Briar is a free, open-source messaging and forums app designed for situations where regular internet access is unreliable or censored. It connects directly with nearby contacts over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or routes messages through the Tor network when online, storing all data locally on the device rather than in the cloud. Briar started as an Android-focused app and now also has a Briar Desktop beta for Windows, macOS, and Linux. In mid-2026 the project announced it has entered maintenance mode, meaning it will continue receiving bug and security fixes but is not planned to get major new features, due to funding constraints and long-standing technical challenges like Android battery drain.
Jami is a free, open-source communication platform backed by the Free Software Foundation as a GNU project. It provides instant messaging, audio/video calls, group chats, video conferencing, and screen sharing, all built on a fully peer-to-peer architecture that doesn't rely on central servers to relay communication. Because Jami is serverless and end-to-end encrypted with perfect forward secrecy, it requires no personal information to create an account and can even work over a local network without internet access. It's available on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Android TV, and includes an extension platform and SIP client support for added flexibility.
- Unique ability to keep working via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi even with no internet connection
- Strong privacy design: local-only storage, no cloud backend, optional Tor routing
- Completely free and open source
- Now offers a desktop client in addition to the original Android app
- Completely free and open source with GNU/FSF backing
- True peer-to-peer architecture means no company server can see or store your data
- No personal information required to create an account
- Works on a local network even without internet, useful for offline or restricted environments
- Project entered maintenance mode in mid-2026, so only bug/security fixes are planned going forward, not new features
- Known issues include high battery consumption and unreliable background operation on Android
- Lacks features like account backup and file attachments that mainstream messengers take for granted
- Peer-to-peer connections can be less reliable than server-relayed apps behind strict NATs or firewalls
- Smaller mainstream user base than Signal or WhatsApp makes contact adoption harder
- Interface and feature discoverability are less polished than mainstream commercial messengers
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Briar
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Free, distributed, encrypted messaging protocol with no central servers and no ads, ever.
A decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messenger that needs no phone number or email to use.
Alternatives to Jami
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A decentralized, end-to-end encrypted messenger that needs no phone number or email to use.
Free, distributed, encrypted messaging protocol with no central servers and no ads, ever.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth Jami and Briar are free, open‑source, peer‑to‑peer messengers, but Jami offers richer real‑time media features while Briar excels at offline, Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi and Tor‑based anonymity.
Key differences
- •Jami supports screen sharing, video conferencing and SIP calling; Briar does not.
- •Briar can communicate via Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi and Tor without internet; Jami requires an IP network.
- •Jami can run on a local LAN without internet; Briar’s offline mode is limited to nearby devices.
- •Briar entered maintenance mode in mid‑2026 (only bug fixes), whereas Jami continues active development.
- •Briar stores all data locally and has no cloud backup; Jami also stores locally but offers more media handling.
Pricing & value
Both are free and open source; no licensing cost for either.
Ease of use / learning curve
Jami provides a more polished desktop app with familiar UI elements; Briar’s Bluetooth/Tor setup can be complex.
Features & depth
Jami includes group video, screen sharing, audio recording, and SIP client; Briar lacks these media features.
Integrations & ecosystem
Jami has a built‑in extension platform and SIP client; Briar offers no API or extensions.
Collaboration
Jami supports group chats, video conferences, and file sharing; Briar only offers messaging and private forums.
Scalability
Jami’s peer‑to‑peer model works over the internet and LAN, handling larger groups; Briar is limited to nearby devices or Tor.
Support
Both rely on community documentation and forums; no commercial support for either.
Security & privacy
Briar routes via Tor and stores data only locally, offering stronger anonymity; Jami lacks Tor routing.
Migration / lock‑in
Both are open source with no proprietary lock‑in; migration would require manual data export.
Choose Briar if…
Activists or users in censored environments who need offline Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi or Tor anonymity.
Choose Jami if…
Organizations needing robust video, screen sharing, or SIP calling across the internet or LAN.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either product?
Both Jami and Briar are free and open source.
Can I use the apps without an internet connection?
Jami works on a local LAN; Briar works via Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi or Tor and can operate without internet.
Which app offers more media collaboration features?
Jami provides group video calls, screen sharing, and SIP integration; Briar only offers text messaging and private forums.