Briar provides secure messaging, with information about how it works, project news, and downloads on its site.
Desktop
Briar Desktop is available for download on Linux, Windows, and macOS, with the project site providing operating system links.
About Desktop
Briar Desktop is a downloadable desktop client for the Briar messaging project, available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. The page provides operating system-specific install files and SHA-256 checksums, and lists the latest release as Briar Desktop 0.6.5-beta (20 February 2026). The comparison table on the page lists support for private chats, private groups, forums, blogs, introductions, adding contacts at a distance, connecting over the internet via Tor, connecting via LAN/Wi-Fi, and Briar Mailbox.
The desktop client does not include several features shown for Briar's Android app, including RSS feeds, disappearing messages, adding contacts nearby, Bluetooth connections, removable-drive connections, and Tor bridges. Pricing is not stated on the page.
Key features
- Download packages for Linux, Windows, and macOS
- Linux .deb, .jar, and AppImage builds
- Verify downloads with published SHA-256 checksums
- Private chats, private groups, forums, and blogs
- Connect over the internet via Tor or LAN/Wi-Fi
- Briar Mailbox support is included
Best for: Users on Linux, Windows, or macOS who want a desktop client for Briar's supported messaging features and can accept beta software.
Good for
- Download files are available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Linux users can choose .deb, .jar, or AppImage packages.
- Published SHA-256 checksums let users verify downloads.
Watch out for
- The latest release is a beta version.
- Does not include RSS feeds, disappearing messages, nearby contacts, Bluetooth, removable drives, or Tor bridges.
Desktop at a glance
- Category
- Privacy & Security › Encrypted Messaging
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Desktop FAQ
Which operating systems are supported?
Windows 10 and 11; macOS Apple silicon and Intel; and several Ubuntu/Debian-based Linux distributions. Generic .jar and AppImage builds are also provided for Linux.
What is the latest release?
The page lists Briar Desktop 0.6.5-beta, dated 20 February 2026.
Does Briar Desktop have the same features as the Android app?
No. The comparison table shows Desktop lacks RSS feeds, disappearing messages, adding contacts nearby, Bluetooth, removable-drive connections, and Tor bridges.
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