10 Best Privacy Apps for Data Protection, Security, and Anonymous Browsing

Emergency preparedness is not just about preparing for the worst case scenario. It's about protecting yourself and your family from real world threats. Protecting your online presence is an important piece to your safety arsenal. Cyberattacks are becoming an everyday occurrence and when that happens, your personal data can be at risk. This could include your name, address, phone number, SSN, and so much more. 

In addition, everything you do online is tracked, stored, and sold to the highest bidder. Sometimes you know what the company is doing with your data but a lot of times, you don't. Even using your phone for directions, sending a text message, or calling a friend can be used without your consent. A big tech company (that I will not name) is currently being sued for this exact thing. 

That's why I found these 10 best privacy apps that can help keep your data safe and protected. We all deserve privacy and these apps will help us stay protected and anonymous in a highly connected world. So lets get into it. 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for entertainment and general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always use your own judgment and consult qualified experts when making decisions related to emergency preparedness or safety. Some posts may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through those links. You can read my full disclaimer here.

Best For: Private Messaging

Send secure texts, voice messages, and have calls with your friends and family without worrying if someone else is listening or reading without your knowledge. 

Key Features: 

• End to end encrypted messaging 
• Has disappearing messages
• Open-source and run by a nonprofit
• No advertising or tracking

Price: Free

Learn More: https://signal.org/

Best For: Maximum VPN Privacy

Protect your online activity from companies that want to track, collect, and sell what you do online. 

Key Features: 

• Anonymous account with no email required
• Flat pricing (same price since 2009)
• Independent audits
• Combats traffic analysis

Price: Flat fee of €5 per month ($5.75 for USD)

Learn More: https://mullvad.net/en

Best For: Password Management 

Never worry about forgetting your password ever again, this app will securely store and create strong passwords for your online accounts. 

Key Features: 

• Create and store strong unique passwords
• Travel mode for border crossings
• Share passwords securely with friends or family
• Has individual, family, and business plans

Price: Individual plans are $2.99 per month

Learn More: https://1password.com/

Best For: Protects Your Real Email Address

Protect your actual email address by using alias for online accounts.

Key Features: 

• Create email alias for online security
• Open-source and based in Switzerland (powered by Proton)
• Blocks spam instantly 
• Only you can decrypt your emails

Price: Free and Premium ($36 per year) version

Learn More: https://simplelogin.io/

Best For: Private Web Browsing

Stops annoying ads, cookies, and trackers so you have a better online experience. 

Key Features: 

• Built in ad blocker
• Available on desktop, iPhone & Android phones
• Stops websites from tracking you
• Faster page loading

Price: Free

Learn More: https://brave.com/

Best For: Two-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by having an open source two factor authentication app with more security and user features than others. 

Key Features: 

• Open source app for Android users
• Offline 2FA code generation 
• Optional biometrics option
• Multiple interface settings with backup

Price: Free

Learn More: https://getaegis.app/#

Best For: Private Note Taking

Protect your ideas, lists, and thoughts.

Key Features: 

• No account required
• Stores notes privately on your own device
• Uses open file formats (you own your data)
• Thousands of available plugins

Price: Free with optional paid add-ons

Learn More: https://obsidian.md/

Best For: Securing Cloud Storage

Don't worry about getting another secure cloud storage provider, use whatever one you want. 

Key Features: 

• Easy to use and manage
• Protect your files in any cloud based service (Dropbox, Google Drive and more)
• Create passwords for folders within your cloud
• Open source and audited by security experts

Price: Free for Individuals

Learn More: https://cryptomator.org/

Best For: Private Photo Storage

You won't have to worry about your private photos being shared online with this secure photos app.

Key Features: 

• End-to-end encrypted photo backup/sync
• Facial recognition processed privately
• Open source built in 2020
• Share with up to 5 family or friends at no additional cost.

Price: Multiple paid plans based on storage needs

Learn More: https://ente.com/

Best For: Smartphone Privacy (Pixel)

Stop data gathering in its tracks by securing your phone.

Key Features: 

• Private and secure mobile operating system with Android app compatibility
• A non-profit and open source (founded in 2014)
• Sandboxes Google apps to stop data gathering

Price: Free (only available on Pixel)

Learn More: https://grapheneos.org/

There you have it, now you know the 10 best Privacy Apps for Data Protection, Security, and Anonymous Browsing. I hope this post helped you find apps to safe guard your data from companies who want to profit off of it. If you haven't already make sure to like, comment, and share this post so others know what apps to use for data security. Thanks for the read and have a safe online experience.