Compare Briar vs. Google Messages vs. Signal

Briar is a secure messaging application tailored for activists, journalists, and anyone seeking a reliable and straightforward method of communication. Unlike conventional messaging platforms, Briar operates without a central server, facilitating direct synchronization of messages between users' devices. In scenarios where internet connectivity is compromised, Briar can connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, ensuring that communication persists even during emergencies. When the internet is available, Briar utilizes the Tor network to safeguard users and their connections from any form of surveillance. This network not only obscures the identities of users but also keeps their interactions private from prying eyes. Moreover, each user’s contact list is encrypted and maintained solely on their device, adding another layer of security. The application ensures that all exchanges between devices are encrypted end-to-end, effectively shielding the content from unauthorized access or interference. In this way, Briar is not just a messaging app, but a vital tool for maintaining privacy in sensitive communications.

Introducing Messages, the official messaging application from Google that facilitates texting through SMS and MMS, as well as chatting via RCS. Designed to enhance communication, Messages provides straightforward and effective messaging tools. Elevate your interactions with chat functionalities, effortlessly share high-quality media without incurring additional costs, send texts over Wi-Fi, and enjoy real-time updates on your friends’ typing status, all while managing group conversations with ease. With Messages, reaching out to anyone from your phone or computer at any hour is a breeze. If you’re burning the midnight oil, the dark mode feature offers a visually soothing experience for late-night texting. Additionally, Messages seamlessly integrates the Google Assistant, allowing you to access helpful information directly within your chats. This app proves invaluable by enabling quick actions such as finding and sharing information, responding with a single tap, or even initiating payments during a conversation. Whether you need to express yourself with an ideal GIF or sticker or access pertinent business information, Messages empowers you to accomplish more, all from one unified platform. With its user-friendly design and diverse features, Messages is the go-to app for all your messaging needs.

Quick, straightforward, and secure—experience privacy that fits right in your pocket. Effortlessly send high-quality messages, whether they're group chats, texts, voice notes, videos, documents, or images, to anyone around the globe without incurring SMS or MMS charges. Every message and call made through Signal is protected with end-to-end encryption, meticulously designed to safeguard your communications. Your messages and calls remain private, as we have no access to them, nor does anyone else. Organize your chat history by using the disappearing messages feature, which allows you to select different intervals for each conversation, ensuring that everyone involved shares the same settings. Cherished memories can endure even if the words fade away. Signal prioritizes your needs, as it is an Open Source initiative backed by donations and grants, allowing it to focus on users instead of profit. With no advertisements, no affiliate marketing, and no invasive tracking, you can trust in technology that provides a quick, straightforward, and secure messaging experience. This is the way communication should be, empowering users while maintaining their privacy.