Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternatives
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A privacy-focused browser with ad blocking and private search built in.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesBrave is a Chromium-based web browser for desktop and mobile that blocks many ads, trackers, fingerprinting techniques, and cookie pop-up annoyances by default. It also connects users to Brave Search, an in-browser AI assistant, optional VPN protection, and enterprise deployment options.
0 votesVisit siteMatrix-based secure chat for sovereign, self-hosted collaboration.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesElement is a secure messaging and collaboration platform built on the decentralized Matrix standard. It serves both personal users and organizations that want end-to-end encrypted chat, calls, federation between separate servers, and the option to run communications infrastructure under their own control. Its enterprise focus includes public-sector, defense, air-gapped, and cross-organization collaboration scenarios.
0 votesVisit siteA hardened Firefox fork that strips telemetry and bundles tracker blocking.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesLibreWolf is an independent desktop browser built from current Firefox stable releases with privacy- and security-focused defaults. It removes Mozilla telemetry and experiments, disables DRM, includes uBlock Origin, and ships with privacy-oriented search options.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted cloud storage built for regulated business collaboration.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesTresorit is a secure cloud storage and file-sharing platform focused on end-to-end encryption, access control, and compliance-heavy collaboration. It supports business workspaces, secure client exchanges, data rooms, optional e-signatures, and data residency choices for organizations handling sensitive files.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted chat that avoids phone numbers and routes messages through nodes.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesSession is an open-source private messenger built around end-to-end encryption and a decentralized routing network. Instead of requiring a phone number or email address, it uses account IDs and routes messages through community-run nodes to reduce exposed metadata. It supports one-to-one chats, disappearing messages, group conversations, and larger community chats.
0 votesVisit siteOpen-source password and secrets management for people and teams.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesBitwarden is a cross-platform credential manager for storing, generating, autofilling, and sharing passwords, passkeys, and sensitive secrets. It supports personal use as well as business administration with policies, directory/SSO integration, event logs, and optional self-hosting. The platform emphasizes end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge access, open-source code, and third-party security review.
0 votesVisit sitePrivate web search with built-in tools for reducing online tracking.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesDuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine and internet privacy service designed to help people search and browse with less personal-data collection. Its homepage centers on private search and also links to Duck.ai, its privacy-oriented AI chat feature.
0 votesVisit siteA paid private search ecosystem built around ad-free results and web tools.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesKagi is a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream search engines, offering ad-free web search, customizable ranking controls, AI assistance, translation, summaries, news briefs, and the Orion browser. Its business model is based on user subscriptions rather than advertising, with personal and organizational plans available.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted email with disposable aliases and EU-hosted privacy protections.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesStartMail is a privacy-focused email service for individuals and businesses that want to move away from ad-supported inboxes. It combines webmail, PGP-based encryption, password-protected messages for non-encrypted recipients, disposable aliases, migration tools, and storage plans hosted under Dutch and EU privacy rules.
0 votesVisit siteA nonprofit privacy network and browser for more anonymous web access.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesTor Project develops Tor Browser and the underlying Tor network, which routes web traffic through volunteer-operated relays to reduce tracking and surveillance. The site provides downloads, project information, support resources, community links, and updates from the nonprofit behind Tor’s open-source privacy tools.
0 votesVisit siteIndependent password manager picks with privacy-focused selection criteria.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesPrivacy Guides’ password manager page compares recommended tools for storing credentials securely, split between cloud-based services and local vault options. It lists products such as Bitwarden, Proton Pass, 1Password, Psono, KeePass-family apps, and Gopass, alongside the criteria used to decide what qualifies.
0 votesVisit siteAn independent search engine built around private, non-profiled results.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesMojeek is a web search engine that runs independently of the major search platforms and emphasizes privacy-first searching. It offers standard web search along with images, news, Substack search, Focus Search, browser setup help, and search-related API products.
0 votesVisit sitePrivate cloud storage with encrypted sync, notes, and sharing.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesFilen is a zero-knowledge cloud storage service built around client-side encryption for files, backups, sharing, and collaboration. It offers web, desktop, mobile, and CLI access, with features such as network drive mounting, smart sync, encrypted notes, and encrypted chats. Accounts start with a free storage tier, with paid plans for more capacity.
