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Tox vs Briar: catalog facts
Tox	Briar
Free Free and open source under GPL-3.0, with no ads or paid features.	Free Free and open source under the GPL.
Self-hosted	Linux, Android
No central servers that can be shut down or asked to hand over data Encrypted text, voice, video, screen sharing and file transfers	Works with no internet at all, over Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi No central server and no phone number or email needed
Core library has not been independently audited for cryptography Security model is not yet fully specified	Currently in maintenance mode, with limited new development Both devices must be online at the same time to exchange messages
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0	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 October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

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