Retroshare is a fully-decentralized network for sharing files, chatting, and a number of other activities. It does not rely on any servers whatsoever. While they both can be used to share files peer-to-peer, Retroshare is way more feature-packed and takes a very different approach to sharing.
Retroshare, being a fully-decentralized network, relies on direct peer-to-peer connections to do anything. This works when it works, but you will likely run into issues if you are behind a restrictive NAT or firewall. It also has an identity system built-in that requires users to keep cryptographic keys safe. FriendNet was built specifically to work well in environments where direct peer-to-peer connections are not always possible, and it uses a much simpler architecture with a server and accounts, much like Soulseek.
| * | FriendNet | Retroshare |
|---|---|---|
| Who Stores Files? | Users | Users |
| Sharing Model | Peer-to-peer | Centralized |
| Self-Hosted? | Yes | Yes (no servers) |
| Users Need to Port Forward? | No | Yes, or rely on NAT traversal |
| Supported Platforms | Desktop OSes | Desktop OSes |
Should you use Retroshare over FriendNet for file sharing? If you and all your friends are tech-savvy and have favorable network conditions, Retroshare might be a better choice. It will also be a better choice if you require total decentralization. If you have friends who are behind restrictive NATs or firewalls, or are just less tech-savvy, FriendNet is a better choice.