4. [Useful links, tools, and advice](#useful-links-tools-and-advice)
1. [Resources](#resources)
1. [Books](#books)
1. [Blog posts](#blog-posts)
1. [News articles](#news-articles)
5. [The lighter side](#the-lighter-side)
6. [Closing remarks](#closing-remarks)
# Contributing
If you want to help out with the project, here are some ideas (submit **Issues**&**Pull Requests** on the [GitHub page](https://github.com/tycrek/degoogle)):
- **iOS app alternatives!** I don't have an iOS device to find alternatives with. I would highly appreciate any help with this.
- Clean up/improve the Markdown.
- Provide more information on services with little info or where *help requested!* is shown.
- Suggest new services or provide info for removing existing services.
- Host a mirror or clone the [repo](https://github.com/tycrek/degoogle). If you host a mirror, let me know and I can add it to the mirrors list.
- Anything else relating to any part of this guide, whether it's Google related or not.
| [uBlock Origin](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin)  | uBlock Origin is not an "ad blocker", it's a wide-spectrum content blocker with CPU and memory efficiency as a primary feature. |
| [Privacy Badger](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/privacy-badger17)  | Privacy Badger automatically learns to block invisible trackers. Instead of keeping lists of what to block, Privacy Badger learns by watching which domains appear to be tracking you as you browse the Web. |
| [HTTPS Everywhere](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/https-everywhere)  | Many sites on the web offer some limited support for encryption over HTTPS, but make it difficult to use. For instance, they may default to unencrypted HTTP, or fill encrypted pages with links that go back to the unencrypted site. The HTTPS Everywhere extension fixes these problems by rewriting all requests to these sites to HTTPS. |
| [Cookie AutoDelete](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/cookie-autodelete)  | Control your cookies! This WebExtension is inspired by Self Destructing Cookies. When a tab closes, any cookies not being used are automatically deleted. Whitelist the ones you trust while deleting the rest. Support for Container Tabs. |
| [DDG Privacy Essentials](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/duckduckgo-for-firefox)  | Privacy, simplified. Our add-on provides the privacy essentials you need to seamlessly take control of your personal information, no matter where the internet takes you: tracker blocking, smarter encryption, DuckDuckGo private search, and more. |
| [I don't care about cookies](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/i-dont-care-about-cookies)  | This add-on will remove cookie warnings from almost all websites! You can report any website which still warns you about cookies: make a right click and choose 'Report a cookie warning' from the menu. |
| [minerBlock](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/minerblock-origin)  | MinerBlock is an efficient browser extension that focuses on blocking browser-based cryptocurrency miners all over the web. This extension uses two different approaches to block miners. The first one is based on blocking requests/scripts loaded from a blacklist, this is the traditional approach adopted by most ad-blockers and other mining blockers. The other approach which makes MinerBlock more efficient against cryptojacking is detecting potential mining behavior inside loaded scripts and kills them immediately. This makes the extension able to block inline scripts as well as miners running through proxies. Source code available on [GitHub](https://github.com/xd4rker/MinerBlock). |
| [ClearURLS](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/clearurls)  | This extension will automatically remove tracking elements from URLs to help protect your privacy when browse through the Internet. |
| [Cloud Firewall](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/cloud-firewall)  | Block connections to pages and web resources hosted in major cloud services if the user wishes to do so. Supports blocking Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft and Cloudflare. |
| [CSS Exfil Protection](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/css-exfil-protection)  | CSS Exfil is a method attackers can use to steal data from web pages using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). This plugin sanitizes and blocks any CSS rules which may be designed to steal data. |
| [Disconnect](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/disconnect)  | Visualize and block the otherwise invisible websites that track your search and browsing history. |
| [Don't touch my tabs! (rel=noopener](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/dont-touch-my-tabs)  | Prevent tabs opened by a hyperlink from hijacking the previous tab by adding the rel=noopener attribute to all hyperlinks (excluding same-domain hyperlinks). |
| [Firefox Multi-Account Containers](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/multi-account-containers)  | Firefox Multi-Account Containers lets you keep parts of your online life separated into color-coded tabs that preserve your privacy. Cookies are separated by container, allowing you to use the web with multiple identities or accounts simultaneously. |
| [Google search link fix (also Yandex)](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/google-search-link-fix)  | This extension prevents Google and Yandex search pages from modifying search result links when you click them. This is useful when copying links but it also helps privacy by preventing the search engines from recording your clicks. |
| [HTTPZ](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/httpz)  | HTTPZ is meant to be unobtrusive and lightweight, it respects your privacy, and is free of trans fats. Additionally, it is very configurable, and should be slightly more secure than some of the alternatives out there, since it has a couple of built-in defenses against SSL-stripping attacks. |
| [Link Cleaner](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/link-cleaner)  | Clean URLs that are about to be visited: removes utm_* parameters; on item pages of aliexpress and amazon, removes tracking parameters; skip redirect pages of facebook, steam and reddit |
| [Privacy-Oriented Origin Policy](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/privacy-oriented-origin-policy)  | Prevent Firefox from sending Origin headers when they are least likely to be necessary, to protect your privacy. |
| [Skip Redirect](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/skip-redirect)  | Some web pages use intermediary pages before redirecting to a final page. This add-on tries to extract the final url from the intermediary url and goes there straight away if successful. |
| [Temporary Containers](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/temporary-containers)  | Open tabs, websites, and links in automatically managed disposable containers. Containers isolate data websites store (cookies, storage, and more) from each other, enhancing your privacy and security while you browse. |
| [TrackMeNot](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/trackmenot)  | An artware browser add-on to protect privacy in web-search. By issuing randomized queries to common search-engines, TrackMeNot obfuscates your search profile and registers your discontent with surreptitious tracking. |
| [Redirect AMP to HTML](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/amp2html)  | This web extension enables users to choose to opt-out of using Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) and choose to use the standard web instead. |
| [user.js](https://github.com/arkenfox/user.js) | This is not an extension, instead it is a Firefox `user.js` config file. This file is a template which aims to provide as much privacy and enhanced security as possible, and to reduce tracking and fingerprinting as much as possible - while minimizing any loss of functionality and breakage (but it will happen). |
3. Products from companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, Amazon, etc. will *not* be recommended unless there is a very good reason to. This includes companies/apps/services they own.
4. Controversial services will have a disclaimer attached if needed.
5. [5-eyes, 9-eyes, and 14-eyes][eyes] services will be listed and marked as such. Both the location the company is registered and the server IP are taken into consideration.
