Best Privacy Apps for Android

Apps for the Privacy-focused User

Apps from Big Tech companies have a reputation for spying on their users. A privacy-focused alternative are apps from the F-Droid repository. Apps on F-Droid are open source and are carefully evaluated for "Anti-Features" like known vulnerabilities, non-free add-ons, tracking, or ads. Open source means the code is auditable and can be inspected for backdoors or other malicious programming. To get started, download the F-Droid app directly from their website.

Our recommended apps are open source, free to download, and do not require Google Play services or MicroG to run. A small number of apps on the list are only available from the developer's website or Aurora Store.

WARNING: Beginning September 2026, Google is forcing Android app developers into an unfair registration process that involves submitting government identification, paying fees, and providing evidence of the developer's private signing key. This could severely alter the open-source nature of the Android ecosystem.
You can help! Go to https://keepandroidopen.org/ and get involved.

Categories

App Stores

Replaces Google Play Store

	F-Droid	A catalog of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications for the Android platform. The client makes it easy to browse, install, and keep track of updates on your device. Available for download at f-droid.org.
	Droid-ify	A quick material F-Droid client featuring fast repository syncing, standard Android components and minimal dependencies. Available on F-Droid.
	Neo Store	Another modern F-Droid client with Material Design featuring fast repository syncing, standard Android components and minimal dependencies. Available on F-Droid.
	Aurora Store	The open source alternative repository that connects to Google Play Store anonymously. Available on F-Droid.

Audio & Video

Replaces iTunes and YouTube

	AntennaPod	An ad-free open source podcast player that respects users' privacy. Available on F-Droid.
	Odysee	The most popular interface to the LBRY database (An open source, free network of video and media content by creators that value freedom of expression). Enjoy indie content creators across a variety of genres including pop culture, science, gaming, commentary, tech, and education. Available on F-Droid.
	NewPipe	The lightweight, feature-rick, privacy-friendly alternative interface to YouTube. View YouTube content without annoying ads and questionable permissions. Available on F-Droid, or add this repository to F-Droid for faster access to new versions.
	VLC	VLC for Android is a full port of VLC media player to the Android™ platform. It can play any video and audio files, network streams and DVD ISOs, like the classic version of VLC. Available on F-Droid.

Camera & Gallery

In addition to the pre-installed camera and gallery apps that come with a de-googled device, there are several alternatives worth exploring. These apps replace Google Camera and Google Gallery

	Fossify Camera	Fossify Camera is a lightweight open-source camera app for quick, easy, and secure photography. Fully customizable, control flash, aspect ratio, and zoom directly from the camera view. Available on F-Droid.
	Fossify Gallery	Fossify Gallery is the ultimate photo and video app that's as powerful as it is private. No ads, no unnecessary permissions – just a seamless experience tailored for you. Available on F-Droid.
	Les Pas	Les Pas is a free, lightweight, open source gallery app that syncs images to your private Nextcloud account. Sign in to NextCloud and Les Pas does the rest for you. Organize photos, GIFs, and videos into albums. Available on F-Droid, or download the APK directly from GitHub.
	Open Camera	Open Camera is a free open source camera app by Mark Harman. It features video and audio recording, image stabilization, multi-touch zoom, flash, face detection, front and rear camera modes, resolution adjustment, timer, silenceable shutter, and more. Available on F-Droid.

Email

Synchronize an existing mail service and easily send and receive emails from your de-googled device. Replaces gmail, outlook, and Apple mail

	Addy.io	Addy.io is an open source anonymous email forwarding service. Create unlimited email aliases using custom domains and allowing you to stay private and blend in with the crowd. Available on F-Droid.
	K-9 Mail	K-9 Mail is an open source email client focused on making it easy to chew through large volumes of email. Requires an account with email service provider. Available on F-Droid.
	Proton Mail	Proton Mail is an encrypted email service based in Switzerland that focuses on user privacy. Mail is end-to-end encrypted. Available directly from Proton Mail or on Aurora Store.
	Thunderbird Mobile	From the developers of the Thunderbird desktop app, the mobile app is based on K-9 Mail. It is open source and includes security features and options for multiple accounts, themes, encryption, and more. Available on F-Droid.

Financial

Replaces Coin Gecko and CoinMarketCap

Crypto Prices

Crypto Prices is a free open source interface to the CoinGecko platform. It lets you track prices of all cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Litecoin. You can also view detailed information about every coin, like price history, market cap, and volume. Available on F-Droid.

Keyboards

Replaces Google's Gboard

	AnySoft Keyboard	Any Soft Keyboard is a highly customizable, open-source, on-screen keyboard with multiple languages support and an emphasis on privacy. Available on F-Droid.
	HeliBoard	HeliBoard is a privacy-conscious and customizable open-source software keyboard, based on AOSP / OpenBoard. It does not use internet permission, and thus is 100% offline. Available on F-Droid.

