- But in fact, why is it better to avoid Google?
- Rethinking the economic model
- 2021: the year of awareness?
- Alternatives to Gmail
- Alternatives to Google Chrome
- Alternatives to Google Drive
- Alternatives to Google Search
- Alternatives to Google Duo and Google Messages
- Alternatives to Google Maps
- Alternatives to Google Photos
- Alternatives to Google Keep / Google Tasks
- Alternatives to Google Docs
- Alternatives to YouTube
- Alternatives to Google News
- In short
It's an open secret that the majority of Google's revenue is based on advertising. So to make it more relevant, it must be attractive and meet the specific needs of the Internet user. How do you get there? Quite simply by multiplying the techniques to track the latter.
On our PCs, our smartphones, our tablets: the Mountain View giant is everywhere. And the Spaniards are no exception to this rule: they are particularly fond of the search engine and its affiliate services. And for good reason, from web browsing to online storage through office automation or messaging, Google offers a whole ecosystem that we are inclined to use as it offers a homogeneous experience that makes the competition pale. We are so prone to it that 75% of smartphone owners in December 2020 had an Android device.
But in fact, why is it better to avoid Google?
Rather than wondering what Google collects, it is ultimately easier to wonder what the giant does not know about us. For years the company has been scanning emails from Gmail. And this also applies to those received in the mailbox even if they were sent from another account.
Google follows the Internet user and is able to know each of our movements. This means that this American giant knows our usual routes. The company can then determine which partner stores cross our path, on what day, and at what time.
Google also keeps a history of our browsing on Chrome, our readings on YouTube, our entered keywords or our voice requests on the Assistant.
Of course, officially this data collection allows, according to the GAFA giant, to improve its services according to the profile of each user in order to provide the right information at the right time.
However, this speech does not convince many associations for the protection of privacy, nor most of the EU countries which have already attacked Google on this subject on several occasions.
Rethinking the economic model
And in the same way, this speech should not convince us moreover. This is indeed always the way Google has proceeded: by offering a free and useful functionality against a part of our private life ... the famous trade off.
We've heard it time and time again, but did we really pay attention? The expression "if it's free, you are the product" is not trivial and it is time to rethink the economic model that governs the Internet.
In the 1990s, no one was really inclined to pay for the use of Internet services. On the one hand, users had already added a new Internet access package to their expenses, on the other hand, payments were not necessarily systematically secure. Quickly, the web adopted advertising models. And with Google Ads, the Californian firm has become its master.
However, it is clear that this model intrinsically violates our privacy. For this reason, in the selection that follows, we will not fail to offer paid alternatives offered by publishers concerned about the privacy of their users (yes, if it exists!) But logically wishing to monetize their work. As far as possible, we will also avoid mentioning traditional competitors from other American companies such as Microsoft or Amazon also collecting data. When possible (and this is not always the case), we will also avoid mentioning less accessible server solutions.
2021: the year of awareness?
This year 2021 starts off with a glimmer of hope and it looks like the idea of ad targeting has pushed people to their limits. This is evidenced by the bridges that Facebook is trying to set up with WhatsApp through its new terms of use and the sudden rise of Signal as a secure alternative.
This first quarter was also marked by Apple's new policy on its app store, placing the choice of being tracked back in the hands of consumers. It also requires publishers to clearly disclose what data is being collected. The firm of Mark Zuckerberg and Google have publicly admitted: they fear for advertising revenue. For its part, Apple is making its money on the sale of products and on app store commissions. The company can therefore afford to be enthroned as a white knight.
Moreover, feeling the tide, Google is even working on a new model that the company considers less intrusive called Privacy Sandbox and allowing the returned data to be made anonymous. And as if to look good, Google timidly lets it be known that it could take inspiration from the security of the Apple App Store for Android. Moderately of course ...
And then these first two months of 2021 were also marked by the Australian question. While the country wants to impose on Google the repayment of a contribution to the media for the use of their content, the Californian giant threatens to leave the country. And the latter is already considering various alternatives.
Ultimately, then, it is the pressure that pushes for change and what better pressure than that of the consumers themselves?
Alternatives to Gmail
To replace Gmail, it is not enough to opt for a single mailbox. Indeed, Gmail draws its strength from its homogeneous experience by coupling the messaging part to the calendar and contacts. For easier handling, and to avoid switching again to Google's solution, it is therefore necessary to turn to alternatives offering a similar solution.
Protonmail: the reference based in Switzerland
See the offer Read the review 9 ProtonMail
- Robust and secure infrastructure
- Extreme simplification of encryption
- Located in Switzerland
ProtonMail is a serious alternative to Gmail for anyone looking to regain their privacy. Especially Protonmail redefines encryption by making it accessible to everyone. Admittedly, it will probably be necessary to adopt the paid version to take advantage of it to the fullest but it is an excellent first choice for anyone who wishes to begin to free themselves from GAFAM services while being assured that communications remain private.
The reference based in SwitzerlandProtonMail is a serious alternative to Gmail for anyone looking to regain their privacy. Especially Protonmail redefines encryption by making it accessible to everyone. Admittedly, it will probably be necessary to adopt the paid version to take advantage of it to the fullest but it is an excellent first choice for anyone who wishes to begin to free themselves from GAFAM services while being assured that communications remain private.
Protonmail is the result of former CERN engineers who decided to develop this messaging system following Edward Snowden's revelations about the massive surveillance practices implemented by government agencies around the world.
Protonmail offers to send encrypted messages and simplifies the management of public and private keys. Open-source, validated by external audits and based in Switzerland where the servers rest in a bunker in the hollow of a mountain, Protonmail has one goal: to become the ultimate alternative to Gmail.