[](#index)
#### Search (Web & Images)
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [DuckDuckGo](https://duckduckgo.com/) | **5-eyes** | One of the best privacy-focused search engines. Domain is hosted in USA which could potentially be problematic for some. |
| [Startpage](https://www.startpage.com/) | **9-eyes** | Another privacy search engine that claims to not track any of your data. They operate servers in both USA and Europe. Note: Startpage was recently acquired. See [Issue #12](https://github.com/tycrek/degoogle/issues/12). Thanks @pydo, @ThijsRay, and @DatAres37. Also see [this comment in Issue #99](https://github.com/tycrek/degoogle/issues/99#issuecomment-616224650) from @danarel on Startpage. |
| [searx.me](https://searx.me/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/asciimoo/searx) (thanks for clarification u/Sheezdudeln) privacy search engine. Domain hosted in Germany. |
| [MetaGer](https://metager.org/about) | **14-eyes** | MetaGer is the search engine project from the registered nonprofit organization SUMA E.V. in Germany. |
| [Qwant](https://www.qwant.com/) | **9-eyes** | Major improvements since 2018's guide. *would prefer better info other than an outdated reference* |
| [Swisscows](https://swisscows.ch) | | A Swiss search engine that offers a unique search experience for the web, images, videos, music, and more. They are currently funding a mail service. Read through their [datacenter about page](https://swisscows.ch/en/datacenter), it's really interesting. |
| [Mojeek](https://www.mojeek.com/) | **5-eyes** | Unlike other privacy search engines which act as a "middle man" between you and Google/Bing/Yahoo, Mojeek has their own crawler and index. The results aren't as complete as some of the others, but it is still impressive and they are actively building their index to include more results with better accuracy. |
| [Ekoru](https://ekoru.org/) | | Privacy focused search engine that also aims to clean up the oceans. Thanks @mynamesleon |
| [Cyberd](https://cyber.page/) | | Decentralized Google. A web 3 alternative for the Google search engine. In Beta testing mode. Uses IPFS and Tendermint consensus for security and economic incentives. Please see their [ELI-5 FAQ](https://github.com/cybercongress/congress/blob/master/ecosystem/ELI-5%20FAQ.md) for more info. |
| [Infinity Search](https://infinitysearch.co/) | **5-eyes** | Infinity Search is a privacy metasearch engine that does not log any information about its users. In terms of privacy, it works the same way as DuckDuckGo. It is free to use and is funded by non-tracking advertisements and affiliate links. It is also completely [open-source](https://gitlab.com/infinitysearch/infinity-search). |
| [Runnaroo](https://www.runnaroo.com/) | **5-eyes** | "Runnaroo was built from the ground up to provide an all around better search experience." Thanks @codingepaduli |
| [PeerTube](https://joinpeertube.org/) | | Decentralized, federated video hosting network. Still quite small, but is growing and has a dedicated community. Although there is no central database/server, all the separate instances can still talk to one another. This allows for data exchange and a way to view anyone's videos while only associating with one instance. Thanks @kdkasad for clarifying federation. |
| [BitChute](https://www.bitchute.com/) | **5-eyes** | Also P2P, but not decentralized. Due to it being proprietary, if BitChute goes down then the whole thing goes down (unlike PeerTube). (thanks u/up-sky-7) |
| [DTube](https://d.tube/) | | Looks very similar to YouTube. Advertised as "first crypt-decentralized video-platform". Built on Steemit and IPFS. |
| [Bit.tube](https://bit.tube/) | | Appears to be a crypto-powered decentralized video sharing service. (thanks u/rudolf323) |
| [Invidious](https://invidio.us/) | | An [open-source](https://github.com/omarroth/invidious) front-end alternative to YouTube. Seems to work pretty well from my experience so far, and it hasn't triggered *anything* on my adblocker/privacy extensions. Also offers downloads in many formats for videos (including `.vtt` subtitles). |
| [Hooktube](https://hooktube.com/) | | A slightly better way to use actual YouTube. (Use as a "last resort") |
| [LBRY](https://lbry.com/) | | A decentralized platform for distributing and supporting creators's work. It aims to be Open, Community driven "digital marketplace". It can be used in a similar way to YouTube: browsing, subscribing to channels, there is a mechanism to send "tips" to creators. Looks up videos based on a blockchain and is [open-source](https://github.com/lbryio) and uncensored. It already has some "larger" creators like Minutephysics, Veritasium, Barnacules and Lunduke. |
| [FreeTube](https://freetubeapp.io/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube) desktop YouTube client that uses the Invidio.us API to serve content. |
| [youtube-local](https://github.com/user234683/youtube-local) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/user234683/youtube-local) browser-based client for watching Youtube anonymously and with greater page performance. Non-video requests can be routed through Tor. Optionally the videos can be routed through Tor as well. Can be used without Javascript. No server software installation required. Uses self-hosted subscriptions and playlists. |
| [Local newspaper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lists_of_newspapers_by_country) | | Support independent and qualitative journalism in your community. |
| [AllSides](https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news) | | Unbiased news source (primarily for US politics). Thanks @jeanofthedead |
| [Miniflux](https://miniflux.app/) | | Miniflux is a minimalist and opinionated feed reader. Completely [open-source](https://github.com/miniflux), along with automatically removing pixel trackers. |
| [Sympa](https://www.sympa.org/) | | Sympa is an [open-source](https://github.com/sympa-community/sympa) mailing list manager. It provides advanced features with a rich and secure web interface. |
| [GNU Mailman](https://list.org/) | | Mailman is free software for managing electronic mail discussion and e-newsletter lists. Mailman is integrated with the web, making it easy for users to manage their accounts and for list owners to administer their lists. Mailman supports built-in archiving, automatic bounce processing, content filtering, digest delivery, spam filters, and more. |
| [Discourse](https://discourse.group/) | **5-eyes** | Discourse is the 100% [open-source](https://github.com/discourse/discourse) discussion platform built for the next decade of the Internet. Use it as a mailing list, discussion forum, or long-form chat room. |
| [Groups.io](https://groups.io/) | **5-eyes** | a privacy focused email list system that does not track you, nor your members. It is not open source. Data is hosted on one central server but the server is encrypted. It has modern email group features such as a wiki, integrations, and RSS import support. |
| [DeepL](https://deepl.com/) | **14-eyes** | DeepL is an artifical intelligence translation service. **Please keep in mind DeepL tracks the text you translate unless you purchase Pro**. See sections 4 & 5 of their [privacy policy](https://www.deepl.com/privacy.html) for more information. Thanks u/TheCy-FiJuggernaut |
| [EthicalAds](https://www.ethicalads.io/) | | A developer-focused, privacy-obsessed ad network from the fine folks at Read the Docs. Source code can be [on GitHub](https://github.com/readthedocs/ethical-ad-server). |
| [Nextcloud](https://www.nextcloud.com/) | | Nextcloud 19 now has Community Document Server and **[ONLYOFFICE](https://www.onlyoffice.com/)** apps integrated which allows self-hosted instances of docs/sheets/slides. Users are able to edit documents in real time. Thanks @k3tan172 and @plutocrat |
| [Open-Xchange](https://www.open-xchange.com) | | A secure hosted email and productivity platform, designed for providers of all sizes to offer their customers email, calendar, storage, encryption and more. |
| [WordPress self-hosted](https://wordpress.org/) | | The [open-source](https://code.trac.wordpress.org/browser/wordpress-sources) version of WordPress. A very popular tool and a recognized name. |
| [Simpleblogs](https://simpleblogs.org/) | | FLOSS blogging platform with a focus on privacy. Easy to self-host (standard rails app, ships with AWS deployment scripts. AWS is not required). Access restricted to accounts which you create and hand out. Good for private blogs but not for commercial/public blogging. |
| [Plausible](https://plausible.io/) | **5-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/plausible/analytics), privacy-focused web analytics. |
| [GoatCounter](https://www.goatcounter.com/) | **14-eyes** | Simple web statistics. No tracking of personal data. [Open-source](https://github.com/zgoat/goatcounter) and may be self-hosted. Free for non-commercial use; paid plans available. |
| [Simple Analytics](https://simpleanalytics.com/) | **9-eyes** | Great analytics with privacy and simplicity in mind. Paid plans only (with free trials). |
| [Toasted Analytics](https://toastedanalytics.com/) | **5-eyes** | Simple, privacy friendly analytics with event tracking. Paid only (with free trial) |
| [Shynet](https://github.com/milesmcc/shynet) | | Shynet is a self-hosted analytics tool that doesn't make use of cookies. It is privacy focused and fully [open-source](https://github.com/milesmcc/shynet). Thanks @woutfeys |
| [Supabase](https://supabase.io/) | | Supabase is an opensource alternative to Firebase. As of right now you can use their hosting plan for free as it's in alpha, or you can self host ([note on self hosting](https://github.com/supabase/supabase/issues/85#issuecomment-636010946)). Thanks @woutfeys |
| [GoAccess](https://goaccess.io/) | | An [open-source](https://github.com/allinurl/goaccess) web server analysis tool. Installs on your web server (ideally), but works just as well if you download your logs someplace else. Interactive; cursor around in the report and see what's going on. Can generate HTML reports. Can also generate realtime interactive HTML reports if you run it in server mode. Lightweight, only requires UTF-8 support and ncurses (ncursesw, if you want a UTF-8 enabled console). Available in the default package repositories of multiple Linux distros. Thanks @virtadpt |
