When you consider starting a life without Google and its apps, the initial feeling is often dizzying. It's easy to fall into a routine of opening the search engine, checking email in Gmail, browsing with Chrome, storing files in Drive, and searching for locations with Maps, losing sight of the amount of personal data we give away in exchange for these services. However, There are many alternative applications that can perfectly replace Google's in all areas: From search engines to browsers, email, and cloud storage. If you're concerned about your privacy, looking for open-source tools, want to reduce your dependence on large multinationals, or simply have a phone that doesn't include Google Services (either by policy or choice), this is the place for you.
In this article you will find a comprehensive, up-to-date and organized guide to alternatives to replace all applications of GoogleYou'll discover European and global options, privacy-respecting services, open-source apps, specific offerings for Android, iOS, and desktop, as well as practical tips and considerations. All written in clear, natural language, so you can take control of your digital experience.
Why look for substitutes for Google apps
El Google's business revolves around advertising and the processing of personal dataBillions of users use their free services without knowing that in exchange they're giving up valuable information about their interests, location, contacts, browsing habits, and spending habits. This information is used to personalize ads and sell data to third parties or build highly targeted commercial profiles.
Escaping Google means gaining privacy, freedom, and technological diversity.It also reduces the risk of blockages due to policy changes, prevents the concentration of digital power in a few hands, and, in many cases, allows you to take advantage of quality software developed by open communities. It's not necessary to abandon all Google apps at once, but it is possible to take the step gradually.
Alternative search engines to Google Search
Google dominates the search market, but there are excellent options that prioritize privacy, opt for neutrality, or contribute to social and environmental causes.
- DuckDuckGoFocused on privacy, this search engine doesn't track you, store your history, or create personalized profiles. It displays ads related only to your search query, without using personal information. It pulls results from Bing and other open sources. Its interface is simple and fast, and it offers browser extensions and mobile apps. Ideal for those looking for useful results without supervision.
- start Page: A Dutch proposal focused on privacy, it uses Google search results but eliminates all personal traces. It doesn't store IP addresses, cookies, or browsing history. It offers private browsing and a clean interface where all control rests with the user.
- Qwant: French search engine whose servers are hosted in the EU. Its proposal is do not store or sell data and offer clean searches, even for children (Qwant Junior). It combines its own results with those of Bing and stands out for its neutrality and European legality.
- Ecosia: A German search engine famous for dedicating a large portion of its revenue (80%) to reforestation. It uses carbon-neutral servers, and you can see how many trees you've helped plant with your searches. Results come from Bing, but there are customization options for each device.
- MetaGer: A German-made, ad-free, EU-hosted, and renewable energy-powered project. It's open source, managed by a non-profit organization, and combines various engines to deliver comprehensive and ethical results.
- GOOD (ex Gexsi): German non-profit search engine, uses the Brave engine and allocates advertising revenue to charitable and social causes.
- Framabee: French, free software metasearch engine that aggregates results without retaining or sharing personal data. It even allows you to block Google indexes if you are looking for maximum independence.
- swisscows: European search engine focused on privacy and family-friendly content. It doesn't store personal data and filters results to ensure they're suitable for all audiences.
Is it worth switching? Absolutely. These alternatives cover most needs, and many add unique features, such as nonprofit donations, tracker blocking, or truly private browsing.
Alternatives to Google Chrome: Browsers that respect your privacy
Moving from Chrome means choosing a browser that doesn't track your every move and is committed to protecting your data. Here are robust options with large communities behind them.
- Mozilla Firefox: Open-source browser, created and maintained by a non-profit foundation. It includes extensions to block trackers, automatically deletes cookies when closing tabs, and allows for a very high level of customization. Recommended for advanced users and those who want to avoid mass tracking.
- Brave: Built-in adblock and tracker protection. Its philosophy is to return control and advertising revenue to the users themselves. It's fast, lightweight, and compatible with the vast majority of Chrome extensions, as it's based on Chromium.
- Tor Browser: Completely focused on privacy. It uses the Tor network to anonymize browsing through multiple encryptions and hopping between servers distributed around the world. Perfect for those who need maximum protection.
- Vivaldi: A Norwegian project led by the co-founder of Opera. Based on Chromium, it's highly customizable and compatible with Chrome extensions. It offers full control over tabs, shortcuts, and appearance.
- Mulvad Browser: Swedish privacy-oriented browser, developed in collaboration with the TOR project. Based on Firefox, it adds additional layers of protection.
- safariIf you have Apple devices, this is the best option for speed, efficiency, and privacy. It features iCloud Private Relay integration, which anonymizes traffic even for Apple itself.
- Kiwi BrowserExcellent replacement for those looking for a Chrome-like browser without relying on Google. It includes ad blocking and allows mobile extensions.