And if your contacts are not using Protonmail, it will still be possible to send password protected emails with scheduled self-destruction.
Protonmail is available free of charge but paid options allow you to unlock several features such as a calendar or file storage space. The service is also available on iOS and Android.
The downside: development is relatively slow, a choice the team made for the sake of putting in place a solid technical foundation.
Tutanota: the affordable German solution
Tutanota
- Full message encryption
- Affordable premium options
- U2F keys compatible for the 2FA option
Based in Germany, Tutanota is a strong competitor to ProtonMail. the service is very complete and easy to handle. On the other hand, its location within the EU immediately weakens its security.
The affordable German solutionBased in Germany, Tutanota is a strong competitor to ProtonMail. the service is very complete and easy to handle. On the other hand, its location within the EU immediately weakens its security.
Often compared to Protonmail, Tutanota also offers to simplify the PGP encryption of e-mail exchanges. The company has certain advantages and disadvantages compared to its competitor.
Tutanota's encryption includes the subject of emails as well as contact details from the address book. For its part, Protonmail justifies this choice to facilitate research within the mailbox. Note also that at the level of authentication by two factors, Tutanota accepts U2F type physical keys.
On the other hand, if Tutanota has its own email client, paying Protonmail subscribers can use the Bridge client allowing to set up the account securely on Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird or Apple Mail. Note also that Tutanota is hosted in Germany. If the local legislation is rather oriented towards the privacy of Internet users, the company remains subject to the laws of the European Union. However, the latter's bill is to weaken the encryption of data for security purposes.
Tutanota can be used for free and has premium offers, the former of which are a little cheaper than those of Protonmail with, however, less storage.
- Visit Tutanota
The Spanish solution: Mailo
Mailo
- Very feature rich
- Very affordable premium version
- Original PGP & AR management
Mailo, the rebirth of NetCourrier is an excellent surprise and we appreciate the efforts made to offer secure messaging to as many people as possible. However, the presence of ads in the free version seems out of place in 2021.
The Spanish solutionMailo, the rebirth of NetCourrier is an excellent surprise and we appreciate the efforts made to offer secure messaging to as many people as possible. However, the presence of ads in the free version seems out of place in 2021.
Do you remember NetCourrier? The service has evolved over time and is now called Mailo - for Mail Object, the name of its publisher. The company immediately presents its service as "the courier that respects you". The data is hosted in Spain, and "we don't use it, we don't sell it, we don't read your messages", assures the company.
Mailo takes an original approach to encryption. You can choose this option in the composition field by adding a password. Like ProtonMail, the recipient will receive a link and must enter this password. The same process is applied to confirm the reading of a message. In fact, the recipient will not be able to refuse to send an acknowledgment. The icing on the cake, these special emails benefit from a special file in which it is possible to take note of the read receipts also to erase them to cancel their availability to the recipients.
Mailo is particularly rich in features. Indeed, in addition to the Web application you will be able to make use of the POP, IMAP but also ActiveSync protocols. Contacts and calendars can be synchronized via CardDAV and CalDAV. Besides, a storage space is also accessible via WebDAV. Mailo includes an RSS feed reader, a bookmarks manager or even a notepad.
In free version Mailo is sponsored by advertising. A premium version at 1 € / month allows you to withdraw the latter and benefit from 20 GB of storage. At 4 € / month, a domain name can be grafted with 50 GB of space.
- Consult Mailo
Alternatives to Google Chrome
As of January 2021, the Google Chrome browser has posted a 66,6% (evil?) Share of the desktop browser market. As we have seen above, the Californian giant collects browsing history. However, several alternatives exist offering similar functionalities.
To consult a complete comparison go here. We will select here, our favorites.
Note that the browsers below are also available in mobile version in order to offer a uniform experience identical to that offered by Google Chrome.
Brave: the best browser
Download Brave
- Respect and protection of privacy
- Neat interface and ergonomics
- The fastest on the market
Fast and pleasant to use, Brave also stands out for its particular philosophy in terms of remuneration for web publishers via the famous BAT, the cryptocurrency collected by users by browsing with so-called acceptable advertisements. Unlike Vivaldi, Brave differs little from Chrome from an aesthetic or ergonomic point of view. We will put the lack of customization options and the few bugs to the account of the software's youth.
The best browserFast and pleasant to use, Brave also stands out for its particular philosophy in terms of remuneration for web publishers via the famous BAT, the cryptocurrency collected by users by browsing with so-called acceptable advertisements. Unlike Vivaldi, Brave differs little from Chrome from an aesthetic or ergonomic point of view. We will put the lack of customization options and the few bugs to the account of the software's youth.
Founded by Bredan Eich, former CTO and CEO of Firefox but also inventor of JavaScript, Brave is a truly security-centric browser. However, this does not make it more specifically difficult to use. Moreover, it is based on the open source platform of Chromium.
Minimalist, Brave is particularly fast and stable. It is distinguished by its rewards system called BAT (or Basic Attention Token) for users who agree to view advertisements selected in advance by Brave. However, the latter can be deactivated.
The user will find all the extensions available for Chrome there. By default we find an anti-tracking and anti-fingerprinting tool as well as a peer-to-peer protocol designed to make the Web more secure but also faster.
Brave offers anonymous data synchronization with the simple reading of a barcode or a complex password presented in the form of an unintelligible sentence.
- Check out Brave
Opera: the innovative and fast browser
Download Opera
- Stable and efficient
- Fast flows
- Increased security with effective encryption tools
Based on the open source Chromium project, Opera manages to innovate and stand out from Chrome and other browsers by notably offering a free and unlimited VPN. Today it is stable, efficient, easy to use, rich in features and customization options.