| [Offen](https://www.offen.dev/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/offen/offen) and self-hosted, Offen is a fair and lightweight web analytics alternative that treats operators and users as equal parties. |
| [Umami](https://umami.is/) | | A simple, easy to use, [open-source](https://github.com/mikecao/umami)/self-hosted web analytics solution. |
| [Kindmetrics](https://kindmetrics.io) | **5/14-eyes** | An [open-source](https://github.com/kindmetrics) analytics tool. Landing page and company is based in Sweden, CDN in EU, Servers on Digitalocean (USA) datacenter in Germany. |
| [userTrack](https://www.usertrack.net/) | | Self-hosted alternative to Google Analytics, similar to Matomo but cheaper for premium features. Includes user segments, heatmaps, session recordings and A/B testing. |
| [Photoprism](https://photoprism.pro/) | | Self-hosted and [open-source](https://github.com/photoprism/photoprism) Personal Photo Management powered by Go and Google TensorFlow. |
| [ownPhotos](https://github.com/hooram/ownphotos) | | Self-hosted and [open-source](https://github.com/hooram/ownphotos) Google Photos alternative. |
| [Piwigo](https://piwigo.org/) | **9-eyes** | Self-hosted and [open-source](https://github.com/Piwigo) cloud photo manager. You can also sign up for an ["as a service" account](https://piwigo.com). |
| [PhotoStructure](https://photostructure.com/) | | Self-hosted photo and video manager. Cross-platform (macOS, Windows, Linux, Docker). Scales to millions of assets, with automatic organization, auto-transcoding, and advanced de-duplication. |
| [Lychee](https://lycheeorg.github.io/) | | An [open-source](https://github.com/LycheeOrg/Lychee) self-hosted photo-management tool that includes built-in support for videos. Thanks @m0yP |
| [Lightning Calendar (Thunderbird)](https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/calendar/) | | Developed by Mozilla Foundation and [open-source](https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/get-involved/). Integrates into Thunderbird and SeaMonkey. |
| [Tutanota Calendar](https://tutanota.com/calendar/) | **14-eyes** | Developed by Tutanota. Free cross-platform encrypted calendar. Allows importing of other Calendar files. Can't be synced to other calendar software. |
| [Fruux](https://fruux.com/) | **14-eyes** | [Open-source](https://fruux.com/opensource/) calendar using "sabre/dav" (FOSS WebDAV, CardDAV, and CalDAV). They mention privacy quite a bit on their site. Very large number of features, and supports nearly every device: Windows, iOS, Linux, Android, BlackBerry, SailFish, and also a webapp for browsers. |
| [EteSync](https://www.etesync.com) | | Secure, end-to-end encrypted, and [open-source](https://github.com/etesync) sync for your contacts, calendars, tasks and notes. |
| [Baïkal](https://sabre.io/baikal/) | | a lightweight CalDAV+CardDAV server. It offers an extensive web interface with easy management of users, address books and calendars. It is fast and simple to install and only needs a basic php capable server. The data can be stored in a MySQL or a SQLite database. Thanks @mahdi1234 |
| [Nextcloud](https://nextcloud.com/) | | Nextcloud also offers a calendar solution using CalDAV and CardDAV. Thanks @mahdi1234 for pointing this out. |
| [Radicale](https://radicale.org/) | | Self-hosted calendar server written in Python. WebUI for desktop, CalDav/CardDav for mobile sync. Can use a reverse proxy with Nginx for HTTPS. |
| [Mailfence Calendar](https://www.mailfence.com) | **14-eyes** | Supports vCal/iCal import, export and can be accessed by using CalDAV. Users can share their calendars with group members and can also create polls. |
| [CryptPad](https://cryptpad.fr/) | **9-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/xwiki-labs/cryptpad) "zero knowledge" collaborative cloud editor. They offer Rich Text, Code, Presentation, Sheet (beta), Poll, Kanban, Whiteboard, and CryptDrive. 100% Client side encryption. Tons of useful features. |
| [Etherpad](https://etherpad.org/) | | Self-hosted collaborative editor. Does not use the browser. Not the greatest interface, but it's [open-source](https://github.com/ether) and you have full control over who can see your data. |
| [Cryptee](https://crypt.ee/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/cryptee) and privacy focused photo and document storage/editing. Based in Estonia, so your files are outside the reach of any 14-eyes country. They don't even require an email address to sign up. |
| [LibreOffice Online](https://www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-online/) | **14-eyes** | Self-hosted instance of LibreOffice that you can run in your browser. Thanks @flubberding |
| [ONLYOFFICE](https://www.onlyoffice.com) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/ONLYOFFICE/) private cloud replacement for Google Docs'suite and Office 360. Also available as a self contained rich application. |
| [Arcane Office](https://arcaneoffice.com/) | | A decentralized office suite with high-security and zero-knowledge on your data. With Arcane Office, you have maximum control on your personal stuff. Full-featured online document and spreadsheet editor. Secure storage to save your photos. All free for personal use. Thanks @taraletti |
| [LyX](https://www.lyx.org/) | | It's an [open-source](https://www.lyx.org/Development) (and offline) document processor using TeX/LaTeX. It's different than Docs or Word but amazing, once you get used to it. |
| [ONLYOFFICE](https://www.onlyoffice.com/) | | Offline version of ONLYOFFICE, an [open-source](https://github.com/ONLYOFFICE/) private cloud replacement for Google Docs'suite and Office 360. Also available as a self contained rich application. Thanks @PalmoliveDev |
| [Cryptee](https://crypt.ee/) | | Offline version of Cryptee for web. Runs as a progressive web app. Works most modern phone browsers (Chrome, Opera or Firefox on Android; Safari on iOS). Also works in desktop browsers that support PWA (the website lists that only Chrome works, but [others will work](https://github.com/tycrek/degoogle/issues/160#issuecomment-643066320) too. |
| [Calligra](https://calligra.org/) | | Calligra Suite is an office and graphic art suite by KDE. It is available for desktop PCs, tablet computers, and smartphones. It contains applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, vector graphics, and editing databases. (Free and [Open-source](https://calligra.org/get-involved/) Software) |
| [Njalla](https://njal.la/) | **14-eyes** | Privacy-focused domain registration. Competitive pricing and a large list of available domain extensions. They also offer VPS hosting. Built by people who built The Pirate Bay among others. (thanks u/brais33 and u/HumbleBasis6). Note: some users may have issues with them [legally owning your domain](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14177597). |
| [Orangewebsite](https://www.orangewebsite.com/) | | An Iceland-based freedom of speech web hosting provider. They never actually ask for your name, at least when you pay in Bitcoin. |
| [Syncthing](https://syncthing.net/) | **9-eyes** | An [open-source](https://github.com/syncthing/) continuous file synchronization program. It synchronizes files between two or more computers in real time, safely protected from prying eyes. Your data is your data alone and you deserve to choose where it is stored, whether it is shared with some third party, and how it's transmitted over the internet. |
| [Cozy Cloud](https://cozy.io/) | **9-eyes** | French based cloud storage provider with free and paid plans. Can also be self-hosted and is [open-Source](https://github.com/cozy/cozy-stack). And it also offers a collaborative notes editor. |
| [Mailfence Documents](https://www.mailfence.com) | **14-eyes** | Documents can be accessed using WebDAV or edited online. Users can drag and drop files in folders and categorize them with tags. |
| [Filecloud Community Edition](https://www.getfilecloud.com/filecloud-community-edition/) | | Powerful, secure Dropbox-like enterprise class file sharing and sync solution for home or business. |
| [Tox](https://tox.chat/) | | Tox is unique as it uses P2P technology to ensure the network *never* goes down, as long as there are users to keep it alive. They specifically say on the website "Tox has no central servers that can be raided, shut down, or forced to turn over data". |
| [Wire](https://wire.com/en/) | **5-eyes** | Uses end-to-end encryption. Looks to be more of a corporate service with tiered plans. |
| [Element](https://element.io/) | **5-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/vector-im/) privacy-focused chat service with end-to-end encryption. They offer webapps, desktop apps, iOS, and Android (Play Store and F-Droid). Uses the "Matrix" protocol for decentralized communication. |
| [Threema](https://threema.ch/en) | | Swiss-based GDPR-compliant instant messenger. Has apps for both iOS and Android. Unlike Signal, no phone number is required (nor is an email) to sign up. End-to-end encrypted. Thanks to @nathanvogel |
| [Keybase](https://keybase.io/) | **5-eyes** | Encrypted chat like Signal with features like Slack. Does not require a phone number to sign up. Also has file storage. **Note:** Keybase was acquired by Zoom, Inc. in May 2020 ([Keybase blog](https://keybase.io/blog/keybase-joins-zoom), [Zoom blog](https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/05/07/zoom-acquires-keybase-and-announces-goal-of-developing-the-most-broadly-used-enterprise-end-to-end-encryption-offering/)). Thanks @notpushkin&@multimob. |
| [Jitsi](https://jitsi.org/) | **5-eyes** | Jitsi is an [open-source](https://github.com/jitsi) secure video conferencing platform. No account is needed to use it, simply enter a Room Name to join or host a meeting. The host is able to kick rogue users from the call. Works directly in your browser, with apps available for iOS and Android. It is not necessary to self-host, but self-hosting is an option for those who wish to. Very low latency and easy to set up. A free public server is available at [meet.jit.si](https://meet.jit.si). (**5-eyes** server) |
| [Session](https://getsession.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/loki-project?type=source). It is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that removes sensitive metadata collection. No phone number required to create an account. |
