Privacy Tools: The Best Tools For Privacy And Digital Security. These are the tools the Privacy X Project recommends to protect your privacy, personal security and anonymity. We are not directly associated with any of the recommended resources. These are the tools we personally use at Privacy X Project.
Lineage OS
Wide Range of Supported Devices.
Ubuntu Touch
Wide Range of Supported Devices.
Graphene OS
Only Google Pixel Devices currently supported, new models recommended.
Calyx OS
Only Google Pixel devices and Xiaomi Mi A2 are supported.
Android Keyboards
AnySoftKeyboard
Get it on F-Droid. Supports many languages via external packages.
Floris Board
Get it on F-Droid. Currently in early-beta state.
Indic Keyboard
Get it on F-Droid. Supports 23 languages and 54 different layouts.
OpenBoard
Get it on F-Droid. No dependency on Google binaries.
Simple Keyboard
Get it on F-Droid. For people who like it minimalistic. No emojis, gifs, spell checker or swipe typing.
Anonymous Networks
torproject.org
Tor has multiple layers of encryption and resists fingerprinting, surveillance to browser freely.
12P
The Invisible Internet Project (I2P) is an anonymous network layer that allows for censorship-resistant, peer-to-peer communication. Anonymous connections are achieved by end-to-end encrypting the user’s traffic, and sending it through a volunteer-run network of roughly 55,000 computers distributed around the world.
RetroShare
Peer-to-peer communication and file sharing app based on a friend-to-friend network built on GNU Privacy Guard (GPG). Optionally, peers may communicate certificates and IP addresses to and from their friends.
IPFS
The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is a protocol and peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system. IPFS uses content-addressing to uniquely identify each file in a global namespace connecting all computing devices
GNUnet
For decentralized, peer-to-peer networking and an official GNU package. The framework offers link encryption, peer discovery, resource allocation, communication over many transports (such as TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, WLAN and Bluetooth) and various basic peer-to-peer algorithms for routing, multicast and network size estimation.
Authenticator (2FA)
Browser Add Ons
uBlock Origin
It’s recommended to use this plugin with Firefox, but it’s also available for other browsers. Firefox on Android supports also uBlock Origin plugin.
Decentraleyes
Emulates Content Delivery Networks locally by intercepting requests and injecting it into the environment. Automatically, and no configuration required. Can be installed for Firefox on Android.
HTTPS Everywhere
This plugin is already included in Brave (Desktop & Mobile), Tor (Desktop & Android) and Onion Browser (iOS only). It can be installed for Firefox on Android. Most browsers support HTTPS already after activation. We are not linking to the plugin directly anymore, instead straight to the Tutorial of EFF.org on how to activate HTTPS in every browser. After the end of this year, the extension will be in “maintenance mode.” for 2022.
xBrowserSync
No sign up is required and no personal data is ever collected. To start syncing simply download xBrowserSync for your desktop browser or mobile platform, enter an encryption password and click Create New Sync!
ClearURLs
Removes tracking from URLs automatically in the background. Lightweight and useful.
Cookie AutoDelete
When a tab closes, any cookies not being used are automatically deleted. Keep the ones you trust (forever/until restart) while deleting the rest. Also available for Chrome.
Digital Notebooks
Logseq
Not encrypted, but the server will never store or analyze your private notes. Your data are plain text files.
Disk Cleaners
Bleach Bit
Shredding files and wiping unallocated disk space to minimize data remanence.
Exif Cleaner
Removes metadata for the most popular image and video formats. It also supports PDF files and comes with batch-processing to process multiple files at once. Drag and Drop interface, easy to use.
Czkawka
No privacy features but a neat little tool to declutter your computer and free disk space.
E-Mail Clients
Mailvelope
Bring email encryption straight into your Browser. We recommend using Firefox for this. It can be used to encrypt and sign electronic messages, including attached files, without the use of a separate, native email client (like Thunderbird) using the OpenPGP standard.
Thunderbird
Mozilla Thunderbird is a email client, personal information manager, news client, RSS and chat client.
