Briar
Censorship-resistant peer-to-peer messaging that bypasses centralized servers. Connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Tor, with privacy built-in.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application types
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- Flathub
- F-Droid
Features
Properties
- Decentralized
- Privacy focused
- Lightweight
Features
- Works Offline
- End-to-End Encryption
- Mesh network
- Bluetooth Support
- Encrypted Chat
Support for TOR- Local Network Connection
- Secure Chat
- Peer-To-Peer
- Self Destructing Messages
- No registration required
- No Tracking
- Ad-free
- Dark Mode
- LAN
- Non-cloud solution
- Sync via TOR network
- Distributed
Briar News & Activities
Recent News
- POX published news article about Briar
Secure messaging app Briar enters maintenance mode, will only receive bug & security fixesBriar, a free and open source secure messaging app, has officially entered maintenance mode. Accord...
- POX published news article about Briar
Secure messaging app Briar releases new desktop version with private groups and macOS supportThe messaging app Briar has released its latest desktop version, 0.5.0-beta, which introduces sever...
Recent activities
OmniXAI added Briar as alternative to Sesam - Secure- Nuke331 liked Briar
- vv0wdr003f liked Briar
Recline added Briar as alternative to Recline.social
037-IMPORT-EXPORT added Briar as alternative to SpaceForMyWorld- brickelt963-altto replied to a comment / review on Briar
- brickelt963-altto reviewed Briar
It’s one of the few apps of this kind that isn’t too complicated to use and that I actually found quite enjoyable. However, the project has gone into ‘maintenance’ mode, thanks to the community’s efforts in persuading the developers not to simply abandon it. Now I’m not quite sure what to make of it.
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What is Briar?
Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and anyone else who needs a safe, easy and robust way to communicate. Unlike traditional messaging apps, Briar doesn't rely on a central server - messages are synchronized directly between the users' devices. If the Internet's down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, keeping information flowing in a crisis. If the Internet's up, Briar can sync via the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from surveillance.
Briar Videos
Briar information
Developed by
Michael Rogers, Eleanor Saitta, Torsten Grote, Ernir Erlingsson, Bernard Tyers, Jack GriggLicensing
Open Source (GPL-3.0) and Free product.Rating
Average rating of 4.2Alternatives
94 alternatives listedSupported Languages
- English
Comments and Reviews
Not only is it private, but also the most user friendly and stable P2P message app I have ever used.
Unable to add contact
It’s one of the few apps of this kind that isn’t too complicated to use and that I actually found quite enjoyable. However, the project has gone into ‘maintenance’ mode, thanks to the community’s efforts in persuading the developers not to simply abandon it. Now I’m not quite sure what to make of it.
Great privacy-focused messaging app that works without internet. Perfect for situations where you need secure communication.
Briar is indeed very lightweight, fast and secure, connecting users to the TOR network. The best thing about Briar is when you're in the middle of nowhere and you can connect with those around you through Bluetooth.
I took away two stars from Briar due to the media sharing quality.
Is Briar compatible with SMS text messaging? In other words, can I send and receive messages to and from phones without Briar installed? The "How it works" webpage doesn't mention SMS.
https://briarproject.org/how-it-works/
In the same way that Signal has chosen to stop supporting two protocols simultaneously – including SMS, which offers little security – Briar, which is already much more focused on privacy and independence, requires the app to be installed on the phones or devices seeking to communicate with one another.
It supports hyperlocal communities and long cdistance communications over the Tor network. It features LAN discovery, direct peer-to-peer messages, secure scuttlebutt-like blog posts and forums (group-chat like)