European alternatives
to Big Tech: A privacy guide
Many of the tools you rely on every day are owned and governed by a handful of companies subject to US laws, warrantless surveillance, and business models built around data monetization — all within a geopolitical landscape that can shift quickly and unpredictably.
In fact, 8 out of 10 consumers in the UK, Germany, and France believe their countries are too dependent on US tech companies.
Europe offers stronger privacy laws, independent oversight, and tech companies built around digital rights.
European search engine options
Search engines like Google or Bing are widely used to find information online. However, they collect large amounts of personal data, including search history, location, and browsing behavior, to build advertising profiles. Here are some European alternatives you can try:
Mojeek
Based: Brighton, United Kingdom
An independent, no-tracking search engine that runs its own crawler and index.
- Runs its own search engine, so it’s not powered by Google or Bing.
- No tracking, profiling, or personalizing search results.
- No IP address(new window) recording. It replaces IPs with country codes in logs.
- Aligns with GDPR.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Qwant
Based: Paris, France
A privacy-first search engine striving for European search independence.
- Does not store search data or build personalized profiles.
- No sharing or selling of personal data with third parties.
- Aligns with GDPR.
- Co-building a European web index with Ecosia.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ecosia
Based: Berlin, Germany
A secure and private search engine, best known for its climate mission.
- Searches may go through Bing or Google, which requires your data.
- Does not build personalized profiles across platforms.
- Tailored results and ads can be disabled.
- Co-building a European web index with Qwant.
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
European browser alternatives
The same companies that operate the world’s most popular search engines also develop browsers that use those same search engines by default. What’s more, their business models rely heavily on advertising, data collection, and tracking. If you’re looking for stronger privacy protections and more control over your browsing experience, try these:
LibreWolf
Based: International (Germany-led)
A privacy-hardened Firefox fork with no telemetry and stronger protections
- Telemetry and user data collection removed from the Firefox base code
- Anti-tracking and anti-fingerprinting protections enabled by default
- Fully open source, allowing independent audits of privacy features
- No sponsored content
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vivaldi
Based: Oslo, Norway
A highly customizable browser built by former Opera developers
- Built-in tracker, ad blocker(new window), and encrypted DNS(new window) to reduce tracking
- Minimal telemetry, with no profiling or behavioral data collection
- End-to-end encryption protects sync data in transit and on the sync server
- Aligned with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Waterfox
Based: London, United Kingdom
A fast and private browser based on Firefox, with no telemetry
- Telemetry disabled by default
- Minimal data sharing with external services
- Supports privacy extensions and customization for stronger protection
- Fully open source, available for independent auditing
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
European AI assistants
For AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot, we recommend Lumo as a privacy-focused European alternative. We built it to keep your conversations private, protected by zero-access encryption and with no chat logs used for AI training, as part of the Proton privacy ecosystem.
Lumo
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
A privacy-first AI assistant designed to keep your conversations private
- Protects conversations with zero-access encryption
- Doesn’t log your chats or use your conversations to train AI models
- Runs on servers controlled by Proton rather than third-party AI providers
- Uses open-source AI models
- Available for individuals and businesses
Mistral Vibe (formerly Le Chat)
Based: Paris, France
A European AI assistant and agent developed by French AI company Mistral
- Powered by language models developed by Mistral
- Hosts customer data in the EU by default
- Offers several open-weight models for greater transparency and control
- Team and Enterprise interactions are not used for AI training
- Free tier trains on conversations by default (opt out is possible)
- No zero-access encryption
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
GreenPT
Based: Utrecht, Netherlands
A European AI platform focused on privacy and lower-impact computing
- Keeps data and AI processing within the EU
- Doesn’t use your conversations to train its AI models
- Runs on third-party infrastructure (Scaleway, Verda), powered by renewable energy
- Shows the estimated energy use and carbon impact of your AI conversations
- Open-weight models
- No zero-access encryption
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Mastodon
Based: Berlin, Germany
A decentralized, no-ads microblogging social network similar to X
- Choose or run your own server, with full control over your data and moderation
- Follow and interact with people across other decentralized platforms
- No ads or algorithmic feeds, so you decide what appears on your timeline
- Free and open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lemmy
Based: International (European)
A decentralized platform for link sharing and discussion forums similar to Reddit
- Choose or run your own server, with full control over your data and moderation
- Interact with communities across other decentralized platforms
- No ads or tracking, removing incentives for behavioral profiling
- Free and open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Friendica
Based: International (European)
A decentralized, privacy-friendly social network similar to Facebook
- Choose or run your own server, with full control over your data and moderation
- Works with other decentralized platforms
- Granular privacy controls, including access lists and private conversation groups
- Free and open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
European email providers
If you’re looking for a European alternative to Gmail or a European alternative to Outlook, we naturally recommend our very own Proton Mail. We built it specifically to meet some of the most rigorous privacy and security standards, as part of the broader Proton ecosystem of end-to-end encrypted services.
