Popular, Free, and Safer Alternatives to Android’s Most-Used Apps

Many Android users are now vigilant about the security of their personal data, as numerous popular apps quietly harvest user information. Safer alternative apps are therefore the need of the hour. Below are seven free options that protect privacy while delivering all the essential features.

1.    Staying private with AI chatbots
To use most AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude, users typically need to create an account and sign in. This stores their information in those companies’ databases. To use AI chatbots privately, you can turn to the DuckDuckGo Browser. It is an open-source browser that keeps your identity anonymous on the internet.

After installing the app, tap the chat-bubble icon next to the address bar to open the Duck AI interface. From there, you can talk to any of several AI models. If you wish, you can also disable conversation history in Settings. Adding a shortcut to the home screen lets you access this interface with a single tap. 

2.    A YouTube alternative: NewPipe 
When you use the YouTube app, Google automatically analyzes your watch history, searches, and preferences. You can avoid that tracking with NewPipe. It has no ads, no algorithm-driven video feeds, and no need to sign in.

NewPipe supports background playback, queues, downloading videos, creating playlists, and viewing comments. If you wish, you can also import your YouTube subscription data. 

3.    Installing apps without the Play Store: Aurora Store 
As an alternative to Google Play, Aurora Store is a popular choice. It provides access to all free apps from the Play Store—without requiring a Google account. Aurora allows you to install apps while maintaining your identity anonymity.

Aurora Store shows detailed information for each app, including whether trackers are present (via Exodus) and whether the app depends on Google Play Services (via Plexus). If you prefer an older release, you can roll back to a previous version. 

4.    Using a keyboard offline: HeliBoard 
HeliBoard is becoming a popular alternative to Google’s Gboard. It is a fully offline keyboard, so nothing you type is sent to the internet. It offers themes, adjustable size and layout, clipboard history, and even an incognito mode.

With features such as autocorrect, a suggestion strip, and gesture (glide) typing, HeliBoard provides all the smart options you need while preserving privacy. 

5.    A private calendar: Tuta Calendar 
If you want to keep personal schedules or meeting details confidential, Tuta Calendar is a reliable alternative. It is open source and syncs across devices. You can install it and start using it by creating a free Tuta Mail account.

You can export events from your previous calendar in ICS format and import them easily into Tuta Calendar, keeping everything securely stored in one place. 

6.    An offline password manager: Passy 
Many popular password managers, such as LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden, store data in the cloud, which can introduce security risks. As an offline alternative, Passy keeps all your data securely on your device. 

Beyond passwords, Passy can store identity documents, notes, payment cards, and even essential files as attachments. You can import data exported from other apps, including those exported as CSV files. 

7.    A personal news feed: Nunti 
Instead of the default news feed, use Nunti—an RSS reader that curates stories based on your interests. After you select your preferred topics (such as technology, science, or entertainment), the news is automatically organized for you.

Swipe right to like and left to dislike articles. As it learns your preferences, Nunti becomes more accurate over time. It also supports offline reading, saving, and previews. 

By using these free, open-source apps, you can protect your smartphone privacy while accomplishing all your everyday tasks. You can also browse the F-Droid app store to discover more secure alternatives. 

Source: How-To Geek.