xenmaster's privacy tools

Inspired by the privacytools.io project, this list is dedicated to providing information on any and all tools one can use to increase one's privacy and anonymity on the web.

Alex Ruiz
Alex RuizList by Alex Ruiz, last updated 
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  1. operating systems

    The following are the most secure operating systems available. Tails is great for a lack of permanence whereas qubes gives the user the power to craft multiple desktop operating systems, including anonymous whonix instances.

  2. Tails icon
     Like

    The Amnesic Incognito Live System (Tails) is a Debian icon Debian 9 based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the user. The product ships with several Internet applications, including web browser, IRC client, mail client...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Tor Browser
    • GNOME
    • Tor
    • Thunderbird
    Tails screenshot 1
    Tails screenshot 1
  3. Qubes OS icon
     Like

    Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Fedora
    • Xen
    Qubes OS screenshot 1
    Qubes OS screenshot 1
    Qubes OS screenshot 2
    +9
    Qubes OS screenshot 3
  4. Whonix icon
     Like

    Whonix is a desktop operating system designed for advanced security and privacy. Whonix mitigates the threat of common attack vectors while maintaining usability. Online anonymity is realized via fail-safe, automatic, and desktop-wide use of the Tor network.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Whonix Desktop Environment
    Whonix Workstation running on Ubuntu
    Whonix Gateway running on XFCE
  5. pfSense icon
     Like

    pfSense is a free and open source firewall and router that also features unified threat management, load balancing, multi WAN, and more.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • BSD
    Dashboard page
    pfSense screenshot 1
    pfSense screenshot 2
    +2
    pfSense screenshot 3
  6. Webservices

    Websites used to support anonymity and privacy.

    .onion services available for duckduckgo, write.as, and njal.la anonaddy, cryptpad, write.as, standardnotes, and framadrop can all be self-hosted mullvad, cryptpad, protonmail, and standardnotes include robust encryption Orange Website, ProtonMail, Njal.la and Mullvad are a paid services, but accept cryptocurrency (btc). Mullvad does not even require registration!

  7. Privacy-focused search engine offering Zero-click Info, instant answers, and more, built from open-source software for a user-friendly experience.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Vivaldi
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • F-Droid
    • Yandex Browser
    • Tor
    • Opera
    • Mozilla Firefox
    DuckDuckGo Homepage
    DuckDuckGo screenshot 1
    DuckDuckGo screenshot 2
    +16
    DuckDuckGo screenshot 3
  8. Secure Swiss-based email with end-to-end encryption and zero third-party access. Available across devices, offering a free version to promote privacy.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Tor
    Proton Mail screenshot 1
    Proton Mail screenshot 1
    Proton Mail screenshot 2
    +9
    Proton Mail screenshot 3
  9. addy.io icon
     Like

    Open-source anonymous email forwarding, create unlimited email aliases for free.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Manage aliases from the dashboard
    The main interface for the Firefox extension
    Settings for the extension
    +1
    Generate Random Chars alias using the extension.
  10. Mullvad icon
     Like

    Mullvad is a VPN service that helps keep your online activity, identity, and location private.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    • WireGuard
    • Tor
    • OpenWrt
    • Tomato
    • pfSense
    • DD-WRT
    Mullvad screenshot 1
    Mullvad screenshot 1
    Mullvad screenshot 2
    +10
    Mullvad screenshot 3
  11. Quad9 icon
     Like

    Quad9 is a free, recursive, anycast DNS platform that provides end users robust security protections, high-performance, and privacy.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
  12. CryptPad icon
     Like

    CryptPad is a private-by-design alternative to popular office tools and cloud services. All the content stored on CryptPad is encrypted before being sent, which means nobody can access your data unless you give them the keys.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Self-Hosted
    • Cloudron
    Instance homepage
    Markdown slides app
    Code/Markdown app
    +7
    Whiteboard app
  13. Write.as icon
     Like

    Write.as lets you write and publish text instantly. Write a note for yourself to read later. Create a standalone article you can quickly broadcast on social media — or publish a full blog.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Kindle Fire
    Write.as screenshot 1
    Write.as screenshot 1
    Write.as screenshot 2
    +8
    Write.as screenshot 3
  14. Framadrop icon
     Like

    Framadrop is a free online service that allows you to share files in a confidential and secure way.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    Framadrop screenshot 1
  15. Framadate icon
     Like

    Framadate is an online service for planning an appointment or making a decision quickly and easily. No registration is required.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    Framadate screenshot 1
    Framadate screenshot 1
    Simple example of a meeting poll (public interface)
    +2
    Framadate screenshot 3
  16. OrangeWebsite is an Iceland-based web host with 24/7 customer service that has been offering high-quality web hosting solutions to customers from over 100 different countries with privacy, free speech and security as priorities since since 2009.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
  17. Njalla icon
     Like

