14 apps and services to live without Google

—

David Bernal Raspall

—

14 apps y servicios para vivir sin Google

Many people use Google’s tools every day, but their business model is based on something that can make many of us uncomfortable: advertising and the collection of personal data. Although their services work remarkably well, it’s common to wonder whether we’re giving up too much information in exchange for something supposedly free.

Are there alternatives that respect our privacy? The answer is yes. And the best part is that they’re easy to use and often just as effective as Google’s tools. Let’s take a look.

Alternatives to Google

Using alternatives doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning Google completely, but we can choose some third-party tools while relying on Google’s services only occasionally.

For example, we can use DuckDuckGo for our daily searches and Google Images in specific cases. This combination can help us reduce our dependence on Google—and the data we give it—without eliminating it entirely.

  1. Google > DuckDuckGo: A search engine that prioritizes our privacy. It doesn’t track our activities or store our personal information. Although it uses Bing’s results, its ad model is based on the specific searches we make, not on building a profile about us. We can set it as the default search engine in Safari.
  2. Google Maps > Apple Maps: Apple Maps offers highly accurate information and integrates much more deeply with our devices. The design of its street view function and its ability to sync content with apps like Calendar and Reminders make it an excellent option.
  3. Gmail > iCloud Mail: Switching to an @icloud.com email ensures a higher level of privacy. Apple doesn’t scan our emails and also allows us to use features like Hide My Email. With Mail Privacy Protection, we can prevent unwanted tracking from senders.
  4. Google Chrome > Safari: Safari optimizes both battery life and speed, while protecting our privacy with iCloud Private Relay when we browse the web. It hides our IP addresses and makes it harder for websites to track us.
  5. Google Authenticator > Passwords app: A secure and convenient system to manage passwords, notes, and two-factor authentication codes. Its integration with Safari and the entire Apple ecosystem gives us automatic access to our accounts.
  6. Google Drive > iCloud Drive: With iCloud Drive, all our files sync instantly across our devices. Both the Desktop and Documents folders on our Mac, as well as all the files on our iPhone or iPad, are always available from any device—and even online.
  7. Google Docs > iWork: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote offer truly powerful tools for working locally or in the cloud. We can collaborate with other users and share documents via public links, all while keeping our privacy intact.
  8. Google Calendar > Calendar: A more practical alternative that lets us manage events and share calendars easily. Plus, its integration with other iCloud apps gives us greater flexibility.
  9. Google Photos > iCloud Photos: All our photos and videos sync across our devices and are encrypted to protect our privacy. LiveText and other features let us make the most of our images.
  10. Google Translate > Translate app: Apple’s Translate app is highly effective and completely respectful of our data. We can translate text, audio, and even images using our device’s camera.
  11. Google Meet > FaceTime: FaceTime is ideal for encrypted video calls, accessible from any device, including Windows and Android. It also lets us schedule meetings and share links.
  12. Google Keep > Notes app: With Apple’s Notes app we can organize ideas and lists securely, thanks to iCloud synchronization. We can also lock notes with Face ID or a password.
  13. YouTube > Apple Music: Although not a direct alternative, Apple Music offers an extensive catalog of music and videos without ads. A great option to avoid constant advertising.
  14. Google News > Apple News: Apple News aggregates content from different sources, respecting our preferences and without invading our privacy.

Adopting these alternatives (including the 5 best alternatives to Google Drive) is much easier than it seems. And it doesn’t mean giving up Google entirely, since we can use them in a complementary way to reduce the impact of tracking on our privacy and enjoy tools that better respect our personal data.

As with everything, it’s about finding a balance that lets us enjoy technology without feeling like we’re paying for it with our personal information.

On Hanaringo | Eve Room, review: the smart thermometer that goes far beyond automating our home