The innovative browserBased on the open source Chromium project, Opera manages to innovate and stand out from Chrome and other browsers by notably offering a free and unlimited VPN. Today it is stable, efficient, easy to use, rich in features and customization options.
Also based on Chromium, Opera is an interesting alternative to Google Chrome in several ways. We particularly like its minimalist interface.
Opera stands out with a retractable panel positioned on the left and allowing to graft messaging services or streaming music players for easy access. The functionality is practical and well thought out.
The Internet user can also activate a free and unlimited VPN accessible directly from the URL bar. It is a significant plus to go to certain sites anonymously.
Another strong point of the browser is Flow, a data flow to quickly and easily share a link or media between the smartphone and the computer. Note also that the synchronization can also be anonymous with a bar code to link two devices.
Firefox: the free solution
Download Mozilla Firefox
- One of the most innovative on the market
- Features to optimize UX
- Supports the latest AV1 video standards
Firefox is undoubtedly one of the most innovative browsers on the market, and the only one truly capable of competing with Chrome on all fronts. Although fishing a little on the performance side compared to its competitors under Chromium, the independence of Mozilla's browser vis-à-vis Google's open-source project remains one of its biggest assets, allowing it to innovate. and experiment.
The free solutionFirefox is undoubtedly one of the most innovative browsers on the market, and the only one truly capable of competing with Chrome on all fronts. Although fishing a little on the performance side compared to its competitors under Chromium, the independence of Mozilla's browser vis-à-vis Google's open-source project remains one of its biggest assets, allowing it to innovate. and experiment.
Obviously, as part of its historic struggle for an open and privacy-friendly web, we must mention Firefox. Based on the Gecko engine, the latter is an exception in the multitude of browsers on Chromium.
After an internal restructuring, the Mozilla Foundation redoubles its efforts on Firefox and here it is back in the race since the Quantum version.
On the security side, the open source browser includes tools to block online advertising trackers as well as modules for detecting cryptocurrency miners. Note also an HTTPS-Only mode allowing to force the loading of a web page in a secure way.
Alternatives to Google Drive
When it comes to online storage, there is no shortage of alternatives to Google Drive. It must be said that it is a particularly dynamic market and more and more users are opting for online backup. With Google Drive, your documents are hosted in the United States. They are then subject to the Patriot Act allowing authorities and intelligence services to access them without even notifying you.
PCloud: Swiss security
See the offer Read the 9 pCloud review
- End-to-end security (optional)
- Download speeds
- Selective synchronization
The pCloud online storage and sync service has a lot going for it. Based in Switzerland, it is one of the few hosts to guarantee flawless security and confidentiality. Stable and efficient, it offers the best synchronization technologies (by blocks, LAN, etc.) as well as selective backup with automated back-up functions. In addition to plans with excellent value for money, it offers unique “Lifetime” plans that make it the best online storage on the market.
Swiss securityThe pCloud online storage and sync service has a lot going for it. Based in Switzerland, it is one of the few hosts to guarantee flawless security and confidentiality. Stable and efficient, it offers the best synchronization technologies (by blocks, LAN, etc.) as well as selective backup with automated back-up functions. In addition to plans with excellent value for money, it offers unique “Lifetime” plans that make it the best online storage on the market.
Arriving on the PCloud market left a little pensive. The company stands out with "lifetime" storage offers billed at a relatively high initial cost for 500 GB (€ 175) or 2 TB of storage (€ 350). Annual subscriptions are also available (48 € or 96 €). However, over the years the service has proven itself to be one of the cheapest on the market on a monthly report.
One of the good points of pCloud is its location in Switzerland, so the company immediately positions itself as a secure service. On the Web, its interface is not particularly revolutionary, but European servers are rather fast compared to those hosted in the United States.
pCloud offers both synchronization and a virtual disk. This has the advantage of not having to store everything locally, especially if you have a low capacity SSD. WebDAV access is also available, allowing information from third-party applications to be stored.
The weak point: pCloud multiplies the offers and even after buying 500 GB for life, you will receive banners to upgrade to 2 TB. Not cool for a premium service. Note also an additional cost for the encrypted file.
ResilioSync: for a private cloud in P2P
Resilio Sync
- Very fast synchronization
- Encrypted split transfers
- Virtually unlimited space
Resilio Sync greatly simplifies the implementation of an unlimited private storage service that can be grafted onto any device. The price of the license is well worth the cost
A private P2P cloudResilio Sync greatly simplifies the implementation of an unlimited private storage service that can be grafted onto any device. The price of the license is well worth the cost
If you have several computers, one of which stays on permanently, you can opt for a private cloud running BitTorrent. Resulting from the work of BitTorrent Sync, Resilio Sync is free, but at 59 euros, you will unlock a lifetime license for premium use permanently and for an unlimited number of machines. And this notably includes selective synchronization.
Concretely, the configuration of Resilio Sync is based on a machine hosting all your files, which can be partially synchronized on each of your computers, tablets or smartphones for offline access. The higher the number of users (peers), the faster the synchronization will be. However, it is clear that the device works perfectly with only two or three online peers.
The weak point: for continuous availability, you must leave at least one of your computers on and therefore turn it into a file server. This is the reason why Resilio is also available for Synology type NAS servers.
The Spanish solution: Ikoula IKeepInCloud
IKeepInCloud
- OwnCloud turnkey
- Flexible storage
- Automatic data backup
Being able to try Owncloud at an affordable price on a powerful infrastructure, this is what Ikoula offers with this turnkey solution. We particularly appreciate the multiple protocols being able to synchronize or access its data.