- *See [this article](https://outline.com/BK8f7h) for why I didn't include WhatsApp and why you should NOT use it (if someone has a better Outline link, that would be much appreciated).*
- *I have also **removed** Telegram. See [Issue #29](https://github.com/tycrek/degoogle/issues/29) from @arsv.*
| [Forward Email](https://forwardemail.net/) | | A free and [open-source](https://github.com/forwardemail) email forwarding service focused on a user's right to privacy. |
| [Protonmail](https://protonmail.com/) | | One of the top privacy-focused email providers. Servers are in Switzerland in an underground guarded bunker that they claim can "survive a nuclear attack". |
| [Tutanota](https://tutanota.com/) | **14-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/tutao/tutanota) and one one of the top rated privacy-focused email providers. Located in Germany. |
| [NextCloud](https://help.nextcloud.com/t/nextcloud-mail-server/157) | | Nextcloud provides a [webmail interface](https://github.com/nextcloud/mail) that can be used to access email from various providers. Thanks @je-vv |
| [Thexyz](https://www.thexyz.com/) | **5-eyes** | Thexyz is a Canadian company offering privacy-conscious business email. Premium webmail costs USD $2.95 per month. |
| [Mailfence](https://www.mailfence.com) | **14-eyes** | A secure and private email provider much like Protonmail and Tutanota. There are no google analytics nor hidden cookies. There are options to pay anonymously via cryptocurrency. It features a wide array of collaboration tools, such as groups, calendar, contacts, documents with editing space. Offers free, paid, and freemium plans. Can pay with cryptocurrency and has a [warrant canary](https://blog.mailfence.com/transparency-report-and-warrant-canary/). Thanks @resto1231 |
| [Anonaddy](https://anonaddy.com/) | **9-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/anonaddy/anonaddy) Anonymous forwarding email service. Forwarded email can be encrypted (OpenPGP) to prevent Google from reading it. Accepts cryptocurrencies (including Monero). |
| [Mail-in-a-Box](https://mailinabox.email/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/mail-in-a-box/mailinabox) self-hosted easy-to-deploy mail server in a box. |
| [Joplin](https://joplinapp.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/laurent22/joplin) notes/todo app. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Also offers a terminal version. It can import Evernote `.enex` files if you use that. It can also sync with Nextcloud (mentioned above). |
| [Standard Notes](https://standardnotes.org/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.standardnotes/) | | Encrypted note storage with loads of features. Offers a web app as well as downloads for most operating systems. Has a paid plan, but the free tier has many useful features as well. |
| [Turtl](https://turtlapp.com/) | | Encrypted collaborative notebook with possibility of running your own server. |
| [EteSync](https://www.etesync.com) | | Secure, end-to-end encrypted, and [open-source](https://github.com/etesync) sync for your contacts, calendars, tasks and notes. |
| [Nextcloud Notes](https://apps.nextcloud.com/apps/notes) | | A distraction free notes taking app for Nextcloud. It provides categories for better organization and supports formatting using Markdown syntax. Notes are saved as files in your Nextcloud, so you can view and edit them with every Nextcloud client. |
| [Jellyfin](https://jellyfin.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/jellyfin) alternative to the Play media services. You do need to provide your own content, however. In active development with frequent updates (to the source, that is). |
| [Airsonic](https://airsonic.github.io/) | | Self-hosted [open-source](https://github.com/airsonic/airsonic) media streamer. Has features for transcoding audio on-the-fly for "virtually any audio format". You can also set bandwidth limits if you need to. Looks very powerful. |
| [Popcorn Time](https://popcorntime.sh/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/popcorn-official) software for desktop and mobile that let you easily stream movie/TV torrents. **Be careful if your country or ISP has policies against torrenting, a VPN is recommended.** Thanks @je-vv |
| [Tribler](https://www.tribler.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/Tribler/tribler) peer-to-peer file sharing that provides a "Youtube"-like streaming experience. Tribler uses Tor-like onion routing to protect the privacy of its users. |
| [Ampache](http://ampache.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/ampache/ampache) and self-hosted web based media manager and media server. API available to allow usage on various platforms. On-the-fly transcoding available. Supports both music and video. |
- *I can no longer recommend [Emby](https://emby.media/) as they are [no longer open source](https://www.linuxuprising.com/2018/12/jellyfin-free-software-emby-media.html).*
- *Thanks to u/eA8KESARaW6iqCpHsbE4 for suggesting Jellyfin and pointing out that Emby isn't open source.*
| [google webfonts helper](https://google-webfonts-helper.herokuapp.com/fonts) | **5-eyes** | Hassle-free way for webmasters to self-host [open-source](https://github.com/majodev/google-webfonts-helper) fonts from Google Fonts |
| [Brick](https://brick.im) | **9-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/alfredxing/brick) fonts that work in a very similar way to Google fonts. Most of the fonts render nicer than Google Fonts. |
| [Moodle](https://moodle.org/) | | Self-hosted [open-source](https://github.com/moodle/moodle) Classroom software for schools. Very powerful. Thanks @jankapunkt |
| [ILIAS](https://www.ilias.de/en/) | | Another self-hosted [open-source](https://github.com/ILIAS-eLearning/ILIAS) classroom software. Thanks again to @jankapunkt |
| [Canvas](https://www.instructure.com/canvas) | | Paid service by Instructure. Also available as a self-hosted, [open-source](https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms) option. To ensure privacy, use the self-hosted option. |
| [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) | **9-eyes** | Collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world (from Wikipedia). Completely crowdsourced. Very strong alternative to Maps. |
| [Qwant Maps](https://www.qwant.com/maps/) | | Maps from the makers of Qwant search engine. Thanks @mynamesleon |
| [Benmaps](https://benmaps.fr) | | Another maps alternative based on OpenStreetMap. Thanks @dimqua |
| [Transportr](https://transportr.app/) | | An [open-source](https://github.com/grote/Transportr) Transit app on Android that takes information from several providers (e.g Deutsche Bahn in Germany) and enables you to use them in the app. Visualises the routes on an online OpenStreetMap map. Works in most of Western-Europe, as well as the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the UAE and Ghana. **Beware: most information-providers only have beta or alpha support, it may be a good idea to keep a second app as a fallback option** |
| [BlockSurvey](https://blocksurvey.io/) | | BlockSurvey enables digital rights (identity and data ownership) to users using Blockstack's blockchain. Users truly own their data with BlockSurvey. All your data is protected using your key and only you can access it. There are no trackers, cookies, or fingerprints on the forms of data providers. Thanks @compressstudio |
## Operating systems
[](#index)
#### Android/Fuchsia
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [Ubuntu Touch](https://ubuntu-touch.io/) | | Ubuntu, but for phones. |
| [LineageOS](https://www.lineageos.org/) | **5-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/lineageos) and based on Android, but without the crap. |
| [SailfishOS](https://sailfishos.org/) | | Privacy-focused mobile OS by Jolla with a proprietary UI and Android compatibility layer on top of an [open-source](http://releases.sailfishos.org/sources/) Mer GNU/Linux base. |
| [GrapheneOS](https://grapheneos.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/GrapheneOS) Android-based OS with an emphasis on security and privacy. Features advanced hardening and privacy protections throughout the system. |
| [postmarketOS](https://postmarketos.org/) | | [Open-source](https://gitlab.com/postmarketOS) mobile Linux OS. Can install different user interfaces such as [Plasma Mobile](https://www.plasma-mobile.org/). Thanks @okias |
| [CalyxOS](https://calyxos.org/) | | [Open-source](https://gitlab.com/CalyxOS) Android-based OS with an emphasis on security and privacy. Provides good combination of privacy and security together with usability. Optional support for MicroG. |
| [Qubes OS](https://www.qubes-os.org/) | | "A reasonably secure operating system", at least according to their website. Edward Snowden recommends it. |
| [Subgraph OS](https://subgraph.com/index.en.html) | | A desktop computing and communications platform that is designed to be resistant to network-borne exploit and malware attacks. |
| [Tails](https://tails.boum.org/) | | For the uber-paranoid. Runs live and the entire OS is routed through Tor right from boot. Built on Debian. |
| [Knoppix](http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html) | | Another Live OS, runs from CD/DVD/USB. Can also be installed if desired. |
| [PureOS](https://pureos.net/) | **5-eyes** | The OS of Purism Laptops (mentioned in the Hardware section). Very clean UI. *Editor note: I could not get this working on a UEFI Dell laptop. The group behind PureOS does not provide any UEFI support.* |
| [GhostBSD](https://ghostbsd.org/) | | This is a secure [open-source](https://github.com/GhostBSD) OS based on FreeBSD, preconfigured to be a sane desktop environment for all users. |
| [Any other form of Linux](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/) | | [Ubuntu](https://www.ubuntu.com/); [Debian](https://www.debian.org/); [Mint](https://linuxmint.com/); [Fedora](https://getfedora.org/); [Arch](https://www.archlinux.org/) or [Manjaro](https://manjaro.org/) (Manjaro is objectively much easier to get running than Arch); [Trisquel](https://trisquel.info/); [Gentoo](https://www.gentoo.org/); [Alpine](https://www.alpinelinux.org/) (thanks u/privacyfreak555); [etc etc etc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions) |
| [AsteroidOS](https://asteroidos.org/) | **14-eyes** | The cleanest (and only) [open-source](https://github.com/AsteroidOS/) alternative for Wear OS. Make sure you buy a watch that supports it! |