Email Services: Options Other than Gmail
Email is one of the most privacy-sensitive services. Many alternatives offer end-to-end encryption, advanced domain management, and complete controls over email storage and flow.
- ProtonMail: Of Swiss origin, it focuses all its efforts on privacy and encryption. Not even the company can access the content of your messages. No personal information is required to register, and all servers are protected by Swiss law.
- Your Mail: A German alternative, also built on principles of privacy and end-to-end encryption. It runs on renewable energy and its servers are located within the EU.
- Mailbox.org: A very comprehensive German service, with webmail, calendars, contacts, video calls, encryption, and no tracking or ads. Prices start at one euro per month, with basic and advanced plans.
- posteo: Private and ethical email, with plans starting at €1 a month, no tracking, no ads, and encrypted content. Includes contacts and calendar.
- riseup: An international collective focused on social movements, with servers outside of problematic jurisdictions and strong security protocols. They manage email, cloud, and messaging.
- fast mail y start mail: Recognized commercial proposals, with a good reputation for privacy and advanced services.
- Pangea: Catalan cooperative that offers email (via Roundcube) and web hosting under ethical and supportive internet principles.
- iCloud MailFor Apple users, this is the straightforward option, with privacy features like “Hide My Mail” and a high level of integration.
These services typically offer smart filters, auto-responders, custom domains, and advanced recovery mechanisms. Many can be accessed through email management applications such as Thunderbird, Evolution, or Kmail, which are also open source and privacy-friendly.
Cloud storage and document editing: Alternatives to Google Drive, Docs, and Photos
Saving files and collaborating online is no longer exclusive to Google. There are a multitude of cloud platforms and office suites that compete in terms of features, price, and privacy.
- Internt: Spanish service focused on privacy and end-to-end encryption. Stores data in Europe and it's open source. You can purchase storage with a subscription or one-time payments for lifetime space.
- pCloud: Swiss company with European servers, apps for all devices, and flexible plans, including free storage.
- KoofrSlovenian platform with cross-platform apps, 10 GB free, and affordable paid options. It allows for easy file sharing and integration with other services.
- Nextcloud and OwncloudOpen source projects for setting up your own cloud server (locally or with a third-party provider). They include collaborative editing, documents, calendars, contacts, and galleries. They integrate Collabora Online and OnlyOffice for editing text and spreadsheets.
- Troubled, SpiderOak, Jottacloud y The file: European privacy-focused services used by both individuals and businesses.
- Dropbox: Although it's not European, it remains a basic alternative to Drive, with 2 GB free and expandable plans.
- iCloud DriveIf you're an Apple user, this is your best option for syncing between devices and editing documents in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
- Google Photos: Hard to match for AI and management, but you can use your phone's standard gallery, Nextcloud Photos, Quikpic Classic and Gallery Go as lightweight apps that respect your privacy and don't require Google Services.
As for the collaborative editing, you have very rich options:
- only Office: Open source collaborative office suite, compatible with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It can be self-hosted (on Nextcloud, Owncloud, or dedicated servers) or used in the cloud.
- CryptPad: A French solution, also open source, with a "zero knowledge" policy: not even administrators can see what you write. It offers editing, secure storage, and anonymous logging.
- nucline: German tool for collaborative documents and wikis, ideal for teams.
- Pad.riseup.net, Etherpad Lite, Framapad y Framacalc: Collaborative text and spreadsheet editors, used in educational and social project environments.
Maps and Navigation: Alternatives to Google Maps
Few apps match the accuracy and amount of data found in Google Maps, but the market has matured, and there are now offerings that offer offline navigation, alternative routes, and control over stored data.
- OpenStreetMap (OSM): Collaborative project of free content, used as a base for numerous applications. Allows you to view and download maps of any part of the world, create routes, and share information. It is editable by the community and used in cities, businesses, and universities.
- OsmAnd: Free and open-source OSM-based mobile app. Perfect for offline navigation, cyclists, and hikers.
- Here WeGo: Dutch service with a web and mobile app. It offers driving, public transport, and walking routes, offline maps, and layers such as traffic, 3D, and satellite views. Free and with a comprehensive European database.
- Sygic GPS Navigation: Specialized Slovak navigator with offline maps and smart routes. Available in a free version and paid plans.
- Magic earth: Dutch OSM-based app with offline maps and advanced navigation features.
- TomTom GO NavigationThe veteran GPS manufacturer offers mobile apps with accurate maps, offline downloads, and real-time traffic data. Subscription required.
- Maps.me: OSM-based app, very popular for travel, offline routes, and comprehensive navigation.
- Framacarte: Tool for customizing and sharing maps based on OpenStreetMap.
- Petal Maps and Petal SearchHuawei alternatives that work even on non-Google phones, with search and map features.
