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SAY GOODBYE TO BIG COMPANIES WITH THESE ALTERNATIVES

fthisimoverit301 appsUpdated
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Throughout the years, we have been relying on big companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta and others to give us access to their products to use our computers and phones, communicate on the online web, and store our files. However, as things have gotten worse with the years and the rise of gen-AI only making things worse, people are starting to question if they can even move to new services. However, the journey can be hard and there are so many options that non-tech savvy people are going lose patience and give up.

That is why I made this long and comprehensive list of mostly open-source alternatives to different things from computer OS, social media, to even TV. Many things are easy to move to, others are for more tech-savvy people, and this list doesn't even have all of the available options in any category! However, this is a great first step into trying new things and to slowly move away from big tech. You don't need to do it all at once, go step by step, decide if there are some services you can't stop using and which ones could use a switch and have fun!

  1. Audio player and music organizer supporting advanced playback, wide format compatibility, streaming from Tidal, Qobuz, Subsonic, and album cover fetching.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Haiku
    • Flathub
    Strawberry screenshot 1
    Strawberry screenshot 1
    Strawberry screenshot 2
  2. Introducing Fossify Music Player – your gateway to uninterrupted musical enjoyment. Say goodbye to intrusive ads and hello to a seamless music experience designed to accompany you wherever you go.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Fossify Music Player screenshot 1
    Fossify Music Player screenshot 2
    Fossify Music Player screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Simple phone music player for your downloaded songs.

    Only on Android phones and tablets.

  3. Soulseek icon
     Like

    Soulseek® is a unique ad-free, spyware free, and just plain free file sharing application. One of the things that makes Soulseek® unique is our community and community-related features. Based on peer-to-peer technology, virtual rooms allow you to meet people with the...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    v2017.2.20
    v2017.2.20
    v2017.2.20
    +2
    v2017.2.20
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Soulseek® is a unique ad-free, spyware free, and just plain free file sharing application.

    *Not open-sourced.

  4. Nicotine+ icon
     Like

    Nicotine+ is a graphical client for the Soulseek peer-to-peer network.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • FreeBSD
    • OpenBSD
    • Oracle Solaris
    • Haiku
    • Gentoo
    • Manjaro Linux
    Nicotine+ screenshot 1
    Nicotine+ screenshot 1
    Nicotine+ screenshot 2
    +5
    Nicotine+ screenshot 3
  5. Seeker icon
     Like

    Android client for peer-to-peer file sharing built with C#, enabling searching with filters, wishlist, downloads, messaging, chatrooms, port forwarding, and full open-source access with no ads.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Seeker screenshot 1
    Seeker screenshot 2
    Seeker screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Seeker is a Soulseek client for Android written in C# (with Xamarin) supporting downloading, searching (including wishlist and filters), sharing, messages, chatrooms, port forwarding, user info, privileges, and more.

    Only on Android phones and tablets.

  6. Audile icon
     Like

    Open-source Android app recognizing music via AudD and ACRCloud, storing results with full metadata, lyrics, and links, supporting offline use and robust library management.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Audile screenshot 1
    Audile screenshot 2
    Audile screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Replaces Shazam.

    Only on Android phones and tablets.

BOOKS, COMICS AND MANGA

No more Amazon kindle, own your books.

  1. Meet Libby. Discover ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. Brought to you by OverDrive.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Kindle Fire
    Libby by Overdrive screenshot 1
    Libby by Overdrive screenshot 2
    Libby by Overdrive screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Discover ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. Brought to you by OverDrive.

    Available on Android phones and tablets.

    *Not open-sourced.

  2. calibre icon
     Like

    Free e-book manager offering library management, multi-format conversion, syncing to devices, news download as e-books, built-in viewer, editor, and privacy.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flathub
    • Homebrew
    calibre screenshot 1
    calibre screenshot 1
    calibre screenshot 2
    +3
    calibre screenshot 3
  3. Provides access to over 75,000 free e-books in multiple formats, including EPUB and Kindle, focused mainly on older literature with expired US copyright, no registration needed.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    Project Gutenberg screenshot 1
    Project Gutenberg screenshot 1
    Project Gutenberg screenshot 2
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online.

    *Not open-sourced.

  4. Myne is a FOSS Android application to download ebooks from the Project GutenBerg, it uses GutenDex API to fetch metadata of ebooks in the backend.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Myne (eBook) screenshot 1
    Myne (eBook) screenshot 2
    Myne (eBook) screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Myne is a FOSS Android application to download ebooks from the Project GutenBerg, it uses GutenDex API to fetch metadata of ebooks in the backend.

    Only on Android phones and tablets.