Proton Mail
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
A privacy-first email service designed around user control and Swiss privacy protections
- Emails are end-to-end encrypted when sent to other Proton users (and to others, if you use password protection). All emails protected by zero-access encryption
- No ads or tracking
- Email tracker protection
- Open-source and audited
- Aligns with GDPR
- Part of a privacy-first ecosystem
Tuta
Based: Hanover, Germany
An encrypted email provider focused on secure communication
- Emails are end-to-end encrypted when sent to other Tuta users (and to others, if you use password protection).
- No ads or tracking
- Open-source and audited
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Mailbox
Based: Berlin, Germany
A secure email service focused on productivity tools
- Encrypted email support using OpenPGP for secure communications (not by default)
- No ads or tracking
- Aligns with GDPR
- Part of a productivity suite
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
European calendar apps
If you're looking for a European alternative to Google Calendar or Apple Calendar, try our very own Proton Calendar. Part of Proton Mail, it protects your schedule with end-to-end and zero-access encryption.
Proton Calendar
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
A private calendar that protects your schedule with strong encryption
- Protects event titles, descriptions, locations, and attendee information with end-to-end and zero-access encryption
- No ads or tracking
- Lets you share calendars while controlling how much information other people can see
- Private appointment scheduling
- Open source and independently audited
- Aligns with GDPR
- Part of a privacy-first ecosystem
Tuta Calendar
Based: Hanover, Germany
A zero-knowledge encrypted calendar for personal and business scheduling
- End-to-end encrypts calendar events
- Encrypted notifications keep event times private
- Supports shared calendars and event invitations
- No advertising or behavioral profiling
- Open source
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
mailbox.org Calendar
Based: Berlin, Germany
A secure calendar included with mailbox.org's email and cloud tools
- Encrypts calendar data while it’s being sent
- Shared calendars help families and teams coordinate schedules
- Supports CalDAV for syncing with compatible calendar apps
- No advertising, tracking, or data monetization
- Aligns with GDPR
- Partially open source
- No end-to-end or zero-access encryption
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
European chat and messaging apps
Many people communicate via apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. While these services support end-to-end encryption, other aspects (such as AI integrations, data collection, and advertising) raise privacy concerns for some users who prefer safer European alternatives.
Threema
Based: Pfäffikon, Switzerland
A privacy-first messaging app for individuals and businesses
- End-to-end encryption for messages, calls, files, and group chats
- No phone number or email required to create an account
- Minimal metadata collection; messages deleted from servers after delivery
- Open-source and audited
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Olvid
Based: Paris, France
A secure messaging app, where even the server cannot see who is talking to whom
- End-to-end encryption with identity-based key exchange
- No phone number, email, or personal identifier required
- The server cannot see user identities or message content
- Open-source and audited
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Session
Based: United Kingdom / International
A messaging platform that avoids long-term user identifiers
- Assigns random identifiers to every contact instead of using a global ID
- Protects metadata by ensuring the server cannot link different users
- Allows you to create different profiles for different social circles
- Supports self-hosting
- Requires no phone number or email to sign up
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
European cloud storage providers
Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud are widely used to store and share files, but they are part of larger ecosystems that may analyze your file contents, metadata, and other sensitive data to serve their own purposes.
If you’re looking for a safer European alternative, we recommend Proton Drive, which we built to keep files private using end-to-end encryption for storage, sharing, and collaboration.
