Briar is a privacy-first messaging app that works even when the internet is down. Messages sync directly between devices, with optional Tor routing for enhanced privacy, and it’s open source, ad-free, and auditable. Designed for activists, journalists, and others who need secure, decentralized communication.
Pros & Cons
Privacy-focused by design with decentralized, server-free messaging
Offline-first syncing via Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, or memory cards enhances resilience
Tor integration adds an extra layer of privacy for network routing
Open source with auditable, reproducible builds ensures transparency and trust
Decentralized design may be less familiar or convenient for users accustomed to centralized, always-on messaging
Tor-based privacy can introduce latency and a steeper learning curve for new users
Requires a broad set of permissions (location, Bluetooth, camera, biometrics, etc.)—review permissions to match your privacy preferences
About Briar
Briar is a communication app developed by Briar Project.
Download Statistics
Briar has been downloaded 4.2 million times. In the last 30 days, the app was downloaded 92 thousand times. It is ranked #128 in communication.
User Ratings
Briar is rated 3.50 out of 5 stars. The rating is based on 4.3 thousand ratings.
App Information
Briar is FREE to download. The APK download size is 48.23 MB. The latest version available is 1.5.17. The last update was on March 2, 2026.
Technical Requirements
Briar requires Android 5.0+ or higher. The app has a content rating of Everyone. The app has been available on Google Play April 2018.
Description
Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and anyone else who needs a safe, easy and robust way to communicate. Unlike traditional messaging apps, Briar doesn't rely on a central server - messages are synchronized directly between the users' devices. If the Internet's down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or memory cards, keeping the information flowing in a crisis. If the Internet's up, Briar can sync via the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from surveillance.
The app features private messages, groups and forums as well as blogs. Support for the Tor network is built into the app. Everything you do in Briar is only stored on your device unless you decide to share it with other users.
There are no advertisements and no tracking. The source code of the app is completely open for anyone to inspect and has already been professionally audited. All releases of Briar are reproducible, making it possible to verify that the published source code exactly matches the app published here. Development is done by a small non-profit team.
Get a detailed PDF report for Briar with download trends, rating history,
and key performance statistics — useful for competitive research or tracking your own app.
Learn more
Are you the developer of this app? Join us for free to see more information about your app and learn how we can help you promote and earn money with your app.
I approve it I've looked deep in to how briar works. I've used much privacy focussed messengers before and this one ranks the highest for me in terms of privacy. But some customization would be nice. For example a custom wallpaper in a contact's chat
★★★★★Manju Kumar· May 4, 2026
Used on a cruise for 4 days. Works great. Great development. Hats off to the developers.
★★★★★Dr Manhattan· Dec 14, 2025
Briar is the best secure msg app there is. Trust me I've used them all. Session, Threema,Signal list goes on. This is run over Tor network everything is stored on the phone no backup seeds codes or stored accounts on their platform. Forget password that's it. Delete and start again. Keep up the great work Briar Project,
★★☆☆☆Devashish Roy· Nov 19, 2025
It accesses my files without asking permission. Permission manager in my phone setting still shows that briar doesn't have permission to acess files or photos and videos. But as soon as I go to briar setting > profile > profile picture. It shows me my pics and videos to put as the profile picture.
★☆☆☆☆G T· May 3, 2026
The main USP here is the Bluetooth. Except Bluetooth doesn't work.
★☆☆☆☆Eugene Gribov· Mar 20, 2026
Just installed. In a half of the day it uses 30% of my battery. I haven't even used it! Maybe if works as advertised, but with such battery consumption - no way.
★☆☆☆☆Md Kuhinur Rahman· Mar 28, 2026
I can only talk to the person when he is in another room I mean the other person!! LoL, did I download it just to talk a person living next to my room😂😂
★★☆☆☆Thi Hoang· Feb 13, 2026
It only works within a single connection mode. If you enable both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, you can chat fine. But, if you disable one of them on one device, the connection is lost. It doesn't automatically switch to the other connection as expected. Even after re-enabling both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the connection remains broken, so the best approach right now is to enable only Bluetooth
AppBrain offers valuable information about your app and those of your competitors. Join AppBrain for free and claim this app to view more ranking data, view history etc.
Briar is requesting 22 permissions and is using 34 libraries.
Show details
Trust & Safety: Briar emphasizes privacy and security through its decentralized architecture, Tor support, and absence of ads or tracking. The app requests a broad permissions set (location, Bluetooth, camera, biometrics, notifications, wake/overlay and more), so users should review these settings and the privacy policy (https://briarproject.org/privacy) to ensure alignment with their safety preferences. The project is open-source and auditable, developed by a small non-profit, Briar Project.
Each subscription will automatically renew 3 days before the expiration date for
the same time period. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time before the renewal.
