Briar review
A free, open-source choice for private messaging when centralized servers are a concern.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Briar pros and cons
- 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
Briar fact sheet, pricing and score →
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.
Last updated · How we research and update