Cwtch alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Cwtch: no iPhone app, and contacts usually need to be online at the same time. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Cwtch, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Briar currently ranks first.
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Show all 4 alternativesThe best Cwtch alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Cwtch alternative for most people
BriarAlso peer-to-peer over Tor, with offline Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support on Android.
Best Cwtch alternative for a free option
SimpleX ChatNo identifiers, cross-platform including iPhone, with optional Tor support.
Best Cwtch alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
SessionOnion-routed and anonymous, with iPhone apps and asynchronous delivery.
Best Cwtch alternative for open source
SignalMuch easier everyday encrypted messaging for lower-risk situations.
Best Cwtch alternative for self-hosting
SimpleX ChatNo identifiers, cross-platform including iPhone, with optional Tor support.
Best Cwtch alternative for Mac
SessionOnion-routed and anonymous, with iPhone apps and asynchronous delivery.
Best Cwtch alternative for Windows
SessionOnion-routed and anonymous, with iPhone apps and asynchronous delivery.
Best Cwtch alternative for Linux
SessionOnion-routed and anonymous, with iPhone apps and asynchronous delivery.
Best Cwtch alternative for iPhone and Android
SessionOnion-routed and anonymous, with iPhone apps and asynchronous delivery.
Cwtch alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Cwtch?
Briar ranks first right now. Also peer-to-peer over Tor, with offline Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support on Android. Session and SimpleX Chat follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Cwtch?
Yes. Briar (free), Session (free plan + paid), SimpleX Chat (open source) and Signal (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Cwtch?
Yes: Briar, Session, SimpleX Chat and Signal. SimpleX Chat can also be self-hosted.
Which Cwtch alternatives work on Linux?
Session, SimpleX Chat and Signal run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Cwtch?
The complaints we hear most: no iPhone app; contacts usually need to be online at the same time; basic interface and small user base.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Cwtch, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.