The private Discord
alternative, encrypted by default
End-to-end encrypted messaging with the rooms, roles, video calls, and file sharing you actually want. Zero-knowledge by design. Your data never leaves your device unencrypted.
Exchange thoughts, not data
Download Cloak Chat
Currently in closed beta. Need an invite code to create an account? Join our waitlist.
Explore Cloak
Everything you need to know
Features
Encrypted messaging, video calls, file vault, roles, reactions, and more.
Security
Signal Protocol, AES-256-GCM, zero-knowledge architecture. Your data stays yours.
Pricing
Free, Basic, Plus, and Pro tiers. Every plan uses end-to-end encryption.
About
Why we built a private chat platform that doesn't compromise on features.
Why Cloak?
You shouldn't have to choose between privacy and features
Most platforms make you pick one or the other. Cloak was built so you don't have to.
Private, but limited
Apps like Signal get encryption right, but stop there. No servers, no roles, no screen sharing, no file management. A private messaging app shouldn’t mean giving up the features you rely on.
- End-to-end encryption
- Rooms & servers
- Roles & permissions
- File management
- Video & screen sharing
- Message reactions
Feature-rich, but exposed
Platforms like Discord have everything you need: rooms, roles, video, bots. But your messages aren’t encrypted. Your data is collected, scanned, and monetized. That’s why people search for a secure Discord alternative.
- End-to-end encryption
- Rooms & servers
- Roles & permissions
- File management
- Video & screen sharing
- Message reactions
Cloak Chat
The best of both worlds: zero-knowledge encryption on top of a full-featured chat experience. Encrypted messaging, video calls, rooms, roles, and file sharing. The private chat app with no compromises.
- End-to-end encryption
- Rooms & servers
- Roles & permissions
- File management
- Video & screen sharing
- Message reactions
Cloak Chat is in active development
Join the waitlist and be the first to know when Cloak Chat launches
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? We're here to help. If you can't find what you're looking for, reach out to our support team.
What is Cloak?
Cloak is a privacy-first Discord alternative with the features you actually want. Create or join encrypted chat rooms with text and voice channels, set up roles and permissions, react to messages, share files, hop on encrypted video calls with background effects, and customize your experience with themes and appearance settings. All protected by end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, making it the secure messaging app for people who refuse to compromise.
How does Cloak protect my privacy?
Unlike Discord or other mainstream chat apps, Cloak uses the Signal Protocol for key exchange and AES-256-GCM to encrypt every message on your device before it reaches the network. The server only ever sees ciphertext, never plaintext. Voice and video calls are also end-to-end encrypted using WebRTC Insertable Streams. Your encryption keys are stored locally on your device, so even we cannot read your messages, files, or calls. This zero-knowledge architecture is what makes Cloak a truly private chat app.
What platforms is Cloak available on?
Cloak is available as a desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile apps are on the roadmap.
How do group chats and rooms work?
Rooms are encrypted spaces with text and voice channels, just like servers on other platforms. You can create roles with 30+ granular permissions, upload custom emoji, generate invite links with optional expiration, view audit logs, and set AFK timeouts. Room owners can cycle encryption keys at any time. Free users can join up to 2 rooms, while paid tiers support 20–200 rooms.
What are the limitations for voice and video features?
Voice channels have no strict limit on participants and all voice and video is end-to-end encrypted. Free users can video chat and screen share using peer-to-peer (P2P) connections. Note that P2P exposes your IP address to other participants. Paid tiers can choose between Server Relay (SFU) or P2P for video and screen sharing, and unlock SFU stream viewing: Basic supports 1 1080p 60FPS stream or 4 720p 30FPS streams, Plus supports 2 or 10, and Pro supports 5 or 22. Paid users can also use P2P to share video with free-tier friends.
How much does Cloak cost?
Cloak offers four tiers: a Free plan with up to 2 rooms, 1GB encrypted vault storage, P2P video and screen sharing, and core privacy features; a Basic plan at $6.99/month with 20 rooms, 10GB storage, and Server Relay or P2P streaming; a Plus plan at $14.99/month with 100 rooms, 25GB storage, and expanded streaming; and a Pro plan at $29.99/month with 200 rooms, 100GB storage, and the most streaming capacity. Every plan uses the same end-to-end encryption.
What storage limits and file sharing options are available?
Cloak offers two upload modes. Public uploads go to an unencrypted CDN as direct links (10MB limit, all tiers), great for non-sensitive content. Private uploads are encrypted on your device with AES-256-GCM before upload and stored in your encrypted vault with tier-based limits: Free gets 1GB with 10MB files, Basic gets 10GB with 50MB, Plus gets 25GB with 200MB, and Pro gets 100GB with 500MB. The vault lets you browse every private file you’ve shared, manage per-file sharing permissions for specific users or rooms, revoke access, and download or delete files from one place.
How long are messages stored?
Paid users (Basic, Plus, and Pro) can choose if and how long their direct messages persist. All messages are stored as encrypted data that can only be decrypted on authorized devices. The server never has access to plaintext.
How do I get started with Cloak?
You can try Cloak right now at app.cloak.chat or download the encrypted chat app for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Start with the free tier and upgrade to Basic, Plus, or Pro anytime for expanded storage, streaming, and more rooms. If you're looking for a private Discord alternative or a Signal alternative with more features, Cloak is the place to start. Join the waitlist to get notified about new features and updates.