0 votesVisit siteA privacy-first VPN with audited apps and minimal account data.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesIVPN is a paid VPN service focused on reducing network-level tracking and hiding your IP address from sites, apps, and local networks. It offers apps for major desktop and mobile platforms, with privacy-oriented options such as WireGuard support, firewall/kill-switch controls, anti-tracker filtering, and multi-hop routing on higher-tier plans.
0 votesVisit siteTested picks and advice for choosing a password manager.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesWIRED’s guide compares leading password managers across desktop, mobile, and browser use, with recommendations for different needs such as free use, sharing, bundled services, and self-hosting. The article also explains related security concepts like passkeys, browser-stored passwords, and why dedicated managers can be safer than reusing logins.
0 votesVisit siteA curated guide to privacy-first replacements for everyday apps.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesPrivacyTools.io is a directory of apps, services, and guides for reducing tracking and replacing mainstream software with more privacy-conscious options. It organizes recommendations by the app or category you want to replace, with editor picks, European alternatives, GitHub-trending projects, and explanatory guides for common privacy tradeoffs.
0 votesVisit siteCross-platform ad and tracker blocking for browsers, apps, and DNS.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesAdGuard provides ad blocking, tracker reduction, phishing protection, and related privacy tools across desktop, mobile, and browser-extension platforms. Its main apps are positioned as system-level blockers for supported devices, while browser extensions offer lighter-weight blocking inside specific browsers.
0 votesVisit siteAn open-source blocker for ads, trackers, and cookie pop-ups.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesGhostery provides privacy-focused browser tools that block ads, limit tracking scripts, and automate rejection of many tracking cookies. Its broader site also includes WhoTracks.Me tracker reports and a privacy-news digest, giving users more visibility into the companies collecting data across the web.
0 votesVisit siteA live directory for choosing public privacy-focused SearXNG servers.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesSearXNG Instances tracks public SearXNG servers and separates working HTTPS, Tor, offline, and erroring instances. It helps users compare instances by uptime, response speed, security-related grades, IPv6 support, country, engine reliability, and comments before picking one to search with.
0 votesVisit siteAn encrypted password manager with aliases, passkeys, and breach alerts.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesProton Pass is a cross-platform password manager for storing logins, passkeys, notes, credit cards, and email aliases in an end-to-end encrypted vault. It supports autofill, device sync, secure sharing, password health alerts, and paid identity-protection features such as dark web monitoring. Personal and business plans are available, with a free tier that includes unlimited logins across devices.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted cloud storage with a privacy-first European tool suite.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesInternxt offers encrypted cloud storage built around zero-knowledge, end-to-end protection, so files are encrypted before they reach its servers. The company also presents a broader privacy suite that includes Drive, VPN, Mail, Meet, Antivirus, and Cleaner, with free storage plus paid annual, lifetime, and business plans.
0 votesVisit siteAn offline, open-source password vault for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesKeePassXC is a desktop password manager that keeps logins and other sensitive records in an encrypted local database rather than a hosted account. It supports usernames, passwords, URLs, attachments, and notes, with auto-fill/auto-type features for everyday use. The project is GPLv3 open source and has received ANSSI first-level security certification for version 2.7.9.
0 votesVisit siteAn open-source vault for passwords, files, notes, and shared secrets.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesPadloc is an end-to-end encrypted password manager that also stores credit cards, notes, documents, license keys, and other sensitive records. It supports personal use as well as shared vaults for families, teams, and businesses, with apps across desktop, mobile, and browser environments.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted cloud storage with private sharing, sync, docs, and photos.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesProton Drive is a cloud storage service focused on keeping files, photos, documents, and spreadsheets encrypted from end to end. It supports file backup, cross-device access, link sharing with access controls, desktop sync, mobile photo backup, and private online editing for documents and spreadsheets.
0 votesVisit siteA privacy-focused VPN and browser from a no-logging provider.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesMullvad offers a VPN service for masking your IP address and encrypting internet traffic, alongside a free privacy-oriented browser developed with Tor. The service emphasizes anonymous accounts, no activity logging, censorship circumvention, open-source work, and tools for checking leaks and server status.
