I wanted to share my current status quo of gradually moving away from US-based services and products and replacing them with European alternatives where possible.

This is not about perfection or ideological purity — more about direction, values, and supporting EU-based ecosystems when reasonable alternatives exist.

What I’ve Already Switched

Email / Cloud / VPN

I’m fully aware that Proton is a European company based in Switzerland. My decision to move away from Proton was not about trust or geography, but about risk concentration.

I was using Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton VPN at the same time and decided to follow the principle of:

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

So I deliberately split these services across different providers:

Proton Mail → TutaMail (Germany)
Proton Drive → Filen (Germany)
Proton VPN → Mullvad VPN (Sweden) (when I actually need a VPN)

This is more about resilience and diversification than distrust.

Music Streaming

Deezer → Qobuz (France)
- While Deezer is often seen as European, I decided to move away after learning more about its ownership and investor structure.
- A significant share is held by non-EU stakeholders partly linked to the US, which didn’t align with what I want to support long-term.
- Qobuz feels more in line with my values, and the switch was a nice improvement in sound quality.

Messaging

WhatsApp → Threema + Signal
- WhatsApp is completely gone.
- Signal is still US-based, but currently required for activism/political work.

Language Models

ChatGPT → Le Chat

Charging Devices

Anker → recable (Germany)

Voice Chat

Discord → TeamSpeak

OS

Windows → Linux Mint (Oh boy, do I love Linux Mint <3 Fck Windows)

Office / Creative Software

Microsoft Office → LibreOffice (rarely needed anyway)
For most creative work, I use Affinity Publisher, Designer & Photo

Entertainment

Cancelled several US streaming services (e.g., Disney+)

Navigation

Apple Maps → TomTom

Payments

PayPal → Wero

Clothing

While Adidas is a German brand, a lot of their production happens outside the EU, which I want to move away from over time.
Ideal goal: Support European production under reasonable conditions.
- Shoes: Switching from Adidas → TREAZY (EU production, plant-based materials)
- Socks: Planning to switch to TREAZY socks (made in Portugal)
- Underwear — Open Question
  - Looking for high-quality men’s underwear (trunks) that:
    - Is genuinely produced in Europe,
    - Feels really comfortable,
    - Actually lasts a long time (doesn’t stretch out or fall apart after a few months).
  - Do you have recommendations? Something you’ve had for years and still feel comfortable in, made in Europe?

Audio / Hardware

Initially planned: Shure SM7B
Decided on: Sennheiser MD 421 Mark II (Supporting a European audio manufacturer felt like the better fit for me.)

What I Still Use (Reluctantly / Pragmatically)

Netflix (No real EU alternative with a comparable catalog — I only subscribe occasionally, 1 month every few months.)
Gaming: Steam (ecosystem reasons)
Password Manager: 1Password (Canada — not EU, but best fit for my needs so far)

Big Open Topic: Smartphone

Currently using an iPhone 15 Pro
Considering a Fairphone with LineageOS
Waiting to see developments around Fairphone 6
Would love to see some experiences here.

Where I’d Really Love Community Input

Messaging: Thoughts on Element / Matrix / XMPP?
Streaming: Any serious European Netflix alternatives you like?
Underwear: European underwear brands/experiences that are truly high-quality & long-lasting?
General: EU services/products you’d strongly recommend or avoid?

This is very much a work in progress, not a finished state. Happy to learn, adjust, and iterate — feedback welcome! 😊

Thanks!

Edit: Improved structure and readability.

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[–] comrade_twisty@feddit.org 34 points 2 months ago (1 children)

For streaming go back to 🏴‍☠️

It’s your civic duty not to give money to the media conglomerates that put right wing extremists in power everywhere.

Fuck them and take what you wanna watch for free.

[–] FeedRunner@europe.pub 3 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Haha, yeah, I can’t really argue with that 😅. The lack of solid EU streaming alternatives makes it tempting to… you know, set the sails.
I’m still trying to stick with legal European options where I can, but sometimes it’s just… frustratingly limited.

[–] simsala@feddit.org 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Can't blame you for using Netflix since they have a lot of exclusive content that's really good. And they do support local filmmaking and recently joined the Blender development fund too which is at least some good news.

To find other alternatives I recommend looking up whatever you want to watch on https://www.justwatch.com/ (or TMDb where JustWatch is integrated) because it shows you where the movie/series is currently streaming within the country you live in. I found new (sometimes local) platforms like this and one of them was even free with a library card.

Also going to the cinema is always an option although it's not really the same type of activity of course.

[–] baguette@piefed.social 2 points 2 months ago

Try your library, maybe they offer some streaming alternatives.

