Briar

Peer-to-peer messaging over Tor that even works with no internet.

briarproject.org
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Price
FreeFree and open source, funded by grants and donations.
Works on
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Source code
Open source
Encryption
End-to-end encrypted

Briar is built for the moment the network turns hostile. With a connection it syncs between devices over Tor. With no connection it can still sync directly over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with no servers and no phone number involved. It's open source and has been independently audited. It asks a lot in return. There's no iOS app and none on the roadmap. The desktop client is still beta. And because everything is peer-to-peer, your messages land when two devices are actually connected rather than the instant you hit send. For activists or anyone under heavy censorship, it’s worth considering, alongside bitchat.

Strengths

  • Works offline over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with no internet needed
  • Peer-to-peer over Tor, with no servers and no phone number
  • Open source and independently audited

Considerations

  • No iOS app and the desktop client is still beta
  • Messages sync when devices connect, not always instantly
Listed inMessaging

Briar alternatives

SimpleX ChatMessaging with no user identifiers at all, not even a random number.SignalThe mainstream secure messenger, trusted and easy to use.SessionOnion-routed messaging with no phone number and no central servers.ElementOpen, federated chat on the Matrix network, no phone number needed.