AnonPaste vs PrivateBin
PrivateBin is open-source encrypted paste software intended for self-hosting. AnonPaste is a managed sharing service with optional encrypted modes and a broader content model.
The short version
Choose PrivateBin when source visibility, self-hosting, and infrastructure control are central requirements. Choose AnonPaste when you want a ready-to-use service for more kinds of content without maintaining an instance.
Feature comparison
| Feature | AnonPaste | PrivateBin |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-use hosted service | Managed service with no server maintenance | Requires an instance; public instances vary |
| Create text or code without an account | Yes, with a private manage link | Usually, depending on instance policy |
| Browser encryption | Encrypted and secret-link modes alongside ordinary private shares | Core browser-encryption model |
| Rich and mixed content | Rich text, code, files, embeds, polls, and other ordered blocks | Text, code, Markdown, and instance-dependent attachments |
| Media previews and file controls | First-party previews, metadata, download controls, and per-file gates | Attachment support depends on the instance |
| Granular content locks | Block and file gates for password, account, CAPTCHA, age, advert, or payment access | Paste-level password; no comparable per-content gates |
| Traffic filtering | Country, IP, VPN, and Tor restrictions on eligible plans | No comparable paste-level traffic filters documented |
| Link routing and gates | Branded short links can add password, CAPTCHA, and age gates plus country, device, time, or percentage routing | No comparable managed link-routing layer documented |
| Interactive content | Comments, polls, questions, sliders, counters, and Tier Lists on compatible shares | Optional discussions; configuration depends on instance |
| Owner analytics | Views, engagement, trends, location, device, browser, OS, and referrer data where available | No comparable creator analytics documented |
| Developer API | REST APIs for Lite pastes, full paste CRUD, files, direct uploads, and usage analytics | No standard cross-instance API contract |
Where AnonPaste fits better
Ready to use
There is no server to deploy, configure, update, or monitor before creating a share.
A broader page
AnonPaste can combine richer text and, for signed-in creators, files and other blocks in one ordered share.
Where PrivateBin fits better
Infrastructure control
Self-hosting lets an operator choose the environment, configuration, retention settings, and update policy.
Open source
PrivateBin makes its implementation available for inspection and modification, which is valuable when source visibility is a requirement.
How the workflows differ
Hosted service or your own instance
AnonPaste removes deployment work. PrivateBin gives that work and control to the person or organisation running the instance.
Encryption models
PrivateBin centres its workflow on browser encryption. AnonPaste offers browser-encrypted modes alongside ordinary private and password-controlled shares.
Instance-dependent features
PrivateBin operators can enable or disable options such as file uploads and discussions, so a specific instance may differ from the project defaults.
Frequently asked questions
Can I self-host AnonPaste?
No. AnonPaste is a managed service. PrivateBin is the better fit when running the software on your own infrastructure is required.
Does AnonPaste support encrypted sharing?
Yes, through optional browser-encrypted and secret-link modes. Encryption is not automatically applied to every AnonPaste share.
Do either require an account?
AnonPaste does not require an account for ordinary text or code. PrivateBin account behavior depends on the instance, though the project commonly supports account-free use.
Sources
Product details were checked against these first-party sources.
Checked 2026-08-09.
Related comparisons
Create a private share without running a server
Use AnonPaste for a hosted text or code share with optional privacy and lifecycle controls.