| [Kodi](https://kodi.tv/) | | It's incredibly powerful and backed by one of the strongest communities around. Tons of plugins to do nearly anything you want. Software installs on nearly any platform. |
| [OSMC](https://osmc.tv/) | | Free, [open-source](https://github.com/osmc/osmc) media center OS. Kodi is pre-installed. Thanks to @g4rret and @lgiard for clarifying the difference between Kodi and OSMC! |
[](#index)
#### Chrome
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [Ungoogled Chromium](https://github.com/Eloston/ungoogled-chromium) | | Chromium (which Chrome and countless other browsers are built on top of) is one of the cleanest and light-weight browsers available. This version cuts out all the Google crap. |
| [Firefox](https://firefox.com/) | | Built by Mozilla, "The Privacy Company". Huge extension library; great for privacy. |
| [Waterfox](https://www.waterfox.net/) | **5-eyes** | Based on Firefox, but **64-bit only** with an emphasis on speed and privacy. Has a "classic" version built off older Firefox for legacy extension support and also an "alpha" version built off Quantum. It doesn't collect any telemetry and also removes Pocket from the alpha release. Project is run by [Alex Kontos](https://github.com/MrAlex94/) and is constantly in active development. Looks very clean and fast. Android versions are in the works too. **UPDATE:**@Nudin pointed out in Issue #85 that Waterfox is now [apart of System1](https://www.waterfox.net/blog/waterfox-has-joined-system1/). |
| [Vivaldi](https://vivaldi.com/) | | Privacy-focused browser. Appears to be very customizable and feature-rich. |
| [Tor Browser](https://www.torproject.org/download/) | | Firefox-based browser routed through the [Tor network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tor_%28anonymity_network%29). Automatically has a few privacy extensions installed (such as HTTPS Everywhere). [Read this article](https://write.privacytools.io/my-thoughts-on-security/slicing-onions-part-1-myth-busting-tor) for more info on how it works and the benefits of using Tor. Available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android. |
| [KDE Marble](https://kde.org/applications/education/org.kde.marble) | | Strong alternative for G Earth. Currently only on Linux, but is being ported to other platforms. Thanks to @PopeRigby |
#### Android Studio (not specifically for Android development, just in general)
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [VSCodium](https://vscodium.com/) | | VSCodium is Visual Studio Code but without all the Microsoft telemetry and branding. |
| [Vim](https://www.vim.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/vim/vim) text editor. Thanks @moon-chilled |
| [Emacs](https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/) | | Another [open-source](https://github.com/emacs-mirror/emacs) text editor. Thanks @moon-chilled |
| [Atom](https://atom.io/) | | Atom is a free and [open-source](https://github.com/atom/atom) text and source code editor for macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows with support for plug-ins written in Node.js, and embedded Git Control, developed by GitHub. Atom is a desktop application built using web technologies. (From [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom_(text_editor))) Thanks @woutfeys |
[](#index)
#### Play Store
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [F-Droid](https://f-droid.org/) | | Catalogue of FOSS apps for Android. Easy to install and keeps track of updates. Also has a browser version if you don't want to install the app. |
| [Yalp Store (fork)](https://github.com/kiliakin/YalpStore) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.github.kiliakin.yalpstore/) | | Yalp downloads Play Store apps as APK files. Helpful if you want to stay away from the Play Store, but require an app that is only available there. This version is a fork of the original project that is no longer active. Thank @onlyjob |
| [APKMirror](https://www.apkmirror.com/) | | An online library of user-uploaded APK files. Helpful if you need a specific older version of an app or don't want to download it through Google Play. |
| [Aurora Store](https://gitlab.com/AuroraOSS/AuroraStore) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.aurora.store/) | | Aurora Store is ~~simply a fork of the Yalp Store~~ no longer a fork of Yalp, but is now its own project (see their [readme](https://gitlab.com/AuroraOSS/AuroraStore/blob/master/README.md)). **Update:** Removed note on using microG as Aurora Store [does not use it](https://gitlab.com/AuroraOSS/AuroraStore/-/blob/master/README.md#L77). Thanks @notpushkin |
| [Fossdroid](https://fossdroid.com/) | | Uses the same library as F-Droid, but with a modern UI similar to that of the Play Store and the ability to view apps by popularity. |
| [G-Droid](https://gitlab.com/gdroid/gdroidclient/) | | Also uses the F-Droid repo but with a different UI. |
| [APKGrabber](https://github.com/hemker/apkgrabber) | | Fork of [APKUpdater](https://github.com/rumboalla/apkupdater). Both are great tools for avoiding app stores (on Android). |
| [Aurora Droid](https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-aurora-droid-fdroid-client-t3932663) | | Yet another F-Droid client, potentially has a few bugs (thanks u/OfficialJohnGL4) |
- *When searching for replacements, check the alternative stores (such as F-Droid) before checking the Play Store.*
#### Chrome (Android)
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [Fennec F-Droid](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.mozilla.fennec_fdroid/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.mozilla.fennec_fdroid/) | | A privacy-focused version of Firefox Android available on F-Droid. It's focused on removing any proprietary bits found in official Mozilla's builds. (thanks u/SupremeLisper) |
| [Bromite](https://www.bromite.org/) | | Privacy-focused/[open-source](https://github.com/bromite/bromite) build of Chromium with built-in ad blocking. (thanks u/SupremeLisper) |
| [Simple Calculator](https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools/Simple-Calculator) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.calculator/) | | Also part of the SMT project. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Calculator N+ or NCalc+](https://github.com/tranleduy2000/ncalc) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/tranleduy2000/ncalc) feature-rich calculator. App itself is no longer in development, but the developer does [encourage pull requests](https://github.com/tranleduy2000/ncalc#calculator-n---powerful-calculator-for-android). I've used it frequently and it works great. Not on F-Droid, but a 3rd party play store can probably find it; or the APK's are available as releases on GitHub. You can also compile from source. |
| [DAVx⁵](https://www.davx5.com/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/at.bitfire.davdroid/) | | DAVx⁵ is an [open-source](https://gitlab.com/bitfireAT/davx5-ose) CalDAV/CardDAV suite and sync app for Android. |
| [ICSx⁵](https://icsx5.bitfire.at/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/at.bitfire.icsdroid/) | | ICSx⁵ is an Android app to subscribe to remote (“Webcal”) or local iCalendar files (like time tables of your school/university or event files of your sports team). Thanks @je-vv |
| [Etar](https://github.com/xsoh/Etar-Calendar) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/ws.xsoh.etar/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/xsoh/Etar-Calendar) material design Calendar that integrates with the Android Calendar API. Can integrate with CalDAV/CardDAV servers. |
| [Simple Calendar](https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools/Simple-Calendar) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.calendar.pro/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools/Simple-Calendar). Part of the [Simple Mobile Tools](https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools) project. |
| [EteSync](https://www.etesync.com) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.etesync.syncadapter/) | | Secure, end-to-end encrypted, and [open-source](https://github.com/etesync) sync for your contacts, calendars, tasks and notes. |
| [Simple Alarm Clock](https://github.com/yuriykulikov/AlarmClock) | | Exactly as it's name says; simple alarm clock yet adds many improvements over other apps. No dock mode or world clock. |
| [Insane Alarm!](https://github.com/RIAEvangelist/insane-alarm) | | Developer states that he had "spent a night out with the boys and drank a bit too much but needed to be up in the morning". So, he made the loudest alarm clock possible based off an emergency alarm from when he was in the military. This app doesn't mess around, use it wisely. |
| [Simple Contacts](https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools/Simple-Contacts) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.contacts.pro/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools/Simple-Contacts). Part of the [Simple Mobile Tools](https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools) project. |
| [EteSync](https://www.etesync.com) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.etesync.syncadapter/) | | Secure, end-to-end encrypted, and [open-source](https://github.com/etesync) sync for your contacts, calendars, tasks and notes. |
| [QKSMS](https://github.com/moezbhatti/qksms) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.moez.QKSMS/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/moezbhatti/qksms). Very clean and feature rich SMS app. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Silence.im](https://silence.im/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.smssecure.smssecure/) | | [Open-source](https://silence.im/contribute/) and utilizes Signal's encryption protocol. Seamlessly works with SMS. End-to-end encryption with other Silence users. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Signal](https://signal.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/signalapp). Signal possesses SMS/MMS capabilities on Android. Using it as your default SMS app has the advantage of having your SMS and your online-messaging-service integrated within one app. Doing so will also show stats within the app of how many messages you send are encrypted, and offers to send invites to your contacts.
