Note: This Page is Still in Progress

I've been trying to slowly move away from a lot of mainstream softwares and apps. In particular, I'm looking for things that don't integrate Generative AI (or where it can be easily opted out of), aren't owned by major and problematic corporations, and if possible are free, Open Source, provacy-focused, eco-friendly, or otherwise more socially responsable.

Favorites

DuckDuckGo (Browser) - A free privacy focused browser. It is easy to opt out of Generative AI, and there's free privacy features and adblocking on Youtube as well.

Joplin (Notes alternative) - A free open source notes app that lets you write using Markdown language if you prefer. Not cloud based (though you can set that up) with a higher level of privacy.

Jitsi (Video Meetings) - an open source, far more private Zoom alternative

Signal (Messaging app) - Privacy, security, and safety focused messaging and calling app.

StimuWrite (Writing Tool) - Free indie writing tool that aims to be motivating for neurodivergent folks by having clear goal mechanisms and adjustable amounts of stimulation (emojis as you type, sounds, colorful or colorless backgrounds, etc.)

TumLook (Tumblr Viewer) - Free website to be able to see tags, blogs, and so on from Tumblr without making an account or signing in.

TutaMail (Email and Calendar) - I don't use the calender here because of social reasons, and I'm new to their email, but it is a great free, privacy focused, non-corporate email account. There's a mobile app as well.

CafeTran (CAT tool) - A free computer-assisted translation tool where it is easy to opt out of AI and that is used and run locally on your computer (far better for privacy since no one else gets access to your files).

Maps.me (Map app) - Google/Apple maps alternative that allows you to download maps and has a better privacy setting.

...and obviously Zonelets and Neocities!

Imperfect Fits

Ellipsus (Writing Tool) - Free online writing tool with no AI integration from a small international team. Currently in beta, and not my favorite organization system, but I love the export snippets and export to AO3 features!

GoodPods (Podcast Listener) - Not from a huge company, and not filled with alt-right comment sections, plus some cool features. No privacy emphasis or anything, but it's the best I've found so far.

Tidal (Music Streaming) - It's not free and the privacy isn't perfect, but it pays artists better than Spotify/Apple music and has better politics than Spotify or Deezer and it has almost everything (as opposed to smaller music platforms that are missing a lot of what I look for). The student rate is like $5.50 as well which is fine for me.

Tried and Moved Away From

Talers.io (Writing Tool) - I really love the Talers organization system and the aesthetic, but they're very into integrating AI.

Brave (Browser) - A privacy focused browser. Unfortunately, they are very into AI and have their own crypto scheme.

Still Looking for Alternatives (what I want to replace)

Things I use despite the bads (largely for social reasons)