Briar Project review
Updated October 12, 2026 · ShieldCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
For people seeking private messaging outside traditional networks, Briar Project is an open source messaging tool that connects through short range wireless and anonymity networks. It serves people who value openness and direct device connectivity and who want phone and computer coverage.
Key facts
- Best for
- Private messaging over direct and anonymity networks
- No-logs audit
- Cure53 2017 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Protocols
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Tor (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Platforms
- Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Owner
- Michael Rogers, Eleanor Saitta and the Briar community board (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Sublime Software Ltd (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Founded
- 2011 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Community (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Free
- Official website
- briarproject.org
Privacy tools
- Free plan
- Yes (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Platforms
- Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Protocols
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Tor (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Logging policy
- No message content or metadata collected; website visit logs deleted after seven days, plus optional feedback and crash reports (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Open source
- Yes (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Sublime Software Ltd (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Founded
- 2011 (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email, Community (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Pricing model
- Free
Apps and profiles
- Get the app
- Google Play
Pros
Pros
- Open source messaging tool using short range wireless and anonymity network connections
- Covers mobile and desktop environments with email and community based assistance
- Keeps message content and metadata uncollected while limiting visitor log retention
Who it suits
- People seeking open source private messaging
- People wanting direct device connectivity
How Briar Project compares
Frequently asked questions
What does Briar Project offer?+
Briar Project provides a messaging tool for private communication. It connects through direct wireless links and anonymity based routing for direct exchanges. It offers flexibility for people who prioritize decentralized connectivity and transparency.
Which systems does Briar Project support?+
Briar Project works across phone and computer systems for flexible everyday use. It covers major mobile and desktop environments in one messaging approach. It gives continuity for people who move between different devices.
How does Briar Project handle privacy?+
Briar Project keeps message content and metadata uncollected during communication. It applies short retention to website visit logs and separates optional feedback and crash reports. It maintains transparency through reviewable code and outside examination.
Which platforms does Briar Project support?+
Briar Project supports Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Which company operates Briar Project?+
Briar Project is operated by Sublime Software Ltd. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
When was Briar Project founded?+
Briar Project was founded in 2011. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- briarproject.org checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Pricing model, Protocols
“Free and open source software”
- briarproject.org/about checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Owner, Support channels
“Michael Rogers started the Briar project to support freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to privacy.”
- briarproject.org/copyright checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Free plan, Legal entity
“Briar is free software. You can redistribute and modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License.”
- briarproject.org/download-briar checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Open source
“All our software is open source”
- briarproject.org/privacy-policy checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Logging policy
“We do not have access to the content or metadata of your communications via the Briar app.”
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briar_(software) checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Founded, No-logs audit, Platforms
“Briar's core protocol, threat model, development process, and user experience design began development in 2011 by Michael Rogers and Eleanor Saitta”
Compiled from 6 source pages, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Monthly price, Long-term plan price, Devices, Server countries.