Berty
Paris, France
What it is
Berty is a free messaging app built on the Wesh Network protocol, using a distributed peer-to-peer network rather than servers or cloud storage for user data. Messages and files are end-to-end encrypted by default, according to its FAQ. Bluetooth Low Energy can support messaging without internet access or cell coverage. Users can add contacts by QR code, public key, or invite link, and registration does not require an email address or phone number. Berty Technologies, a Paris-based non-profit, describes the app as an early version under active development and says it was designed with higher-risk groups such as journalists, activists, lawyers, and whistleblowers in mind. The FAQ says the app currently has no way to hide users' IP addresses, and its protocol has not been independently audited. Voice and video calls, disappearing messages, and encrypted backups are not available. File sharing and voice and video chat are described as future possibilities, but are not on the short-term roadmap. Berty is listed for Android and iOS; its plan is free forever and open-source.
For and against
For
- Messages and files are encrypted by default.
- Bluetooth messaging can work without internet or cell coverage.
- Contact sharing supports QR codes, public keys, and invite links.
- Registration does not require email or phone number.
- Free forever and open-source.
Against
- The app cannot currently hide users' IP addresses.
- The protocol has not been independently audited.
- Voice and video calls are unavailable.
- Encrypted backups and disappearing messages are unavailable.
The verdict
Berty provides encrypted peer-to-peer messaging with contact options that do not require phone or email registration. Its early status, lack of IP hiding, and unaudited protocol are significant considerations for people assessing privacy risks.
Who it suits
Berty may suit people who want peer-to-peer messaging and default end-to-end encryption, including groups the maker identifies as facing higher risks. It is best considered with its early development status and stated security limitations in view.
Plans and prices
Berty Messenger
Free forever · open-source
Read 7 Oct 2026 · berty.tech
On the record
- Contact sharing
- Users can add contacts through a QR code, public key, or invite link.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Development status
- The FAQ describes the app as under active development and says an early version is available.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- Messages and files are end-to-end encrypted by default, according to the FAQ.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Identity
- The FAQ says registration does not require an email address or phone number.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Berty says it designed the messenger with higher-risk groups such as journalists, activists, lawyers, and whistleblowers in mind.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Berty Technologies describes itself as a non-profit organization based in Paris, France.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Notable limits
- The FAQ says file sharing and voice and video chat are planned for the future, but are not on the short-term roadmap.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Offline messaging
- Berty says Bluetooth Low Energy can support messaging without internet access or cell coverage.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Peer-to-peer
- The app uses a distributed peer-to-peer network and says it has no servers or cloud storage for user data.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- Berty is a privacy-first messaging app built on the Wesh Network protocol.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security audit
- Berty says its protocol has not yet been independently audited.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security limitation
- The FAQ states that Berty has no mechanism in place to hide users’ IP addresses at present.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support and access
- The contact page offers an application for preview access and links to the Berty Discord community.berty.tech · read 7 Oct 2026