    Njalla only needs your email or a jabber address in order to register a domain name. Created by people from The Pirate Bay. Accepted Payments: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Monero, DASH, Bitcoin Cash and PayPal. A privacy-aware domain registration service.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    Njalla screenshot 1
  18. Forget icon
     Like

    Forget is a service that automatically deletes your old posts that everyone has forgotten about. Shouldn't databases forget too?.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Mastodon
    • Twitter
  19. A directory of direct links to delete your account from web services. Find out how to delete your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn accounts and more.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    • Google Chrome
    JustDelete.me screenshot 1
  20. Bisq icon
     Like

    Desktop peer-to-peer (P2P) application that allows you to buy and sell bitcoins in exchange for fiat (national currencies), or alternative crypto currencies

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Bisq screenshot 1
    Bisq screenshot 1
    Bisq screenshot 2
    +6
    Bisq screenshot 3
  21. desktop software

    Crossplatform software that is ideal for safeguarding data at rest and in transit. Note that the mobile software Signal also has a desktop version.

    .onion services available for tor browser and onionshare veracrypt, gnupg, 7zip, and keepass all use robust encryption

  22. VeraCrypt icon
     Like

    Secure and encrypt entire partitions or devices, including system drives, with automated, real-time protection and enhanced security measures.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    Langage
    VeraCrypt screenshot 1
    Encrypted volume wizard. Step 1.
    +8
    Encrypted volume wizard. Step 3.
  23. Enhance privacy with a secure, portable browser that hides your IP and encrypts connections on multiple platforms, maintaining anonymity.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • OpenBSD
    • Tor
    Tor Browser screenshot 1
    Tor Browser 10.0.3 is now based on the new version of Firefox for Android.
    Tor browser for android alpha
  24. Cross-platform email client providing POP/IMAP support, robust filtering, multiple accounts, and chat. Extendable via add-ons with RSS/Atom, etc.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • BSD
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Haiku
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    Thunderbird screenshot 1
    Thunderbird screenshot 1
    Thunderbird screenshot 2
    +8
    Thunderbird screenshot 3
  25. GnuPG icon
     Like

    GnuPG allows to encrypt and sign your data and communication, features a versatile key management system as well as access modules for all kinds of public key directories. GnuPG, also known as GPG, is a command line tool with features for easy integration with other applications.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    • Xfce
    • OpenPGP
    GnuPG Shell running GnuPG on Windows
  26. 7-Zip icon
     Like

    Efficient file archiver offering superior compression and encryption. Supports multiple formats such as TAR, ZIP, with a unique self-extracting feature.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • ReactOS
    Main Window
    Add to Archive
    Options
  27. OnionShare is an open source tool that lets you securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat with friends using the Tor network.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    OnionShare screenshot 1
    OnionShare screenshot 1
    OnionShare screenshot 2
    +14
    OnionShare screenshot 3
  28. KeePassXC icon
     Like

    KeePassXC is a modern, secure, and open-source password manager that stores and manages your most sensitive information.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Welcome Screen
    Unlock Database
    New Database Wizard
    +13
    New Database Wizard
  29. mat2 icon
     Like

    mat2 is a metadata removal tool, supporting a wide range of commonly used file formats, written in python3: at its core, it's a library, used by an eponymous command-line interface, as well as several file manager extensions.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Python
  30. Mobile Apps

    Mobile apps that is ideal for safeguarding data at rest and in transit. Note that mullvad now has a mobile app available from F-Droid.

    Tor functionality allowed by tor-browser, status and briar. etesync, nextcloud, and standard-notes can all be self-hosted signal, status, jami, briar, and standard-notes include robust encryption Hushed and Mullvad are a paid services, but accept cryptocurrency (btc). Mullvad does not even require registration!

  31. Signal icon
     Like

    An encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, supporting texts, calls, photos, videos, files, and group chats, with no ads or trackers.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 2
    +4
    Signal screenshot 3
  32. Open-source privacy browser that blocks trackers, enforces encryption, and provides Privacy Grade ratings, focusing on control and user data security.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser screenshot 1
    DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser screenshot 1
    DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser screenshot 2
    +5
    DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser screenshot 3
  33. NetGuard icon
     Like

    NetGuard provides simple and advanced ways to block access to the internet - no root required.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    NetGuard screenshot 1
    NetGuard screenshot 2
    NetGuard screenshot 3
  34. Fedilab icon
     Like

    Fedilab is a multifunctional Android client to access the distributed Fediverse, consisting of microblogging, photo sharing and video hosting.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Fedilab screenshot 1
    Fedilab screenshot 2
    Fedilab screenshot 3
  35. Status icon
     Like

