Briar
Briar: A free, open-source choice for private messaging when centralized servers are a concern. Ranked #13 of 44 in Encrypted Messaging Apps by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for offline and censorship-resistant messaging.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOffline and censorship-resistant messaging
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Encryption coverageDefault
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Works over Tor, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi without centralized servers
- Supports private groups, forums, blogs, and threaded conversations
- Encrypts local messages and account data on the device
Where it doesn't
- No verified voice or video calling
- No encrypted account backup
- Disappearing messages are listed only for Android
Our verdict on Briar
Briar is a free, open-source encrypted messaging app for activists, journalists, and others who need private communication in environments where internet access may be limited or monitored. It synchronizes messages directly between devices rather than relying on centralized servers. Over the internet, Briar uses Tor-based connections; nearby devices can communicate through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Its feature set includes private chats, private groups, threaded conversations, forums, blogs, contact introductions, QR-code contact exchange, and encrypted local storage. Official desktop clients are available for Linux, Windows, and macOS alongside the Android app.
Its strongest distinction is communication flexibility across different connection conditions. Briar can exchange messages online through Tor and offline through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, while Briar Mailbox supports delayed message delivery. Peer-to-peer synchronization also suits users who want to reduce dependence on a central service. Contact introductions and QR-code exchange provide focused ways to establish connections, and private groups and forums extend the app beyond one-to-one chat. These capabilities make Briar particularly relevant for decentralized communication rather than conventional messaging convenience.
The trade-offs are important for buyers comparing it with broader messaging platforms. The published feature details do not include verified voice or video calls, and account backup is unavailable. Disappearing messages are listed for Android, not across the desktop clients. The project is maintained with essential security updates and bug fixes and remains in maintenance mode, so users seeking a rapidly expanding feature set may prefer an alternative. Choose Briar for free, open-source, peer-to-peer messaging with offline options; choose another app if calling, encrypted backups, or fully consistent desktop features are priorities.
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Briar pricing
Briar fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Encryption coverage | Default |
| Maximum group size | Not verified |
| Linked device limit | Not verified |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Not verified |
| Disappearing messages | Yes |
| Encrypted backups | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | briarproject.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Briar
- SignalA free, private messaging app with broad calling, sharing, and platform support.9.4
- WhatsAppA free, feature-rich choice for encrypted everyday messaging and calls.9.3
- ElementEncrypted collaboration with flexible deployment, open source foundations, and broad platform support.9.1
Also Ranked In
Briar is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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