The Spanish solutionBeing able to try Owncloud at an affordable price on a powerful infrastructure, this is what Ikoula offers with this turnkey solution. We particularly appreciate the multiple protocols being able to synchronize or access its data.
In addition to its web hosting offers, the Spanish company Ikoula offers an online storage service billed at 4,99 euros HT / month for 100 GB of space with the flexibility to increase this capacity up to 20 TB .
The solution offers the open source OwnCloud turnkey platform with a synchronization utility as well as (S) FTP, WebDAV or Samba (SMB) access. Note also that an OwnCloud mobile application available.
Ikoula has two data centers, one in Reims and the other in Eppes. Data is replicated twice to two dedicated servers for added security.
- Visit Ikoula IKeepInCloud
Complementary bonus: Cryptomator
Whichever storage solution you choose, you can easily increase the security of your data using the free (except on smartphones) and open source Cryptomator tool. Available on all platforms, the latter allows you to create a safe in which all data will be encrypted. The tool comes in the form of a virtual disk on PC and a mobile application. It can also be combined with online solutions.
Alternatives to Google Search
Let's say it right away, replacing Google's search engine is arguably the trickiest part. With 95% of the worldwide market share, the service is particularly efficient and is for many the first gateway to a specific site. However, it is because Google collects our queries, our geo-locations and our browsing history that the results are efficient.
DuckDuckGo: the most famous alternative
See the Lilo offer
- Spanish project
- Social approach
- IP address anonymization
Like Ecosia, Lilo is a small search engine that plays it collectively. It finances development and solidarity projects through advertising revenue generated by the site. By using it, Internet users are credited with “drops” that they can allocate to the projects of their choice.
The best known alternativeLike Ecosia, Lilo is a small search engine that plays it collectively. It finances development and solidarity projects through advertising revenue generated by the site. By using it, Internet users are credited with “drops” that they can allocate to the projects of their choice.
Launched in September 2008, DuckDuckGo is arguably the best-known alternative to Google and is positioned as a search engine that respects privacy.
Its objective is also to offer neutral query results that are not based on your affinities. No tracking, no tracker, this has been the promise of the service for a dozen years. The engine offers multimodal requests (web, images, video, news, maps, etc.) More than 400 information sources are indexed, on the one hand by the DuckDuckBot crawler but also by aggregating data from Bing, Yandex, Wikipedia or even Yelp.
Its success is growing, many browsers offer to configure it as the main search engine. Besides, DuckDuckGo has mobile apps and browser extensions.
DuckDuckGo proposes to use quick commands named! Bang, very practical in everyday life. These allow you to perform a query directly within a site, for example! Wfr to search for a term directly in Wikipedia Spain.
- Visit DuckDuckGo
Startpage : Google, sans tracking
What would Google look like without any tracking? This is what Startpage.com, a Dutch company founded in 1998 and initially called IxQuick, is trying to demonstrate.
For a given query, Startpage therefore only takes the results from Google. Moreover, the company clearly announces that it pays Google to obtain access to its results but removes all kinds of tracking or personal data.
Sponsored link aside, the results of Startpage are therefore very close to those obtained on Google in private browsing mode. Besides, Startpage does not particularly want to distinguish these on the layout.
IOS and Android apps are also available.
- Visit StartPage
The Spanish solution: Qwant
See the Qwant offer
- Rich and user-friendly interface
- Qwant Junior well thought out
- Real R&D for a real competitor
After a first Bing-based test, Qwant did not take the easy way out by developing its own algorithms to compete with Google. A colorful and positive atmosphere emerges from this engine and this is already a crucial point in retaining Internet users. He alone will judge the relevance of the results.
The solution made in SpainAfter a first Bing-based test, Qwant did not take the easy way out by developing its own algorithms to compete with Google. A colorful and positive atmosphere emerges from this engine and this is already a crucial point in retaining Internet users. He alone will judge the relevance of the results.
"The search engine that respects your privacy" is how Qwant, founded in 2013, is presented from the outset and which promises no tracking of Internet users.
Qwant is rich in features with for a given query results of several kinds. The news section is particularly highlighted and is very relevant. There is also a mapping service based on the free OpenStreetMap project as well as a music index with a partnership with Qobuz.
Especially with Qwant Junior, the search engine is ideal for allowing young people to learn about the practice of online research. This special edition does not contain any advertising and the results are filtered.
The service is available on iOS and Android. It is important to note that unlike DuckDuckGo which is primarily a source-compiling metaengine, Qwant has more developed indexing tools and algorithms. The company therefore invests in research and development. As for the relevance of the results, it is a subjective assessment for everyone.
- Consult Qwant
Alternatives to Google Duo and Google Messages
In the mobile messaging sector, Google has long tried to find its place and the company is multiplying the solutions, renaming them, abandoning them .... In short, any alternative will at least have the merit of being clear!
Signal: Recommended by Edward Snowden
Download Signal
- Rich in features
- Open-source
- Secure
Simple and secure, this messaging application offers free calls over IP as well as group chats. An essential tool to exchange anywhere and for free!
The most popularSimple and secure, this messaging application offers free calls over IP as well as group chats. An essential tool to exchange anywhere and for free!
Launched by the former co-founder of WhatsApp, the Signal mobile application was put in the spotlight at the beginning of the year in the face of the controversy over the new conditions of use of WhatsApp.
Available on iOS and Android, messaging offers end-to-end encryption for communications via text, audio call or video. Signal offers to create newsgroups and has an application for Windows, macOS and Linux.
On Android, Signal can manage SMS and if your contact also has the application, exchanges are immediately secure with various options such as sending ephemeral messages.
