Some App Recommendations

Here are some of the apps and browser extensions I use to keep myself sane while browsing the web:

1. 1Blocker (iOS and macOS) - Ad blocker for mobile or desktop Safari

2. AMP Shockwave (iOS) - This redirects Google AMP pages to their normal counterparts

3. Amplosion (iOS) - Another extension for redirecting AMP pages

4. Vinegar (iOS) - This removes ads and replaces the Youtube player with an HTML5 equivalent.

5. Now that that’s out of the way, if all this seems like a lot for some basic privacy, try out Brave browser instead.

The following are some more private alternatives to common apps:

1. Strongbox (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) - Perhaps the best password manager on Apple platforms. Can be used standalone or with SFTP, WebDAV, OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive sync integrations.

2. Affinity Photo (macOS) - A few months ago, Adobe unexpectedly changed the Creative Suite Terms of Service, forcing users to agree to grant Adobe license to use their projects for AI training, or stop using Creative Suite. If you decide to take Adobe up on their offer, check it out.

3. Proton Mail (Multiplatform) - The de facto private mail service, alongside Tuta (Nota)

4. Doppler (macOS and iOS) - What iTune should have remained. Local music, organized in a way that makes sense, without cloud services or subscriptions.

5. Floccus (Multiplatform) - Synchronized bookmarks. You’d think it would be easy to find an app that doesn’t require a subscription to perform this basic task. You’d be wrong.

6. Joplin (Multiplatform) - An Open Source notes app. Local WebDAV sync included out of the box. If you’re looking for a local OneNote replacement, this is a good choice.

7. Signal (Multiplatform) - A private, secure messenger platform whose underlying protocol powers WhatsApp.

8. WorkingHours (iOS, macOS, Windows, Android) - A cross-platform hours tracking app. Again, WebDAV sync included. Spotting a pattern yet?

9. Yubico Authenticator (Multiplatform) - Authenticator used with YubiKeys, a hardware authenticator. Learning to use these is absolutely worth the time and monetary investment.