An efficient ad-blocker for Firefox-based browsers. If you insist on using a Chromium-based browser for personal browsing, then at least use uBlock Origin Lite — it does a good enough job.

It used to work on Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge, but it has been removed from these browsers and most other Chromium-based ones in 2025 because Google doesn't want you to block ads.

However, this is not the case for Firefox-based browsers, nor the Brave browser (which is Chromium-based).

Open-source browser with Gecko engine, supporting HTML add-ons and providing privacy features like Enhanced Tracking Protection and third-party cookie blocking.

This is Firefox, but with privacy on by default, AND customisation similar to Vivaldi and Microsoft Edge.

From my experience, Firefox add-ons are superior to and more effective than Chromium add-ons, but that would be specific to the add-ons I have used. Your mileage may vary.

Use this, Zen or Floorp below if you are looking for something close to the Vivaldi experience when it comes to built-in features and customisation.

FireDragon is currently based on Floorp, and is now also available on Windows and MacOS.

This is, again, Firefox but with vertical tabs (only) and several Zen-specific extra features. It's an excellent browser all round, but it doesn't (yet) have the traditional horizontal tabs, so if this is a deal-breaker for you, then I'd recommend FireDragon if customization is your thing.

Experience a privacy-focused, open-source browser rich with features like vertical tabs, Split View, Zen Glance, and extensive security protocols. Built on Firefox, it's currently in beta, emphasizing privacy and adaptability, with future plans for horizontal tabs.

Despite its name, Floorp has done some good things in the web browsers space in terms of customisation and sane/expected defaults. It is also based on Firefox.

If you're not yet ready to switch to Linux, and you want something like FireDragon rather than Zen, then Floorp works on Windows just fine.

Google Chrome without the Google, and with some privacy defaults. There are some design changes, but they aren't bad. Use this if your job requires that you use a Chromium-based browser. I use it every day for this purpose only.

Also, unlike most other Chromium-based browsers, Brave has made the commitment to keep supporting uBlock Origin, despite having its own built-in and effective ad blocker.

If you need a personal browser, I recommend something Firefox-based.

Experience YouTube ad-free on desktop with enhanced privacy. FreeTube prevents Google tracking and works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Multi-streaming client for desktop and mobile supporting YouTube, Twitch, other services, universal feed, live chat, playlist import, and offline playback.

JDownloader is a download manager, written in Java, which allows automatic download of groups of files from one-click hosting sites. JDownloader supports the use of premium accounts. Some parts, but not all, of JDownloader are open-source.

Cross-platform GUI for youtube-dl, enabling video downloads from YouTube and over 1000 sites; features multi-language UI and video cutting.

Brave Search is built on top of a completely independent index, and doesn’t track users, their searches, or their clicks.

If you don't want to move away from Google Search or Bing, use Startpage. It provides results from both, but without sending your data to Google or Microsoft, as your searches are anonymous.

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

Ecosia is a green search engine that donates at least 80% of its profits from search ad revenue and online shopping to a reforestation program, currently in Burkina Faso. In November 2015 Ecosia celebrated 3 million planted trees and $5 Million donated for the environment.

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

OneKeePass supports the well known KeePass-compatible database (Kdbx 4.x). It stores and manages all your passwords and other sensitive information in a single encrypted file that can be stored in any location, including local and public cloud solutions. You keep?

Open-source password manager with AES-256 encryption and device sync. Store and access encrypted logins across platforms like iOS and Android.

A password manager that ensures identity and password security with rigorous, end-to-end encryption, built by scientists from CERN, and recommended by the United Nations.

Ente's Authenticator app helps you generate and store 2-step verification (2FA) tokens on your mobile and desktop devices.

My #1 recommended social network. It is similar to Twitter/X. You just need an email and a password. No ID, phone number, real name, none of that.

It is a federated and open-source social network with no ads, 500-character limit, custom emojis, and content warnings, emphasizing privacy and personal interaction.

Pixelfed is an image sharing platform with focus on Privacy, Safety and Security, an ethical alternative to centralized platforms like Instagram.

Lemmy is similar to sites like Reddit, Lobste.rs, or Hacker News: you subscribe to forums you're interested in, post links and discussions, then vote, and comment on them. Behind the scenes, it is very different; anyone can easily run a server, and all these servers are...

If you feel you must use something popular/mainstream, at least use something that is mostly open source.

Bluesky is an initiative to develop a decentralized social network protocol. Their protocol is similar to (and integrates with) ActivityPub, which is the protocol Mastodon and many other social networks from the Fediverse use.

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

Session is the world's first open-source, decentralised private messenger to use industry-leading Signal Protocol encryption — without asking for your phone number.

A secure collaboration app with end-to-end encryption and interoperability across web, desktop, and mobile. Includes chat, voice, and video calls.

FluffyChat is an open, nonprofit and cute matrix messenger app for Ubuntu Touch, Android and iOS.

Nextcloud is a full-featured digital suite comparable to Google, Microsoft, and Apple's offerings. It comes with all the needed bells and whistles — email, docs, calendar, cloud, password manager, etc.

It can be hosted online or offline and offers file sync, universal data access and collaboration through Nextcloud Files, Talk, and Groupware. Ensures secure, controlled data storage for enterprise with powerful privacy tools including encryption, fine-grained access, and a bug bounty.

Secure Swiss-based email with end-to-end encryption and zero third-party access. Available across devices, offering a free version to promote privacy.

The mail service which respects you.

End-to-end encrypted app for email, calendar, and contacts, requiring no personal data, with open source code and quantum-resistant security.

Cross-platform email client providing POP/IMAP support, robust filtering, multiple accounts, and chat. Extendable via add-ons with RSS/Atom, etc.

KMail is the email component of Kontact, the integrated personal information manager of KDE. Kontact is a personal information manager and groupware software suite for KDE. It supports calendars, contacts, notes, to-do lists, news, and email.

Evolution is a personal information management application that provides integrated mail, calendaring, address book and task list functionality.

Free and open-source office suite with advanced word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, vector graphics, math formula editor, and database tools.

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.

This is more similar to what MS Office users would expect. However, it has both Russian origins and development. Build it from source rather than downloading it directly. If you don't know what that means, use LibreOffice instead. You can't know if it is doing more than just being an office suite when you don't build from source.

Open-source office suite offering document, spreadsheet, and presentation editing with co-editing modes, plugin support, integration across 30+ services, robust security, and mobile access. Available in Community, Enterprise, and Home Server editions for versatile deployment.

Okay, so I lied. Not all of these apps and services are available on Linux. This one in particular. At least, not yet. I've included it because once it does become available, it is likely going to be better than both pCloud and Filen for Linux users.

That said, both Filen and pCloud are great alternatives. I've used and tested them for years. Mega is also great in terms of usability.

Proton Drive offers comprehensive privacy with end-to-end encryption, Proton Drive allows users to store, synchronize, and share files across various devices through web, desktop, and mobile apps. Free storage up to 5 GB, service remains open-source and audited, ensuring file content and access control.

Filen is a cutting-edge cloud storage provider that offers client-side, end-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption. Headquartered and operated entirely in Germany, Filen is at the forefront of combining comprehensive features with uncompromising privacy and security.