Privacy-first tools
Picked for how they handle your data: end-to-end encryption, local files, or signing up without handing over personal details.
| Tool | Why it's here | Instead of | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | VPN account is a random number; no email required. | NordVPN | €5/mo |
| Proton VPN | Open-source VPN apps with a free plan. | ExpressVPN | Free · paid from $9.99/mo |
| Bitwarden | End-to-end encrypted vault with open-source code. | Dashlane | Free · paid from $0.83/mo |
| Proton Pass | End-to-end encrypted passwords from the Proton team. | 1Password | Free · paid from $1.99/mo |
| Obsidian | Notes are plain files stored on your own device. | Notion | Free · paid from $4/mo |
| Excalidraw | Whiteboard that works without an account. | Miro | Free · paid from $6/mo |
Licensing and hosting options change; check each provider's site before deciding.