As someone just starting their journey into privacy-focused, open-source software, I’d love to hear what apps the community recommends.

I’m particularly interested in:

  • What messaging apps you use instead of WhatsApp/Messenger
  • Alternatives to Google services (email, calendar, cloud storage)
  • Social media alternatives that respect privacy
  • Browsers
  • Password managers worth using
  • Any other productivity apps you’d recommend me to use

I’m using Apple devices (I know, I know), so apps that work well in this ecosystem would be ideal. Which ones have you found perform exceptionally well?

What was your experience transitioning away from corporate services? Any pitfalls to avoid or strategies that made the switch easier?

  • A_norny_mousse@feddit.org
    8·
    5 days ago
    What messaging apps you use instead of WhatsApp/Messenger

    Signal. I actually do use WA as well (peer pressure) but it’s registered to a separate phone/SIM and I use it almost exclusively through a desktop app. Neither have access to my address book!

    Alternatives to Google services (email, calendar, cloud storage)

    I use a small local email provider. If that wasn’t an option I’d probably use mailbox.org.
    Calendar and contacts: self-hosted CalDAV/CardDAV application. And since I do have a server, that’s also my cloud storage.

    Social media alternatives that respect privacy

    Fediverse is private enough for me.

    Browsers

    Librewolf

    Password managers worth using

    Keepassxc

    Any other productivity apps you’d recommend me to use

    What are productivity apps?