BitChat vs Briar
BitChat
bitchat.freeBriar
briarproject.orgSide by side
| Figure | BitChat | Briar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Encrypted Messaging Apps | 8.9 (#1) | 8.2 (#9) |
| Encryption | The project describes Noise Protocol end-to-end encryption for mesh messages and BitChat private envelopes for Nostr fallback messages. | The maker says communications between devices are end-to-end encrypted and contact lists are encrypted and stored on each user’s device. |
| License | The iOS/macOS project and its whitepaper describe the software as released into the public domain. | Briar is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License. |
| Purpose | BitChat is a decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh for nearby communication and Nostr for internet messaging. | Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and others who need a safe, robust way to communicate. |
Plans
In their own words
BitChat
BitChat is a decentralized messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh for nearby communication and Nostr relays for internet messaging. Bluetooth messages can pass between nearby devices across as many as seven hops without internet access. When Bluetooth is unavailable, the app can use Nostr; if neither route is available, messages can wait in a queue. Geographic chat rooms use geohash coordinates.
The app requires no account, phone number, or central server. Live mesh sessions use Noise XX for mutual authentication and forward secrecy, while private Nostr messages use an app-specific encrypted format that works only with BitChat clients. However, mesh announcements expose static keys and nicknames in cleartext, and a persistent per-device identifier can allow nearby listeners to follow a device over time and place. A triple-tap emergency wipe clears app data, including identity keys and queued messages. Android adds Wi-Fi Aware on supported devices and built-in Tor. BitChat is available for iOS, Android, and macOS, and is free.
Briar
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.