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Ricochet Refresh vs Briar: catalog facts
Ricochet Refresh	Briar
Free Free and open source, supported by a not-for-profit.	Free Free and open source under the GPL.
Windows, macOS, Linux	Linux, Android
No central server and minimal metadata Hides IP address and location from contacts	Works with no internet at all, over Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi No central server and no phone number or email needed
Both contacts must be online at the same time Desktop only, no mobile apps	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
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

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