Side by side
Briar vs Jami
Both stand on encrypted 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 Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6
Jami brings messaging, calls, and conferencing together in a peer-to-peer communication app. Check client-specific feature availability, particularly if you rely on extensions or bot and API access.
Visit JamiThe facts
| Briar | Jami | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | briarproject.org | jami.net |
| On encrypted messaging apps | #3 of 43 | #1 of 43 |
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
Jami: what it does well
- Free/libre software with end-to-end encrypted communications.
- Messaging, calls, group chats, and conferences are included.
- Account creation does not require personal information.
- Supports file sharing, screen sharing, and media streaming.
What to know first
- Extensions are unavailable to iOS users.
- Feature availability varies by client.
- Bot account and API access are limited to desktop Linux, macOS, and Windows.