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Messaging

Briar

Peer-to-peer messaging with Tor integration and offline capabilities for censorship-resistant communication

Privacy score 87 Free Technical: Intermediate Open source
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Briar is a private messaging with

. It helps you keep more control over your data.

Android iOS Windows Mac Linux

Who is this for?

✓ Good for you if:

  • • You need messaging that works without internet (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi sync)
  • • You want P2P messaging without central servers
  • • You need Tor integration for anonymity
  • • You're in areas with internet censorship or restrictions
  • • You want forums and blogs with

⚠ Think twice if:

  • • You need voice or video calls (Briar only supports text and images)
  • • You want iOS or desktop apps (Briar is Android-only)
  • • You need the simplest messaging experience (Briar has a learning curve)
  • • You're concerned about battery usage (Tor connection uses more battery)
  • • You want to message people who only use mainstream apps

Overview

Briar is a messaging app that works differently from most apps - it doesn't need the internet to work. Instead, Briar can send messages directly between phones using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or it can use the internet through Tor for privacy. This means you can message people even when there's no internet connection, as long as you're close enough to connect directly. All your messages are encrypted, and Briar doesn't use any central servers, so your messages go directly from your phone to the other person's phone. Briar includes features like group chats, forums, and blogs, all with encryption

. The app is free, open source, and particularly useful in places where internet is unreliable, censored, or you want to avoid using central servers.

Privacy highlight

Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging with no servers. Works offline via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. No

, no , complete privacy.

Quick facts

Country:
🇩🇪 Germany
Pricing:
Free
Platform:
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Technical:
Intermediate
:
Yes
:
No telemetry
:
Yes
Open-source status:
Fully open source
:
No
:
No

Key features

  • End-to-end encrypted messaging
  • Voice and video calls with
  • Group messaging with
  • File sharing with
  • Disappearing messages
  • Username support (phone number privacy)
Security & encryption Click to expand
Yes
Encryption protocols
NaCl, Tor
Briar uses with keys generated and stored on user devices. The service uses protocols designed for peer-to-peer communication. Briar does not have access to keys as they never leave user devices. The service uses secure key exchange protocols to establish encrypted sessions between peers. Briar operates as a peer-to-peer network, so is handled directly between devices without central servers.
Offline support
No
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
No telemetry
No
Ip no
Briar does not collect data. The service does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor message activity. Briar does not log IP addresses and does not use or tools. The application is designed for maximum privacy with no . Briar operates as a peer-to-peer network, so there are no central servers to collect .
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
Briar is open-source software with no central jurisdiction. The service operates as a peer-to-peer network, so there is no central data residency. Briar does not retain message content on servers as it operates peer-to-peer. All data remains on user devices, giving users complete control over data residency.
Briar does not retain message content on servers. The service operates as a peer-to-peer network, so messages are delivered directly between devices without central servers. Briar does not retain user data, message content, or . The service does not log IP addresses. All data remains on user devices, giving users complete control over .
Legal frameworks
GDPR, CCPA (where applicable).
Revenue sources
Donations, Grants
Editorial signals Click to expand
87
Trust score
90
Trust breakdown (0–10)
Encryption: 95, Audits: 80, Open source: 95, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 100, Transparency: 90, Trackers: 100
Editorial notes
Usability: 70, Performance: 70, Family friendly: 75
User experience Click to expand
Signup requirements
none
Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
3
Accessibility features
Support for modern accessibility features depends on the platform version.
Backup & portability Click to expand
No
Migration tools
May offer import or export tools; see official docs.
Account recovery options depend on the provider.

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