Free privacy tools
8 listings
Paying privately only goes so far if your browser, phone or computer gives you away. These free, open-source tools close the gaps: they hide your IP address, block tracking and fingerprinting, and keep your data on your own device.
Start with a private browser, add Tor when you need to hide where you connect from, and use a hardened operating system for the most sensitive work.
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Tor BrowserUnverifiedtorproject.org
Browser that sends your traffic through the Tor network to hide your IP address, and blocks trackers and fingerprinting.
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TailsUnverifiedtails.net
Portable operating system that runs from a USB stick, sends everything through Tor and forgets everything when you shut down.
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Mullvad BrowserUnverifiedmullvad.net
Privacy browser from Mullvad and the Tor Project, with Tor Browser's anti-fingerprinting but without the Tor network.
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GrapheneOSUnverifiedgrapheneos.org
Hardened, privacy-focused Android-based operating system for Pixel phones, with no Google apps unless you add them.
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WhonixUnverifiedwhonix.org
Desktop operating system that runs in virtual machines and forces every connection through Tor.
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Qubes OSUnverifiedqubes-os.org
Desktop operating system that keeps apps in separate virtual machines, so one compromised app cannot reach the rest.
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KeePassXCUnverifiedkeepassxc.org
Offline password manager. Your passwords stay in an encrypted file on your own device, with no account.
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OrbotUnverifiedorbot.app
Tor for Android and iOS: sends your phone's apps through the Tor network.
Free privacy tools: questions
Tor or a VPN: which do I need?
A VPN hides your traffic from your internet provider but sees it itself. Tor spreads your connection over three volunteer relays, so no single one knows both who you are and what you visit. Tor is more private, a VPN is faster. Our guide explains when to use each.
Are these tools really free?
Yes. Every tool here is free and open source. Most are run by nonprofits and funded by donations, many of which accept Monero or bitcoin.
Which one should I start with?
Tor Browser or Mullvad Browser on your computer and a password manager such as KeePassXC. For the strongest protection on a phone, GrapheneOS on a Pixel.
Know one we missed?
If it respects your privacy and works without ID, tell us about it. We review every submission by hand.