Compare Briar vs. Proton VPN vs. Tails

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.

Secure your organization from costly data breaches while meeting essential compliance requirements, such as ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA. Our software-based VPN solution is easy to deploy alongside your existing systems, giving you a powerful and adaptable tool for securing your enterprise network. Our VPN Professional plan allows your team to connect securely to your local networks and cloud-based services. And with granular segmented control over who can connect to dedicated VPN servers and Gateways (logical groupings of dedicated servers), you can ensure your staff can access the resources they need (but only what they need). All of our business plans use robust industry-standard AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption to ensure your data remains secure. You can further strengthen your organization's security with enforced two-factor authentication (2FA) and seamless login through single sign-on (SSO) with SCIM support for automated user provisioning. Our global high-performance (mainly 10 Gbps) server network is one of the largest in the world, and is part of the trusted Proton ecosystem — a suite of fully open source, end-to-end encrypted services built by the creators of Proton Mail and designed specifically to keep your business secure.

Tails is a lightweight operating system designed to safeguard users from surveillance and censorship. By utilizing the Tor network, Tails ensures your online privacy and helps you bypass restrictions. Experience the Internet in its true form by booting your computer from a Tails USB stick rather than using Windows, macOS, or Linux. One of the key features of Tails is that it leaves no trace on the host machine once it is shut down. Additionally, Tails comes equipped with a variety of applications tailored for working with sensitive documents and secure communication. Each component in Tails is designed for immediate use and is configured with security in mind. You can obtain Tails at no cost, and independent security researchers are able to validate its security measures. Built on a Debian GNU/Linux foundation, Tails is widely employed by activists to maintain their anonymity, circumvent censorship, and communicate safely. Journalists, along with their sources, rely on Tails for sharing sensitive information and accessing the Internet in risky environments. Survivors of domestic violence also benefit from Tails, as it provides a means to escape surveillance in their homes. This versatility makes Tails an essential tool for anyone needing privacy and security in their online activities.