Compare software

Briar vs Session: catalog facts
Briar	Session
Free Free and open source under the GPL.	Free Free and open source under the GPL 3.0, run by the Session Technology Foundation.
Linux, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Works with no internet at all, over Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi No central server and no phone number or email needed	No phone number or email needed; the account is a random ID Onion routing hides your address from recipients and from the network
Currently in maintenance mode, with limited new development Both devices must be online at the same time to exchange messages	Losing your recovery phrase means losing the account with no reset Delivery can be slower than a centralised messenger
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.