Briar
Advanced RecommendedBriar is one of the best WhatsApp alternatives. Peer-to-peer messenger via Tor, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Works even without Internet.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Briar is a messenger designed for situations where connectivity or surveillance is a concern. Messages travel through the Tor network when Internet is available, but can also go via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in direct proximity. No central server: everything is peer-to-peer. Contacts must be mutually added via QR code or briar:// link.
Key features
- Peer-to-peer via Tor
- Offline mode (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)
- E2E encryption
- Built-in forums and blogs
- No central server
Strengths
- + Works without Internet (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
- + No central server
- + Tor routing
- + Open source
Weaknesses
- − No iOS app (desktop version in beta)
- − Complex contact adding (QR code required)
- − Battery drain when using Tor
Recommended for
- Journalists and activists in sensitive areas
- Communication during Internet shutdowns
Briar vs WhatsApp: the comparison
| Criterion | Briar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free and open source | Free |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (metadata used by Meta) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Complex (4/5) | — |
Comparison
Briar is designed for extreme contexts (censorship, Internet shutdown), where Signal and SimpleX Chat require an Internet connection. Only Briar works via direct Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
Want the complete guide?
“Vivre sans Google” (in French) covers the full journey, service by service, with step-by-step migration guides.
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Briar cost?
Free and open source
How do you switch from WhatsApp to Briar?
Estimated difficulty: Complex (4/5). Separate app, contact adding only via QR code or link. Very different usage from a standard messenger.
Who is Briar for?
Advanced users in at-risk contexts: journalists, activists, conflict or censorship zones.
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