Maps & Navigation

Replaces Google Maps and Waze

	CoMaps	Updated fork of Organic Maps. Offline maps, privacy-respecting, with turn-by-turn navigation. Available on F-Droid
	Organic Maps	Get turn-by-turn navigation from this offline maps app for travelers, tourists, hikers, and cyclists based on OpenStreetMap data and curated with love by MAPS.ME founders. Available on F-Droid
	OsmAnd	OsmAnd (OSM Automated Navigation Directions) is a map and navigation application with access to the free, worldwide, and high-quality OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Available on F-Droid.

Messaging & Chat

Replaces Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, SnapChat, and Google Hangouts

	Briar	A free and open source peer-to-peer encrypted messaging platform that creates direct device-to-device connections over Tor network. Messages are stored securely on your device, not on a server. If the internet goes down, Briar syncs via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Available on F-Droid, or download directly from their website.
	Cheogram	A free and open-source messaging client for the XMPP communications protocol that enables calling and texting on the telephone network through the JMP.chat VoIP service. Available on F-Droid, or add this repository to F-Droid for faster access to new versions.
	Conversations	A free and open-source messaging client for the XMPP communications protocol. Requires an account with an XMPP service provider (or host your own server). Available on F-Droid.
	Element X	Element X is the next generation secure messenger app for team collaboration that employs end-to-end encryption to provide powerful video conferencing, file sharing and voice calls. Matrix is the decentralized open source framework. Available on F-Droid.
	Forkgram	Forkgram is an unofficial fork of the Telegram Messenger app with a few improvements. Telegram is a popular group messaging platform focused on speed and security. Messages are not encrypted by default. Available on F-Droid.
	Jitsi Meet	Free open source video conferencing solution that replaces Skype and Zoom.  Video, voice, and chat communication are fully encrypted. Available on F-Droid.
	Nextcloud Talk	Private video calls and chat from your self-hosted Nextcloud server. Requires an account on a Nextcloud platform. Available on F-Droid.
	Session	Session is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that minimises sensitive metadata, designed and built for people who want absolute privacy and freedom from any form of surveillance. Available on F-Droid by adding Repository or download directly from their website.
	Signal	Similar look and feel to WhatsApp, Signal is a centralized end-to-end private messenger with support for groups and disappearing chat. It requires a phone number as personal identifier. Be careful. Available for download from their website.

Note-taking

Note-taking, task lists, and reminders

	Another Notes App	This app doesn't strive to innovate, it strives to provide a simple way to take notes. Material design is used to create a visually attractive interface. Available on F-Droid.
	Nextcloud Notes	Free and open-source notes taking client for Android that synchronizes with the Notes app from Nextcloud. Requires Nextcloud account. Available on F-Droid.
	Notesnook	Syncronize notes across all your devices with Notesnook. Open source and end-to-end encrypted. Requires account sign-up to work. Available on F-Droid.

Password Management

Store online account information and passwords securely on your mobile device

	KeePassDX	KeePassDX is a secure open-source password manager for Android, compatible with other KeePass products across multiple platforms. Available on F-Droid.
	Proton Pass	Proton Pass is part of the Proton suite of products. Keep your passwords encrypted and available across multiple platforms and devices. Available on F-Droid, Aurora Store or as a Web App.

Productivity

Replaces components of Google Drive, iCloud, Microsoft Office, and Adobe PDF

	LibreOffice Viewer	LibreOffice Viewer uses the same engine as LibreOffice for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This, combined with a new front-end based on Firefox for Android, reads documents similarly to LibreOffice desktop. Available on F-Droid.
	MuPDF	MuPDF is a lightweight PDF, XPS, and E-book viewer. It is small, fast, yet complete. It supports many document formats, such as PDF, XPS, OpenXPS, CBZ, EPUB, and FictionBook 2. Available on F-Droid
	Nextcloud	Official synchronization client for access, sync and upload of your data, featuring instant upload for photos and videos, upload management and more. Requires an account on a Nextcloud platform. Available on F-Droid.
	Open Note Scanner	Capture documents, handwritten notes, arts, shopping receipts, etcetera. It will automatically adjust the image aspect, contrast and save it. It will allow browsing, view and share the scanned documents. Available on F-Droid.
	ownCloud	Free open source software you install on a server to manage files, contacts, calendars, music, pictures and much more. Sync files and folders across devices. This is the official Android app available on F-Droid.
	Unit Converter Ultimate	A free and open source comprehensive unit conversion tool with a clean user interface. Available on F-Droid.

Social Media

Replaces Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Tusky

Tusky is a lightweight client for Mastodon, a free and open-source social network server. It supports all Mastodon features, like photos, videos, lists, custom emojis and is designed according to material guidelines. Available on F-Droid.