Instant messaging and video calling: Alternatives to Google Hangouts and Duo
In personal and professional communication, privacy and security are essential. Below are apps that can replace Hangouts, Google Duo, and Meet:
- Signal: End-to-end encrypted, open-source, and cross-platform messaging. Renowned for its security and transparency policy.
- Threema: Swiss app with apps for all platforms, end-to-end encryption, and no phone required.
- Olvid: French alternative, free, no phone number required, fully encrypted and anonymous.
- SKRED: French app, encrypted, without personal data and peer-to-peer.
- Telegram: Popular, open-source platform with secret chats, file sharing, and video calls.
- Jitsi meetUnlimited, free video calls, no registration required. You can instantly create rooms and share your screen.
- Chatsecure y Cryptocat: Encrypted and open source alternatives for private messaging, especially on iOS and desktop.
- FaceTime: In the Apple ecosystem, it is the most direct option, with end-to-end encryption.
Other apps to replace Google services: Notes, Calendar, Keyboard, Music and more
In addition to its flagship apps, Google includes many other utilities on its mobile devices. The advantage is that almost all of them have equally effective, and sometimes even better, replacements.
- Notes (Google Keep): Adler Notes and Standard Notes for Android, Apple Notes for iOS, and free software like Joplin or Turtl for cross-platform use.
- Calendar: Etar (Android, open source), aCalendar, Nextcloud Calendar, Framagenda, and iOS Calendar.
- Keyboard: Openboard (open source, based on Gboard), AOSP keyboard, and other customizable apps.
- Documents and spreadsheets: LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, Collabora Online, OfficeSuite and Microsoft Office for Android.
- Gallery and photos: Gallery Go, Quikpic Classic, Nextcloud Photos, Apple Photos.
- Music players: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, local players like Pulsar or Poweramp. They all allow you to play music locally and stream.
- Forms: Framaforms and Framadate.
- App Store / Play Store: Aurora Store (an alternative Play Store client, even on non-Google Play Store phones), F-Droid (only free Android apps), Aurora OSS, and Huawei's AppGallery.
- Web Analytics: Matomo (open source), SEAL Metrics, Plausible, Simple Analytics, Twipla, Pirsch and Analyzati.
- Traducción: DeepL (highest quality result), Reverso, ModernMT, Textshuttle and eTranslation (European Commission).
- Video platforms: PeerTube (decentralized alternative to YouTube), Mave, alugha, Bunny Stream, OwnCast.
- Project and group managers: Framalist, Maadix, Mailman.
- Enterprise Cloud: Scaleway, OVHcloud, UpCloud, Gridscale, and IONOS offer alternatives to AWS in Europe.
Apps that replace Google services on Android phones without Google
The most common need for alternatives arises on Android phones that don't include Google Services (recent Huawei phones, custom ROMs, Asian phones, or users concerned about privacy). Here are some specific replacements:
- Google Play: Aurora Store is the closest option, with the same catalog. If you want exclusively free software, use F-Droid.
- Posts: SMS Messenger, Chomp SMS, or the preinstalled app. If you prefer encrypted apps, choose Signal.
- Gallery: Gallery Go or Quikpic Classic for local management, Nextcloud Photos for private cloud.
- Maps: Here WeGo, Maps.me, OSMAnd and Magic Earth work without Google.
- Notes and reminders: Adler Notes for Android, in addition to the calendar apps mentioned above.
- Documents: Microsoft Office or free collaborative suites already described.
- Music: Spotify, local players or streaming alternatives.
- YouTube: NewPipe plays YouTube content without profiles or tracking, allowing downloads and background viewing. Vimeo, Dailymotion, and PeerTube provide alternative content.
Tips before migrating to Google alternatives
Making the transition to a new digital ecosystem can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be immediate or drastic. Here are some practical tips:
- Get informed and try before you decide: Evaluate which tools fit your habits, test their features, and compare.
- Seeks complicity: Let your contacts know about your change and find compatible tools to ease the transition.
- Prefers free software: Choose open apps with active communities, as they guarantee independence, auditability, frequent updates, and support.
- Use Google Takeout: To download your data before the change and not lose valuable information.
Are the alternatives as good or better than Google?
This is perhaps the biggest fear: losing quality or ease of use. The reality is that, although Google remains the leader in universal search, integration, and maps, the alternatives have made significant progress. For most common uses, replacing services such as email, storage, browsing, collaborative editing, or messaging can be done without negative impact on the daily experience..
Many proposals offer unique advantages, such as increased privacy, NGO support, open source code, and customizable options. Additionally, several apps can coexist with Google services, allowing for a smooth migration.
Change requires patience, time, and sometimes a small investment, but the rewards in control, independence, and respect for your privacy are considerable. The digital universe is much broader and freer than it seems, and having alternatives to Google is not only possible but advisable, out of responsibility, technological curiosity, or the joy of discovering committed and well-executed projects.