    Status combines a private messenger, secure crypto wallet, and Ethereum Web3 DApp browser into one powerful communication tool. Chat with friends and growing communities. Buy, sell, store, and exchange digital assets.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • F-Droid
    • APK Downloader
    Status screenshot 1
    Status screenshot 2
    Status screenshot 3
  36. End-to-end encrypted note-taking with offline access, unlimited sync across devices, tagging, passcode and biometric security, plus advanced premium privacy features.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Standard Notes screenshot 1
    Free version.
    Cross-platform sync and end-to-end privacy
    +4
    Extensions and Themes
  37. Briar icon
     Like

    An open-source decentralized and encrypted messaging app even without internet connection via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Messages are stored securely on your device, not in the cloud. Connect directly with nearby contacts - no Internet access is required.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Briar screenshot 1
    Briar screenshot 2
    Briar screenshot 3
  38. Jami icon
     Like

    Jami (formerly GNU Ring, SFLphone) positions itself as a potential free Skype replacement

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Jami video conference OS X
    Jami conference call Linux
    Jami screensharing Linux
    +12
    Jami instant message on mobile device
  39. Manyverse icon
     Like

    Manyverse is a social network app using the SSB protocol (Secure Scuttlebutt) where you can write posts and share with friends nearby or over the internet. It's different from mainstream social networks because your data is yours, it lives on your phone, not in the cloud.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • F-Droid
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    Manyverse screenshot 1
    Manyverse screenshot 2
    Manyverse screenshot 3
  40. Aegis Authenticator is a free, secure and open source app to manage your 2-step verification tokens for your online services.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Aegis Authenticator screenshot 1
    Aegis Authenticator screenshot 2
    Aegis Authenticator screenshot 3
  41. EteSync icon
     Like

    Secure, end-to-end encrypted, and privacy respecting sync for your contacts, calendars and tasks. Everything is encrypted on the client-side and all the code (client and server) is open source.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Etebase
    EteSync screenshot 1
    EteSync screenshot 2
    EteSync screenshot 3
  42. Nextcloud icon
     Like

    On-premises file sync, universal access, integrated collaboration, real-time communication with privacy and data control focus.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • F-Droid
    • Raspberry Pi
    • Cloudron
    • Docker Hub
    Simple and powerful file sync & share
    Simple upload even for people who don’t have Nextcloud
    Great Android & iOS apps to sync your files.
    +3
    Very easy theming
  43. Hushed icon
     Like

    Mobile app offering private phone numbers, secure calls, and anonymous texts with local numbers from over 60 countries suitable for personal or business use.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Hushed screenshot 1
    Hushed screenshot 2
    Hushed screenshot 3
  44. browser extensions

    If you are using Firefox, you can use these addons to ensure that your data is relatively safe and that you do not have social media following you around the net. If you are not using firefox, start.

  45. The Firefox Multi-Account Containers extension lets you carve out a separate box for each of your online lives – no more opening a different browser just to check your work email! Here is a quick video showing you how it works.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Firefox
    Firefox Multi-account Containers screenshot 1
    Firefox Multi-account Containers screenshot 1
    Firefox Multi-account Containers screenshot 2
  46. Easily open disposable containers that isolate attached data and are deleted after usage: Fully automatic, based on navigation-target, for certain websites, with configured mouse clicks on links or just by using the toolbar icon.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Firefox
    Temporary Containers screenshot 1
    Temporary Containers screenshot 1
    Temporary Containers screenshot 2
    +3
    Temporary Containers screenshot 3
  47. NoScript icon
     Like

    The NoScript Firefox extension provides extra protection for Firefox, Seamonkey and other mozilla-based browsers: this free, open source add-on allows JavaScript, Java, Flash and other plugins to be executed only by trusted web sites of your choice (e.g. your online bank).

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Google Chrome
    • SeaMonkey
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Diablog of blocked scripts
    NoScript Anwhere (Firefox Mobile version).
  48. ClearURLs icon
     Like

    This extension will automatically remove tracking elements from URLs to help protect your privacy when browse through the Internet.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Microsoft Edge
    ClearURLs screenshot 1
    ClearURLs screenshot 1
    ClearURLs screenshot 2
    +1
    ClearURLs screenshot 3
  49. This efficient browser add-on blocks ads, trackers, and malware by default employing various filter lists, acting as a comprehensive wide-spectrum blocker.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Microsoft Edge
    • Vivaldi
    • Google Chrome
    • Pale Moon
    • Thunderbird
    • Opera
    • Node.JS
    • Chromium
    • Mozilla Firefox
    uBlock Origin screenshot 1
    uBlock Origin screenshot 1
  50. Protects you against tracking through "free", centralized, content delivery. It prevents a lot of requests from reaching networks like Google Hosted Libraries, and serves local files to keep sites from breaking. Complements regular content blockers.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Google Chrome
    • Pale Moon
    • Opera
    • Chromium
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Decentraleyes screenshot 1
    Decentraleyes screenshot 1
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