Delta Chat vs Briar

Delta Chat9.2Visit Briar8.8Visit

Higher score Delta Chat #2 in Decentralized Messaging Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Delta Chat

vs

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

• Delta Chat fits best

  People wanting private messaging across devices

• Briar fits best

  People needing private messaging without central servers

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Delta Chat 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Briar 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.8
Ranking	#2 in Decentralized Messaging Apps	#6 in Decentralized Messaging Apps
Best for	People wanting private messaging across devices	People needing private messaging without central servers
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support	Community, Docs	Email, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Delta Chat 0/4 · Briar 0/4
End-to-end encryption	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Self-hosting	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Group chat	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Account required	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Network architecture	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	End-to-end encryption is on by default, with private group chats. Free apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Supports calls, channels, disappearing messages, and file sharing.	Synchronizes messages peer to peer without a central server Connects over Tor, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi Includes private groups, forums, blogs, and contact introductions
Cons	Message transport depends on chatmail relays or classic email servers. Exported backups were documented as unencrypted in a 2020 assessment. Support channels are community and documentation.	Desktop has fewer features than the Android app Account backup is not currently available Maintenance mode focuses on security updates and bug fixes
Our verdict	Delta Chat is a free, open-source messaging app for people who want private conversations across desktop and mobile devices. It supports one-to-one chats, private groups, channels, audio and video calls, and sharing files, photos, videos,… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Delta Chat — where it wins

  • End-to-end encryption is on by default, with private group chats.
  • Free apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
  • Supports calls, channels, disappearing messages, and file sharing.

  Where it doesn't

  • Message transport depends on chatmail relays or classic email servers.
  • Exported backups were documented as unencrypted in a 2020 assessment.
  • Support channels are community and documentation.

• 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

• Delta Chat9.2/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source messenger with default end-to-end encryption across desktop and mobile.

  Visit Delta ChatFull verdict →
• Briar8.8/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit BriarFull verdict →