Briar
What it is
Briar is free messaging software for people who need communication without relying on a central server. Messages synchronize directly between users’ devices. Without Internet access, Briar can sync through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or memory cards; with Internet access, it can use the Tor network. The app includes private messaging, public forums, and blogs. Communications between devices are end-to-end encrypted, contact lists are encrypted on each device, and messages are stored locally rather than in the cloud. Briar Mailbox can deliver messages when users are online at different times. Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows versions are available, with Android distributed through Google Play, F-Droid, or direct APK download. Briar Desktop lacks several Android features. The maker says the project is in maintenance mode, with security updates and bug fixes planned.
For and against
For
- Works without a central server
- Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and memory cards
- Uses end-to-end encryption
- Stores messages on devices
- Available on Android and desktop systems
Against
- Desktop version lacks several Android features
- Maker reports high battery usage
- Android background operation can be unreliable
- No account backup or file attachments
The verdict
Briar emphasizes local storage, encrypted communication, and synchronization through several connection methods. Its maintenance status and known limitations matter for users who need active feature development or complete desktop parity.
Who it suits
Briar suits activists, journalists, and others who need private communication across online and offline connections. It is also relevant to users seeking free, open-source messaging software.
Plans and prices
Briar
Free and open source software
Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
On the record
- Android availability
- The Android app is available through Google Play, F-Droid, or a direct APK download.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop availability
- Briar Desktop is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop limitations
- Compared with Android, the desktop client lacks RSS feeds, disappearing messages, nearby contact adding, Bluetooth, removable-drive connections, and Tor bridges.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The maker says communications between devices are end-to-end encrypted and contact lists are encrypted and stored on each user’s device.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Features
- Briar provides private messaging, public forums, and blogs.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Internet connections
- When the Internet is available, Briar can synchronize through the Tor network.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Known issues
- The maker identifies high battery usage and unreliable Android background operation, missing account backup and file attachments, and difficult contact adding and offline communication as longstanding issues.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- Briar is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Local storage
- Messages are stored securely on the user’s device rather than in the cloud.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Mailbox
- Briar Mailbox can securely deliver messages between users who are online at different times.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maintenance status
- As of the maker’s July 9, 2026 update, Briar is in maintenance mode with essential security updates and bug fixes planned.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Offline connections
- When the Internet is unavailable, Briar can synchronize over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or memory cards.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Peer-to-peer messaging
- Messages synchronize directly between users’ devices without a central server.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and others who need a safe, robust way to communicate.briarproject.org · read 8 Oct 2026
