Briar vs Element X
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted apps from related categories — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
Briar
Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging that works offline
VS
Element X
Next-generation fast Matrix client for mobile
| Feature | Briar | Element X |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Chat & Communication | Matrix & XMPP |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Java | Swift |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 64 MB |
| Deployment | source | bare-metal, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 800 | ★ 912 |
| First released | 2018 | 2022 |
| Replaces | Signal, WhatsApp | WhatsApp, Signal |
Why pick each one
Choose Briar if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- Written in Java
- Tiny footprint — runs in 128 MB RAM
Choose Element X if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Written in Swift
- Tiny footprint — runs in 64 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is Briar or Element X better?
Element X is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Briar if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Briar and Element X free and open-source?
Yes. Briar is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Element X under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Briar and Element X with Docker?
Briar: check the project docs for container support. Element X: check the project docs for container support.