Between - P2P Messaging
Between is a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging app for iOS that uses WebRTC to facilitate direct, encrypted communication without central servers.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users report: The app removes the need for phone numbers or email addresses, serving users who want to avoid the tracking and data-harvesting models of traditional messaging services.
For Privacy-conscious users seeking a decentralized, account-free messaging experience.
What does it look like?
Key features
Direct communication via WebRTC data channels without central server routing.
Messages and images are encrypted locally before transmission.
Generates cryptographic connection IDs locally without requiring phone numbers or email addresses.
How much does it cost?
Between is distributed as a free, open-source tool with no visible monetization or subscription tiers.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentsocial featuresUX improvementsShow more...
Between - P2P Messaging is currently in a maintenance phase, having shipped only one release in the observed window. The latest version introduced functional updates including audio calling, typing indicators, and contact management improvements. Development appears focused on core social features rather than a high-frequency release cycle. Future momentum will depend on whether this update marks the beginning of a more consistent development schedule.
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for Between - P2P Messaging
How's the Social Networking market?
Between operates as a niche, privacy-focused alternative to mainstream messaging apps, with no current chart presence in the US Social Networking category.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Between - P2P Messaging
Where is it heading?
The privacy-focused messaging market is consolidating around tools that balance security with user-friendly data persistence. Between's current maintenance-mode cadence and local-only storage model leave it exposed to rivals that offer encrypted cloud backups, which will likely erode its competitive standing as user expectations for multi-device continuity increase.
- The latest release added audio calling, but the app remains in a maintenance phase with only one update in the last 20 days.
- The reliance on local-only storage creates a data-loss risk that will likely prevent Between from scaling beyond a small, privacy-focused user base.
The SWOT
- Decentralized architecture removes central server dependency
- Targeting privacy-conscious segments in high-censorship markets
Next best moves
Ship encrypted cloud-backup options because local-only storage is a primary churn risk → improve long-term retention
The counter-intuitive read
The lack of account-based storage is not a…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The report reflects a shift in focus from the technical benefits of decentralization to the critical usability risks posed by local-only data storage. The developer has identified encrypted cloud backups as a priority to mitigate the risk of permanent data loss.
Bottom line
Between's decentralized architecture provides a defensible privacy position, but the lack of cloud-synced history creates a data-loss risk that will limit adoption to power users. Addressing this persistence gap would unlock broader appeal beyond the current privacy-first niche.
Unlock 1 critical friction, 1 market threat and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Between safe for storing important conversations?
How does Between compare to mainstream messaging apps?
What is a good alternative to Between for private messaging?
Sources
- [1] App Store
Report last updated