Recommended Software for the Average Joe and Jane

Criteria I look for are as follows: —> Open source code: publicly audited —> Privacy-focus: minimal data collection, encryption by default —> Security-focus: 2FA available, encryption by default —> End-to-end encryption (E2EE) when appropriate —> Cross-platform or progressive web apps (PWAs) + cloud backup/sync —> Freemium subscription model, so basic features are always available for free —> Performance, functionality, and user experience —> Oligarchy alternative

al
almondelf2List by almondelf2, last updated 
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  1. Web Browsers

  2. Brave icon
     Like

    Fast, secure browser with built-in ad block, privacy controls, and global tracking protections. Optimizes data, speed, and battery life.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    Brave screenshot 1
    Brave screenshot 1
    Brave screenshot 2
    +4
    Brave screenshot 3
  3. LibreWolf icon
     Like

    Privacy-focused browser with over 500 settings for enhanced security and performance, independent of Firefox, and not affiliated with Mozilla.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • AppImageHub
    • Linux Mint
    • Arch Linux
    • Gentoo
    • Flathub
    • Fedora
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • OpenBSD
    Homeage
    Settings
  4. 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
  5. Extensions/Add-Ons for web browsers

  6. Block ads, cookies, popups & other trackers. Ghostery sets you up for a private, transparent, and fast internet.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Vivaldi
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Yandex Browser
    • Opera
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker screenshot 1
    Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker screenshot 1
    Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker screenshot 2
    +1
    Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker screenshot 3
  7. 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
    uBlock Origin screenshot 2
    +3
    uBlock Origin screenshot 3
  8. 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
  9. Bookmark Manager

  10. Bookmark Manager

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Vivaldi
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Yandex Browser
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Opera
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Raindrop.io interface with dark theme selected
    service description (Snapshot from homepage)
    (Snapshot from homepage)
    +5
    organize feature description (Snapshot from homepage)
  11. Floccus icon
     Like

    Sync your bookmarks privately across browsers and devices.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Vivaldi
    • Google Chrome
    • Nextcloud
    • Google Drive
    • F-Droid
    • Brave
    • Chromium
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Floccus screenshot 1
    Floccus screenshot 1
    Floccus screenshot 2
    +11
    Floccus screenshot 3
  12. Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

  13. Swiss-based VPN that ensures online privacy with a high-speed network, advanced encryption, and no-logs policy, offering a free version. Supports multiple platforms and unblocks content worldwide.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Apple TV
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Android TV
    • Flatpak
    • Fire TV
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Proton VPN screenshot 1
    Proton VPN on Fedora
    Proton VPN screenshot 2
    +6
    Proton VPN screenshot 3
  14. Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Apple TV
    • F-Droid
    • Android TV
    • Fire TV
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    Windscribe screenshot 1
    Windscribe screenshot 1
    Windscribe screenshot 2
    +3
    Windscribe screenshot 3
  15. Password Managers

  16. Bitwarden icon
     Like

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

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Vivaldi
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Microsoft SQL Server
    • Tor Browser
    • Safari
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak
    • Cloudron
    • Docker
    • Opera
    • Chocolatey
    • Mono
    • Brave
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • AppImage
    Bitwarden screenshot 1
    Bitwarden screenshot 1
    Bitwarden screenshot 2
    +10
    Bitwarden screenshot 3
  17. 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.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • F-Droid
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Snapcraft
    Proton Pass screenshot 1
    Proton Pass screenshot 1
    Proton Pass screenshot 2
    +3
    Proton Pass screenshot 3
  18. End-to-end encrypted manager for passwords, aliases, and unique email addresses, offering local data encryption, alias creation, and optional cloud or self-hosting.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
    • Docker
    • Mozilla Firefox
    AliasVault screenshot 1
    AliasVault screenshot 1
    AliasVault screenshot 2
    +1
    AliasVault screenshot 3
  19. Psono icon
     Like

    The Psono password manager keeps hackers out and your passwords secure. Psono is free and open source and available for Windows, Linux and Mac. Organize your passwords now!

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Chromium
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Docker
    Psono screenshot 1
    Psono screenshot 1
    Psono screenshot 2
    +2
    Psono screenshot 3
  20. Authenticators

  21. Ente Auth icon
     Like

    Generates, stores, and encrypts two-factor authentication tokens, enables secure backup, offers offline access, multi-device sync, and flexible import/export options.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    Ente Auth screenshot 1
    Ente Auth screenshot 1
    Ente Auth screenshot 2
    +6
    Ente Auth screenshot 3
  22. Bitwarden Authenticator generates verification codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your identity is verified when you log into accounts.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Bitwarden Authenticator screenshot 1
    Bitwarden Authenticator screenshot 1
    Bitwarden Authenticator screenshot 2
    +1
    Bitwarden Authenticator screenshot 3
  23. Protect your accounts with Proton Authenticator, a private and secure cross-device two-factor authentication (2FA) that works offline. Created by Proton, the creators of Proton Mail, Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • F-Droid
    Proton Authenticator screenshot 1
    Proton Authenticator screenshot 1
    Proton Authenticator screenshot 2
    +3
    Proton Authenticator screenshot 3
  24. Maps/Navigation