  5. Search engine of shadow libraries: books, papers, comics, magazines. Z-Library, Library Genesis, Sci-Hub. Fully resilient through open source code and data. Spread the word: everyone is welcome here!.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    Anna’s Archive screenshot 1
    Anna’s Archive screenshot 1
    Anna’s Archive screenshot 2
    +1
    Anna’s Archive screenshot 3
  6. Openlib icon
     Like

    Openlib is an open source app to download and read books from shadow library (Anna’s Archive). The App Has Built In Reader to Read Books.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Openlib screenshot 1
    Openlib screenshot 2
    Openlib screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Openlib is an open source app to download and read books from shadow library (Anna’s Archive). The App Has Built In Reader to Read Books.

    Only on Android phones and tablets.

  7. The Internet Archive is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, it provides free access to researchers, historians, scholars, the print disabled, and the general public.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    Internet Archive screenshot 1
    Internet Archive screenshot 1
    Internet Archive screenshot 2
    +5
    Internet Archive screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    The Internet Archive is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, it provides free access to researchers, historians, scholars, the print disabled, and the general public.

    *Not open-sourced.

  8. Nyaa.si icon
     Like

    A BitTorrent community focused on Eastern Asian media including anime, manga, music, and more.

    This site is the replacement for the discontinued NyaaTorrents.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    2019-02-07
[English Translated, by size]
  9. LibriVox icon
     Like

    Free audiobooks from the public domain, volunteer recorded, open source, and accessible globally, hosted by Internet Archive.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Android Auto
    • Apple Car Play
    LibriVox screenshot 1
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Free audiobooks from the public domain, volunteer recorded, open source, and accessible globally, hosted by Internet Archive.

    Available on Android phones and tablets.

SIMPLE MESSAGING APPS

Leave WhatsApp, GroupMe and basic messenger for these options.

  1. 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

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Debian
    • Ubuntu
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
    • Android Auto
    Signal screenshot 1
    Signal screenshot 2
    Signal screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Replaces messaging and WhatsApp.

    Available on Android phones and tablets.

  2. SimpleX - the first messaging platform that has no user identifiers, not even random numbers!

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    • OpenAPK
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 1
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 2
    +6
    SimpleX Chat screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Replaces messaging and WhatsApp.

    Available on Android phones and tablets.

  3. QUIK SMS icon
     Like

    QUIK is an open source replacement to the stock messaging app on Android. It is a continuation of QKSMS.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    QUIK SMS screenshot 1
    fthisimoverit’s note

    QUIK is an open source replacement to the stock messaging app on Android. It is a continuation of QKSMS.

    Only on Android phones and tablets.

ESSENTIAL LINUX TOOLS

More tools for your Linux computer.

  1. Kleaner icon
     Like

    Kleaner is an image metadata cleaner that can handle EXIF, IPTC, XMP and Comments. It is available under the GPL-3.0 license.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Kleaner screenshot 1
  2. Ventoy icon
     Like

    Ventoy is an open source tool to create bootable USB drive for ISO files. With ventoy, you don't need to format the disk again and again, you just need to copy the iso file to the USB drive and boot it.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    Ventoy screenshot 1
  3. gpick icon
     Like

    A color picker and color scheme creation tool.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    color picker
    color picker - sliders
    scheme generation
    +4
    scheme generation
  4. Flatseal icon
     Like

    Flatseal is a graphical utility to review and modify permissions from your Flatpak applications.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    The Flatseal main window
    Flatseal showing filesystem permissions
    Flatseal showing global overrides
  5. Fastfetch icon
     Like

    Fastfetch is a neofetch-like tool for fetching system information and displaying them in a pretty way. It is written mainly in C, with performance and customizability in mind. Currently, Linux, Android, FreeBSD, MacOS and Windows 7+ are supported.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • FreeBSD
    • Terminal
    • Termux
    Fastfetch screenshot 1
    Fastfetch screenshot 1
    Fastfetch screenshot 2
    +2
    Fastfetch screenshot 3
  6. WinSCP  icon
     Like

    A versatile client for SFTP, FTP, and other protocols for file transfer. It offers GUI choice, and supports automation and key authentication.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    • Wine
    WinSCP  screenshot 1
    WinSCP  screenshot 1
    WinSCP  screenshot 2
    +7
    WinSCP  screenshot 3
  7. Open source virtualization tool supporting x86/AMD64, runs on Windows, Linux, Mac, Solaris. Offers portable, lightweight, ad-free use.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Oracle Solaris
    VirtualBox Manager
    Create Virtual Machine
    Setting of an OS
    +5
    Instaling Windows 10 as Virtual Machine
  8. Synaptic icon
     Like

    Synaptic is a graphical package management program for apt. It provides the same features as the apt-get command line utility with a GUI front-end based on Gtk+.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Debian
    • Xfce
    Synaptic screenshot 1
    Synaptic screenshot 1
    Synaptic screenshot 2
    +1
    Synaptic screenshot 3
  9. BleachBit icon
     Like

