Security & Privacy Tools

Feature-rich, cross-platform password manager with excellent security practices. Audited code, zero-knowledge encryption, and a generous free tier make it our top recommendation for most users. Premium tier adds hardware key support and advanced 2FA options. Latest version 2024.12 includes Passkey support. Mobile apps available for iOS and Android.

Local-only password manager for maximum security. Your encrypted database never leaves your device unless you choose to sync it manually. Perfect for users who don't trust cloud storage or need air-gapped security. Version 2.7.6 adds improved browser integration. Supports Argon2 hashing and custom encryption settings. No account required, no cloud dependency.

Premium password manager with excellent UX and family/team features. Watchtower feature alerts you to compromised passwords and weak security. Not open-source, but underwent independent security audit from Cure53 in 2023. Uses PBKDF2 and AES-256 encryption. SecureEnclaves and Hardware Key support. Version 8.10 adds improved autofill.

The gold standard for anonymous browsing. Routes traffic through the Tor network, and all users look identical to defeat fingerprinting. Important for accessing .onion services and maximum privacy. Version 13.0.3 (based on Firefox ESR) includes latest security patches. Multi-layer proxy routing makes IP tracing nearly impossible. Recommended for high-risk activities.

Privacy-respecting browser that can be hardened with configuration changes. Not private out-of-the-box, but with proper setup (or use arkenfox user.js), provides excellent privacy while maintaining compatibility. Version 133.0 includes DNS-over-HTTPS by default. Supports uBlock Origin. Total Cookie Protection blocks cross-site tracking. Requires manual hardening for maximum privacy.

Chromium-based browser with built-in ad and tracker blocking. Good balance of privacy and compatibility. Some controversy around its crypto features, but the browser itself provides solid privacy defaults. Version 1.73.109 adds improved fingerprinting protection. Built-in VPN option available. HTTPS Everywhere enabled by default. Good for users wanting privacy without extensive configuration.

Collaboration between Mullvad and Tor Project. Provides Tor Browser's fingerprinting protection without the Tor network. Perfect for VPN users who want consistent fingerprints across all sessions. Version 14.0.5 includes Tor Browser's hardening. No telemetry. Works well with VPNs. Simpler than Tor Browser for non-anonymous browsing.

Gold standard for secure messaging. End-to-end encrypted by default with minimal metadata collection. Recommended by security experts worldwide. Requires phone number but it's not shared with contacts.

Decentralized messenger that doesn't require phone number or email. Routes messages through onion network for metadata protection. Good alternative when anonymity is paramount.

First messenger without user identifiers. No phone number, email, or username required. Uses temporary anonymous pairwise identifiers for each contact. Strong privacy design but smaller user base.

Decentralized, federated messaging on the Matrix protocol. Can self-host your own server. E2EE available. Good for communities and those who want control over their infrastructure.

Popular hardware wallet supporting hundreds of cryptocurrencies. Secure element chip protects private keys. Ledger Live software for management. Some controversy over their recovery service—use device without it.

First hardware wallet, fully open-source. Model T has touchscreen for secure PIN entry. Strong reputation and transparent security practices. No secure element but mitigated by open design.

Lightweight Monero wallet with excellent privacy features. Tor integration, coin control, and offline transaction signing. The recommended desktop wallet for Monero users.

Bitcoin wallet focused on security and privacy. Excellent coin control, UTXO management, and hardware wallet support. Whirlpool integration for CoinJoin mixing. Best desktop wallet for privacy-focused Bitcoin users.

Privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track you. Good results for most queries. US-based but claims no logging. Instant answers and bangs for quick access to other sites.

Google results without the tracking. Acts as a proxy between you and Google. Netherlands-based with strong privacy laws. Good option if you need Google-quality results.

Privacy-focused DNS service with malware blocking. Swiss-based non-profit. Blocks known malicious domains while respecting privacy. Easy to set up on any device or router.

Customizable DNS service with ad blocking, tracker blocking, and detailed analytics (optional). You control what's blocked. Excellent for families and organizations wanting network-wide protection.