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 12 points 2 months ago (9 children)

Another idea... Language Learning: Try Babbel from Berlin

[–] baguette@piefed.social 9 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Not everyone's piece of cake, but I like Anki (FOSS) and download community made language decks.

[–] porcoesphino@mander.xyz 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

It's great for Japanese. I've found it a bit hit and miss for other languages

[–] InabaResident@feddit.org 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I know a lot of people love language learning apps, but I'd argue for a different approach: Don't use them at all. I like learning languages a lot, and focus on fluency in one language at a time over learning just the basics in many (nothing wrong with that, just not my approach). And what really works for me has always been a mixture of textbooks, dedicated vocab studying and tons of immersion. Language learning apps are fun, but they don't make you do the boring, hard work that actually sees results.

From my own experience: I know many people who have years-long streaks on DuoLingo and others, but actually speak very little of their target language. Meanwhile I've never used a language for learning Korean (Self-taught. I've been at it for nearly 5 years now) and I can speak to my Korean friends for hours while only having to look up words very occasionally or having them explained to me in Korean.

By all means, use Babbel or another European alternative if you are going to use them. But maybe also consider changing your approach, you might see much better results.

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

I speak 8 languages, apps work. Just use the right tools.

Babbel doesn't only teach the basics. I learned Swedish tongue twisters and other special stuff.

And once you're done, amend with books and podcasts, for example.

EDIT: Don't use Duolingo. I once made it my point to prove this and deliberately used it for a year and still couldn't speak more than a few sentences in one language. Switched to something else and learned more in three days than in a year on Duolingo. It sucks, it is only intended to keep you there to show you ads or sell subscriptions.

[–] InabaResident@feddit.org 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Fair enough. I'm happy that it works for you. I suppose maybe Babbel is the exception. My friends mostly use Duolingo and Lingoda and those are awful, judging by their progress.

Do you speak those 8 languages to a high level? C1 or C2? It's not that I don't believe you and I don't mean to sound condescending, but I've met a lot of people who say they speak 4+ languages and then really only speak them at a A2-B1 level. That's not nothing, but that's not what I'm aiming for and I think not what most people are aiming for.

I want to start learning Japanese this year and I might give Babbel a try, but I'll probably end up sticking to textbooks for grammar + Anki for vocab + podcasts/tv/games and later on books for immersion. But I think part of that is also that I don't really want to study on my phone. Even doing Anki on it is annoying.

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I speak 2 at C2, 2 at around C1 to C2, 3 are B1 to C1. One I have started not that long ago and not sure what level yet.

My Danish contains Swedish words occasionally, but people in Sweden and Denmakrk just say "Oh, that's fine, you're just speaking Scandinavian". It's not because my Danish is bad, but I have a lot more practice in Swedish and often find it easier to use a Swedish term, lol

[–] InabaResident@feddit.org 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Wow, that is very impressive! I've got a long way to go ... Only 2 at C2 and one at around B2. Also a bit of French, I'd say A1+. Did you use Babbel for all of them? I'm really curious what it does that makes it work so much better than the other apps I've come in contact with. I might have to try it. :D

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

All except for the newest one, which is not available on Babbel.

Babbel uses a scientifically proven way for teaching languages.

In the beginning, for each language, you'll get simple words and phrases like "Hello", "Thanks" and "My name is...".

It then asks you to match those with the phrase in the language you already know. Then it asks you to arrange sentences, then you type whole words, then you do more of the beginner courses and then move on to courses based on specific topics. Want to be able to order food? Just take a food course. Want to travel? Just take one that teaches you words about hotels, trains and so on.

But they have so much more. And they really love feedback. I sent them a ton and really had an influence on how Babbel is these days. Years ago, before twitter went shit, I jokingly asked them to pay me for that... they actually gave me half a year for free (!), super nice people that take feedback and listen to users.

So it's a good product, worth the money imho, run by people that seem to care about their users.

I'm not paid by them nor have I paid them in years, I now have a lifetime subscription as there has been a special offer years ago. I'm just very happy with the decision to learn there. Pretty sure quite a lot of things in my life would've turned out very different without the languages.

(I swear I'm not paid by them. lol)

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[–] cabbage@piefed.social 3 points 2 months ago

I'm using Busuu, originally Spanish but hq in London. They have implemented some AI stuff recently though. :/

[–] saimen@feddit.org 2 points 2 months ago

I like wlingua. It seems to be from Spain. It teaches all the grammar and always repeats the things you had wrong from time to time.

[–] Midnattssol@feddit.nu 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Also check out local resources for your particular target language. Many countries have online language learning resources primarily targeted at immigrants but usually open for all. And there are often daily news in easy language available from public service TV with online access.

