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Cwtch vs Briar: catalog facts
Cwtch	Briar
Free The open-source application is available without a license fee.	Free Free and open source under the GPL.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android	Linux, Android
Designed specifically to resist metadata collection, not just message reading No account, phone number or email required	Works with no internet at all, over Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi No central server and no phone number or email needed
Tor routing makes delivery slow and requires both parties online Small project with a limited feature set	Currently in maintenance mode, with limited new development Both devices must be online at the same time to exchange messages
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

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