K-9 Mail
K-9 Mail is an open source email client focused on making it easy to chew through large volumes of email. Designed for both novice and power users and offers lots of features for everyone.
Canary Mail
Canary’s security suite is second to none with Seamless End-To-End Encryption, Full PGP Support, Biometric App Lock, On-Device Fetch, No Ads, No Data Mining & Open Source Mail Sync Engine. Also available for Mac.
File Encryption
Cryptomator
Cryptomator encrypts your data quickly and easily. Afterwards you upload them protected to a cloud service.
Hat.sh
A web app that provides secure file encryption in the browser. The app never uploads the files to the server. It uses modern secure cryptographic algorithms with chunked AEAD stream encryption/decryption.
7-Zip
File archiver with a high compression ratio and built-in encryption functionality.
GNU Privacy Guard
GnuPG allows you to encrypt and sign your data and communications. Available in download links for different platforms (Mac: GPG Suite. OpenKeychain for Android: Google Play and F-Droid.)
VeraCrypt
It can create a virtual encrypted disk that works just like a regular disk but within a file. It can also encrypt a partition or the entire storage device with pre-boot authentication.
File Sharing & Sync
SyncThing
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.
OnionShare
OnionShare is an open source tool that lets you securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and chat with friends using the Tor network. Share files, host websites, and chat anonymously via a new tabbed interface for maximum productivity.
Instant Messaging
signal.org
Signal is an easy to use out of the box privacy focused encrypted messaging app. A great option to replace text messaging, FaceTime and calls.
briarproject.org
Peer to Peer encrypted messaging and forums. Briar is an all in one messaging app.
Session
No phone number or email address is required to signup. Similar functionality like Element, but still in an earlier stage of development. Decentralized servers routed through Lokinet.
Element
A modern alternative to IRC or Discord. Good for team chats and groups.
Status
No phone number or email address is required to signup. Uses the peer-to-peer (p2p) messaging protocol Waku that removes centralized third parties from messages.
Cwtch
User friendly, lightweight, for desktop and Android. End-to-end encrypted and takes place over Tor v3 onion services. Privacy-preserving, multi-party messaging protocol. Built to be metadata resistant.
Tox
Wide range of features but a highly experimental protocol, use with caution.
Delta Chat
Delta Chat doesn’t have their own servers but uses the most massive and diverse open messaging system ever: the existing e-mail server network. Chat with anyone if you know their e-mail address, no need for them to install DeltaChat. All you need is a standard e-mail account.
Operating Systems
tails.boum.org
Tails is a portable operating systemthat protects against surveillance and censorship.
whonix.org
Whonix Is A Software That Can Anonymize Everything You Do Online
Ubuntu
Ubuntu Is Better security. More packages. Newer tools. All your open source, from cloud to edge.
Password Managers
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is our top choice. You can import your previous passwords from other password managers with ease. Free for personal use. Available for Desktop, all Browsers, Android and iOS.
KeePassXC
Securely store passwords using industry standard encryption, quickly auto-type them into desktop applications, and use browser extension to log into websites. KeePassDX for Android: Google Play or F-Droid.
Spectre
Formerly Master Password. Passwords aren’t stored: they are generated on-demand from your name, the site, and your master password. No syncing, backups, or internet access needed. The Windows version requires to install Java. Same principle like LessPass, but LessPass is more convenient to use because of the Browser Addons.
Productivity and Work
CryptPad
Plenty of features: Rich text, code, presentation, sheet, form, kanban, whiteboard and CryptDrive.
EtherCalc
Your data is saved on the web, and people can edit the same document at the same time. Everybody’s changes are instantly reflected on all screens.
Etherpad
Highly customizable open-source online editor providing collaborative editing in real time.
ONLYOFFICE
Features: Online document editors, platform for document management, corporate communication, mail and project management tools.
Libre Office
LibreOffice consists of programs for word processing, creating and editing of spreadsheets, slideshows, diagrams and drawings, working with databases, and composing mathematical formulae. It is available in 115 languages.
Vikunja
The project is still under development and the native apps are not final yet, but the web version works great. Offers an import feature from Todoist, Trello and Microsoft To-Do.