  25. CoMaps icon
     Like

    CoMaps is a new community-driven map app project born out of the desire to create a truly open, transparent, and community-focused navigation app.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Android Auto
    • F-Droid
    • Apple Car Play
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Linux
    CoMaps screenshot 1
    CoMaps screenshot 1
    CoMaps screenshot 2
    +3
    CoMaps screenshot 3
  26. Privacy-focused GPS app with offline maps and community development, featuring real-time navigation, no location tracking, and open-source software.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • OpenStreetMap
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Organic Maps screenshot 1
    Organic Maps screenshot 1
    Organic Maps screenshot 2
    +4
    Organic Maps screenshot 3
  27. Team-Based Communication & Collaboration

  28. Go ahead, video chat with the whole team. In fact, invite everyone you know. Jitsi Meet is a fully encrypted, 100% open source video conferencing solution that you can use all day, every day, for free.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Apple Watch
    • F-Droid
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 1
    Jitsi Meet screenshot 2
  29. Zulip icon
     Like

    Threaded group chat with topics for live or async collaboration, open-source, supporting self-hosted or cloud use, suited for organized team discussions.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Zulip screenshot 1
    Zulip screenshot 1
    Zulip screenshot 2
    +4
    Zulip screenshot 3
  30. Excalidraw is an open-source whiteboard tool that lets you easily sketch diagrams that have a hand-drawn feel to them. Available directly online as a web app and also through CodeSandbox to easily see how the code works, and the app is available for self-hosting.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    Excalidraw screenshot 1
    Excalidraw screenshot 1
    Excalidraw screenshot 2
    +1
    Excalidraw screenshot 3
  31. Social Networking + Communities

  32. diaspora* icon
     Like

    Diaspora is a federated social networking service, designed to be a more privacy-aware alternative to Facebook icon Facebook . Share what you want, with whom you want.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Ruby
    diaspora* screenshot 1
    diaspora* screenshot 1
    diaspora* screenshot 2
    +2
    diaspora* screenshot 3
  33. Bluesky icon
     Like

    An open social network that gives creators independence from platforms, developers the freedom to build, and users a choice in their experience.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    Bluesky screenshot 1
    Bluesky screenshot 1
    Bluesky screenshot 2
    +1
    Bluesky screenshot 3
  34. Pixelfed icon
     Like

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    Pixelfed screenshot 1
    Pixelfed screenshot 1
    Pixelfed screenshot 2
    +3
    Pixelfed screenshot 3
  35. Share, discover, and create short videos across the social web. An open-source alternative that puts creators and communities first, built on federated technology for true ownership and privacy.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    Loops by Pixelfed screenshot 1
    Loops by Pixelfed screenshot 1
    Loops by Pixelfed screenshot 2
    +1
    Loops by Pixelfed screenshot 3
  36. Instant messaging with text, voice, video calling, screen sharing, privacy controls, customizable permissions, moderation, bots, and open-source design.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Stoat Chat screenshot 1
    User settings page, on "Appearance" tab
    Server view
    +3
    Home page of the app
  37. Private Messengers + Group Chat

  38. 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
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 2
    +4
    Signal screenshot 3
  39. Communication

  40. vanish.so icon
     Like

    A vanishing note service supporting aes-gcm 256, custom passwords via pbkdf2, and one-time pads.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    vanish.so screenshot 1
    vanish.so screenshot 1
    vanish.so screenshot 2
    +1
    vanish.so screenshot 3
  41. addy.io icon
     Like

    Open-source service offering unlimited anonymous email aliases, encrypted forwarding, spam protection, and anonymous replies to keep your identity private.

    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.
  42. Create unlimited disposable email adresses on the go and forward them to your main email adress, with this free and open-source solution.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    online interface
  43. 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
  44. Open-source client enhancing Thunderbird with more features and bug fixes. Offers security patches and multi-row descriptions like Outlook.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Chocolatey
    Betterbird screenshot 1
    Betterbird screenshot 1
    Calendar view with custom thundirbird dark theme
    +10
    System tray (systray) for Linux
  45. Media

  46. Cross-platform, free media player supports multimedia files, DVDs, streaming, offers hardware acceleration, 4K, lossless audio, and more.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    • AppImageHub
    • Apple Watch
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Apple TV
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Kindle Fire
    • Haiku
    • Android TV
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    VLC Media Player screenshot 1
    VLC Media Player screenshot 1
    VLC Media Player screenshot 2
    +4
    VLC Media Player screenshot 3
  47. Ad-free and privacy-focused downloader for videos, music, and media from major social and media platforms, supporting direct sharing link downloads and open API integration.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Docker
    Media Downloader - Page (Home)
    Remux - Page
  48. NeoDLP icon
     Like

    NeoDLP is a versatile desktop application designed for downloading videos and audio from various online sources. With a modern user interface, it provides seamless integration with browsers, making it easy for users to capture content directly from the web.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    Downloader
    Completed Downloads
    Ongoing Downloads
    +1
    Settings
  49. VERT.sh icon
     Like

    VERT.sh is an online file converter that processes files on your device instead of the cloud. It's blazingly fast, ad-free, and open source.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Landing page (light mode)
    Conversion page (dark mode)
    Conversion page (light mode)
    +1
    Conversion page, many files (light mode)
  50. PrivMeta icon
     Like

    Clean hidden data from your files, right in your browser. No uploads. No tracking. Open source. Private by design.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    PrivMeta screenshot 1
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