    BleachBit frees disk space and maintains privacy by quickly removing unnecessary files such as cache, cookies, browser history, temporary files, and system logs. It can also shred files and clean free disk space to prevent data recovery.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • AppImage
    BleachBit screenshot 1
    BleachBit screenshot 1
    BleachBit screenshot 2
  10. Czkawka icon
     Like

    Czkawka is a simple, fast, written in Rust and easy to use app to remove unnecessary files from your computer.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Snapcraft
    Czkawka screenshot 1
    Czkawka screenshot 1
    Czkawka screenshot 2
    +2
    Czkawka screenshot 3
  11. SD Card Formatter is a program that provides quick and easy access to all memory card formats like SD, SDHC and SCXC, and has been designed so that you can get rid of all the content stored on your SD card in one go.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    SD Card Formatter screenshot 1
    SD Card Formatter screenshot 1
    SD Card Formatter screenshot 2
    +1
    SD Card Formatter screenshot 3

ANDROID APPS

These apps give you full control of your phone, like a new OS or root access or new call and camera apps.

  1. /e/ icon
     Like

    /e/ is a fork of LineageOS that aims to be completely free of everything Google. Not only that, but there are a number of goals the developer has in mind for /e/ that more people feel are vital to a mobile operating system.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    /e/ screenshot 1
    /e/ screenshot 2
    /e/ screenshot 3
  2. GrapheneOS is a privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility developed as a non-profit open source project. It's focused on the research and development of privacy and security technology including substantial improvements to sandboxing, exploit...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    GrapheneOS screenshot 1
    GrapheneOS screenshot 1
    GrapheneOS screenshot 2
  3. APKMirror icon
     Like

    In an effort to make things easy, and maybe even fun, AndroidPolice.com created APK Mirror. Over the past several months, they've been working to build a smooth, reliable, trust-worthy site to host the downloads users love.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    APKMirror screenshot 1
    APKMirror screenshot 1
    APKMirror screenshot 2
    +1
    APKMirror screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    Download app APK files.

    *Not open-sourced.

  4. OpenAPK icon
     Like

    Repository of open-source Android apps in APK format, sourced from platforms like GitHub and GitLab. All apps are free, tested, privacy-focused, and up-to-date.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    OpenAPK screenshot 1
    OpenAPK screenshot 1
  5. F-Droid icon
     Like

    Discover and install FOSS Android apps with ease. Privacy-focused, ad-free, and no registration required, F-Droid offers a lightweight alternative.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    F-Droid screenshot 1
    F-Droid screenshot 2
    F-Droid screenshot 3
    fthisimoverit’s note

    FOSS app store.

  6. Neo-Store icon
     Like

    The modern and feature-rich F-Droid client for everyone! (Unofficial F-Droid client)

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Neo-Store screenshot 1
    Neo-Store screenshot 2
    Neo-Store screenshot 3
  7. Obtainium icon
     Like

    Obtainium allows you to install and update apps directly from their releases pages, and receive notifications when new releases are made available.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Android TV
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    • Obtainium
    Dark Theme
    Material You Design
    Apps List
  8. Aurora Store enables you to search and download apps from the official Google Play store. You can check app descriptions, screenshots, updates, reviews, and download the APK directly from Google Play to your device.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    Aurora Store screenshot 1
    Aurora Store screenshot 2
    Aurora Store screenshot 3
  9. microG icon
     Like

    microG GmsCore is a free software reimplementation of Google Play Services icon Google Play Services. It allows applications calling proprietary Google APIs to run on AOSP-based ROMs like .

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    microG screenshot 1
    microG screenshot 2
  10. Magisk icon
     Like

    Provides systemless root access, module installation, system property editing, and evasion of SafetyNet or integrity checks while keeping source fully open.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Magisk screenshot 1
  11. Shizuku icon
     Like

    Shizuku is a utility tool that provides elevated privileges to apps using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) interface, eliminating the need for full device rooting. It allows users to activate advanced features in compatible apps without compromising their phone's operating...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Shizuku screenshot 1
    Shizuku screenshot 2
  12. Canta icon
     Like

    Canta is a software tool designed to facilitate the uninstallation of apps from your device, irrespective of whether root access is available or not. It provides a solution for removing any application, even those that might be deeply ingrained within the system.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Canta screenshot 1
    Canta screenshot 2
    Canta screenshot 3
  13. Empower your calls, safeguard your data. Fossify Phone redefines the mobile app experience with unmatched privacy and efficiency. Free from ads and intrusive permissions, it's designed for seamless and secure everyday communication.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Fossify Phone screenshot 1
    Fossify Phone screenshot 2
    Fossify Phone screenshot 3
Page 6 of 7

Thank you so much for going through this list! I know this list is huge and all-encompising. As I said, this doesn't have all available options, so you could explore out there. What is important is to slowly learn to rely less on big tech companies and work on finding and supporting projects that respect our privacy. If you have any other recommendations, please let me know. Have a great day!

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