Translation Tools
DeepL Translate
Warning: The free version of DeepL does not respect your privacy, only the paid pro version. Source: Privacy Policy. The texts of free users are used to train and improve the neural networks and translation algorithms.
Libre Translate
100% Self-Hosted. No Limits. No Ties to Proprietary Services.
Lingva Translate
Retrieves translations without using any Google-related service, preventing them from tracking.
Translate Shell
Formerly Google Translate CLI is a command-line translator powered by Google Translate (default), Bing Translator, Yandex.Translate and Apertium.
Web Browser
Bromite
Chromium browser with privacy and security enhancements, built-in adblocking and DNS over HTTPS support.
DuckDuckGo
Built-in advertising trackers blocking, private search and forces sites to use an encrypted connection if available.
Onion
There are certain anonymity-related issues with Onion Browser due to iOS limitations.
Firefox
It’s recommended to install additional browser add ons to strengthen Firefox even more. Firefox is able to sync across all your devices on different platforms. Firefox is not the perfect out of the box solution but it’s definitely worth it to take the extra time and setup Firefox properly. Check for WebRTC & DNS leaks and learn how to fix them with the connection check at mullvad.net. Hardening & Tweaking: The default settings of Firefox are not the best choice to be a privacy respecting browser. Use Firefox Profilemaker to adjust the settings. An alternative is to download the hardened Arkenfox’s user.js – Place this in your Firefox’s user.js directory and it will fix everything for you. You can also do it manually.
Tor
Tor Browser is your choice if you need an extra layer of anonymity. It’s a modified version of Firefox, which comes with pre-installed privacy add-ons, encryption, and an advanced proxy. It’s not recommended to install additional browser addons. Plugins or addons may bypass Tor or compromise your privacy.
Brave
Not a popular choice within the privacy community but it offers a complete package out of the box on all platforms and is suitable for beginners or if setup time is a factor at the given situation. Wikipedia offers more information about it’s controversies.
Whistleblower Tools
Haven
An Android application that leverages on-device sensors to provide monitoring and protection of physical areas. Turns Android phones into a motion, sound, vibration and light detector, watching for unwanted intruders.
SecureDrop
Software that news websites install to offer whistleblowers a platform for secure communication and file transfers. Requires Tor Browser for anonymity in order to access.
GlobaLeaks
Alternative to SecureDrop. Easily set up a secure and anonymous whistleblowing initiative. Designed to be user-friendly, the software is customisable and protects the whistleblower’s privacy and submissions by default.
EFF
Electronic Frontier Foundation offers tips, tools and how-tos for safer online communications.
PRIVACY ENHANCING SERVICES
Block Ads
Pi-hole
You can run Pi-hole in a container, or deploy it directly to a supported operating system via installer.
NextDNS
The major advantage of NextDNS over AdGuard DNS is to be able to configure the service to your needs via parental controls, website restrictions or block whole categories of websites and apps. Easy to setup within minutes. Comes with setup guides for all systems. 300,000 queries/month for free, after that it will just work like a classic non-blocking DNS service.
Cloud Storage
Filen
Hosted in Germany. The free plan offers 10 GB storage and unlimited bandwith.
MEGA
Company is based in New Zealand. The free plan offers 20 GB storage and a daily 5GB transfer limit.
Nextcloud
Nextcloud is functionally similar to Dropbox, Office 365 or Google Drive. It can be hosted in the cloud or on-premises. It is scalable from home office solutions based on the low cost Raspberry Pi all the way through to full sized data centre solutions that support millions of users.
Email Aliases
AnonAddy
Third party apps for Android and iOS are available. Support GPG/OpenPGP Encryption.
SimpleLogin
Emails are forwarded to your real email address. If you reply to a sender it will use your alias, too. It is designed to be user friendly and available on many platforms.
Email Provider
Disroot
Based in The Netherlands, founded in 2015. Free plans support custom domains. Users can choose between their web client or third party desktop clients like Thunderbird. Disroot allows for encrypted emails to be sent from their webmail application using OpenPGP.
mailbox.org
Based in Germany, founded in 2014. Paid plans enable custom domains. Users can choose between their web client or third party desktop clients like Thunderbird.