I also read and watch news from other parts of the world in their native language which helps with keeping up understanding and passive language knowledge in addition to the factual contents - not so much with grammar learning, though. My library offers PressReader (Ireland-based) access for free and they have thousands of newspapers and magazines digitally. There is not a lot of material in all languages, unfortunately. Personally, I particularly miss a daily paper in Finnish, but still. And often the papers available are not the biggest ones and sometimes all those available for a particular country have strong political leanings.

Edited spelling

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[–] jdr8@lemmy.world 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (6 children)

For streaming, if you like documentaries, I recommend arte.

I really like their app and diversity of subjects.

edit: For smartphones, I'm typing this from my Sony Xperia flashed with SailfishOS, same OS that Jolla phones have.

[–] cabbage@piefed.social 2 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Arte is great if you speak French or German. A lot of European countries have similar things. BBC iPlayer with a VPN is also amazing.

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 3 points 2 months ago

Many VPNs are blocked, so try a VPN that has many servers, like Mullvad, so you can switch to one that works.

If you have a VPS in the UK, you'll have more luck, as it is probably not blocked. A friend hosts a VPN for me in London, so I can watch from EU land. I mean, could. I'd never do that, of course. :p

[–] jdr8@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

You can have English subtitles on arte.

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[–] IanTwenty@piefed.social 7 points 2 months ago

Recable that OP mentioned look great fun

https://en.recable.eu/

...braided charging cables coloured and named after birds.

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 6 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (7 children)

Another great choice for avoiding risk concentration is using a decentralised way to communicate.

This is where XMPP is great.

Here's a flyer from the Digital Independence Day (that was recently proclaimed by the Chaos Computer Club and a lot of other organisations in Germany) that shows two simple ways you can start using it:

English: https://shop.digitalcourage.de/files/xmpp-folder-engl-druck.pdf
German: https://shop.digitalcourage.de/files/xmpp-folder-Druck.pdf
French: https://shop.digitalcourage.de/files/xmpp-folder-F-druck.pdf

If any server goes down, I will not have much of an issue, as long as it is not mine. If it is a server my contacts use, I will only lose contact to a couple people, until those have access again.

It's a very resilient network and that's why I enjoy using it.

Also, the clients run even on old phones, as they do not need a lot of resources, which helps when people have little money and also saves the environment.

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[–] Anagram3@jlai.lu 6 points 2 months ago

For gaming : GOG (PL)

My Pixel phone OS : iodé os (FR)

Amazon : Cdiscount (FR)

Google drive : Ksuite by infomaniak

Quickshare : LocalShare / KDEconnect

Google Map : CoMaps / RooleMap (FR)

[–] chrizzly@feddit.org 6 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Great post which gives a lot of inspiration!

Since you mentioned the fairphone 6, I thought I'd give you my two cents on that topic: Switched over to a Fairphone 6 about half a year ago (pretty soon after the release). Wanted to get the Murena - e/OS version but since the stock Android was cheaper and quicker for delivery I went with that.

At home, I flashed e/OS myself on the phone after checking everything worked initially (especially phone services).

And what can I say - about a half year later I'm still super happy with it. About 60% of the apps I use are from F-Droid, the other few over AppLounge (Playstore-Mirror) with an anonymous Google-account (very easy to use, works automatically and is preinstalled on e/OS). I should say, my goal switching from a 'normal' Android phone was to degoogle at the same time, which worked well with the fp6. No issues with calls, screen, battery, camera, Apps etc, only thing I needed was a Type-C to Aux adapter (since my last phone still had a 3.5 mm jack).

You need to get used to the volume rocker placement - was taking screenshots in the beginning all the time :D But other than that, I have no regrets. Even dropped it a few times without a case and its sturdy! I can definetely recommend it :) (My parents' next smartphone will be a FP, already influenced them haha)

[–] kilgore_trout@feddit.it 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I recommend some formatting for your comments. Few will read them, otherwise.

[–] chrizzly@feddit.org 2 points 2 months ago

Valid point. I initially just typed it out on my (fair) phone in a quick minute, but added some spaces now.

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 6 points 2 months ago

Smartphone, USB-C chargers, USB-C cables:

Fairphone

They're great, they are part of the free software community, they contribute to the kernel. I love them.

[–] Nickelalloy@lemmy.world 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Never knew about Recable, I was just looking to buy quality cables.

Thanks for sharing!

