app ecosystem so far
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

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