0 votesVisit sitePrivate web search built on Brave’s own independent index.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesBrave Search is a privacy-focused search engine from Brave Software. It offers standard web results, AI-assisted answers, and an index that Brave says is independent rather than primarily sourced from major search providers.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted email with Swiss privacy protections and a usable free tier.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesProton Mail is an email service built around end-to-end and zero-access encryption, with apps for web, mobile, and desktop. It offers free personal accounts alongside paid plans that add storage, custom domains, extra addresses, aliases, and priority support. Proton is based in Switzerland and presents its service as an alternative to ad-supported inbox providers.
0 votesVisit siteA privacy-focused VPN with open-source apps and a broad server network.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesProton VPN is a consumer and business VPN service from the company behind Proton Mail. It routes traffic through encrypted VPN servers, offers apps across major devices, and emphasizes no-logs policies, Swiss privacy protections, open-source clients, and independent audits.
0 votesVisit sitePrivate messaging and calls backed by an open encryption protocol.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesSignal is a free messaging app for encrypted conversations, voice and video calls, group chats, media sharing, and file transfers. It is run by an independent nonprofit and emphasizes privacy by default, with no advertising or tracking-based business model.
0 votesVisit siteCustom encrypted DNS that blocks malware, ads, trackers, and adult content.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesNextDNS is a configurable DNS filtering service for blocking malicious domains, ads, trackers, and unwanted content across devices and networks. It combines encrypted DNS setup options with security feeds, parental controls, allow/deny lists, analytics, and adjustable logging retention.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted messaging that avoids usernames, phone numbers, and user IDs.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesSimpleX Chat is an open-source secure messenger built around direct private connections rather than persistent account identifiers. Users connect by link or QR code, then use encrypted chats, groups, calls, file sharing, and community channels without a central user directory. The project also publishes protocol documentation, audits, server-hosting guides, and developer tools for bots and integrations.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted DNS filtering for teams across desktop and mobile devices.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesControl D is a DNS filtering service for blocking malware, trackers, unwanted content, and specific apps or services across managed devices and networks. It supports encrypted DNS protocols, native clients for major operating systems, policy management, logs, analytics, SIEM streaming, and multi-tenant administration for IT teams and MSPs.
0 votesVisit siteA browser extension that learns to block third-party web trackers.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesPrivacy Badger is a free browser extension from the Electronic Frontier Foundation that detects third-party tracking behavior and blocks or restricts those domains in the browser. It also sends privacy preference signals such as Global Privacy Control and Do Not Track, while offering controls for cookies, widgets, and link-tracking cleanup on supported sites.
0 votesVisit siteAn open-source blocker for ads, trackers, and malicious domains.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesuBlock Origin is a free, open-source browser extension for filtering ads, trackers, and known malicious domains with an emphasis on low resource use. The site explains where the full extension still works, how Chrome’s Manifest V3 changes affected it, and when users need the reduced uBlock Origin Lite version instead.
0 votesVisit sitePrivate web search with anonymous browsing and anti-tracking tools.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesStartpage is a privacy-focused search engine that emphasizes finding the web without turning searches into personal profiles. Its site also points users to related products such as Anonymous View, a mobile browser, a browser extension, and privacy education resources.
0 votesVisit siteA free desktop browser built to reduce tracking and fingerprinting.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesMullvad Browser is a privacy-oriented web browser created by Mullvad VPN with the Tor Project. It is designed to make users look more alike online by limiting third-party tracking, browser fingerprinting, saved cookies, and telemetry.
0 votesVisit sitePrivate email and office tools hosted under German data-protection rules.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesmailbox.org is a German-hosted workplace suite combining secure email with calendar, contacts, cloud storage, document collaboration, video meetings, and admin controls. It is aimed at individuals, businesses, and public-sector organizations that want a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream productivity suites, with GDPR alignment and German data-center hosting emphasized.
0 votesVisit siteNetwork-level ad and tracker blocking with customizable DNS rules.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesAdGuard DNS is a cloud DNS service that filters requests before they reach websites or apps, blocking known advertising, tracking, phishing, malware, and adult-content domains depending on the mode you choose. It can be used as a public DNS resolver or managed through a dashboard for device-level rules, request statistics, and custom allow/block lists.
0 votesVisit siteEncrypted email, calendar, and contacts with free private accounts.
Privacy & security tools / big-tech alternativesTuta is a privacy-focused email service with integrated encrypted calendar and contacts. It offers free accounts, paid upgrades, apps for major platforms, and an ad-free model built around minimizing data exposure rather than monetizing user activity.
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