Briar AlternativesInstant Messengers & Encrypted Chat Apps like Briar

Briar is described as 'Censorship-resistant peer-to-peer messaging that bypasses centralized servers. Connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor, with privacy built-in' 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, Windows, Mac and iPhone apps. The best Briar alternative is Signal, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Briar are Element, Telegram, Matrix and Tox.

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Alternatives list

  1. Signal icon

    Signal

     1462 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.

    246 Signal alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Android Auto
    • 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.

    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Not an offline messaging app

    • Signal is Free and Open SourceBriar is also Free and Open Source
    • Signal is Security-focusedBriar is not according to our users
  2. Element icon

    Element

     834 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.

    346 Element alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Matrix.org
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Element screenshot 1
     
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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
  4. Telegram icon

    Telegram

     2122 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.

    316 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.

    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
  5. Matrix icon

    Matrix

     417 likes

    Open standard protocol enabling decentralized, encrypted instant messaging, VoIP signaling, IoT device connectivity, and persistent data management across federated servers without central control or single points of failure, bridging communication platforms.

    192 Matrix alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • WebRTC
    • Python
    • JavaScript
    • Go (Programming Language)
    • Cloudron
    • Java
    • Perl
    Main Page
     
  7. Tox icon

    Tox

     573 likes

    With the rise of widespread government monitoring programs, Tox is an easy to use application that allows you to connect with friends and loved ones without anyone else listening in.

    224 Tox alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • F-Droid
    The Universal Tox Client. A Tox client that runs on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, FreeBSD & the web. Written in JS using React & React Native / electron.
     
  8. SimpleX Chat icon

    SimpleX Chat

     115 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.

    79 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    WhatsApp

     857 likes

    Exchange messages without SMS fees using this app for iPhone, Android and desktop, featuring group chats, multimedia sharing, and video calls. The app requires an internet connection and the latest version for optimal functionality.

    269 WhatsApp alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Auto
    • Android Wear
    • Apple Car Play
    WhatsApp screenshot 1
     
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    1
    WhatsApp vs Briar Comments
    Olika121
    Negative
    0

    Commercial software, also seems to have spyware characteristics. Requires internet to work, not decentralized in any way.

    • WhatsApp is Freemium and ProprietaryBriar is Free and Open Source
  10. bitchat icon

    bitchat

     63 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.

    66 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

    • bitchat is Free and Open SourceBriar is also Free and Open Source
  11. Wire icon

    Wire

     332 likes

    Secure communication platform featuring encrypted chats and calls, file and media sharing, self-deleting messages, device verification, group collaboration, and customizable settings. Supports use across multiple devices with no phone number required for access.

    301 Wire alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    Threema

     147 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.

    136 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
     
12 of 94 Briar alternatives