10 privacy-friendly Big Tech alternatives

Amazon uses your Alexa voice commands to train its AI, Dropbox had a breach in April that exposed customers’ passwords, and apps like Facebook and Google make billions of dollars gathering and sharing every little detail about you. I could go on (and on).

Luckily for you, there are privacy-friendly alternatives. Here are some proven ones.

1. Instead of Dropbox …

Try Nextcloud. It does everything Dropbox does (including end-to-end file encryption) but gives you total control. You can even host your own server for free at home.

2. Instead of Google Docs or Microsoft 365 …

Try Joplin. It’s a document app that keeps your files encrypted and stored in open formats, so you can take them anywhere without anyone snooping.

3. Instead of Google Keep or Apple Notes … 

Try Notesnook. It’s end-to-end encrypted and lets you export to other apps. Unlike some companies, Notesnook won’t use your stuff to train an AI chatbot.

4. Instead of Google Photos or Apple Photos …

Try Ente, a free photo storage app that backs up your data in multiple locations and scrambles it with a password for maximum security. Ente doesn’t use your pics for AI machine learning, either, like Google Photos and Apple Photos both do.

5. Instead of Apple Home or Google Home …

Try Home Assistant. It’s an open-source smart home hub that works with just about every smart home device out there. The best part? You can manage everything from your browser or phone — no need for home apps that collect your data … and voice … and schedule … and shopping habits …

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Sick of QuickBooks? There’s a better way!

Stop fighting with spreadsheets and trying to figure out what the heck you did with last year’s inventory list. I have the solution — my sponsor, NetSuite by Oracle.

You get visibility and control of your financials, inventory, HR, planning, budgeting, and more — all from one easy dashboard. Don’t just take my word for it — over 37,000 businesses already use NetSuite.

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The replacements

Some items need to be replaced more often than most of us actually do. I’ve got you covered! Even better, these household items are on sale now:

  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you’re sick. Bacteria sits in the bristles. Grab a four-pack for 13% off now. 
  • Dishwashing sponges should be replaced every couple of weeks. Set yourself up for six months to a year with a 24-pack for under $10.
  • You’re supposed to replace your pillow every year or so. Get a four-pack of quality down-alternative pillows to update your household ($29.99, 32% off).
  • Spices lose their flavor fast, but whole spices can last for three to four years. Now you just need a spice grinder. This Ninja model is 28% off.
  • At least once a year, replace your shower curtain liner to keep mold and mildew at bay. This bestselling liner is 29% off now and $11.99.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Is it possible to quit Google?

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If you’re like me, you use Google products a ton. Here are some alternatives to try. 

The hottest alternative to dating apps? Running clubs. 20-somethings on social are bragging about meeting their crushes over a 5K. Doing things you enjoy as a way to meet people IRL … Who knew?

Trivia

 I’m not a wave, but I travel. I’m intangible and can carry a conversation. What am I?

Find the answer here!

4-hour driving detour

Suggested by Google Maps to “avoid turns.” A driver shared the wacky alternative road trip route on X. The comments are a goldmine if you need a laugh. Be smarter than your GPS, people.

Rent your next car from a person like you - or rent out your own

If you travel for business or pleasure, renting a car is always an excellent option for exploring a new city or simply getting to where you need to go. But, like buying a car, renting a car can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

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Can Meta make a better Twitter?

Stumped as to why you can’t endlessly browse Twitter? Sorry, but you have to pay up. Twitter now limits how many tweets you can see. Pay for Twitter Blue ($84 a year) and you can read 6,000 daily. Otherwise, free accounts are limited to 600 tweets, and newbies can read just 300.

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Trivia

The emergency signal was created as an alternative to SOS. An English airport captain suggested a butchery of the French term “m’aider,” or “help me.” So what about a ship that’s in a less urgent pickle? There’s a phrase for that, too. Can you guess? (Hint: It’s a common item in your kitchen.)

Find the answer here

Sick of Google Chrome? 6 alternative browsers to try instead

Google Chrome may be marketed as a secure browser, but does it provide enough privacy for you?

Depending on your preferences and what you value most, such as security or speed, you might find a better browser in this list that suits your needs. You can still use your Google account with any of these browsers.

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It's easier than you think to change default apps on your Android

If you’ve ever purchased a phone, you know how easy it is to get caught up in customizing your settings. Whether it is your background image or default browser, there are many ways to personalize your device.

Android is one type of phone with a wide variety of customization settings. While default settings may be convenient for a while, you don’t have to confine yourself to them. Tap or click here to quickly access the secret menu on your Android phone.

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Sick of overpaying on Adobe? This free program works just as well

Adobe Illustrator is one of the best photo editing and graphic design programs money can buy. Depending on your plan, you may have to spend $20.99/mo on Illustrator. Luckily, we found the best free alternative to Adobe Illustrator in Inkscape.

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Mastodon is a hot new Twitter alternative - Here's how it works

It’s an understatement to say things over at Twitter are dramatic right now. Within a few days, about a million users have bailed.

Don’t worry! Kim’s not going anywhere. Twitter’s just too much fun to leave. Plus, we don’t want to miss out on Elon Musk’s next moves.

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Do this now with your Amazon storage so you don't lose everything

Next year, the Amazon Drive shutdown could wipe away your photos, files and other important documents. On the bright side, Amazon Prime users have time to take action. The company will permanently stop supporting Amazon Drive on Dec. 31, 2023.

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10 Google Search tricks to help you find what you’re looking for

How often do you turn to Google? Every day? Multiple times a day? If you’re focused on privacy, there are better options. Tap or click for alternatives to Google that work well without gathering so much of your data.

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Payday loan ads are all over social media - Here's how they're skirting the rules

It has been a tough few years for many Americans. Unfortunately, trying to stretch every dollar to buy the necessities has become the norm. Some might look into a second or third job to pay the bills.

This is precisely the type of person that payday loans are targeting. Promising quick cash without telling the whole story of the loan costs, these advertisements have been popping up on social media platforms like TikTok.

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Fed up? Alternatives to Google for search, email, messaging and more

Think for a minute about what Google doesn’t know about you. Its search engine dominates the competition, and it runs apps and services that know what you’re watching, where you’re going and what you’re interested in online.

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Think twice before trying to sell your home for quick cash

So you’ve decided to sell your home. Whatever your reason for moving, there are undoubtedly many ways to unload one of the most expensive purchases you’ve made in your lifetime.

Let’s start with what not to do. For example, just because you have a friend in the real estate business, it doesn’t mean they’re the best choice to help you sell your home. Tap or click here for helpful home selling tips.

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You don't need an iPhone to use FaceTime: How to place a call on your computer or Android

Video calls are one of the best ways to keep in touch with loved ones when we’re far away. FaceTime is one of the most popular apps since it’s free and easy to use. With Group FaceTime, you can set up a call with up to 32 people.

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