Google collects more data than any other company and dominates the digital ecosystem with nigh-monopolistic coverage. As more people grow concerned about privacy, the demand for alternatives continues to rise. This page is a consolidation of tools as Google alternatives and other privacy-first options to help you browse the internet and run your business online with greater security.
For more information from the source, read Google’s own Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, to understand what data they collect.
Search Engines
Google Search accounts for nearly 90% of global traffic, but they are not the only search engine. Several alternatives put privacy first, offering search results without building detailed profiles on you or tracking your online behavior. Each of these options takes a different approach to protecting your data.
- Search privately by default
- Blocks targeted ads, cookie pop-ups, and email trackers
- Secure password manager built-in
- Browser also available
- Visit DuckDuckGo
- Anonymous search engine using Google results
- No data collection, tracking, or targeting
- Removes personal identifiers and IP data
- Simple, no-profile alternative for familiar results
- Visit Startpage
- Based in France with strict privacy protections
- Independent index, no tracking of queries or users
- Family-friendly filter options and integrations available
- Visit Qwant
- Independent UK-based crawler search engine
- No profiling, personalization, or tracking
- Offers a different set of results from Google/Bing
- Focuses on unbiased, censorship-resistant results
- Committed to sustainability and ethical search
- Visit Mojeek
- Based in Switzerland with strong data privacy laws
- No tracking of queries, clicks, or personal information
- Family-friendly results by default
- Visit Swisscows
- Meta-search engine that pulls results from multiple sources
- Open-source and self-hostable
- No tracking, logging, or profiling
- Decentralized network
- Visit SearXNG
Web Browsers
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari are the most widely used web browsers, and they all collect user data and track browsing history to varying degrees. The following are alternatives to those, designed with more privacy in mind, that limit tracking , block ads, and emphasize user control.
- Blocks ads and tracking by default
- Private browsing with Tor integration
- Built-in Brave Search (independent of Google)
- Import bookmarks and settings easily from Chrome
- Brave homepage
- Open-source browser developed by Mozilla
- Automatically blocks most trackers
- Wide range of extensions and customization options
- Regular security updates and independent non-profit backing
- Firefox Homepage
LibreWolf
- Firefox fork focused on privacy and security
- No telemetry or background data collection
- Includes uBlock Origin ad blocker by default
- Frequent updates and community-driven development
- LibreWolf Homepage
Vivaldi
- Highly customizable Chromium-based browser
- Built-in tracker and ad blocker
- Advanced tab management (split screen, tiling)
- Regular updates from an independent dev team
- Vivaldi Homepage
Opera
- Chromium-based with more privacy
- Block ads and trackers in settings
- Free VPN included (though logs are debated)
- Battery saver mode for laptops
- Opera Homepage
- Built on Firefox with advanced privacy focus
- Routes traffic through the Tor network for anonymity
- Blocks trackers and resists fingerprinting
- Access to onion services for hidden sites
- Tor Project Homepage
Cloud Storage
By design, cloud storage is usually more secure than storing files on external hard drives. Unlike physical devices, which can be lost, stolen, or damaged, cloud services typically provide built-in safeguards such as multi-server redundancy, advanced security protocols, and automatic backups. However, not all providers offer the same level of privacy. The services below emphasize stronger protections — like zero-knowledge architecture and end-to-end encryption.
- End-to-end encryption with zero-knowledge architecture
- Files backed up and protected from malware
- Secure sharing via encrypted links or codes
- Private browsing that blocks tracking and ads
- Explore NordLocker, from Nord Security
- End-to-end encryption by default
- Open-source and independently audited
- Compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.
- Developed in Switzerland, under strong Swiss privacy laws
- Explore Proton Drive, from Proton AG
- Self-hosted and open source
- GDPR compliant for high data security standard
- Follows industry-leading security protocols
- End-to-end encryption at multiple levels
- Explore more at Nextcloud
- Real-time backups across devices
- End-to-end encryption by default
- GDPR and PIPEDA compliant
- Automatic syncing with desktop and mobile devices
- Explore Sync.com
- End-to-end encryption
- Zero-knowledge architecture
- GDPR and HIPAA compliant
- Developed in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
- Secure file sharing and collaboration tools
- Explore Tresorit
- End-to-end and zero-knowledge encryption
- Post-quantum encryption for future-proof security
- Open-source and GDPR compliant
- Automatic file backups and syncing
- Explore Internxt
MEGA
- Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted storage
- GDPR compliant for strong data privacy standards
- Unique decryption keys shared separately for each transfer
- Open-source apps for transparency and audits
- Explore MEGA
Edelcloud
- End-to end encryption
- No backup hardware required
- Worldwide availability of data
- Always up to date & most secure version
- Explore Edelcloud
pCloud
- End-to-end encryption (with optional pCloud Crypto add-on) add-on
- Zero-knowledge privacy
- GDPR compliant
- OS cross-platform accessibility
- Lifetime plans available
- Explore pCloud
Cloud Storage Encryption Tools
With cloud storage encryption tools, you can secure your data without switching providers. These tools encrypt your files before they leave your device, ensuring safe syncing and storage across services.
- Open-source, audited end-to-end encrypted (no account required)
- Integrates with any cloud (Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive)
- Transparent unlock; edit files normally, then auto re-encrypt
- Get it here
- Open-source disk/container encryption (not cloud-specific)
- Good for archives and long-term storage; very strong security model
- Cross-platform, can mount encrypted volumes when needed
- Not ideal for continuous live sync of individual files
- Get it here
Email Services
Without end-to-end encryption, your email is not secure and could be used for data collection, tracking, and fingerprinting. While Google ceased scanning the actual text in your emails in 2017, your email account is still used more broadly for ad-targeting and personalization. These services below are more secure and collect less data, if any at all.
From Google’s own archives. Be sure to read the section entitled “Your Content in our Services”.
Tuta
- End-to-end encryption with post-quantum cryptography
- No tracking, data mining, or personalized ads
- Powered by 100% renewable energy in Germany
- Free forever plan for personal use
- Learn more about Tuta
- End-to-end encryption with OpenPGP support
- No ads, tracking, or data profiling; private by design
- Protected under strict Belgian privacy laws
- Defends against corporate profiling, data interception, and unauthorized metadata access
- Learn more about Mailfence
- End-to-end encryption with zero-access
- No tracking or ads
- Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
- Migrate emails, contacts, and calendars from any provider with Easy Switch
- Open source and independently audited for security
- Learn more about Proton Mail
- 100% GDPR-compliant in accordance with German data protection law.
- Built-in spam filters and malware protection
- End-to-end encryption with PGP and S/MIME support
- Automatic backups
- Learn more about Mailbox
- Keeps your address private with Masked Email
- Blocks tracking pixels and ads
- Encrypted with TLS 1.3 and Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Regular audits and bug bounty reviews
- Learn more about Fastmail
- Ad-free, private email hosting with custom domain support
- Encrypted connections and secure storage
- Spam and phishing protection with backups
- Data stored in privacy-focused Canadian data centers
- Integrates with NordVPN for enhanced privacy
- Learn more about Thexyz