Proton Drive
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
A private cloud storage app that keeps files between you and recipients
- Data protected by end-to-end encryption
- Secure sharing with password protection and expiration dates
- Free, open source, and audited
- Aligns with GDPR
- Includes encrypted editors for documents and spreadsheets
- Part of a privacy-first ecosystem
Internxt
Based: Valencia, Spain
A cloud storage platform that uses zero-knowledge encryption
- Post-quantum encryption helps protect your files against future threats
- Zero-knowledge architecture limits access to your data
- Open-source code supports independent security audits
- European data centers operate under strong privacy laws
Tresorit
Based: Zurich, Switzerland
A cloud platform built on end-to-end encryption
- Files are encrypted on your device before upload
- Data residency options let you choose where files are stored
- Built-in tools for secure file sharing and collaboration
- Encryption keys are managed so the provider cannot access your data
European video calling platforms
For video conferencing tools like Zoom(new window) or Google Meet, we recommend Proton Meet as a privacy-focused European alternative. We built it to provide secure video calls with end-to-end encryption as part of the Proton privacy ecosystem.
Proton Meet
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
A privacy-first video calling service with end-to-end encryption
- End-to-end encrypted video calls and chat messages
- Can be used without an account
- No ads, tracking, profiling, or analytics. Replaces IP addresses(new window) with country codes in logs
- Hosted within Proton’s privacy-first infrastructure
- Aligns with GDPR
- Free, open source, and audited
Nextcloud Talk
Based: Berlin, Germany
A fully self hosted, on-premises audio/video and chat communication service
- Data and metadata remain on your own server
- End-to-end encryption for supported configurations
- Designed to avoid tracking calls or analyzing metadata
- Open-source code
- Part of the NextCloud private communication platform
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whereby
Based: Oslo, Norway
A browser-based video conferencing app focused on simplicity and privacy
- End-to-end encryption for small meetings, with encrypted media in transit for larger calls
- No downloads or accounts required for guests
- Aligns with GDPR
- Designed to minimize the collection of personal data
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
European password manager apps
Your password manager holds the keys to some of your most sensitive accounts, making the way it stores, encrypts, and handles your data especially important. These European password managers focus on security and privacy.
Proton Pass
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
An end-to-end encrypted password manager for your online identity
- Data protected by end-to-end encryption
- Built-in native email aliases, powered by Proton's own SimpleLogin infrastructure with full two-way anonymous emailing
- Fully customizable secure sharing
- Built-in TOTP authenticator
- Weak password alerts
- Dark web monitoring
- Access management for admins
- Part of a complete private ecosystem
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and web, plus a CLI
- Open source and independently audited
- Aligns with GDPR
- ISO 27001 certified and SOC 2 Type II attested
Passbolt
Based: Luxembourg
A self-hostable password manager for security and IT teams
- Data protected by end-to-end encryption
- Can be self-hosted or cloud-managed
- Secure password sharing
- Built-in TOTP authenticator
- Weak password alerts
- Access management for admins
- No dark web monitoring
- GDPR compliant and SOC 2 Type II attested
- Access management for admins
- Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and web, plus a CLI
- No email aliases
- Open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
KeePassXC
Based: Germany
Built by a small volunteer team and funded exclusively by donations
- Data protected by full hardware-based end-to-end encryption
- No data is stored in the cloud
- True offline, hardware-isolated multi-factor security
- Peer-to-peer syncing of vault folders via local networks or encrypted files
- Built-in TOTP authenticator
- Weak password alerts
- No email aliases
- Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus a CLI; no web app
- Open source and independently audited
- Aligns with GDPR
- Not ISO 27001 certified or SOC 2 Type II attested
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
European authenticator apps
Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator add an important layer of security to your accounts, but they can also tie your two-factor authentication data to Big Tech ecosystems. If you’d prefer an authenticator built around privacy, transparency, and greater control over your data, try these European alternatives:
Proton Authenticator
Based: Switzerland
An end-to-end encrypted authenticator app for all your devices
- Data protected by end-to-end encryption
- Face or fingerprint unlock
- Encrypted sync and backup across devices
- No account required unless you want cross-device sync
- Import 2FA codes from Google Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, and more
- Works on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Android, Linux, and Windows
- Open source
Yubico Authenticator
Based: Sweden
An authenticator app that pairs with a YubiKey to enable hardware-based authentication
- Keys are generated and stored on your YubiKey as opposed to your device
- Uses open TOTP/HOTP standards
- Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Requires purchasing a YubiKey
- No cloud sync required
- Works even if your phone is lost or replaced
- No network connection required for the YubiKey itself
- Open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Protectimus
Based: Ireland
An authenticator app for individuals and businesses
- Cloud backup protected by end-to-end encryption
