Privacy Alternatives

Discover secure, private alternatives to popular apps and services that respect your data and digital rights.

Find Privacy-Focused Alternatives

Social Media

Mastodon

Social Media
Alternative to Twitter/X

A decentralized, open-source social network with no ads, tracking, or algorithms.

  • Decentralized federation of servers
  • No algorithmic timeline
  • No ads or tracking

Pixelfed

Social Media
Alternative to Instagram

A free and ethical photo sharing platform that respects your privacy and data.

  • Federated with ActivityPub
  • Chronological timeline
  • Privacy-focused, no data mining

Minds

Social Media
Alternative to Facebook

An open-source, decentralized social network focused on Internet freedom.

  • Blockchain-based rewards
  • End-to-end encrypted messaging
  • Free speech focused platform

Messaging

Signal

Messaging
Alternative to WhatsApp/Messenger

Secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection.

  • End-to-end encryption by default
  • Open-source code
  • Self-destructing messages

Element

Messaging
Alternative to Discord/Slack

Secure, decentralized chat app based on the Matrix protocol with end-to-end encryption.

  • Decentralized Matrix network
  • Group chats, voice and video calls
  • Self-hosting option available

Session

Messaging
Alternative to Telegram/WhatsApp

Private messenger that minimizes sensitive metadata with no phone numbers required.

  • No phone number or email required
  • Decentralized network (Oxen blockchain)
  • Onion routing for metadata protection

Threema

Messaging
Alternative to WhatsApp

Paid secure messaging app with a focus on privacy and minimal data collection.

  • No phone number required (ID-based)
  • Open-source client
  • Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws

VPN

Mullvad VPN

VPN
Alternative to Commercial VPNs

Privacy-focused VPN service that accepts cash payments and requires no personal information.

  • No logs policy (audited)
  • Account number system (no email required)
  • WireGuard protocol support

ProtonVPN

VPN
Alternative to Commercial VPNs

Secure VPN service from the makers of ProtonMail with a free tier and strong privacy focus.

  • No logs policy (Swiss jurisdiction)
  • Free tier available
  • Open-source apps

IVPN

VPN
Alternative to Commercial VPNs

Privacy-focused VPN service with transparent policies and no third-party trackers.

  • No logs policy (independently audited)
  • Anonymous account system
  • Anti-tracking features

Cloud Storage

Nextcloud

Cloud Storage
Alternative to Google Drive/Dropbox

Self-hosted cloud storage platform with file sync, sharing, and collaboration features.

  • Self-hosting option for complete control
  • End-to-end encryption available
  • Extensive app ecosystem

Cryptomator

Cloud Storage
Add-on for any Cloud Storage

Client-side encryption tool that works with any cloud storage provider to protect your files.

  • Works with any cloud provider
  • Client-side encryption
  • Open-source code

Tresorit

Cloud Storage
Alternative to Dropbox/Google Drive

End-to-end encrypted cloud storage service with a focus on security and privacy.

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Zero-knowledge architecture
  • Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws

Sync.com

Cloud Storage
Alternative to Dropbox/Google Drive

Zero-knowledge cloud storage service with end-to-end encryption and file sharing.

  • Zero-knowledge encryption
  • 5GB free tier available
  • Based in Canada with strong privacy laws

Email

ProtonMail

Email
Alternative to Gmail

Secure email service with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption.

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Zero-access encryption
  • Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws

Tutanota

Email
Alternative to Gmail

Secure email service with built-in encryption for emails, contacts, and calendars.

  • End-to-end encryption for emails and contacts
  • Open-source code
  • Based in Germany with strong privacy laws

Search Engines

DuckDuckGo

Search Engine
Alternative to Google Search

Privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track your searches or create user profiles.

  • No tracking or profiling
  • No filter bubble
  • Built-in tracker blocking