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A practical software directory
Privacy Tools: Compare What Each Tool Does
Compare privacy tools by features, price, and what each provider can see.
40 tools foundEach profile lists its use case, limits, sources and research status.
Vpn Services
NordVPN
Review NordVPN’s published privacy information, product documentation, and plan terms before choosing a VPN.
Best forPeople comparing VPN services and willing to review provider terms
Based on published sourcesView details →
File Encryption
VeraCrypt
Free software for creating encrypted volumes that you open with a password or keyfile.
Best forEncrypting local archives or drives.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Cloud Storage
CryptPad
A browser-based workspace for creating, sharing, and editing documents together.
Best forCollaborating on documents through a browser.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Encrypted Email
mailbox.org
A paid email service with webmail, IMAP access, and optional encryption tools.
Best forPeople who want paid webmail and access from a standard email client.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Video Calls
Jitsi Meet
An open-source video meeting tool with browser access and an optional end-to-end encryption mode.
Best forBrowser meetings where participants can check the meeting settings.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Data Removal
DeleteMe
A paid, managed data removal service that handles broker opt-out requests for subscribers.
Best forPeople who prefer a managed subscription to submitting and following up on broker requests themselves.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Vanishio may earn a commission if you buy through this link. Disclosure details
View DeleteMe plansData Removal
Eraser
A free, open-source data broker removal tool that runs on your own computer and can send requests from your mailbox.
Best forPeople comfortable installing and maintaining a local tool who want to review each broker request themselves.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Tracker Blockers
Avast Online Security & Privacy
A browser extension suite whose privacy record includes a major FTC enforcement action involving browsing data.
Best forNot recommended by Vanishio while better-documented alternatives are available.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Authentication
Google Authenticator
A time-based one-time password app with optional syncing through a Google Account.
Best forAdding one-time codes to accounts when you prefer a simple phone app.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Vpn Services
iCloud Private Relay
An Apple service that routes some Safari traffic through two relays to reduce IP address and browsing linkage.
Best forApple users who want an extra layer for Safari web browsing and DNS requests.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Notes
Obsidian
A local-first notes app that stores notes as plain files, with optional paid sync and community plugins.
Best forPeople who want local Markdown files and control over storage and backups.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Search Engines
Startpage Search
A search engine that presents results from larger providers while adding a privacy-focused layer.
Best forPeople who want familiar search results through a separate privacy-focused service.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Web Browsers
Vivaldi Browser
A customizable browser with built-in tracker blocking and an account-based sync feature.
Best forPeople who want a customizable browser and built-in tracker blocking.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Encrypted Messaging
Element
A messaging client for the Matrix network, where end-to-end encryption depends on room and account settings.
Best forPeople who want open network messaging and control over where their account is hosted.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Cloud Storage
Proton Calendar
A calendar service with encryption features for event details and an account-based cloud sync model.
Best forPeople who want a calendar integrated with Proton’s privacy-focused account ecosystem.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Email Aliases
Firefox Relay
Email masking service that forwards messages through aliases instead of exposing your regular address.
Best forMasking your email address on forms and low-risk subscriptions.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Cloud Storage
Proton Drive
Cloud storage with end-to-end encryption for files stored in the service.
Best forStoring files in the cloud when you want the provider to have limited access to file contents.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Tracker Blockers
uBlock Origin
An open-source content blocker that filters many ads and tracking requests using lists you choose.
Best forBlocking unwanted page requests in a supported browser.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Tracker Blockers
Privacy Badger
A browser extension from the Electronic Frontier Foundation that learns to block some third-party trackers.
Best forAdding a tracker-blocking layer to a supported desktop browser.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Tracker Blockers
AdGuard Home
A self-hosted DNS filter that can block many known ad and tracker domains for devices on your network.
Best forHouseholds that want network-wide DNS filtering and can maintain a small server.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Photo Backup
Ente Photos
A photo backup service with end-to-end encryption and published open-source clients.
Best forBacking up photos across devices without giving the storage provider readable photo files.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Email Aliases
SimpleLogin
An email alias service that forwards messages while keeping your primary address out of sign-up forms.
Best forCreating separate addresses for shopping, newsletters, and one-off accounts.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Encrypted Email
Tuta Mail
An email service that encrypts messages between Tuta users and supports encrypted email to external recipients.
Best forPeople willing to use a dedicated mail app for encrypted correspondence.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Notes
Joplin
An open-source note app with local storage and optional end-to-end encrypted sync.
Best forPeople who want local notes and the choice of where to sync them.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Private Notes
Standard Notes
A notes app that documents end-to-end encryption for synced notes.