- Integration with other apps and systems is available through API, SDKs, and other pre-built components
- Adheres to OATH standards for secure OTP generation
- Programmable hardware tokens are available
- No biometric login available
- Not open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
European note-taking apps
Apps like Google Keep, Microsoft OneNote, and Apple Notes make it easy to capture ideas and organize information, but your notes can contain highly personal or sensitive data. If you want to keep that information more private and reduce your reliance on US platforms, try these European alternatives:
Joplin
Based: France
An open-source and offline-first note-taking app with encrypted syncing
- Supports end-to-end encryption when synchronizing notes, but it’s off by default
- Notes are stored locally and remain available offline
- Open-source code and open data formats
- Lets you choose where your notes are synced and stored
- Minimal data collection (can be disabled)
- No ads
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anytype
Based: Zug, Switzerland
A private note-taking app that keeps your notes on your device
- Uses end-to-end encryption for data sent to its network
- Encryption keys are generated and controlled on your device
- Works in local-only mode or with a self-hosted network
- Supports notes, documents, databases, tasks, and shared spaces
- Minimal ads and no data collection
- Open source
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bear
Based: Dublin, Ireland
A simple and polished note-taking app designed for Apple devices
- Stores Markdown notes locally on your device by default
- Uses Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for end-to-end encryption
- Minimal data collection and no ads
- Doesn’t sell your personal information
- Uses portable file formats so you can move your notes elsewhere
- Not open source
- Locked in the Apple ecosystem
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
OsmAnd
Based: Amstelveen, Netherlands
A privacy-first, complex navigation app built for power users
- Fully offline navigation, based on OpenStreeMap data
- Extremely feature-rich and customizable
- No ads or tracking; does not collect your data
- Free and open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Organic Maps
Based: Tallinn, Estonia
A private, simple navigation app built by former Maps.me developers
- Powered by OpenStreetMap
- Built specifically to remove ads, tracking, analytics, or profiling
- Fully offline navigation
- Clean, minimal interface
- Free and open source
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Magic Earth
Based: Amsterdam, Netherlands
A private navigation app for a Google Maps-like experience without Google
- Does not store, track, or sale your personal data
- Uses OpenStreetMap data
- Online and offline modes
- Free to use, with a paid SDK available for businesses
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Windy.com
Based: Prague, Czech Republic
A detailed weather app built around interactive maps and forecast models
- Compare major weather models including ECMWF, GFS, and ICON
- Radar, satellite, wind, rain, storms, waves, air quality, and other map layers
- Keeps favorites, search history, and settings on your device without an account
- No ads or selling of your data
- You can request the deletion of your data
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yr
Based: Oslo, Norway
A public-service weather app from Norway’s meteorological service and public broadcaster
- Forecasts for millions of global locations
- Hourly forecasts, long-range outlooks, and short-term rain forecasts
- Weather data from Norwegian and European meteorological organizations
- Doesn’t store your geolocation data on its servers or link it to your profile
- No ads or selling of your data
- Can be used without an account
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ventusky
Based: Plzeň, Czech Republic
A visual weather app for exploring forecasts, radar, wind, and more
- Forecasts from several major weather models
- Worldwide radar, satellite, wind, precipitation, air quality, and sea conditions
- Background location access required for the optional homescreen widget
- Can be used without an account
- No ads or selling of your data
- Aligns with GDPR
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
European phone providers
Mobile operating systems like Android and iOS dominate the smartphone market. While they include some privacy protections, concerns about data collection, tracking, and platform control remain. Here are some options you can try:
Murena
Based: Paris, France
A deGoogled ecosystem of smartphones and services
- Powered by /e/OS, which removes all Google tracking and services
- Supports Android apps without requiring a Google account
- Available on various hardware, including modular and sustainable devices
- Cloud services hosted in Europe for better data protection
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
NitroPhone
Based: Berlin, Germany
Claims to be the world's most secure Android smartphone
- Runs GrapheneOS, with no Google services or tracking
- Hardware-based verification system
- Protection against over-the-air exploits and physical tampering
- Zero bloatware and minimal system footprint
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shiftphone
Based: Falkenberg, Germany
A sustainable smartphone that prioritizes repairability and privacy
- Modular design allows you to easily replace batteries, screens, and components
- Hardware kill switches for the camera and microphone on the SHIFTphone 8
- Supports privacy-focused operating systems like /e/OS
- No unnecessary data collection or preinstalled tracking apps
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
European web hosting
Where a website is hosted can determine which laws apply to its data and who may be able to access it. Choosing a European web hosting provider can give individuals and businesses more control over where their websites and customer data are stored.
