Briar AlternativesInstant Messengers & Encrypted Chat Apps like Briar

Briar is described as 'An open-source decentralized and encrypted messaging app even without internet connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Messages are stored securely on your device, not in the cloud. Connect directly with nearby contacts - no Internet access is required' and is a very popular instant messenger in the social & communications category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Briar for a variety of platforms, including Android, Linux, iPhone, Windows and Mac apps. The best Briar alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Briar are Telegram, Element, SimpleX Chat and Wire.

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Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1381 likes

    An open-source messaging app emphasizing privacy with encrypted communication. Share texts, calls, photos, and videos without ads or trackers, available across major platforms. Developed by Signal Technology Foundation and praised globally for security measures.

    223 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Signal vs Briar Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    7

    Signal is not decentralized. Required internet connection and phone number.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Not an offline messaging app

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Signal is Free and Open SourceBriar is also Free and Open Source
    • Signal is Security-focusedBriar is not according to our users
  2. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2089 likes

    Maximize your messaging experience with efficient communication, speedy delivery, and optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats. Engage in unlimited channels and groups up to 200,000 members. Enhance chat management and media sharing with Telegram Premium and its exclusive benefits. All core features remain free.

    296 Telegram alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Linux Mobile
    • Android Wear
    • PortableApps.com
    • FreeBSD
    • Apple Car Play
    Telegram Desktop
     
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    5
    Telegram vs Briar Comments
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    11

    Commercial project. Need Internet, Briar works without it.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    mskf1383
    Negative
    1

    centeralized and non-Free (as in Freedom)

    mplserin
    Negative
    2

    . Briar can send & receive messages and by mesh LAN P2P - does NOT require Internet, Telegram needs Internet to send/receive msgs.! Briar is open source & decentralized (e.g. not owned by 1 private entity); Telegram is centralized on commercial servers (proprietary). Briar does NOT require a phone number to use; Telegram verifies users with phone (many VoIP numbers don't work).

    3 of 5 comments
    • Telegram is Freemium and ProprietaryBriar is Free and Open Source
  4. Element icon

    Element

     794 likes

    Provides secure collaboration with end-to-end encryption, supporting chat, voice, and video calls. Available on all major platforms, it enables digital sovereignty with a decentralized design and interoperability through bridges to systems like Slack and Teams. Includes enterprise-grade SaaS.

    315 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Snapcraft
    Video calls for desktop and mobile
     
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    1
    Element vs Briar Comments
    loziniak
    Negative
    0

    Element is federated, not distributed. It relies on internet connection and access to servers.

    • Element is Free Personal and Open SourceBriar is Free and Open Source
  5. SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

     95 likes

    Open-source messaging platform enabling private, identifier-free chats, encrypted group discussions, file and media sharing, plus audio and video calls. Employs double-ratchet protocol, stores user data on-device, protects metadata, and lets users self-host relay servers.

    71 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    • Android Tablet
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
     
  6. Wire icon

    Wire

     320 likes

    Wire is the most secure collaboration platform featuring messenger, voice, video, conference calls, file-sharing, and external collaboration –all protected by the most secure end-to-end-encryption.

    287 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Wire screenshot 1
     
  7. bitchat icon

    bitchat

     49 likes

    Decentralized messaging app enabling secure peer-to-peer communication over Bluetooth mesh networks with end-to-end encryption, channel-based group chats, store & forward delivery, automatic peer discovery, no accounts or phone numbers, and privacy safeguards.

    58 bitchat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    bitchat screenshot 1
     
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    1
    bitchat vs Briar Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Support iOS end use Offline Messaging with Strong Encryption

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • bitchat is Free and Open SourceBriar is also Free and Open Source
  9. Threema icon

    Threema

     140 likes

    Threema is a new mobile messaging app that puts security first. With true end-to-end encryption, you can rest assured that only you and the intended recipient can read your messages.

    127 Threema alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Threema screenshot 1
     
  10. Molly icon

    Molly

     47 likes

    Molly is an independent Signal fork for Android.

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
     
  12. FluffyChat icon

    FluffyChat

     37 likes

    Encrypted messenger supporting multi-platform access, unlimited group and private chats, file and voice message sharing, decentralized operation, open-source code, custom themes including dark mode, advanced moderation, push notifications, and no advertisements.

    191 FluffyChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu Touch
    • F-Droid
    FluffyChat screenshot 1
     
  13. Meshtastic icon

    Meshtastic

     13 likes

    Meshtastic is a project that enables you to use inexpensive LoRa radios as a long range off-grid communication platform in areas without existing or reliable communications infrastructure. This project is 100% community driven and open source!

    10 Meshtastic alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    • Android
    Meshtastic screenshot 1
     
  14. ArcaneChat icon

    ArcaneChat

     15 likes

    ArcaneChat is a Delta Chat client and was created with a focus on usability, good user experience, and saving data plan. Also the app usually experiments with new features that eventually might get added to the official Delta Chat client.

    21 ArcaneChat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    ArcaneChat screenshot 1
     
12 of 79 Briar alternatives