Thanks @Glitchy-Tozier for suggesting it be listing as SMS/MMS alternative. |
| [AnySoftKeyboard](https://anysoftkeyboard.github.io/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.menny.android.anysoftkeyboard/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/AnySoftKeyboard/AnySoftKeyboard) keyboard. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Hacker's Keyboard](https://github.com/klausw/hackerskeyboard) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.pocketworkstation.pckeyboard/) | | Also [open-source](https://github.com/klausw/hackerskeyboard). Very useful for developers or sysadmins on the go. |
| [kboard](https://github.com/adgad/kboard) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.adgad.kboard/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/adgad/kboard). Has features for phrases, "lenny faces", macros and more. **Note**: Project [appears to be abandoned](https://github.com/adgad/kboard/issues/16). |
| [Indic Keyboard](https://gitlab.com/indicproject/indic-keyboard) | | [Open-source](https://gitlab.com/indicproject/indic-keyboard) keyboard that supports many languages that other keyboards sometimes don't support. Not on F-Droid, but can be built from source or possibly through a Play Store alternative. |
| [OpenBoard](https://github.com/dslul/openboard) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.dslul.openboard.inputmethod.latin/) | | New 100% FOSS keyboard, based on AOSP. Similar to "Simple Keyboard". |
| [ownCloud Android](https://github.com/owncloud/android) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.owncloud.android/) | | ownCloud Android client. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Nextcloud Android](https://github.com/nextcloud/android) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.nextcloud.client/) | | Nextcloud Android client. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Syncthing Android](https://github.com/syncthing/syncthing-android) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.nutomic.syncthingandroid/) | | Wrapper of Syncthing for Android. Available on F-Droid. Also consider [Syncthing-Fork](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.github.catfriend1.syncthingandroid/) which uses a native Android UI rather than the default web UI. |
| [Protonmail](https://protonmail.com/support/knowledge-base/android/) | | Can be downloaded from the Play Store, but may work with one of the store replacements above (such as Yalp). |
| [Tutanota](https://www.tutanota.com/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.tutao.tutanota/) | **14-eyes** | Client available from F-Droid. |
| [Disroot](https://disroot.org/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.disroot.disrootapp/) | | Available from F-Droid. |
| [K-9 Mail](https://k9mail.github.io/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.fsck.k9/) | | Available on F-Droid. |
| [FairEmail](https://email.faircode.eu/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/eu.faircode.email/) | | Available on F-Droid. |
| [DeltaChat](https://delta.chat/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.b44t.messenger/) | | An email app with a chat-based UI and privacy support with autocrypt. |
| [Joplin](https://github.com/laurent22/joplin) | | Scroll down on the GitHub page until you reach the Android download links. No F-Droid repo, but you can download the APK directly instead of using the Play Store. |
| [Standard Notes](https://standardnotes.org/) | | Encrypted note storage with loads of features. |
| [Omni Notes](https://omninotes.app/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/it.feio.android.omninotes.foss/) | | Very feature rich, [open-source](https://github.com/federicoiosue/Omni-Notes), material design notes app. Very active development. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Carnet](https://github.com/PhieF/CarnetDocumentation) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.spisoft.quicknote/) | | I had some trouble finding info on this one. Looks like it has pretty seamless/painless ownCloud and NextCloud integration. Also available on F-Droid. |
| [Markor](https://gsantner.net/project/markor.html) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.gsantner.markor/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/gsantner/markor) notes/to-do app for Android. Supports Markdown editing. Available on F-Droid. App is 100% offline, as stated on the [GitHub README](https://github.com/gsantner/markor#privacy). |
| [Orgzly](http://orgzly.com/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.orgzly/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/orgzly). Notes are stored in the plain-text [Org mode](https://orgmode.org/) format. Supports searching, metadata, and manual sync with Dropbox or local directory, which can be synced using e.g. Syncthing. |
| [Notally](https://github.com/OmGodse/Notally) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.omgodse.notally/) | | A beautiful, light and minimalistic notes app with no trackers, ads or analytics of any kind. |
| [EteSync](https://www.etesync.com) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.etesync.notes/) | | Secure, end-to-end encrypted, and [open-source](https://github.com/etesync) sync for your contacts, calendars, tasks and notes. |
| [Maps](https://gitlab.com/axet/omim/-/blob/HEAD/README.md) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.github.axet.maps/) | | [Open-source](https://gitlab.com/axet/omim) navigation app based on MAPS.ME. Searching for addresses doesn't always work and finding businesses can be a slight hassle, but overall one of the better apps I've used. |
| [OsmAnd](https://osmand.net/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.osmand.plus/) | | OpenStreetMap for Android. (thanks u/masao77). As OsmAnd is primarily crowdsourced, many regions may not be totally accurate. If you would like to help improve OpenStreetMap and OsmAnd, check out [StreetComplete](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/StreetComplete) (available from [F-Droid](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.westnordost.streetcomplete/). |
| [Transportr](https://transportr.app/) | | Primarily European, this is an [open-source](https://transportr.app/contribute/) public transport app. Thanks to @lgiard |
| [Öffi (Offi)](https://oeffi.schildbach.de/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/de.schildbach.oeffi/) | | Öffi is a public transport Android app (also shows delays and replacement bus service for more and more transport authorities in Europe and beyond) - similar to Transportr |
| [Feeder](https://gitlab.com/spacecowboy/Feeder/-/blob/master/README.md) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.nononsenseapps.feeder/) | | Use good old-fashioned RSS feeds with Feeder |
#### Photos
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [Piwigo Android](https://github.com/Piwigo/Piwigo-Android) | | You need to have Piwigo set up first. |
| [Stingle Photos](https://stingle.org/) | **5-eyes** | A convenient, easy to use Gallery/Camera application with Backup and Sync functionality for your photos and videos which seamlessly provides strong security, privacy and encryption. All photos and videos are encrypted prior to being stored and backed up, so they are secure at rest, in transit and on cloud storage. |
- *Realistically, there most likely is not a privacy friendly alternative to Google Pay. Get a wallet with RFID protection and keep your cards with you.*
| [YouTube Vanced](https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-youtube-vanced-edition-t3758757) | | Please read the XDA post before deciding to use this. |
| [FreeOTP+](https://github.com/helloworld1/FreeOTPPlus) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.liberty.android.freeotpplus/) | | FreeOTP is no longer in development so this fork should be used instead as it is currently in development. |
| [Aegis](https://getaegis.app/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.beemdevelopment.aegis/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/beemdevelopment/Aegis) 2FA for Android. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Audinaut](https://github.com/nvllsvm/Audinaut) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.nullsum.audinaut/) | | An [open-source](https://github.com/nvllsvm/Audinaut) Airsonic client for Android. |
| [MALP](https://gitlab.com/gateship-one/malp/-/blob/master/README.md) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.gateshipone.malp/) | | An [open-source](https://gitlab.com/gateship-one/malp/) Android client for MPD. Available on F-Droid. |
| [Shuttle+](https://github.com/timusus/Shuttle) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplecity.amp_pro/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/timusus/Shuttle) local music player for Android. Available on F-Droid or by [direct download](https://github.com/timusus/Shuttle/releases). |
| [Keybase](https://keybase.io/) | **5-eyes** | Encrypted chat like Signal with features like Slack. Does not require a phone number to sign up. Also has file storage. **Note:** Keybase was acquired by Zoom, Inc. in May 2020 ([Keybase blog](https://keybase.io/blog/keybase-joins-zoom), [Zoom blog](https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/05/07/zoom-acquires-keybase-and-announces-goal-of-developing-the-most-broadly-used-enterprise-end-to-end-encryption-offering/)). Thanks @notpushkin&@multimob. |