Infomaniak
Based: Geneva, Switzerland
Positions itself as a full alternative to Google and Microsoft
- Owns and operates its data centers
- Keeps regular website backups in a separate data center
- Systematically encrypts all customer data, including backups
- Runs its infrastructure on 100% renewable energy
- Operates under GDPR and provides a DPA (Data processing agreement) in account portals
- Independent; protected from hostile takeovers by the Infomaniak Foundation, which maintains majority voting rights despite a public stock exchange listing
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Greenhost
Based: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Specializes in hosting for activists, journalists, and human rights organizations
- Owns its hardware and network infrastructure, but rents colocation space in a third-party Amsterdam data center
- Web and managed hosting; virtual servers
- Free SSL/TLS certificates via Let's Encrypt
- Runs on 100% Dutch wind energy
- Operates under GDPR
- Unclear backup encryption on shared hosting; opt-in full-disk encryption for VPS
- No public DPA; available on request
- Disclosed a 2026 breach (billing/account customer data, no passwords), patched in 2 days, reported to the Dutch DPA
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Hetzner
Based: Gunzenhausen, Germany
Grew from a small-town ISP into one of Europe's largest hosting providers
- Hosts web hosting plans in its own Nuremberg data centers
- Offers web hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and domain registration
- Free DDoS protection
- Its S3-compatible cloud storage service isn't encrypted at rest by default, but can be enabled.
- Powers its German and Finnish European data centers with renewable energy
- Operates under GDPR and provides a public DPA
- No external ownership
Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why choose a European alternative to Big Tech?
Governments can request Big Tech data
In the US and Europe, law enforcement agencies make hundreds of thousands of data requests to Big Tech each year, and certain national security authorities can compel access with limited transparency. The more data companies collect, the more there is to hand over.
Europe’s tech sovereignty is at risk
Over 74% of publicly listed European companies depend on US-based services. As a result, sensitive business data, from executive communications to intellectual property, is exposed to foreign pressure, AI training, and warantless surveillance.
Big Tech can tilt the market
When a handful of companies control app stores, search engines, and mobile platforms, they tend to favor their own services, impose high commissions, and restrict competitors. In 2025, we joined a class-action lawsuit against Apple, alleging that its App Store policies harm developers, limit user choice, and inflate prices.
Huge fines don’t change anything
Big Tech is regularly fined billions of dollars for privacy violations and anti-competitive practices. But for companies generating tens of billions each year, those penalties are just a cost of doing business. In 2025 alone, Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon could collectively pay off their annual fines in weeks using existing cash flow.
AI without guardrails risks privacy
If the US blocks states from regulating AI without putting strong federal protections in place, powerful AI systems could end up operating with few real guardrails. They are free to collect more data, keep conversation logs, and prioritize rapid growth over user protection.
Warrantless surveillance goes beyond the US
Under US surveillance laws like Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, intelligence agencies can collect large amounts of communications without individual warrants. Because many major tech companies are based in the US, this system can sweep up the data of people worldwide.
Jurisdiction matters for your data
A company’s location determines which laws govern government data requests. Switzerland is outside US jurisdiction and offers strong constitutional privacy protections, political neutrality, and safeguards against foreign government pressure. While not an EU member, it aligns with European legal standards, including the GDPR.
European social media apps
The megacorporations behind social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X control the algorithms, moderation systems, and data that influences what you see. These European alternatives are decentralized, which means they are made up of independent servers operated by different communities rather than a single company.