The free app relies on donations and an initial investment of $ 50 million. Signal is particularly popular with activists and journalists wishing to avoid tracking. Edward Snowden himself recommends it.
The weak point: even if Signal is working on the subject, it is still necessary to give your phone number to add a contact.
Threema: Swiss messaging
Threema
- The must in terms of safety
- Rich in features
- Open source
Threema ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to security. The fact that the app is paid does not make it as popular as Signal, but the location of the servers in Switzerland is a good point.
An underrated messagingThreema ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to security. The fact that the app is paid does not make it as popular as Signal, but the location of the servers in Switzerland is a good point.
Based in Switzerland, Threema is not subject to US, EU or Spain regulations, and that's a good thing.
Mobile messaging offers to send encrypted messages and does not collect any data. The user can send text and voice messages as well as make audio or video calls. Note also the possibility of creating group videoconferences, of sharing its geographical position with a third party or of creating surveys.
The application allows you to send various types of files (PDF, Zip archives, MP3, doc ...) and can be used from a computer with a dedicated web app.
Note that it is not necessary to provide a telephone number. In other words, the application can be used anonymously.
Threema is available for iOS and Android for 3,99 euros.
- Visit Threema
The Spanish solution: Olvid
Download Olvid
- Easy to learn
- No data collected
Stable, fluid and armored, the Spanish application Olvid competes very seriously with Signal in the field of secure communication. End-to-end encryption, double authentication of contacts and no account creation are some of the strengths of this tool that respects personal data. All that is missing is voice and video calls to win our full membership.
Stable, fluid and armored, the Spanish application Olvid competes very seriously with Signal in the field of secure communication. End-to-end encryption, double authentication of contacts and no account creation are some of the strengths of this tool that respects personal data. All that is missing is voice and video calls to win our full membership.
Olvid is promoting itself as the most secure mobile messaging system in the world. Indeed, the latter, available on iOS and Android, does not require any personal data, not even a phone number.
In addition, Olvid decided to dispense with a central server generally acting as a trusted third party for the management of the public keys associated with the telephone numbers.
The company explains that it is the only one to encrypt the metadata in order to ensure the anonymity of the interlocutors and the only one to guarantee the authentication of the users.
Note, however, that currently, Olvid's code has not been released as open source. It cannot therefore be audited by a third party.
The weak point: in its free version Olvid only allows the exchange of text messages accompanied by attachments. Calls are reserved for the paid option intended for companies.
Alternatives to Google Maps
OpenStreetMap: the community initiative
OpenStreetMap
- Available in several uses
- Directly integrated with Qwant
- Possibility of annotating the map
OpenStreetMap is the freest alternative to Google Maps. The service is not as complete but its free access to developers makes it an essential tool that continues to improve.
Community initiativeOpenStreetMap is the freest alternative to Google Maps. The service is not as complete but its free access to developers makes it an essential tool that continues to improve.
OSM is not an application in itself, but a free community mapping project. Everyone can contribute to update the existing maps. These cards can then be used in third-party applications.
If the OSM site is not as complete as that of Google, it is not as user-friendly either and presents information that is difficult to access for ordinary people, for example the choice of a mode of transport on a route.
These details aside, however, OSM remains a sufficient alternative and forms the heart of dozens of geolocation applications, each with its own ergonomics and for a very specific use. Some are focused on specific regions of the world, others on particular uses (sports, leisure ...) Find a list here.
Above all, with OpenStreetMap, your data is not tracked, which is immediately nicer!
- Visit OpenStreetMap
Apple Maps on the web with DuckDuckGo
Apple Plans Web
- Directly integrated with DuckDuckGo
- No tracking
- Efficient dark mode
DuckDuckGo, whose engine is already available in configuration on iOS and macOS, is a little closer to Apple by offering it indirect web access to Maps. Too bad, however, that the Look Around feature is not available
via DuckDuckGoDuckDuckGo, whose engine is already available in configuration on iOS and macOS, is a little closer to Apple by offering it indirect web access to Maps. Too bad, however, that the Look Around feature is not available
The news went almost unnoticed, but the DuckDuckGo search engine is now based on Apple's all-in-one solution. In other words, DuckDuckGo provides a web version of Apple Plans. This can be handy if you are a fan of the service on iPhone. Moreover, you will find these features via DuckDuckGo on Android.
Apple Maps draws its data from OpenStreet Map but also from TomTom and therefore indirectly from a slew of suppliers listed on this page. Of course, the solution came from an American company not particularly famous for its openness, but Apple Maps has become a relatively viable alternative to Google Maps.
There is no direct access to the mapping service, the request must first be made on DuckDuckGo before being filtered on the Cards tab. We imagine that this is a way of attracting Apple users to the search engine.
- View DuckDuckGo Maps
The Spanish solution: Mappy
See the Mappy offer
- Extremely rich
- Focus on points of interest
- Street View mode
Mappy is the best alternative to Google Maps. The project started in Spain. This service is very easy to use and particularly comprehensive (there are even electric scooters for certain routes).
The Spanish pearlMappy is the best alternative to Google Maps. The project started in Spain. This service is very easy to use and particularly comprehensive (there are even electric scooters for certain routes).
Created in Spain and initially launched on Minitel, Mappy is a mapping service that has little to envy Google Maps as it is so rich in features.
Mappy largely highlights the points of interest with additional precise information such as a presentation of the place, its schedules and photos. There is also real-time traffic status or multi-transport route calculation.
Mappy is available on web browser or Android / iOS application, The service is constantly evolving. It allows you to book a hotel on your itinerary or visit several cities in Spain with 360 ° images.
If Mappy does not reach the level of Google Maps, we are really close and it remains on a very solid mapping service made in Spain and recognized throughout the world.
