One of the biggest tools that governments across the world use to quell citizens’ dissent is shutting the internet. While sometimes it’s necessary to stop the flow of false information, more often then not, it is used to stop free flow of speech. Free speech is a fundamental right in most democratic countries in the world, and it’s sad to see governments using their power to stifle it. Thankfully, there are several offline messaging apps that work without the internet. These apps use mesh technology to allow users to communicate with each other even when there’s no internet. The apps are also helpful during music festivals, sports events, natural disasters, traveling abroad, and other such situations. In this article, we are listing the best offline messaging apps that run without internet.
Before we get to our list, let’s first talk a little bit about the technology behind these apps. This will help us understand not only how these app works but also there limitations. Instead of using mobile or WiFi data like popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, the offline messaging apps create a peer-to-peer Bluetooth mesh network or Wifi Direct-based network on your phone eliminating the need for mobile data services.
As you might have guessed, using Bluetooth or WiFi mesh network technology also has its fair share of disadvantages. First is its dependence on running nodes. So, if there are fewer devices in an area, you won’t be able to send your messages far. Also, you are limited to the area of operation and cannot send messages outside that area. Lastly, you won’t be able to send large photos or media files as the connection speed is too low for those to work. Now, that you know everything that is to know about these apps, let’s get to our list of best offline messaging apps that run without internet, shall we?
1. Bridgefy
Bridgefy is a popular offline messaging app that has gained popularity. It was the main messaging app used by Hong Kong protesters to evade internet censorship imposed by China. It is also gaining popularity in India as it has become the main tool of CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protesters to communicate with each other. The app works using the Bluetooth mesh technology that we mentioned above. It offers three main types of messaging service; Person-to-Person mode, Broadcast mode, and Mesh mode.
2. Briar
Briar is an offline messaging app for Android that promises secure offline messaging without needing any mobile data or WiFi connection. The app has been designed for activists, journalists, and anyone who wants to have secure communication with their friends and family. The company has put a lot more emphasis on security here so that your messages always remain private. Briar uses both WiFi and Bluetooth networking to form a mesh network to enable the flow of your messages.
Fire Chat is a good offline messaging app that brings free peer-to-peer messaging and works with or without Internet access or cellular data to send text and images. You can use this app anywhere without any data connection. Whether you are on planes, public transportation, cruise ships, campuses, and crowded events, the app will work. The mesh network is private and your messages are secure. So there’s no way anyone can snoop on your messages. The best part about Fire Chat is that it uses both Bluetooth and WiFi radios which form stronger connections. That being said, its range for peer-to-peer messaging is capped at 200 feet that is a bit lower than expected. However, if there are many devices in the area, it’s stronger connection helps you easily create mesh networking to cover a larger area.
Signal Offline Messenger is one of the best offline messaging apps on the market right now. Instead of using Bluetooth mesh networking like Bridgefy, Signal Offline Messenger uses WiFi-Direct networking. The app lets you send messages to each other in a range of 100 meters. You can send messages one-to-one or in a group broadcast. The best part is that Signal message is totally secure and it allows you to send text, audio, photo, and even video messages. You can use Signal in places where it’s hard to find internet connection such as a cruise ship, wildlife safari, music festivals, or just when your data pack runs out when traveling abroad. The only drawback is that it’s not available on iOS.
Install: Android (free)
If you are an iPhone user and looking for an offline messaging app you should check out Vojer. The app creates its own secure and reliable mesh network around you for anonymous peer-to-peer micro-interactions with your friends and colleagues. Whether you are camping deep in the mountains or traveling abroad, Vojer can help you stay connected with friends without any internet connection. The app supports both text and photo messaging which is great. The connection is secure and anonymous so no one can just read your messages. The app uses both Bluetooth and WiFi radios to create stronger connections. Overall, it’s a good iPhone app for sending messages offline and you should check it out. The only drawback is that it’s a paid app that commands a hefty rice tag.
Another offline messaging app for your iPhone is Peer Chat. The app is not as popular as some of the other apps on this list, however, it worked just as good as others in my texting. It uses the same mesh networking system powered by Bluetooth and WiFi radios to let you send messages to people near you. It supports both peer-to-peer and group broadcast messaging. All data transmission is encrypted and no data is logged which means not only your messages are safe from hackers but even from the company. What I don’t like about this app is that it has still not been updated for the iPhone X and above models. So, I have a feeling that it won’t be around for long. Still, if you didn’t like any of the apps mentioned above, you should check it out.
The final offline messenger app on our list is “Near Peer” which is only available on Android. The app uses WiFi radios and creates a mesh network to let you send messages to your peers. The app supports both group and private chat. I love that you can send messages even when the receiver is not in range and it will automatically deliver the message as soon as they come in the range. The app brings support for drawing messages which can be helpful in some situations. However, one thing the developer doesn’t mention is the encryption on the app which makes me a little wary of using this over some of the other apps I have already mentioned. But, if for some reason, none of the above have taken your fancy, you can check it out.
