bitchat alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave bitchat: only reaches people within Bluetooth relay range, and young project with past security concerns. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces bitchat, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Briar currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best bitchat alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best bitchat alternative for most people
BriarAlso works offline over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and over Tor when internet is available.
Best bitchat alternative for a free option
SignalReliable encrypted messaging for everyday use over the internet.
Best bitchat alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
SessionAnonymous, onion-routed messaging for when internet access is available.
Best bitchat alternative for open source
SimpleX ChatNo user identifiers, with full messaging features over the internet.
Best bitchat alternative for self-hosting
SimpleX ChatNo user identifiers, with full messaging features over the internet.
Best bitchat alternative for Mac
SessionAnonymous, onion-routed messaging for when internet access is available.
Best bitchat alternative for Windows
SessionAnonymous, onion-routed messaging for when internet access is available.
Best bitchat alternative for Linux
SessionAnonymous, onion-routed messaging for when internet access is available.
Best bitchat alternative for iPhone and Android
SessionAnonymous, onion-routed messaging for when internet access is available.
bitchat alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to bitchat?
Briar ranks first right now. Also works offline over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and over Tor when internet is available. Session and Signal follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to bitchat?
Yes. Briar (free), Session (free plan + paid), Signal (free) and SimpleX Chat (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to bitchat?
Yes: Briar, Session, Signal and SimpleX Chat. SimpleX Chat can also be self-hosted.
Which bitchat alternatives work on Linux?
Session, Signal and SimpleX Chat run on Linux.
Why do people switch from bitchat?
The complaints we hear most: only reaches people within Bluetooth relay range; young project with past security concerns; not a replacement for everyday messaging.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces bitchat, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.