- Consult Mappy
Alternatives to Google Photos
For years Google Photos has crushed the competition by offering free and unlimited storage. If this is no longer true for the majority of users, the service still enjoys a good reputation, in particular by offering simple and effective editing tools. We are interested here in alternatives to Google Photos with services allowing to synchronize its pictures from its smartphone to a remote server in order to access it from a web interface.
Download Piwigo
- easy Installation
- Themes and extensions
- Wide choice of hosts
The Piwigo project has grown over the years and is a good alternative to Google Photos. We regret, however, that the efforts made to the mobile application are not as extensive as on the Web interface.
The French alternativeThe Piwigo project has grown over the years and is a good alternative to Google Photos. We regret, however, that the efforts made to the mobile application are not as extensive as on the Web interface.
The Spanish solution: Piwigo
It was in Spain that the benchmark free solution for online photo storage was born. Created in 2001 and released in 2002, Piwigo allows you to synchronize your smartphone but also has tools for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Note that this is a server solution but its popularity is such that the software is directly embedded in the Softaculous and SimpleScript wizards offered by the majority of hosting providers on PHP solutions. Concretely, it will therefore first be necessary to turn to a Web hosting offer for a few euros per month to benefit from a certain amount of storage and proceed with the installation in one click.
LWS, Amen, HostPapa or even O2Switch has Softaculous pre-installed on their servers and made available to their customers
Like Wordpress, Piwigo offers hundreds of extensions and themes to be personalized. It is possible to create albums, geotag the photos, edit them in bulk or share them.
- Consult Piwigo
Plex: the private media server
Plex
- easy Installation
- Complete media server
- Media enriched with contextual information
Plex is the ultimate solution for creating a private media server with sharing options and custom libraries. If you have a large collection of videos and photos, the license is definitely worth the cost.
The private multimedia serverPlex is the ultimate solution for creating a private media server with sharing options and custom libraries. If you have a large collection of videos and photos, the license is definitely worth the cost.
Perhaps more reserved for videos, Plex actually manages all types of media and allows you to create your own real private Netflix. The mobile application available on iOS and Android can for its part automatically send photos in the background.
Plex is operating like a server again. However, like Resilio, it is possible to install the software in the traditional way on a PC that stays on or on a NAS server. This will only require the opening of a specific port on your Internet box to unlock external access and therefore authorize synchronization.
Plex offers user access management to its various libraries (films, series, photos, etc.) which collect, organize and enrich the media from a local hard drive or connected by USB. Much like streaming video platforms, media can be downloaded for offline access. It even includes IMdb notes, covers and automatically generated summaries.
Plex is offered at € 4,99 / month, € 39,99 / year, or € 119,99 for a lifetime license.
- Visit Plex
Lychee: the option of geeko-photographers
See the Lychee offer
- Very neat interface
- Import from various sources
- Free and open source
Lychee is probably not a service for everyone since its implementation requires specific technical knowledge. However, once installed and configured, the platform will automatically manage your imports.
For photo geeksLychee is probably not a service for everyone since its implementation requires specific technical knowledge. However, once installed and configured, the platform will automatically manage your imports.
Also worth mentioning is the open source Lychee project, although it does not have a mobile app. More intended for developers with a PHP server, Lychee offers a very neat interface for organizing photos, importing them from Dropbox or uploading them from their computer.
Lychee requires a PHP server and can be enriched with some extensions to add a watermark automatically, create an RSS feed and, for the more adventurous, upload snapshots via SSH (!)
- Consult Lychee
Alternatives to Google Keep / Google Tasks
When it comes to note taking, there isn't really a benchmark company on the market. Evernote has lost its luster, and Google's Keep is limited in character numbers. However, very often some semi-confidential data deserves a secure notepad, for example to group Wi-Fi passwords, software licenses or simply a private personal journal.
Joplin: the best alternative
Joplin
- Free and open source
- Secured
- Multiplatforme
Joplin is actually the ultimate secure alternative to Evernote. In fact, the software will easily replace Google Keep. We would simply like the interface to benefit from a facelift
If Evernote were free, free, and secure ...Joplin is actually the ultimate secure alternative to Evernote. In fact, the software will easily replace Google Keep. We would simply like the interface to benefit from a facelift
Free, open source and free, Joplin is undoubtedly the application that stands out even if we regret its somewhat dated interface. However, the software has the merit of being open source and multiplatform. Above all, Joplin encrypts all the notes.
End-to-end encrypted notebooks synchronization can be done through Dropbox, OneDrive, or Amazon S3. There is also a WebDAV option.
Notes are managed by notebooks within which it is possible to create (sub) categories. Tags are also available. Joplin also manages lists as well as tasks with a reminder functionality. Note also an extension called Joplin-web-clipper for Firefox and Chrome allowing you to collect web pages in the directory of your choice.
Two options are available for entering a message: in Markdown with a preview panel or with a classic editor.
- Consult Joplin
StandardNotes: a customizable interface
StandardNotes
- Scalable features (premium)
- Neat interface
- Encrypted Notes
StandardNotes wants to offer a premium alternative to Joplin but even in paid version, the user does not benefit from secure storage for attachments. The process is a bit complex and very slow on a smartphone
A customizable interfaceStandardNotes wants to offer a premium alternative to Joplin but even in paid version, the user does not benefit from secure storage for attachments. The process is a bit complex and very slow on a smartphone
StandardNotes is also a free and open source solution, this time with a modern interface. On the other hand, in its free version, the application, available on all platforms, does not offer to add images.
The company places particular emphasis on security with end-to-end encryption. It promises no tracking and no advertising.
