Briar vs Psi+

Briar8.8Visit PPsi+8.6Visit

Higher score Briar #6 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Briar

vs

P Psi+ #8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Psi+

• Briar fits best

  People needing private messaging without central servers

• Psi+ fits best

  Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging

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Side by side

Feature	Briar 8.8/10 Visit ↗	PPsi+ 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.6
Ranking	#6 in Decentralized Messaging Apps	#8 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for	People needing private messaging without central servers	Desktop users preferring federated XMPP messaging
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Community
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features Briar 0/4 · Psi+ 2/4
End-to-end encryption	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Self-hosting	Not checked yet	—
Group chat	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Account required	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Network architecture	Not checked yet	Federated
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros	Synchronizes messages peer to peer without a central server Connects over Tor, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi Includes private groups, forums, blogs, and contact introductions	Connects to federated XMPP servers for one-to-one and group chats Offers file transfers, plugins, and customizable interface controls Free and open source, with Windows, macOS, and Linux builds
Cons	Desktop has fewer features than the Android app Account backup is not currently available Maintenance mode focuses on security updates and bug fixes	Desktop-only; no mobile platform is listed Encryption options may vary by build and plugin Community support may not suit users seeking direct assistance
Our verdict	Briar is a free, open-source messaging app for people who need private communication, including activists and journalists. Rather than routing messages through a central server, it synchronizes them directly between users’ devices.… Read the review →	Psi+ is a desktop XMPP client for people who want messaging across the federated XMPP network. It supports one-to-one conversations and multi-user chat rooms, with builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its free, open-source model makes it… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Briar — where it wins

  • Synchronizes messages peer to peer without a central server
  • Connects over Tor, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi
  • Includes private groups, forums, blogs, and contact introductions

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop has fewer features than the Android app
  • Account backup is not currently available
  • Maintenance mode focuses on security updates and bug fixes

• Psi+ — where it wins

  • Connects to federated XMPP servers for one-to-one and group chats
  • Offers file transfers, plugins, and customizable interface controls
  • Free and open source, with Windows, macOS, and Linux builds

  Where it doesn't

  • Desktop-only; no mobile platform is listed
  • Encryption options may vary by build and plugin
  • Community support may not suit users seeking direct assistance

• Briar8.8/10 · Free plan

  Free, serverless messaging with encrypted chats across desktop and Android.

  Visit BriarFull verdict →
• PPsi+8.6/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source XMPP client for desktop users who value federation and customization.

  Visit Psi+Full verdict →