Best Privacy-Focused Software Alternatives, by Category
These alternatives are built with privacy as a core feature rather than an afterthought, for people who want to share less of their data. We list 32 of them across 8 categories; each category shows the most-recommended first.
Privacy-focused notes & docs tools
- ObsidianMarkdown notes stored as plain files on your own device, with backlinks, a graph view and a large plugin ecosystem.Alternative to Notion, Evernote, OneNote
- Standard NotesAn end-to-end encrypted notes app focused on privacy and longevity.Alternative to Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep
- AnytypeA local-first, encrypted workspace for notes and objects that syncs peer-to-peer.Alternative to Notion, Obsidian
Privacy-focused analytics tools
- PlausibleLightweight, privacy-friendly, open-source web analytics on one simple page.Alternative to Google Analytics, Mixpanel, PostHog
- Cloudflare Web AnalyticsFree, privacy-first traffic analytics without client-side cookies.Alternative to Google Analytics
- Fathom AnalyticsSimple, privacy-first website analytics.Alternative to Google Analytics
- Simple AnalyticsPrivacy-first analytics made in the EU.Alternative to Google Analytics
- UmamiOpen-source, privacy-focused analytics you can self-host for free.Alternative to Google Analytics
Privacy-focused communication & scheduling tools
- ElementSecure, decentralised messaging on the Matrix protocol.Alternative to Slack, Discord, WhatsApp
- FastmailFast, private email with no ads.Alternative to Gmail, Outlook
- Proton MailEnd-to-end encrypted email based in Switzerland.Alternative to Gmail, Outlook
- Proton CalendarEnd-to-end encrypted calendar from Proton.Alternative to Google Calendar
- TutaEncrypted email and calendar from Germany (formerly Tutanota).Alternative to Gmail
Privacy-focused files & documents tools
- Proton DriveEnd-to-end encrypted cloud storage from the makers of Proton Mail.Alternative to Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive
- Sync.comZero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage.Alternative to Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive
- SwissTransferFree large-file transfers hosted in Switzerland.Alternative to WeTransfer
- TresoritEnd-to-end encrypted file sharing from Switzerland.Alternative to Box
Privacy-focused security tools
- Mullvad VPNPrivacy-first VPN you can use without an email address.Alternative to NordVPN, Surfshark
- Proton PassAn end-to-end encrypted password manager with email aliases.Alternative to LastPass, NordPass
- Proton VPNSwiss, open-source VPN with a genuinely free plan.Alternative to NordVPN, Surfshark
- IVPNTransparent, privacy-focused VPN.Alternative to NordVPN
Privacy-focused office & productivity tools
Privacy-focused social & messaging tools
- SignalEnd-to-end encrypted messaging and calls from a non-profit foundation.Alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat
- ThreemaSwiss private messenger that works without a phone number.Alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram
- WireEnd-to-end encrypted collaboration for teams and governments.Alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram
- mymindA private place to save notes, images and articles, organised by AI.Alternative to Pinterest
Privacy-focused marketplaces & web tools
- Brave SearchIndependent, private search index.Alternative to Google Search
- DuckDuckGoPrivate search that doesn’t track you.Alternative to Google Search
- KagiPaid, ad-free search you can customise.Alternative to Google Search
- Organic MapsFree, offline, privacy-friendly maps based on OpenStreetMap.Alternative to Google Maps
- QwantEuropean privacy-focused search engine.Alternative to Google Search
- StartpageGoogle results without the tracking.Alternative to Google Search
Plans and licences change, so check each tool’s site for current details.