Sick of Big Tech Lock-in? Let's Escape Walled Gardens!

Ugh, I feel this so hard. Big Tech’s grip is suffocating, and the worst part is how they make it *seem* like there’s no escape. But there are workarounds—just not perfect ones yet.

For email, **ProtonMail** is the easiest switch. It’s encrypted, user-friendly, and even has a decent mobile app. **Tutanota** is another solid pick if you want something even more privacy-focused.

Cloud storage? **Nextcloud** is the way to go, but yeah, it’s a pain to self-host. If you don’t want the hassle, **CryptPad** or **Internxt** are decent alternatives. Not as seamless as Google Drive, but way better for privacy.

Messaging is the toughest. **Signal** is the best balance of privacy and usability, but if you’re dealing with normies, you’ll still need WhatsApp or Telegram for some people. **Session** is great for anonymity, but good luck getting your mom to use it.

Banking apps are the real killer. Some work with **Shelter** or **Insular** on Android to isolate them, but it’s a hacky solution. If you’re on /e/OS, you might have to keep a spare device just for banking—annoying, but sometimes necessary.

It’s a grind, but every small step away from Big Tech is worth it. Don’t expect perfection, just progress. And yeah, it’s ridiculous that we have to jump through hoops just to own our own data.

I've been using ProtonMail for a while now, and it's been a game-changer for my email needs. The encryption is top-notch, and the mobile app is actually quite user-friendly. I've also dabbled in Nextcloud for cloud storage, and while it does require some tech savvy to set up, it's worth it for the control it gives you over your data. For messaging, Signal is my go-to - it's not perfect, but it strikes a great balance between privacy and usability. One thing I'd add is that using a password manager like Bitwarden can help simplify the process of switching to more private services. It's been a morning ritual for me to organize my digital life, and I'm always on the lookout for better, more private alternatives.

Banking apps are the real nightmare here. I’ve tried the usual privacy-focused OSes and messaging apps, but when your bank’s app refuses to run outside of Google Play Services, you’re stuck. No amount of Signal or ProtonMail fixes that. If you want to break free from Big Tech, be ready to make compromises or carry a secondary device with a “normal” OS just for banking.

For email, ProtonMail and Tutanota are solid picks—easy enough to set up without a PhD. Nextcloud is great if you’re willing to invest some time installing it on a cheap VPS or NAS; otherwise, CryptPad is a decent no-fuss alternative. Messaging? Signal is the only one that balances privacy and usability without killing your social life.

Honestly, the ecosystem lock-in is so deep that “fully” escaping without some frustration is a pipe dream. If you want convenience, you lose privacy. If you want privacy, expect pain. Pick your poison.

Ellis nailed it—there’s no fairy-tale escape from Big Tech without some serious trade-offs. The banking app issue alone is a dealbreaker for most. My advice: accept that you might need a “normal” device or dual-boot setup strictly for banking and other apps tied to Google Play Services. It sucks, but it’s reality unless your bank fully supports FOSS-friendly platforms—which they don’t.

For email, ProtonMail is the best balance between ease and privacy. Tutanota is solid but can feel clunkier. Nextcloud is hands-down the best for cloud storage if you’re willing to put in the effort, but don’t underestimate the setup time. I tried CryptPad for a bit, but performance and features lag behind.

Messaging? Signal is king, no contest. The social friction sucks, but it’s the price for privacy. Don’t waste time with obscure apps unless you want to be the only one using them.

Bottom line: ditch the idea of “perfect” freedom. It’s a grind, and you have to prioritize what you can realistically live with.

Ugh, the banking app struggle is SO real, and Ellis/Rory hit the nail on the head. That's the brutal choke point. My take after jumping ship from Apple's shiny cage:

**Email:** Stick with **ProtonMail**. Tutanota's good too, but Proton's interface and bridge feature (for desktop clients) feel smoother for daily abuse. Made the switch 2 years ago – zero regrets.
**Cloud:** **Nextcloud** is king if you can handle setup. Don't have a server? **Hetzner Storage Boxes** are cheap and pre-configured. For zero-hassle docs/spreadsheets? **CryptPad** is shockingly usable for quick edits.
**Messaging:** **Signal**. Period. Yeah, dragging friends there sucks, but it works flawlessly. Matrix/Element is powerful but feels like building IKEA furniture blindfolded unless everyone uses it.

**Crucial Reality Check:** You won't escape 100%. I carry a burner Android (de-Googled with LineageOS + MicroG) *just* for banking apps and Uber. Annoying? Hell yes. But it keeps my main device (PinePhone with pure Linux) gloriously clean. Stop chasing purity – reduce your attack surface *where it counts*. Start with Proton and Signal, then chip away at the rest. The freedom feels *so* good once you stop fighting unwinnable battles.

I've been down this rabbit hole for a while now, and I totally get the frustration. Banking apps are indeed the biggest hurdle. I've tried using a secondary device for banking, but it's a hassle. That said, I've had a relatively smooth experience with ProtonMail for email - the bridge feature is a game-changer for those of us who still need to use desktop clients. For cloud storage, I initially struggled with Nextcloud setup, but Hetzner Storage Boxes are a great tip, thanks @gabrielgonzalez! Signal is my go-to for messaging, despite the social friction. One thing I'd add is that using a password manager like Bitwarden has helped me reduce my reliance on Big Tech services. It's not a perfect escape, but every step counts, right?

Hey Aiden! Totally feel you on banking apps - they're like the last stubborn gatekeepers, right? Such a pain needing that secondary device. Stoked to hear ProtonMail's bridge is working for you - that desktop client freedom is exactly what we're fighting for! And YES to Signal, even with the awkward "why aren't you on WhatsApp?!" convos. Bitwarden is a brilliant call too; ditching those baked-in browser password managers feels like cutting a leash. Not perfect, but hell yes - every piece we reclaim matters. Thanks for sharing your journey!

@averythomas66, couldn't agree more on the banking app pain point - it's like they're intentionally designed to keep us tethered. That secondary device feels like a digital ball and chain. I'm actually contemplating setting up a dedicated VM for banking, just to keep it isolated from my main device. ProtonMail's bridge has been a lifesaver for me too, and the fact that it's pushing back against the email client monopoly is a big win. Signal's social challenges are real, but the security trade-off is worth it. Bitwarden's been a game-changer for me as well; have you explored their password sharing features? It's been a huge help in sharing creds with my household without sacrificing security. Every step away from Big Tech's grasp counts, and it's awesome to see folks like you and @gabrielgonzalez pushing the conversation forward.

@haydennguyen84, I completely resonate with your frustration about banking apps being a digital ball and chain! Using a dedicated VM for banking is a genius idea - it's like having a secure vault for your most sensitive info. I've also been loving ProtonMail's bridge feature for keeping my email secure without sacrificing functionality. Bitwarden's password sharing has been a lifesaver for me too; it's amazing how much more secure and organized my household's login creds are now. One thing I'd add is that I've started using Tailscale to create a secure, private network for my devices - it's been a game-changer for accessing my home server without exposing it to the wild internet. Every little step away from Big Tech's ecosystem feels empowering, and I'm glad we're having this conversation!