Briar alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Briar: now in maintenance mode, with few new features, and mainly Android only. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Briar, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. bitchat currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 5 alternativesThe best Briar alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Briar alternative for most people
bitchatA newer Bluetooth mesh messenger for iPhone and Android that also needs no internet.
Best Briar alternative for a free option
CwtchTor-based, metadata-resistant messaging with desktop as well as Android apps.
Best Briar alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
SessionOnion-routed and anonymous, but with asynchronous delivery and iPhone support.
Best Briar alternative for open source
SimpleX ChatNo user identifiers, works across all major platforms, and is actively developed.
Best Briar alternative for self-hosting
CwtchTor-based, metadata-resistant messaging with desktop as well as Android apps.
Best Briar alternative for Mac
SignalFar easier everyday encrypted messaging when internet access isn't the problem.
Best Briar alternative for Windows
CwtchTor-based, metadata-resistant messaging with desktop as well as Android apps.
Best Briar alternative for Linux
CwtchTor-based, metadata-resistant messaging with desktop as well as Android apps.
Best Briar alternative for iPhone and Android
bitchatA newer Bluetooth mesh messenger for iPhone and Android that also needs no internet.
Briar alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Briar?
bitchat ranks first right now. A newer Bluetooth mesh messenger for iPhone and Android that also needs no internet. Cwtch and Session follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Briar?
Yes. bitchat (free), Cwtch (free), Session (free plan + paid) 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 Briar?
Yes: bitchat, Cwtch, Session and SimpleX Chat, plus 1 more in the list above. Cwtch and SimpleX Chat can also be self-hosted.
Which Briar alternatives work on Linux?
Cwtch, Session, SimpleX Chat and Signal run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Briar?
The complaints we hear most: now in maintenance mode, with few new features; mainly Android only; contacts must be online at the same time for delivery.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Briar, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.