Like-for-Like: Big Tech Software Alternatives

Google search alternative.

Microsoft’s Bing search alternative.

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge (Blink) alternative. Firefox could be an alternative too, but it uses Gecko instead of Blink so I wasn’t sure if I should list it as an alternative.

Google Workspace alternative. Why not Proton? Because they don’t have a full office suite yet.

Microsoft Office alternative. Why not LibreOffice? Because it doesn’t have mobile apps or cloud functionality. Although I do believe that LibreOffice is better personally even if it is uglier. We really need open source UX/UI designers to team up with open source developers for software like LibreOffice to catch on.

Alternative to your notes app.

Alternative to Google Drive and Microsoft’s OneDrive.

Google (Gmail) and Microsoft email alternative. Why not Proton or Tuta? Because they have too many feature restrictions in their free versions to be like-for-like. Also, most email providers also provide calendar and contact features, so I’m not going to list those as separate.

Alternative to Zoom, Google Meet

Alternative to any text messenger. Downside of using a messenger is both parties have to be using the same platform/protocol.

Discord alternative.

Slack alternative.

Alternative to your browser’s password manager.

Authenticator alternative. You really need to turn 2FA on. Install it on your phone and computer, so you have a backup way to retrieve your codes.

An alternative to no VPN or the free VPN you are using. This one is free too by the way.

An alternative to your ISP’s DNS resolver. Mullvad is another alternative, but Control D has an app that makes setup easier for most people.

Alternative to Amazon Photos and Google Photos.

Alternative to whatever Map/Navigation app you are using as long as you don’t care about traffic updates. Another alternative is OrganicMaps.

Figma alternative.

Alternative for vector graphic design.

Alternative to raster graphic design.

Alternative to Audible.