Side by side
Briar vs Cheogram
Both stand on secure messaging apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1
Pick Briar for free, open-source messaging with device-to-device synchronization, offline connections, and default end-to-end encryption. Consider another tool if you need full feature parity on desktop, account backup, file attachments, or dependable Android background operation.
Visit Briar
Free plan AndroidSelf-hostedWeb
Cheogram combines XMPP messaging with gateway connections to other communication networks. Its broad messaging features and optional encryption are balanced by the required Jabber account and developing network bridges.
Visit CheogramThe facts
| Briar | Cheogram | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Cheogram Android (Google Play): $4.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | briarproject.org | cheogram.com |
| On secure messaging apps | #3 of 36 | #7 of 36 |
Briar: what it does well
- Peer-to-peer synchronization avoids a central server
- Works offline over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or memory cards
- Uses Tor when Internet access is available
- End-to-end encryption is enabled by default
- Stores messages on the device, not in the cloud
What to know first
- Desktop lacks several Android features
- The maker reports high battery usage
- Android background operation can be unreliable
- No account backup or file attachments
Cheogram: what it does well
- Connects multiple networks through gateways
- Supports groups, channels, and attachments
- Offers multi-account and multi-device use
- OMEMO encrypts chats and attachment metadata
- Strict TLS enabled by default
What to know first
- Requires an account with a Jabber service
- Email and SIP connections are demonstrations
- First-party web client is still unfinished
- Gateway providers receive opted-in interactions
Alternatives to Briar Alternatives to Cheogram The whole list