Network Utilities

Useful network utilities and tools.

	Datura Firewall	Restrict network access to app at four levels (1) allow background network access, (2) allow network access, (3) allow Wi-Fi access, and (4) allow VPN access.  Datura is available for installation during CalyxOS setup as part of their suite of privacy apps.
	DAVx5	DAVx5 is an all-in-one CalDAV/CardDAV/WebDAV solution for Android. It allows you to manage and synchronize address books, calendars and task lists from Nextcloud and other hosted services to your favorite calendar and contact apps. Available on F-Droid.
	Location Privacy	Not an app but rather a set of “privacy filters” for all of the various ways of sharing location. Currently in beta, developed by the Guardian Project. Available on F-Droid by adding repository.
	NetGuard	Provides simple and advanced ways to block access to the internet - no root required. Applications and addresses can individually be allowed or denied access to your Wi-Fi and/or mobile connection. Available on F-Droid.
	OONI Probe	Examine the blocking of websites and instant messaging apps, measure your network’s speed and performance, and check whether systems that could be responsible for censorship and surveillance are in your network. Available on F-Droid.
	OpenKeychain	OpenKeychain helps you communicate more privately and securely by managing your digitally signed keys. It uses OpenPGP encryption standard and is compatible with a long list of apps. Available on F-Droid.
	Scrambled Exif	Scrambled Exif (pronounced eggsif) helps you remove the metadata in your pictures before you share them. Available on F-Droid.
	Termux	An Android terminal emulator and Linux environment app that works directly with no rooting or setup required. A minimal base system is installed automatically - additional packages are available using the APT package manager. Available on F-Droid.

SMS/MMS Text Messaging

Replaces default SMS/MMS Messaging app

Fossify Messages

A lightweight, open-source, and Ad-free SMS/MMS messaging app with enhanced features like unwanted message blocking, lock screen privacy settings, message backup for import/export, and message search. Available on F-Droid.

Two-factor Authentication (2FA)

Replaces Google Authenticator and Authy

Aegis Authenticator

A free, secure and open source app to manage 2-step verification tokens for online services. Aegis Authenticator can import the entries of other popular authenticators, including Authy, andOTP,  Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and WinAuth. Available on F-Droid.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

Replaces ExpressVPN and Surfshark

	CalyxVPN	With CalyxVPN, you can safely encrypt all your network traffic and route it through the Calyx Institute. Free and open source service featuring no account required, no logging, no data limit. Available on F-Droid.
	IVPN	Provides encrypted and anonymous communication, no logs and no personal information required for account signup, not even an email address. Payments accepted in Monero and Bitcoin. Available on F-Droid.
	Mullvad	Top privacy-respecting paid VPN service. Protect your online privacy with a fast, trustworthy, and easy-to-use VPN. Available on F-Droid.
	ProtonVPN	A free, fast, safe, private, and secure VPN with no logs and no data limit. ProtonVPN also offers paid services. Available on F-Droid, or download the APK directly from GitHub.
	Orbot	Orbot is a free proxy app that empowers other apps to use the internet more securely. Orbot uses Tor to encrypt your Internet traffic and then hides it by bouncing through a series of computers around the world. Available on F-Droid by adding repository.

Weather

Replaces Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and Yahoo Weather

Breezy Weather

A lightweight, powerful, open-source Material Design weather app featuring real-time temperature, daily forecasts up to 15 days, air quality and allergen information, and severe weather alerts. We recommend the Standard version, available on F-Droid by adding repository.

Web Browsers

Replaces Safari, Edge, and Chrome

	Brave	A fast, free, secure web browser for mobile devices. Complete with a built-in ad blocker that prevents tracking, and optimized for mobile data and battery life savings. Available on F-Droid by adding repository. Also available on Aurora Store.
	Cromite	Cromite is a Chromium fork based on Bromite with built-in support for ad blocking and an eye for privacy. Available on F-Droid by adding repository.
	DuckDuckGo	DuckDuckGo, well-known for their privacy-focused search engine, also offers an open-source browser for Android. Available on F-Droid, or download the APK directly from GitHub.
	MetaGer	MetaGer is a non-profit German meta search engine that prioritizes user privacy and neutral results. Privacy features include a proxy for anonymity, no cookies, no tracking, deletes logs after 96 hours, optionally uses Tor Network for anonymous access. Subscription-based key token is required. Available on F-Droid.
	Privacy Browser	A web browser developed in the UK that respects users' privacy by minimizing data sent to the internet and data stored on the device. Features integrated EasyList ad blocking and Tor Orbit proxy support. Available on F-Droid.
	Tor Browser	All traffic is relayed over the Tor network. The browser offers the strongest defense against surveillance, tracking, and fingerprinting.  Available on F-Droid by adding repository.