Tired of relying on Big Tech for your collaboration, communication and productivity needs? You’re not alone.
Whether you’re concerned about data privacy, compliance, vendor lock-in, or digital sovereignty, the shift to European-built software is gaining serious momentum. And for good reason: these platforms respect your data, operate under GDPR by default, and are often open source or self-hosted.
In this guide, we break down the top European alternatives across six key software categories, helping you rebuild your digital workspace, securely and independently.
Big Tech Replacements: Gmail, Outlook, Microsoft Exchange, Google Calendar, Microsoft Calendar
If you're still using Gmail or Outlook, your data could be scanned, stored outside the EU, or accessed by third-party vendors. European providers offer encrypted email and calendar tools designed for GDPR compliance and enterprise-level privacy.
Why switch? Say goodbye to inbox surveillance and regain full control over your messages and metadata.
Big Tech Replacements: Microsoft Teams, Slack
Unlike Microsoft Teams or Slack, these European messaging platforms are end-to-end encrypted and compliant with NIS2 and GDPR, ensuring your internal comms stay confidential.
Why switch? Eliminate third-party integrations with weak security and central cloud dependency.
Big Tech Replacements: Microsoft Teams (calls), Zoom, Google Meet
Zoom and Microsoft Teams don’t offer consistent end-to-end encryption and often store user data in third countries. These European tools ensure your meetings remain secure, private, and compliant with local laws.
Why switch? Privacy-first calls without telemetry, data mining, or non-EU server hops.
Big Tech Replacements: OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive
OneDrive and SharePoint often involve cross-border data transfers and opaque infrastructure. These EU-based tools provide secure file sharing with zero-knowledge encryption, clear compliance frameworks, and strong user control.
Why switch? Own your files, avoid cross-border transfers, and meet data localization mandates.
Big Tech Replacements: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides
Tools like Word, Excel, and Google Sheets are convenient, but come with privacy trade-offs. These European solutions offer document collaboration in secure, self-hosted environments with enterprise-ready functionality.
Why switch? Escape the always-connected SaaS trap. Edit and share files in your private cloud.
Big Tech Replacements: Microsoft Planner, To Do, Project
Microsoft Planner and To Do are heavily integrated into the Microsoft cloud. EU-based project management tools offer transparency, privacy, and self-hosting options that keep your workflows secure.
Why switch? Bring project planning under your control, securely, locally, and flexibly.
European regulations like GDPR and NIS2 have redefined what responsible data management looks like. US-based tools may comply on paper, but their cloud infrastructure must comply with Cloud Act surveillance requirements and their commercial motivations often conflict with EU data protection expectations.
By using EU-built tools, you gain:
European alternatives offer something Big Tech can’t: software aligned with your values, legal frameworks, and risk posture.