StartMail
Based in The Netherlands, founded in 2014. Paid plans enable custom domains. Users can choose between their web client or third party desktop clients like Thunderbird.
Tutanota
Based in Germany, founded in 2011. Native cross platform apps available. Paid plans enable custom domains. No third-party email clients are supported, users need to use the wide range of native apps.
Hosting & Domain
1984 Web Hosting
Based in Iceland, founded in 2006. Accepts Bitcoin. 100% Green energy.
OrangeWebsite
Based in Iceland, founded in 2009. Accepts Bitcoin and cash by mail. 100% Green energy.
Bahnhof
Based in Sweden, founded in 1994.
Njalla
Based in Sweden, founded in 2017 by Peter Sunde the Co-founder of The Pirate Bay.
Photo Gallery
Piwigo
Cloud-hosted and self-hosted versions available. Comes with user management.
ente
Your photos are encrypted and hosted in datacenters in The Netherlands and France (Source). Migration options available: Local HDD, Google, Apple and Amazon Photos. Free trial of 1 GB for 365 days available.
PhotoPrism
No cloud hosted solution available yet, but coming soon. Tag and find pictures automatically.
VPN Provider
IVPN
Based in Gibraltar. Operating since 2009. Accepts Bitcoin, Monero and Cash. Native desktop and mobile clients are available for Android and iOS and are easy to use. Money back guarantee for 30 days.
Mullvad
Based in Sweden. Operating since 2009. Accepts Bitcoin, BCH and Cash. Native desktop and mobile clients are available for Android and iOS and are easy to use. Money back guarantee for 30 days.
Web Search
StartPage
Based in the Netherlands. Launched in 1998.
DuckDuckGo
Built-in advertising trackers blocking, private search and forces sites to use an encrypted connection if available.
MetaGer
Based in Germany. Launched in 1996.
Swisscows
Based in Switzerland. Launched in 2014. Proprietary source code.
Searx
Hosted in multiple locations around the world. Self-hostable, open source metasearch engine. Users can access existing public instances.
Brave
Not a popular choice within the privacy community but it offers a complete package out of the box on all platforms and is suitable for beginners or if setup time is a factor at the given situation. Wikipedia offers more information about it’s controversies.
World Maps
Organic Maps
Organic Maps is an Android & iOS offline maps app for travelers, tourists, hikers, and cyclists based on top of crowd-sourced OpenStreetMap data and curated with love by MapsWithMe (Maps.Me) founders.
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.
CRYPTOCURRENCY TOOLS & SERVICES
Crypto Exchanges
KuCoin
1 Out of 4 Crypto Holders Worldwide
bisq
Buy and sell bitcoin for fiat (or other cryptocurrencies) privately and securely using Bisq’s peer-to-peer network and open-source desktop software. No registration required.
Binance
Trade over 60 cryptocurrencies with low trading fees.
LocalMonero
Buy Monero. Sell Monero. Cash or online. Anywhere.
Crypto Hardware Wallets
SafePal S1
Manage unlimited tokens, all in ONE device.
D'cent
The most Easy and Safe hardware wallet. Enhanced crypto protection built on the highest security standards.
Bitbox 02
Protect your coins with the latest Swiss made hardware wallet
Trezor
Invented for your digital freedom. Securing your digital assets has never been more straightforward.
Ellipal Titan
Air-gapped Keep remote attacks away Complete network isolation offline cold storage. Built with no online components or ports. Can never be connected to the internet. Absolute protection against remote and online attacks. Private keys stored will never touch the internet.
Keystone Pro
By using QR code transmissions, we have eliminated potential malware infiltration risks and delivered a level of transparency that just isn’t possible with Bluetooth or USB.
Bitlox
The World’s ONLY Standalone Secure Hardware Crypto Wallet
DETECTOR
RADIO
VPN ROUTER
DESTROY DOCUMENTS
ONLY KEY
TRAVEL LOCK
SCREEN PROTECTORS
MIC LOCK
FARADAY BAG