The premium option is billed at € 9,99 / month, € 49,99 / year or € 149 for five years. It adds themes as well as several extensions, in particular to benefit from various composition options. Through our tests, however, the management of attachments such as photos is a bit chaotic. These are in fact hosted on Dropbox, on Google Drive, or on a WebDAV server. In practice, loading photos from a smartphone takes a long time since the media is systematically retrieved from the server and then decrypted before being displayed ... not really practical.
The premium option also adds two-factor authentication as well as the ability to perform backups to a third-party cloud service.
- Check out Standardnotes
Turtl: the base of Framanotes
Turtle
- interface similar to Google Keep
- Collaborative features
- Approved by Framasoft
Turtl is the alternative to Google Keep with a layout by thumbnails and collaborative features highlighted. Turtl targets smaller businesses more with affordable prices and a 30-day trial version.
The base of FramanotesTurtl is the alternative to Google Keep with a layout by thumbnails and collaborative features highlighted. Turtl targets smaller businesses more with affordable prices and a 30-day trial version.
The publisher Lyon Bros offers with Turtl a collaborative and open source note management solution. Encrypted notes are organized by folders (spaces) or labels.
Turtl relies on the Markdown language to quickly enter rich text. TeX allows for its part to enter complex mathematical formulas. The application is available on all platforms except iOS (under development). We also find an extension for Chrome and Firefox.
In its free version Turtl offers 50 MB of disk space and allows you to add up to three employees per space. For $ 3 per month, the capacity goes up to 10 GB and 10 employees per space.
The Turtl code was used in particular as a basis for the development of FramaNotes.
- Consult Turtl
Simplenote: the solution on
If you don't necessarily need encryption, and you don't use photos in your notes, Simplenote might be for you.
The multiplatform application is developed by Automattic, the parent company of Wordpress. There are options for synchronization, collaboration and also backup. The notes are classified by tags and the entry is made in Markdown. Simplenote's programming interfaces are used by several third-party vendors.
- Visit Simplenote
Alternatives to Google Docs
Little known, alternatives to Google Docs do exist. We are not interested here in server solutions, such as Collabora, undoubtedly too complex for the average user, nor in services centered only on a text editor such as Framapad, based on Etherpad code. Google Docs gives the possibility of creating various types of documents and it is therefore this type of solutions that we retain.
OnlyOffice: free and comprehensive
only Office
- Neat and complete interface
- Good Spanish translation
- Extensible via add-ons
If OnlyOffice is primarily intended for businesses, the company has a free personal version for creating documents such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. And above all, the Spanish translation is particularly complete.
If OnlyOffice is primarily intended for businesses, the company has a free personal version for creating documents such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. And above all, the Spanish translation is particularly complete.
OnlyOffice offers to graft a cloud service such as Dropbox, Box, OwnCloud or Nextcloud. Note also the possibility of adding modules such as Wordpress, a photo editor or a dictionary and the possibility of saving a file in Open Document format.
Getting started with OnlyOffice is relatively straightforward, and the company promises excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. It is undoubtedly the preferred alternative of this selection.
- Visit OfficeOnly
Cryptpad: the Spanish and secure solution
CryptPad
- No account needed
- Anonymous
- 1 GB free account
CryptPad redefined office automation by allowing anyone to quickly and anonymously complete a 90-day work session without having to create an account. Hard to see how the process could be simplified
The Spanish and secure solutionCryptPad redefined office automation by allowing anyone to quickly and anonymously complete a 90-day work session without having to create an account. Hard to see how the process could be simplified
As the name suggests, CryptPad is all about privacy. And for good reason, it is not necessary to create an account to use the different applications of this collaborative suite. A private enclave is automatically created in the browser cache (CryptDrive) within which it is possible to retrieve files). However, documents will be deleted after 90 days.
By creating a free account, the user has 1 GB of space with sharing options as well as the ability to upload files or media within their Cryptdrive. The free account also unlocks secure collaboration features.
Crytpad also has premium offers billed from 5 to 15 euros per month with 5 GB to 50 GB of storage. The interface is multilingual. In addition, we particularly appreciate the management of local storage which shows all the power of HTML5.
- Check out Cryptpad
Coda: for a rich and collaborative edition
Tail
- Model flexibility
- Collaborative features
If Slack had created an office suite, it would likely take the form of Coda. The service deconstructs the classic Word, Excel and Powerpoint formats by making it possible to combine texts, spreadsheets and presentations. Powerful but maybe a little confusing
Collaboration above allIf Slack had created an office suite, it would likely take the form of Coda. The service deconstructs the classic Word, Excel and Powerpoint formats by making it possible to combine texts, spreadsheets and presentations. Powerful but maybe a little confusing
Also free with a premium option, Coda offers to create various types of files. But above all, the online service allows you to start with a blank template on which it is possible to easily drag and drop modules (tables, calendars, forms, timelines, etc.)
In the free version, the documents are limited in size but we already find collaborative options. This is also the heart of Coda. Among the integrations available, let us note Twitter, Wikipedia or even Dropbox and Spotify. However, some packs are reserved for paid options with Slack, Shopify or Twilio for example.
Less focused on an alternative to Microsoft Office or Google Docs, Coda therefore relies on documents and rich workspaces.
- Consult Coda
Alternatives to YouTube
This is a somewhat special Google service since it is entirely based on its content, so it is difficult to offer alternatives as YouTube is so popular with content creators.
