Big Tech didn’t get dominant by being bad at software. These replacements don’t ask you to compromise; they match the functionality you rely on, minus the ethical concerns.
Privacy-focused search engine using Google results without trackers, storing no personal data, and offering Anonymous View for private browsing.
Google search alternative.
Privacy-focused search engine offering Zero-click Info, instant answers, and more, built from open-source software for a user-friendly experience.
Microsoft’s Bing search alternative.
Fast, secure browser with built-in ad block, privacy controls, and global tracking protections. Optimizes data, speed, and battery life.
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.
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.
Google Workspace alternative. Why not Proton? Because they don’t have a full office suite yet.
Open-source suite for editing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and PDF files with co-editing modes, plugin support, AI assistant, and integration across 40+ platforms.
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.
Fully open-source, end-to-end encrypted notes with device-based security, secure sync, offline access, powerful editor, vault, backups, and exports.
Alternative to your notes app.
Emphasizes privacy with end-to-end encryption, Proton Drive safely stores, synchronizes, and shares files across devices via web and mobile applications.
Alternative to Google Drive and Microsoft’s OneDrive.
Privacy-friendly Swiss email solution with 20 GB free storage, custom domain options, contact and calendar sync, and cross-device access in a secure suite.
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.
Free, open-source conferencing with end-to-end encryption, group chat, screen sharing, Etherpad integration, customizable setup, and privacy by default.
Alternative to Zoom, Google Meet
An encrypted messaging app focused on privacy, supporting texts, calls, photos, videos, files, and group chats, with no ads or trackers.
Alternative to any text messenger. Downside of using a messenger is both parties have to be using the same platform/protocol.
Instant messaging with text, voice, video calling, screen sharing, privacy controls, customizable permissions, moderation, bots, and open-source design.
Discord alternative.
Threaded group chat with topics for live or async collaboration, open-source, supporting self-hosted or cloud use, suited for organized team discussions.
Slack alternative.
Open-source password manager with AES-256 encryption and device sync. Store and access encrypted logins across platforms like iOS and Android.
Alternative to your browser’s password manager.
Generates, stores, and encrypts two-factor authentication tokens, enables secure backup, offers offline access, multi-device sync, and flexible import/export options.
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.
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.
An alternative to no VPN or the free VPN you are using. This one is free too by the way.
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.
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.
Open-source, end-to-end encrypted backup and sharing for photos and videos, with multi-platform sync, original quality, privacy controls, and collaborative albums.
Alternative to Amazon Photos and Google Photos.
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.
Alternative to whatever Map/Navigation app you are using as long as you don’t care about traffic updates. Another alternative is OrganicMaps.
Penpot is the open-source design platform for teams that design, build, and scale digital products.
Figma alternative.
Open source vector graphics editor supporting SVG with features like custom brushes, pressure sensitivity, and layer management across multiple platforms.
Alternative for vector graphic design.
Free open-source suite with advanced photo retouching, composition, batch processing, plugin extensibility, custom scripting, and wide file format compatibility.
Alternative to raster graphic design.
Libro.fm is an online platform that allows independent bookstores to offer digital audiobooks to their customers through free cobranded online storefronts.
Alternative to Audible.
Trying my best to recommend like-for-like alternatives, not just similar alternatives. Let me know if you can think of something better.
Currently looking for alternatives to: -PayPal -LinkedIn -Canva
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