Briar vs Olvid

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.

Olvid is an instant messaging app for text messages and attachments, available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Olvid says it does not require identifying details such as a phone number, email, name, address, or birth date. It also says messages and metadata are end-to-end encrypted, so it cannot know who is communicating with whom. Each message and file uses a single-use ephemeral key, intended to protect message history if a key is compromised. The app supports synchronization across devices without a master device. Secure audio and video calls are end-to-end encrypted; video calls support up to two contacts, while group audio calls have no participant limit. Receiving calls is free, and initiating them is free during a one-month trial that ends without billing or automatic subscription. The free plan includes unlimited messages and attachments, group discussions, ephemeral messages, multiple profiles, and inbound calls. Business costs €990 a year; Enterprise costs €990.50 a year.