A curated list of open-source, privacy-forward digital tools.
This index will grow as I explore, test, and review them over time. Each entry includes key features and notes from personal use.
Legend
- 🔹 Beginner-friendly, strongly recommended
- 🔸 Advanced/optional, but valuable
Authentication & 2FA
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| Aegis |
🔹 |
Open-source 2FA manager (Android) |
| ente Auth |
🔹 |
Cross-platform, end-to-end encrypted 2FA |
| FreeOTPPlus |
🔸 |
Enhanced open-source 2FA client |
Cloud Storage & Collaboration
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| Nextcloud |
🔹 |
Self-host your own cloud services |
| CryptPad |
🔹 |
Encrypted collaborative documents |
| Internxt |
🔸 |
Zero-knowledge, decentralized storage |
Private Email
Messaging & Communication
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| Signal |
🔹 |
Gold standard for encrypted messaging |
| Session |
🔸 |
Decentralized, anonymous messaging |
| Matrix/Element |
🔹 |
Federated, encrypted community chat |
Search Engines
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| SearxNG |
🔹 |
Self-hostable meta-search engine |
| Whoogle Search |
🔹 |
Private Google search frontend |
| DuckDuckGo |
🔹 |
Better than Google, some limitations |
Password Managers
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| Bitwarden |
🔹 |
Open-source, self-hostable |
| KeePassXC |
🔹 |
Fully offline, open-source |
VPN Services
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| Mullvad VPN |
🔹 |
Privacy-respecting, no-logs |
| IVPN |
🔸 |
Transparent, strong protections |
Web Browsers
Maps & Navigation
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| Organic Maps |
🔹 |
Offline maps and navigation |
| OsmAnd |
🔸 |
OpenStreetMap-based GPS |
Analytics Alternatives
Android App Stores
| Tool |
Level |
Notes |
| F-Droid |
🔹 |
Catalog of FOSS Android apps |
| Obtainium |
🔸 |
Install updates from GitHub/GitLab |
This index is a living document. Tools will be added as I test and evaluate them.