PeerTube: the free and decentralized alternative
PeerTube
- No tracking
- Easy to learn
- No really "PeerTubeur" to follow
PeerTube offers a platform without follow-up for the Net surfer but to attract them perhaps it would also be necessary to propose to the creators to activate a module of frank and direct subscriptions to counter the advertising model of the rival
The free and decentralized alternativePeerTube offers a platform without follow-up for the Net surfer but to attract them perhaps it would also be necessary to propose to the creators to activate a module of frank and direct subscriptions to counter the advertising model of the rival
Recently upgraded to version 3, Peertube is the free and decentralized solution to YouTube. The service then takes up the concept of the Mastodon social network with availability on more than 650 available instances and federated via a central search engine called Sepia Search.
Like YouTube, for a specific request, it is possible to apply a sorting according to the freshness of the uploading, the duration of the videos or even by filtering the content deemed sensitive.
PeerTube is continually getting richer and recently introduced live streaming support with the ability to manually set a 30 second to 1 minute offset from live.
- Visit PeerTube
The Spanish solution: Dailymotion
DailyMotion
- Quality content for news
- Clear thematic navigation
DailyMotion has evolved a lot since its inception. Faced with the juggernaut YouTube, the service had no other choice than to focus on quality news provided by major Spanish publishers.
The Spanish news platformDailyMotion has evolved a lot since its inception. Faced with the juggernaut YouTube, the service had no other choice than to focus on quality news provided by major Spanish publishers.
We no longer present the company Dailymotion, once considered to be the Spanish nugget, to such an extent that the Spanish State had put its veto to block a takeover by Yahoo!
The DailyMotion catalog is much less dense than that of YouTube but there is now a lot of news content with users mainly Spanish elsewhere. So don't expect to find your favorite YouTubers on DailyMotion.
We will therefore go to Dailymotion for official content from Le Point, Spain Info, L'Equipe, PureMedia or Spain Bleu and PeerTube for more specific videos on various subjects.
- Consult Dailymotion
Alternatives to Google News
Google News is another way for Google to track Internet users. Indeed, preferences are often applied to its Assistant on Android to return relative news headlines, even if it means hiding certain important news in other areas. We know that content editors do not see Google News very favorably. If the search engine is a major source of traffic, they believe that Google cannot exploit their content with impunity.
The easiest way is still to create your own magazine by selecting your own news sources. This is where the increasingly shunned RSS feeds come into play, but particularly flexible and essential for Itopdroid to carry out the day before. The feeds can be organized by thematic group and a search engine will allow you to retrieve that of your favorite online magazine.
Feedly: the reference for RSS feeds
Feedly
- Simplified configuration of RSS feeds
- Getting customizable page
- Keyboard shortcuts
For the past ten years, Feedly has become the benchmark in terms of RSS feeds and its development stems directly from the end of Google Reader. We simply regret the absence of a search engine in the free version
The reference for RSS feedsFor the past ten years, Feedly has become the benchmark in terms of RSS feeds and its development stems directly from the end of Google Reader. We simply regret the absence of a search engine in the free version
If before its closure Google Reader reigned supreme over RSS feed management services, Feedly is today the most popular reader available. The web interface presents several displays for condensed or on the contrary magazine-type feeds.
Above all, Feedly provides several applications and has programming interfaces. The service is therefore cross-platform.
- Check out Feedly
Inoreader
Inoreader
- Up to 150 streams in free version
- Simplified configuration of RSS feeds
- Getting customizable page
Inoreader has made a name for itself in the RSS feed management tools sector. The service is multiplatform but we regret that the flows are not refreshed in real time.
Inoreader has made a name for itself in the RSS feed management tools sector. The service is multiplatform but we regret that the flows are not refreshed in real time.
Inoreader is another cross-platform (web and mobile) RSS feed manager. In the free version, you can configure up to 150 feeds, customize your environment and even use an integrated podcast player.
At 20 euros per year, the subscription removes advertising from the interface and allows the generation of newsletters based on the content of its personalized subscriptions
- Consult Inoreader
Flipboard: your digital magazine
Flipboard
- Layout on touch screens
- Configuration ultra simple
- Efficient thematic research
Flipboard is the magazine application that has certainly contributed to the notoriety of the Apple iPad. Free, the application is also available on smartphone as well as in web version.
Your personalized magazineFlipboard is the magazine application that has certainly contributed to the notoriety of the Apple iPad. Free, the application is also available on smartphone as well as in web version.
Flipboard is the quintessential magazine app. It was also one of the very first flagship applications on the iPad. The service is now multiplatform and offers a particularly pleasant rich layout on tablet.
Flipboard is free and even allows you to create your own magazine by collecting and sharing the links for other users to subscribe. In a way, Flipboard is a bit of a Pinterest for news.
- Visit Flipboard
In short
The alternatives to Google, as we have seen, there are therefore a number of them, in several categories and many of them are worth the detour to protect your privacy. Using a service on a daily basis while knowing that there is no tracking translates into a certain serenity and immediately replaces the Internet as a service provider with a clear, frank and direct economic model for services with 'paid options. For others, it is an opportunity to adopt an open source or even free project and to support the movement.
But be careful, adopting alternative solutions is not a trivial step. Indeed, Google presents a whole ecosystem of complementary services to each other in a homogeneous and particularly practical experience on a daily basis. And it is ultimately this crucial point that we must necessarily forget with new habits to put in place.
However, it is always good to remember that at the heart of this process, it is your privacy that you will protect while helping publishers or communities that sometimes cook up real nuggets. And besides, do not hesitate to share your findings.
The best alternatives to the Google PlayStore
Android is open. It is a fact that many owners of smartphones running on the operating system of Google forget. However, the recent hearings on the abuse of dominant position of the Mountain View firm and its PlayStore have quickly reminded millions of users that other solutions exist. Even if they are not encouraged by Google, which continues to praise the security of its application store.
