Google services include the search engine, web browser, email, Google Drive (docs/sheets/forms/etc.), Android, financial services, and more.
But many people are getting tired of the monopoly and the questionable algorithms and privacy, and are considering other free alternatives. I am at the point where I am considering alternatives now, especially free, open-source software.
Below are some reasons why people are ending their relationships with Google and what alternatives they are choosing. (Click the links to read more about them.)
Top 10 Downsides of Using Google (listed below, with explanations at this link)
- Privacy Concerns
- Monopoly and Lack of Competition
- Filter Bubbles
- Data Breaches
- Advertising Overload
- Dependency on Google Services
- Manipulation of Search Results
- High Cost for Businesses
- Decreased Autonomy of Content Creators
- Environmental Impact
Google donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration, and its CEO, Sundar Pichai, was in attendance at the ceremony with other technocrat wannabes.
Google Calendar also removed Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month, Pride Month, and more from the calendar. And rushed to rename the Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps. More examples of bowing to Trump and his right-wing extremists.
Here are just a few recommendations for alternatives.
Web Browsers
- Firefox – open source browser that emphasizes privacy along with a high level of customization with extensions and add-ons. Generally considered to be a fast and efficient browser with good memory management.
- Brave – faster browser that blocks most ads and trackers, has a built-in VPN, and uses the same open-source Chromium engine as Chrome. It uses “fingerprint randomization,” making your browser appear unique each time you start, so sites can’t link your behavior.
- Opera – built-in features include a free VPN, ad blocker, and a focus on privacy and security. It uses less system resources while offering extensive customization options.
- DuckDuckGo – does not track your search history, IP address, or any other personal information. Automatically blocks tracking cookies and other trackers.
Search Engines
- DuckDuckGo – best for privacy and has a simple interface. DDG lets you search for images, videos, news, maps, and shopping results. DDG also adds more header options depending on the search term, such as Definition, Meanings, Nutrition, and Recipes. While Google tracks your search history and purchase history and bases its ads on that, DDG doesn’t track anything, so the ads are actually based on the search results you are viewing at the time.”Just duck it!” 😀
- Brave – often considered one of the most private search engines that offers independent results. Completely open source and now offers a choice of AI-powered or standard web results which are free from bias or political agendas. Brave search engine is powered by its own independent index, free from “big tech,” while DDG’s index is powered by Bing.
- Tor – uses relays to protect privacy & anonymity, hiding IP addresses and blocking tracking, and can access the dark web because it can find websites that might be blocked in your region. Monitored more heavily because of the potential for illegal use.
- Bing – has more serious and academic results than Chrome, includes AI CoPilot, and is great for searching news, images, videos, and maps
- GMX – one of the most secure free email platforms. Offers 65 GB of email storage and attachments up to 50MB. Includes calendars, online office, and some additional cloud storage on top of the email storage.
- Protonmail – Offers zero-access encryption: even ProtonMail cannot access the content of your emails. Also zero ads and includes calendar, 1GB mail storage, and 5GB ProtonDrive storage, but only 3 email folders. More storage and apps with a paid subscription.
- Yahoo mail – 1 TB of free email/attachment storage. Lets you make 3 free disposable email addresses that redirect to your mail account without revealing your actual address. Attachments are organized and easier to find.
- Outlook.com (was HotMail) – integrates with other Microsoft products.
Online Office
- GMX – free open-source platform compatible with Word/Excel/PowerPoint that is totally cloud-based and connected with GMX email.
- OpenOffice – free open-source platform compatible with Word/Excel/PowerPoint and more. Must be downloaded to use.
- LibreOffice – free open-source platform compatible with Word/Excel/PowerPoint and Access. Online version is available, but they emphasize downloading the free app and using it on your computer.
File Storage
- Mega – 20 GB for free with no file size limit. Privacy encryption means even THEY cannot give you your password. Don’t lose it! Free version may have slower download speeds.
- Internxt – 10 GB for free. Separate area for photos. Free version may have slower download speeds.
- pCloud – 10 GB for free. Share files with others using links. Free version may have slower download speeds.
- OneDrive – 5 GB of cloud storage, 15 GB of mailbox storage. Interfaces with other Microsoft products. Free version may have slower download speeds.
Maps
- OpenStreetMap – privacy-focused and open data and community contributions makes it a more flexible and customizable platform. It’s open-source, created by volunteers, and is constantly updated. Also customizable and includes data about roads, buildings, trails, points of interest, and more.
- HERE WeGo – mostly known for its excellent navigation and route suggestions, with turn-by-turn voice navigation. You can also download your maps for offline use. Feels very similar to Google Maps but it’s not Google Maps.
- Maps.me – for offline navigation, turn-by-turn directions, and finding points of interest, especially when traveling without cell service. Open source on GitHub. Allows custom labeling and following trails for hiking & biking.
- Sygic – top-rated GPS navigation app for use in cars. It’s good for speed limits, traffic information, and speed cameras. For services, it gives you gas stations with fuel prices as well as parking services.
- MapQuest – online mapping service that includes routes, traffic, accident rerouting, parking, and gas prices, with a progress bar, ETA, and compass.
News Apps
While Google News is pretty reliable and unbiased, if you’re trying to get away from everything Google, here are some other free aggregator options:
- AP News – if you had to just pick one news source that is the most reliable, fact-based, and unbiased, that would be AP News!
- BBC News – another reliable, fact-based news source that focuses on both the UK and the world
- The Guardian – another British daily news source that says: “we publish free, trustworthy journalism – and stay fiercely independent.”
- Flipboard – has a magazine-style layout with diverse sources and you can personalize it based on your interests
- Digg – a social news aggregator where users can submit stories and up/downvote them, which results in the main feed focusing on popular and trending stories that may not be covered by mainstream media
- SmartNews – focuses on top trending stories around the world. Less customization is available, but you can choose topics and publishers
Videos
Replacing YouTube might be the hardest task for fully leaving Google. Here are a few free video platforms:
- Dailymotion – a wide range of content, including news, entertainment, and user-generated videos. Probably the second-biggest video streaming site after YouTube.
- Rumble – a Canadian video-sharing platform that has relaxed content policies and an emphasis on free speech.
- Vimeo – offers 4K UHD, ad-free browsing, and a built-in video editor. More community-driven and no ads!
- TikTok – mostly short-form videos and user content, but an option if you’re looking for entertainment and diversion
Source: https://projectmanagers.net/top-10-cons-disadvantages-of-google/
Source: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/go-beyond-google-best-alternative-search-engines
Source: https://www.techradar.com/best/browser
Source: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/chrome-edge-firefox-opera-or-safari-which-browser-is-best
Source: https://www.techradar.com/best/free-office-software
Source: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-cloud-storage-and-file-sharing-services
Source: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/brave-vs-duckduckgo/
Source: https://brave.com/compare/firefox-vs-brave/