| [Conversations](https://conversations.im/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/eu.siacs.conversations/) | **14-eyes** | An [open-source](https://github.com/inputmice/Conversations) Android Jabber/XMPP client. It's a paid app on Google Play, but you can also [build it from source](https://github.com/siacs/Conversations) for free if you want to. |
| [Element](https://github.com/vector-im/element-android) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/im.vector.app/) | **5-eyes** | Android app - The [open-source](https://github.com/vector-im/element-android) Android client for Element. |
| [Jitsi Meet (F-Droid)](https://meet.jit.si/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.jitsi.meet/) | | Jitsi is an [open-source](https://github.com/jitsi) secure video conferencing platform. No account is needed to use it, simply enter a Room Name to join or host a meeting. The host is able to kick rogue users from the call. Works directly in your browser, with apps available for iOS and Android. It is not necessary to self-host, but self-hosting is an option for those who wish to. Very low latency and easy to set up. A free public server is available at [meet.jit.si](https://meet.jit.si). (**5-eyes** server) |
| [Briar](https://briarproject.org/) | | An [open-source](https://code.briarproject.org/briar/briar/tree/master) app which supports Peer-to-Peer encrypted messaging. No phone number required for signing up. If the internet’s down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, keeping the information flowing in a crisis. If the internet’s up, Briar can sync via the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from surveillance. Can install through a [third-party F-Droid repo](https://briarproject.org/installing-briar-via-f-droid/). |
| [Session](https://getsession.org/) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/loki-project?type=source). It is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that removes sensitive metadata collection. No phone number required to create an account. Can be downloaded from the Play Store or as an APK file from GitHub. Also has apps for iOS and Desktop. |
| [Jitsi Meet (F-Droid)](https://meet.jit.si/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.jitsi.meet/) | | Jitsi is an [open-source](https://github.com/jitsi) secure video conferencing platform. No account is needed to use it, simply enter a Room Name to join or host a meeting. The host is able to kick rogue users from the call. Works directly in your browser, with apps available for iOS and Android. It is not necessary to self-host, but self-hosting is an option for those who wish to. Very low latency and easy to set up. A free public server is available at [meet.jit.si](https://meet.jit.si). (**5-eyes** server) |
| [Mycroft Android](https://github.com/MycroftAI/Mycroft-Android) | | Android client for Mycroft. Must be built in IDE; no pre-built binaries are available. |
| [Ara](https://github.com/FultonBrowne/Ara-android) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/FultonBrowne/Ara-android) virtual assistant for Android. Can replace Google Assistant (home button functionality) on most devices. Either uses the authors server by default, or you can [run your own server](https://github.com/FultonBrowne/Ara-Server). Thanks @FultonBrowne (author of Ara) |
| [microG](https://microg.org/) | | A re-implementation of Google’s proprietary Android user space apps and libraries. It allows to use more precise navigation (which is proprietary in standard Android ROMs) and optionally receive push messages (requires connection to Google's servers, but also supports routing this connection through Tor). Thanks @notpushkin |
| [Shade Launcher](https://github.com/amirzaidi/Shade) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/amirzaidi/Shade) Android launcher styled after the Google Pixel launcher. Available to download from an [alternative F-Droid](https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/amirz.shade), APK Mirror, or GitHub Releases. |
| [Omega](https://github.com/otakuhqz/omega) | | [Open-source](https://github.com/otakuhqz/omega) launcher. Active development with lots of nice features. Downloads available from GitHub. Previously known as ZimLX which has since been replaced by Omega. |
| [Lawnchair](https://lawnchair.app/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/ch.deletescape.lawnchair.plah/) | | Another [open-source](https://github.com/LawnchairLauncher/Lawnchair) launcher, also built to look similar to Google's launcher (it is built off AOSP Launcher3). Available from F-Droid and also APKMirror. (thanks u/droidonomy) |
| [KISS Launcher](https://kisslauncher.com/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/fr.neamar.kiss/) | | Fast, [open-source](https://github.com/Neamar/KISS) and small launcher. KISS mainly relies on an app-search-bar, which makes it very easy to open up apps quickly. |
| [Blokada](https://blokada.org/) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.blokada.alarm/) | | From the website: "If you want to efficiently block ads, trackers, malware, save on your data plan, speed up your device and protect your privacy with just one application, then Blokada is for you. It is free, secure and [open-source](https://github.com/blokadaorg/blokada)." Uses internal VPN on Android to block ads. |
| [TrackerControl](https://github.com/OxfordHCC/tracker-control-android) [](https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.kollnig.missioncontrol.fdroid/) | | From the GitHub README: Allows users to monitor and control the widespread, ongoing, hidden data collection in mobile apps about user behaviour ("tracking"). To detect tracking, TrackerControl checks all network traffic against the Disconnect blocklist, used and trusted by the Mozilla Firefox browser. Thanks @E5dZEUpc3BKaJrHnQVZd5zE |
## Hardware
[](#index)
| [Purism Librem 5](https://puri.sm/products/librem-5/) | **5-eyes** | From the company that makes Purism laptops. Runs PureOS. Thanks @brandonnodnarb |
| [PinePhone](https://www.pine64.org/pinephone/) | **5-eyes** | From the company that makes the Pine A64 Single Board Computer. Runs a variety of mainline Linux OSs with UIs adapted for mobile. |
#### Chromebook
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [TUXEDO](https://www.tuxedocomputers.com/) | **14-eyes** | Privacy-focused laptop maker out of Germany. Tech specs are very competent and can easily compete with other modern systems. Fully Linux compatible. They also offer desktops. (thanks u/itsec_ho) |
| [Purism Laptops](https://puri.sm/) | **5-eyes** | Privacy-focused laptop running PureOS. Good designs and decent hardware. |
| [Pinebook Pro](https://www.pine64.org/pinebook-pro) | | Mid-range Linux/FreeBSD alternative to Chromebook. |
#### Chromecast
| Name | Eyes | Description |
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |
| [Microsoft Wireless HDMI adapter](https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/adapters/wireless-display-adapter-2/p3q-00001) | **5-eyes** | The **only** reason I'm recommending this Microsoft product is because there is no possible way for it to extract any data and ship it off to Microsoft. If anyone is able to find proof that it *can*, I will remove it. |
| [Mycroft](https://mycroft.ai/) | **5-eyes** | [Open-source](https://github.com/MycroftAI) virtual personal assistant. Can be run on a Raspberry Pi. (thanks u/Kentto7) |
- *Due to Google's [recent acquisition of FitBit](https://outline.com/tsJCYN), it is recommended to avoid using FitBit. Instead, check out this [list of smart watches](https://asteroidos.org/install/) supported by Asteroid OS (See Wear OS in [Operating systems](#operating-systems)). Thanks @ribtoks*
- [AlternativeTo](https://alternativeto.net/) - Find alternatives for software. Used extensively to build this guide. Also check out [Switching.software](https://switching.software/) (thanks @mynamesleon)
- [Framasoft](https://framasoft.org/en/) - Lots of alternatives and software. Too many to fit into the list. Also check out [this link](https://degooglisons-internet.org/en/). Thanks @NicolasPA
- [r/VPN](https://old.reddit.com/r/VPN/) - Read the sidebar and [wiki](https://old.reddit.com/r/VPN/wiki/index) to learn more about why you should consider using a VPN. I personally use [Mullvad](https://mullvad.net) but do your own research before choosing.
- [Four Methods to Create a Secure Password You'll Actually Remember](https://outline.com/XuMTFA)
- [How to Create a Strong Password (and Remember It)](https://outline.com/dqfuqL)
- Use a [password manager](https://outline.com/NC69FD) such as [Bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com)
- Set up [multi-factor/two-factor authentication](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-factor_authentication) on as many accounts as you can
- Don't save passwords to your browser: [Erase the entire password cache](http://www.wikihow.com/Delete-Remembered-Passwords) once you set up a password manager.
