Signal offers private messaging, with its site introducing a communication experience centered on privacy.
FreePick
24 alternativesBriar
Briar provides secure messaging, with information about how it works, project news, and downloads on its site.
About Briar
Briar is a messaging project that uses peer-to-peer connections instead of centralized servers. Users can connect through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor, and the project describes its messaging as censorship-resistant. Conversations use end-to-end encryption, and messages are stored on the user's device rather than in the cloud.
Briar supports messaging with nearby contacts when there is no Internet access, as well as peer-to-peer encrypted forums. The homepage notes that the project is in maintenance mode, as stated in a July 9, 2026 news item.
Key features
- Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging and forums
- End-to-end encryption for conversations
- Connections via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor
- Messaging that bypasses centralized servers
- Offline messaging with nearby contacts
- Messages stored on the device rather than in the cloud
Best for: People who want encrypted messaging that does not depend on centralized servers or continuous Internet access.
Good for
- Uses end-to-end encryption and peer-to-peer connections without centralized servers
- Supports messaging with nearby contacts when Internet access is unavailable
- Stores messages on the user's device rather than in the cloud
Watch out for
- The project is in maintenance mode, according to a July 9, 2026 news item
Briar at a glance
- Website
- briarproject.org
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Encrypted Messaging
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Android, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Briar alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Briar Desktop is available for download on Linux, Windows, and macOS, with the project site providing operating system links.
Privacy Matters compares secure messaging apps by security and privacy features, with a filterable table of services.
The Matrix.org ecosystem page introduces projects built around Matrix, an open protocol for secure decentralized communications.
Rocket.Chat provides real-time messaging, voice, video, AI, and related collaboration tools for organizations.
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Briar FAQ
Can Briar be used without an Internet connection?
The homepage states that users can connect directly with nearby contacts, even without Internet access.
Where are messages stored?
The homepage states that messages are stored securely on the user's device, not in the cloud.
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