Best forKeeping personal notes synchronized without giving the service readable note contents.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Dns Privacy
NextDNS
A configurable DNS service that can block known trackers and lets users control whether DNS logs are kept.
Best forFiltering trackers across devices with configurable DNS rules.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Vpn Services
Mullvad VPN
A paid VPN service with numbered accounts and a published policy against logging user activity.
Best forReducing the IP address exposed to websites while minimizing account details.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Search Engines
DuckDuckGo Search
A search engine that says it does not save or share personal search histories.
Best forSearching without building a personal query history with the search provider.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Web Browsers
Brave Browser
A Chromium-based browser with built-in controls for blocking many ads and trackers.
Best forPeople who want tracker blocking without installing several extensions.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Web Browsers
Tor Browser
A browser that routes connections through the Tor network and is designed to reduce tracking and fingerprinting.
Best forReducing linkability between browsing sessions and hiding your IP address from websites.
Based on published sourcesView details →
File Encryption
Cryptomator
Encrypt files on your device before they are stored in a cloud folder.
Best forAdding client-side encryption to a cloud drive you already use.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Password Managers
KeePassXC
A free, open-source password manager that stores its encrypted database as a file you control.
Best forPeople who want an offline password vault and are comfortable managing backups.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Password Managers
Proton Pass
An encrypted password manager with a built-in option for creating email aliases.
Best forManaging passwords and aliases in one encrypted vault.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Email Services
Gmail
A mainstream email service integrated with Google accounts; review activity controls, security settings, encryption scope and account-level data choices.
Best forPeople using Google accounts and related services.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Password Managers
1Password
A paid password manager with a Secret Key as part of its account security model; weigh recovery responsibilities, supported devices and subscription cost.
Best forPeople looking for a paid password management solution.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Encrypted Messaging
Signal
A messaging service with end-to-end encrypted conversations; review phone-number visibility, usernames, backups and contact practices.
Best forPeople who want encrypted messages with other Signal users.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Web Browsers
Firefox
A general-purpose browser with configurable tracking protections; compare its privacy settings, extensions and compatibility with your daily sites.
Best forPeople looking for more browser privacy controls.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Password Managers
Bitwarden
A password manager for generating and organizing unique credentials; understand vault access, account recovery and device security before relying on it.
Best forManaging unique passwords across accounts.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Vpn Services
Proton VPN
A VPN service with free and paid options; evaluate its published privacy claims, protocol support and the limits common to all VPNs.
Best forPeople seeking to reduce direct IP exposure to websites.
Based on published sourcesView details →
Encrypted Email
Proton Mail
Privacy-oriented email with encrypted storage and message options; review recipient workflows, recovery settings and migration needs before switching.
Best forAn alternative email inbox with privacy-focused features.
Based on published sourcesView details →
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Visit Proton MailHow to choose a privacy tool
Choose the problem before the product
A tool can help with a specific task, but it rarely solves privacy on its own. A password manager helps you use unique credentials. A VPN changes the network address websites see and shifts some network visibility to the VPN provider. A browser can block known trackers. Encrypted messaging protects message contents between participating users. These functions are different; a product in one category is not a substitute for another.
How to read the directory
Each profile describes the product’s stated purpose, relevant features, possible costs, and known limitations. Follow the official links to confirm current plan terms, supported devices, account recovery, and privacy practices. A “research only” profile is based on available documentation; it does not mean Vanishio performed an independent security audit or hands-on test. Prices, features, and policies can change.
Before paying, check whether a free setting or built-in control already addresses your need. Consider the data a service must receive to operate, how you would recover access, what happens if you stop paying, and whether you can export or delete your account. Read the provider’s privacy policy and terms, not only the product page.
Keep the trade-offs visible
More protection can add friction, recovery responsibility, or compatibility problems. A stricter browser setting may break a site. End-to-end encryption usually depends on the recipient and the way a message is sent. A VPN does not hide activity from a site where you sign in. A password vault can become difficult to recover if you lose the credentials and recovery method.
Use the comparison pages to evaluate the factors that matter to you. Vanishio may earn a commission from some clearly disclosed links; compensation does not set research status or editorial conclusions.
Sources and further reading
Review source dates and policies before acting; external pages may change.
Do privacy tools make someone anonymous?
No single product guarantees anonymity. Account logins, payment details, device settings and information you share can still identify you.
Should I pay for a privacy product?
First define the problem and compare built-in or free controls. Pay only when a service’s documented features and trade-offs fit your needs.
What does “research only” mean?
The profile summarizes documentary research. It is not a claim that Vanishio independently tested the product or verified its security.
