Top Hubzilla Alternatives for Decentralized Social Networking
Hubzilla is a robust platform designed for creating interconnected, decentralized websites, offering features like social networking, cloud storage, calendars, and webpage hosting. It's an excellent choice for communities seeking a comprehensive, privacy-focused online presence. However, users often look for a Hubzilla alternative that might better suit specific needs, whether it's a different approach to decentralization, more focused social features, or simply a different user experience. This guide explores some of the best alternatives to Hubzilla.
Discovering the Best Hubzilla Alternatives
Finding the right decentralized social platform can be challenging with so many options available. We've curated a list of top Hubzilla alternatives, each offering unique strengths in terms of features, platform support, and community focus, helping you make an informed decision.
Diaspora
Diaspora is a federated social networking service designed as a privacy-aware alternative to centralized platforms. It is Free and Open Source, available on Linux, Web, BSD, and Self-Hosted environments, built with Ruby. Key features include being Decentralized, Self-hosted, support for ActivityPub, Encrypted Connection, and a strong Privacy focus, making it a compelling Hubzilla alternative for those prioritizing user control and data privacy.
Facebook is a widely known free online social media and network service that connects people globally. While not decentralized or open-source like Hubzilla, it offers extensive social networking features like Photo Sharing, Integrated Chat, and Events across multiple platforms including Windows, Web, Android, and iPhone. It serves as a Hubzilla alternative for users seeking a highly populated, mainstream social platform, albeit with a centralized model.
Minds
Minds is a free and open-source platform that allows users to launch their digital brand and social network, while also functioning as a global social network itself. Available on Web, Android, and iPhone, Minds emphasizes Free Speech, Anticensorship, and Privacy Protection. Its decentralized nature, encryption, blogging, and gamification features make it a strong Hubzilla alternative for those valuing freedom of expression and a rewarding content ecosystem.
Gab
Gab is a social network that champions free speech and the free flow of information online. It is Freemium and Open Source, accessible via Web, Android, and Self-Hosted deployments, built with Ruby. Gab is decentralized and offers features like an Ad-free experience, Live topics, and Privacy focused design. It's a pertinent Hubzilla alternative for users prioritizing uncensored discourse and a community-driven environment.
GNU social
GNU social is a continuation of the StatusNet project, providing social communication software for both public and private use. It is Free, Open Source, and Self-Hosted, primarily utilizing PHP. As a Decentralized and Ad-free platform with a focus on Free Speech, GNU social serves as an excellent Hubzilla alternative for those looking for a lightweight, self-hostable, and open-source microblogging solution.
Friendica
Friendica is a distributed social network emphasizing decentralization, privacy, and interoperability. It is Free, Open Source, and can be Self-Hosted on Linux and BSD, built with PHP. Key features include being Federated, Decentralized, Group Messaging, and strong Privacy focused. Friendica stands out as a strong Hubzilla alternative for users seeking a highly interoperable social platform that can connect with various other networks like Diaspora and Twitter.
Write.as
Write.as enables instant text writing and publishing, ideal for notes or broadcast articles. It is Freemium and Open Source, available across Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iPhone, and Web platforms. While primarily a blogging tool, its Anonymity, Privacy focused approach, and Support for ActivityPub allow it to function as a social network for frictionless publishing. This makes it a unique Hubzilla alternative for those prioritizing simple, private, and distraction-free content creation and sharing.
Steemit
Steemit is a non-censored social platform where users are incentivized to contribute and curate content through a cryptocurrency-based system. It is Free and Open Source, accessible via the Web. Built on Blockchain technology, it offers features like Content Filtering, Forums, and Free Speech. Steemit is an interesting Hubzilla alternative for users who are interested in a decentralized social network where content creation and engagement are directly rewarded financially.
ZeroMe
ZeroMe is a social network built for the distributed P2P network ZeroNet. It is Free and Open Source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, leveraging Python and JavaScript. As a Decentralized, Peer-To-Peer social network, ZeroMe provides a distinct Hubzilla alternative for those looking for a truly serverless and censorship-resistant social experience running on the ZeroNet platform.
Okuna
Okuna (formerly Openbook) is an open-source, zero tracking, zero spying, zero advertisement, and secure social network that dedicates a portion of its revenue to social good. It is Free and Open Source, available on Web and Android. With features like Ad-free and No Tracking, Okuna positions itself as a strong Hubzilla alternative for users who prioritize ethical privacy practices and a social network with a positive societal impact.
Choosing the best Hubzilla alternative depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize advanced decentralization features, specific social functionalities, or a particular privacy model. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your community or personal online presence.