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Briar

briarproject.org

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Spec score 8.3 #7 of 36 in Secure Messaging Apps

What it is

Briar is free messaging software for communication that does not depend on a central server. Messages synchronize directly between users’ devices. Without Internet access, synchronization can use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or memory cards; with Internet access, Briar can use the Tor network. It provides private messaging, public forums and blogs. The maker says device communications are end-to-end encrypted, contact lists are encrypted on each device, and messages remain stored locally instead of in the cloud. Briar Mailbox can deliver messages securely when users are online at different times. Android distribution includes Google Play, F-Droid and direct APK download. Briar Desktop is available for Linux, Windows and macOS. Desktop lacks Android features including RSS feeds, disappearing messages, nearby contact adding, Bluetooth, removable-drive connections and Tor bridges. The maker’s July 9, 2026 update places Briar in maintenance mode, with essential security updates and bug fixes planned. Reported longstanding issues include high battery use, unreliable Android background operation, no account backup or file attachments, and difficult contact adding and offline communication.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and others who need a safe, robust way to communicate.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
License
Briar is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Android availability
The Android app is available through Google Play, F-Droid, or a direct APK download.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Desktop availability
Briar Desktop is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Desktop limitations
Compared with Android, the desktop client lacks RSS feeds, disappearing messages, nearby contact adding, Bluetooth, removable-drive connections, and Tor bridges.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Encryption
The maker says communications between devices are end-to-end encrypted and contact lists are encrypted and stored on each user’s device.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Features
Briar provides private messaging, public forums, and blogs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Internet connections
When the Internet is available, Briar can synchronize through the Tor network.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Local storage
Messages are stored securely on the user’s device rather than in the cloud.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Mailbox
Briar Mailbox can securely deliver messages between users who are online at different times.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Maintenance status
As of the maker’s July 9, 2026 update, Briar is in maintenance mode with essential security updates and bug fixes planned.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Offline connections
When the Internet is unavailable, Briar can synchronize over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or memory cards.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org
Peer-to-peer messaging
Messages synchronize directly between users’ devices without a central server.Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org

Plans and prices

Briar Free Free and open source software Read 8 Oct 2026 · briarproject.org

Every Briar plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Direct device-to-device synchronization
  • Offline Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and memory-card options
  • Tor synchronization when online
  • End-to-end encrypted communications
  • Free software under the GNU GPL

Limits

  • Desktop omits several Android features
  • High battery usage is a known issue
  • No account backup or file attachments
  • Project is in maintenance mode

Who it suits

It suits activists, journalists and others needing encrypted communication across internet and offline connections. It also fits users who prefer local message storage and open-source software.

Verdict

Briar is designed for private, decentralized messaging across several platforms and connection types. Its maintenance status and documented feature gaps matter for anyone requiring active feature development or complete desktop parity.

Where Specifiction places it

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