[–] FeedRunner@europe.pub 2 points 2 months ago

Glad my post was helpful to ohters :)

[–] Sirius006@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I buy almost all my clothing from loom www.loom.fr. Everything is made either in France or Portugal. They are extremely transparent about what works (or not) in their business model. Apparently they don't do advertising at all. They deliver in most of Europe, but I couldn't switch the website language from French.

[–] boonhet@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 months ago

Damn, they don't ship to the Baltics :/

I wouldn't even mind paying 25€ for a T-Shirt if it actually lasts. I've had 5€ Slazenger t-shirts from Sportsdirect develop holes after one wear and one wash (at the label that's sewn into the back of the neck area, 5 shirts ordered and all 5 got the holes real quick)

I'm also the kinda guy who just wears the same shit every day so if I find something that works for me, I'll order 10 more like it lmao

[–] Poem_for_your_sprog@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago

Qobuz is the best and has high res audio

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 4 points 2 months ago (3 children)

Password Manager:

KeePassXC (Linux)
KeePassDX (Android)
GNOME Secrets (KeePass compatible, Linux and mobile Linux)

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[–] Hiro8811@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago

For streaming try mubi, Wikipedia says its UK based, it doesn't have shows but it has the best movies out there. Also you could pirate stuff you don't want to pay money. You could rip music from various services with lucida.to or use soulseek

[–] perke@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I'm also in similar journey to switch although still early. I started using Element in small circle and it works great.
For phones, you might want to check Jolla, its EU/Finish Linux phone.

And for the rest, being a open-source dev myself, I can only suggest open-source digital products:
For design work, see https://penpot.app/ its awesome and mature product.
If you need to publish videos, check https://joinpeertube.org/

You can find much more EU-based and produced digital services here: https://european-alternatives.eu/

Good luck!

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[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 3 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Navigation on Android: OSMand~ from F-Droid. The name sucks, but otherwise it works well.

I like having the option to enable a OpenRailwayMap overlay, so I can easily see where train and tram lines go, which makes finding the nearest station SOOO much easier.

[–] peterg@piefed.social 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I use Magic Earth by Magic Lane. The company is based in Switzerland, the maps are OpenStreetMap and the app also gives traffic data, which OSMAnd does not support.

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[–] angrywaffle@piefed.social 2 points 2 months ago

I wish they would collect traffic data or at least let users donate anonymous data. I'd happily do it, if that means improved ETAs.

[–] Disgruntled@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Since you use 1Password, for underwear there’s MANMADE made in Canada.

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[–] zwerg@feddit.org 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

For under wear, try Hanro

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[–] pinhead77@piefed.social 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Sadly I just found out that Qobuz is using Amazon Web Services (AWS). So using Qobuz means giving money to Amazon... What a shame!

[–] Lumisal@lemmy.world 9 points 2 months ago

Unfortunately that's (currently) most of the internet. Hopefully that changes over time.

[–] matze@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 2 months ago

Calida makes good underwear and really nice sleepwear. They are from Switzerland and claim to produce in Eastern Europe.

[–] Lumisal@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

For underwear, I've had one main issue so far with every European brand I've tried (Finnish, German, Italian, Spanish); they're, umm, too "tight" down there. Like it feels like they want to keep it so tight that they suffocate your potential progeny out of existence 😅

So assuming you're a dude and maybe on the bigger side in that region, although it's not European and is Japanese, Muji has a specific line of underwear that has an extra big pouch like space sown that's more comfortable to wear. They're also pretty breathable and last a good while.

I don't remember what they're called though, since I get them from my local Muji store in Finland.

As for pants - that's just luck based. I've resorted to either pants that are too big and using suspenders or having a tailor modify used pants when I can afford to. Sweatpants when possible otherwise. I'm considering looking into Scottish Kilts for the summer though. I don't care what people might think at this point - I just want room down there.

[–] yes@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago

Matrix is great. Love it's decentralized nature. Love their e2e encryption capabilities. Although it can be tricky for novice users to grasp the importance of a recovery key backup - in addition to their regular credentials. Also love that many FOSS communities use it too. Makes it easy to join the discussion & get support. I take it over any proprietary protocol & centralized infrastructure any day.

Take a look at GrapheneOS. You can get a second hand Google Pixel and you'll still not support Alphabet. Hope that GrapheneOS will find a solid hardware alternative in the future. Not sure how far along their talks with their prospective OEM partner are. In terms of security & privacy there just is no alternative. Hopeful about a mainstream Linux based phone in the future. But at the moment it's the best alternative IMO.

What's your impression of the recable cables? Are they (as close as a cable can be) "buy it for life"?

[–] wieson@feddit.org 2 points 2 months ago

Clothing: I recommend looking on avocadostore. Erlich Textil is very high quality.

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