Part 1 of 3 in Series: lists will continually be updated periodically.
Criteria I look for universally for my lists are as follows: — Open source code: publicly audited — Privacy-focus: minimal data collection, encryption by default — Security-focus: 2FA available, encryption by default — Zero Knowledge 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 — Oligarchy / Big Tech alternative — Absence of “dark” or deceptive patterns
Criteria specifically for this list: — Established companies with a strong reputation — Provides a “it just works” experience for the user: minimal configuration, user friendly — Features available can easily replace Big Tech’s popular apps
Not only do these browsers provide cross platform syncing, but they are also privacy and security focused while being user friendly. Firefox will require a bit of customization though.
Fast, secure browser with built-in ad block, privacy controls, and global tracking protections. Optimizes data, speed, and battery life.
Open-source browser with Gecko engine, supporting HTML add-ons and providing privacy features like Enhanced Tracking Protection and third-party cookie blocking.
Enable uBlock in Brave settings. Install add-on to Firefox.
This efficient browser add-on blocks ads, trackers, and malware by default employing various filter lists, acting as a comprehensive wide-spectrum blocker.
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.
DuckDuckGo is a private way to get Bing results. Start page is a private way to get Google results.
DuckDuckGo is a private way to get Bing results. Start page is a private way to get Google results.
DuckDuckGo is a private way to get Bing results. Start page is a private way to get Google results.
DuckDuckGo is a private way to get Bing results. Start page is a private way to get Google results.
Delivers private, independent search with an exclusive index, no tracking or profiling, transparent result ranking, browser integration, and image search.
Privacy-focused search engine offering Zero-click Info, instant answers, and more, built from open-source software for a user-friendly experience.
Privacy-focused search engine using Google results without trackers, storing no personal data, and offering Anonymous View for private browsing.
Privacy levels most lowest to highest: (1) use the Raindrop extension, (2) use the Raindrop app instead of the extension, (3) use the Raindrop website/webapp
Store bookmarks with related content, organize thematically with real-time collaboration and privacy focus, offering web clipper and cloud sync.
These VPNs provide a free tier as well as all the other must have features, including but not limited to being open source and having a no logs policy.
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.
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.
These DNS service providers have apps that make configuring your DNS settings easy. Using them also encrypts your DNS traffic and provides enhanced protection against malicious and intrusive activity.
Control D is a modern and customizable DNS service that blocks threats, unwanted content and ads - on all devices. Onboard in minutes, and forget about it.
NextDNS protects you from all kinds of security threats, blocks ads and trackers on websites and in apps and provides a safe and supervised Internet for kids — on all devices and on all networks.
These password managers provide free cloud sync, so you don’t have to worry about self-hosting. I recommend using different service providers for your passwords and authenticator codes.
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.
If you use the same service provider for both your passwords and authenticator codes you need to at least use the standalone apps for each and not integrate your codes into your password manager.
Generates, stores, and encrypts two-factor authentication tokens, enables secure backup, offers offline access, multi-device sync, and flexible import/export options.
Bitwarden Authenticator generates verification codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your identity is verified when you log into accounts.
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.
You won’t get traffic updates with these navigation apps, but you will be free from ads and data mining.
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.
Privacy-focused GPS app with offline maps and community development, featuring real-time navigation, no location tracking, and open-source software.
Jitsi is used to power other video conferencing apps too, for instance, Infomaniak’s kMeet.
Free, open-source conferencing with end-to-end encryption, group chat, screen sharing, Etherpad integration, customizable setup, and privacy by default.
Offers end-to-end encrypted video calls, no tracking, guest links, privacy features like background blur, easy scheduling with calendar integration, and supports up to 50 free participants.
The challenge with messaging apps is getting your peers to all use the same service or protocol. Text messaging doesn’t have this problem, but is also extremely insecure.
An encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, supporting texts, calls, photos, videos, files, and group chats, with no ads or trackers.
These are applications to enhance your email experience.
DuckDuckGo Email Protection is a free email forwarding service that removes multiple types of hidden email trackers and lets you create unlimited unique private email addresses on the fly.
Open-source client enhancing Thunderbird with more features and bug fixes. Offers security patches and multi-row descriptions like Outlook.
Cross-platform, free media player supports multimedia files, DVDs, streaming, offers hardware acceleration, 4K, lossless audio, and more.
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.
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.
You can also use the word processor in your office suite to open and edit PDFs most of the time. Additionally, you can use your web browser to view PDFs.
Multi-platform document viewer supporting PDF, EPUB, comics and images with annotation tools, sidebar navigation, signature verification, and text-to-speech.
BentoPDF is a PDF Toolkit that works fully offline with no sign ups. It's fast, secure and forever free. In an era where data is a commodity, we take a different approach. All processing for BentoPDF tools happens locally in your browser.
Each recommendation has a different style or approach to note taking.
Fully open-source, end-to-end encrypted notes with device-based security, secure sync, offline access, powerful editor, vault, backups, and exports.
Think I’m missing something? Maybe it’s on my list: “Software for the tech-savvy power user [2/3]” or “Software for the advanced administrator [3/3]”.
