The Serval Mesh vs Briar

Struggling to choose between The Serval Mesh and Briar? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

The Serval Mesh is a Network & Admin solution with tags like mesh-networking, offline-communication, peertopeer, adhoc-networking.

It boasts features such as Creates mesh networks using WiFi, Bluetooth and peer-to-peer protocols, Allows communication between phones without cellular coverage, Supports voice calls, text messaging, file sharing over the mesh, Works with Android phones, Open source software and pros including Enables communication in areas without cellular connectivity, Free and open source, Decentralized network not dependent on cellular infrastructure, Uses existing hardware in phones (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc).

On the other hand, Briar is a Security & Privacy product tagged with p2p, encrypted, messaging, privacy, security, activists, journalists, censorship-resistance.

Its standout features include Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging, Designed for high-risk users like activists and journalists, Uses Tor network for anonymous communication, Works without internet access using Bluetooth or WiFi, Open source and transparent codebase, and it shines with pros like Very secure and private, Resistant to surveillance and censorship, Works offline, Active development community, Available on multiple platforms.

Feature	The Serval Mesh	Briar
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Security & Privacy

Product Overview

The Serval Mesh

Description: The Serval Mesh is an open-source software that allows mobile phones to communicate in a mesh network without cellular coverage. It uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and peer-to-peer protocols to connect phones directly to each other.

Briar

Description: Briar is a peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and people at risk of persecution. It allows secure communication without relying on a central server, making it resistant to surveillance and censorship.

Key Features Comparison

The Serval Mesh Features

• Creates mesh networks using WiFi, Bluetooth and peer-to-peer protocols
• Allows communication between phones without cellular coverage
• Supports voice calls, text messaging, file sharing over the mesh
• Works with Android phones
• Open source software

Briar Features

• Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging
• Designed for high-risk users like activists and journalists
• Uses Tor network for anonymous communication
• Works without internet access using Bluetooth or WiFi
• Open source and transparent codebase

Pros & Cons Analysis

The Serval Mesh

Pros

• Enables communication in areas without cellular connectivity
• Free and open source
• Decentralized network not dependent on cellular infrastructure
• Uses existing hardware in phones (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc)

Cons

• Requires many users in an area to create an effective mesh
• Only available on Android currently
• Setup and configuration can be complex for non-technical users

Briar

Pros

• Very secure and private
• Resistant to surveillance and censorship
• Works offline
• Active development community
• Available on multiple platforms

Cons

• User base still small
• Some usability issues
• Setup can be complicated for less tech-savvy users

Pricing Comparison

The Serval Mesh

• Open Source

Briar

• Open Source