- [Remove bloatware from Android (without root)](https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/)
- [What are 5-eyes, 9-eyes, and 14-eyes?](https://restoreprivacy.com/5-eyes-9-eyes-14-eyes/)
- [Outline](https://outline.com/) is an awesome tool for getting all the junk out of news articles (I've used it a few times in this guide already). Sometimes it can get around paywalls for "premium" news sites.
- [What is Tor and should I use it?](https://outline.com/JRCscH)
- [HTTP vs. HTTPS](https://outline.com/xUXZMh)
- The EFF has an [excellent guide](https://ssd.eff.org/) on how to stay safe and secure online. It is incredibly useful and I suggest that everyone read through it.
- Click [here](https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-telemetry) and [here](https://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disable-telemetry-and-data-collection-in-windows-10/) for tips on disabling Windows 10 telemetry/data collection.
- Click [here](https://duckduckgo.com/newsletter) to sign up for DuckDuckGo's privacy newsletter, and [here](https://spreadprivacy.com/) for more tips, articles, and blog posts from DuckDuckGo.
- [Delete Facebook](https://deletefacebook.com/). Another guide can be found [here](https://www.wikihow.com/Permanently-Delete-a-Facebook-Account).
- [Why you should put tape over your webcam](https://outline.com/fYCu98)
- [What is DNS and why should I change it?](https://outline.com/8jsWXw) Use [DNSPerf](https://www.dnsperf.com/#!dns-resolvers) to see which one is fastest for you. (Thanks @resynth1943)
- What is GDPR? [TechRadar](https://outline.com/6sjd76) and [The Guardian](https://outline.com/exmSpf)
- [Here](https://github.com/lfit/itpol/blob/master/linux-workstation-security.md) is a really good guide for configuring a super secure Linux workstation (thanks u/aoeudhtns)
- [A website to raise awareness of online privacy](https://theytrackyou.com/). Lot's of good tips in here (thanks u/brais33)
- [Windows 10 Privacy Guide](https://fdossena.com/?p=w10debotnet/index_1903.frag) (thanks again u/rightknobhead)
- Check out [Prism Break](https://prism-break.org/en/) (thanks u/FrontierPsycho)
- [Guide for Linux users](https://github.com/wesaphzt/block-all-google) on blocking everything Google at the network level. This can and probably will break other alternatives that rely on Google to serve content. Thanks u/wesaphzt
- u/wesaphzt also provided [this](https://github.com/pyllyukko/user.js), [this](https://ffprofile.com/), and [this](https://www.privacytools.io/browsers/#about_config) for hardening Firefox.
- Check out [WindowsSpyBlocker](https://github.com/crazy-max/WindowsSpyBlocker) and [this tutorial](https://github.com/adolfintel/Windows10-Privacy) for even more Windows 10 tips (thanks u/rudolf323)
- [VirusTotal](https://www.virustotal.com/) lets you upload files and scans them against multiple antivirus programs at once. Very helpful for checking false negatives. Unfortunately Alphabet Inc owns VirusTotal but there are no good alternatives.
[](#index)
| Title | Published | Author |
| ----- | --------- | ------ |
| [Permanent Record](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46223297-permanent-record) |  | Edward Snowden |
| [Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now](http://www.jaronlanier.com/tenarguments.html) |  | Jaron Lanier |
| [The Age of Surveillance Capitalism](https://www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/shoshana-zuboff/the-age-of-surveillance-capitalism/9781610395694/) |  | Shoshana Zuboff |
| [The Attention Merchants](http://www.timwu.org/AttentionMerchants.html) |  | Tim Wu |
| [Zucked](https://www.zuckedbook.com/) |  | Roger McNamee |
## Blog posts
[](#index)
| Title | Published | Author |
| ----- | --------- | ------ |
| [Google Chrome’s users take a back seat to its bottom line](https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/11/google-chromes-users-take-back-seat-its-bottom-line) |  | Bennett Cyphers and Mitch Stoltz - EFF |
| [How to fight back against Google AMP as a web user and a web developer](https://markosaric.com/google-amp/) |  | Marko Saric |
## News articles
[](#index)
| Title | Published | Author |
| ----- | --------- | ------ |
| [Google Can Survive Too Much Innovation. You Can't.](https://outline.com/pwWc6B) |  | Robert Sher - Forbes |
| [The truth about Google's famous '20% time' policy](https://outline.com/SmyHJW) |  | Jillian D'Onfro - Business Insider |
| [How Malware Keeps Sneaking Past Google Play’s Defenses](https://outline.com/2mAwU7) |  | Lily Hay Newman - WIRED |
| [Forget Killer Robots — Bias Is the Real AI Danger](https://outline.com/VqaaUD) |  | Will Knight - MIT Technology Review |
| [Google managers kept blacklists of conservative employees and one manager considered holding 'trials,' a new lawsuit alleges](https://outline.com/NMrzg2) |  | Julie Bort - Business Insider |
| [A longtime Google engineer quits, saying the company is ’100% competitor-focused’ and ‘can no longer innovate’](https://outline.com/WfF8DP) |  | Jillian D'Onfro - CNBC |
| [Facebook and Google are doomed, George Soros says](https://outline.com/GTMKNM) |  | Hamza Shaban - Washington Post |
| [Google Isn't Listening, So Its Employees Are Suing](https://outline.com/9awE8Z) |  | Kate Conger - Gizmodo |
| [Google sees major claims of harassment and discrimination as lawsuits proceed](https://outline.com/NcxRr3) |  | Sam Levin - The Guardian |
| [How to stop Google from tracking everything you do online](https://outline.com/uez3G5) |  | Todd Haselton - CNBC |
| [Google will always do evil](https://outline.com/YhAP7C) |  | Jessica Conditt - Engadget |
| [Google’s new ‘AI principles’ forbid its use in weapons and human rights violations](https://outline.com/NjBrf9) |  | Devin Coldewey - TechCrunch |
| [Google Plans to Launch Censored Search Engine in China, Leaked Documents Reveal](https://outline.com/dXrdLr) |  | Ryan Gallagher - The Intercept |
| [Google’s China plan isn’t just evil — it’s bad for business](https://outline.com/VRAxTZ) |  | Josh Rogin - Washington Post |
| [How Google Protected Andy Rubin, the ‘Father of Android’](https://outline.com/4Ua6SY) |  | Daisuke Wakabayashi and Katie Benner - New York Times |
| [A New Google+ Blunder Exposed Data From 52.5 Million Users](https://outline.com/w7Gxux) |  | Lily Hay Newman - WIRED |
| [Three Years of Misery Inside Google, the Happiest Company in Tech](https://outline.com/XUCRBr) |  | Nitasha Tiku - WIRED |
| [You Are Now Remotely Controlled](https://outline.com/uzKKcq) |  | Shoshana Zuboff - New York Times |
# The lighter side
- Movies & TV:
- *Snowden (2016)* - Based on the true story of Edward Snowden, the CIA/NSA/etc whistleblower. Directed by Oliver Stone.
- *Deep Web (2015)* - Documentary (narrated by Keanu Reeves) about Ross Ulbricht aka. Dread Pirate Roberts and the infamous "Silk Road" dark market. Directed by Alex Winter.
- *The Great Hack (2019)* - Documentary about the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal. Thanks @woutfeys
- *Mr. Robot* - Hacker-drama starring Rami Malek. Producers hired actual hackers as consultants to ensure the show is as accurate as possible; real-world tools used in the show.
- *Silicon Valley* - Satirical tech comedy about a compression startup struggling to take off in Silicon Valley, California.
- [Darknet Diaries](https://darknetdiaries.com/) (by Jack Rhysider) - Highlights real-life hackers and their stories. Covers privacy topics a fair bit.
- [The Privacy, Security, & OSINT Show](https://inteltechniques.com/podcast.html) - "This weekly podcast presents ideas to help you become digitally invisible, stay secure from cyber threats, and make you a better online investigator."
- [Security Now!](https://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm) - "TechTV's Leo Laporte and I spend somewhat shy of two hours each week to discuss important issues of personal computer security." (Thanks u/Abaddon182)
- Other:
- [xkcd](https://xkcd.com/) - They have comics for *everything*.
- System32 Comics [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/system32comics/) and [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/System32Comics/) - Comedic computer comics.
# Closing remarks
It's a shame that Google, with their immense resources, power, and influence, don't see the benefits of helping people secure themselves online. Instead, they force people like us to scour the web for alternatives and convince our friends and family to do the same, while they sell off our data to the highest bidder.
Hopefully this guide can serve as a starting point for those new to privacy, or be a good refresher for the experts.
