European iOS Alternatives
A curated collection of the 2 best European alternatives to iOS.
The best European alternative to iOS is /e/OS. If that doesn't suit you, we've compiled a ranked list of other European iOS alternatives to help you find a suitable replacement. Other interesting alternative to iOS is Sailfish OS.
iOS alternatives are mainly Security & Privacy Solutions. Browse these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of iOS.
This list contains services from companies based in a member state of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). You can read more about the listing conditions here.
Written by Piotr Kulpinski
iOS
Open-source Android operating system with Google services removed, paired with privacy-rated apps and online services including email and cloud storage.
/e/OS is a complete mobile ecosystem built on open-source Android with all Google services stripped out. The OS itself has no Google apps, search engine, connectivity checks, or infrastructure. Instead, it uses an ethical search engine, its own location services, and independent DNS and time servers. You get a full Android experience without the surveillance infrastructure.
The ecosystem extends beyond the OS. /e/OS comes with a curated set of default apps (email, calendar, messaging, browser, weather) all built from open-source code and redesigned for usability. For anything else, you can install apps from the App Lounge, which rates every application for trackers and permissions so you know exactly what you're giving access to. An Advanced Privacy widget lets you toggle tracking on or off per app, hide your IP address, or disable geolocation when you choose.
Central to the ecosystem is a Murena Workspace account (@murena.io). It gives you 1GB of free cloud storage, email, and Murena Vault for end-to-end encrypted documents. The account syncs your data across devices locally first, only contacting Murena's servers when you explicitly use their services. You can also add accounts from other providers (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) and sync them through the Account Manager app.
/e/OS runs on most Android-compatible phones. You can buy a Murena smartphone with it preinstalled, use the web-based Easy Installer to flash it yourself, or download and install it manually if you're comfortable with technical steps. The project is backed by the e Foundation, a non-profit, and has been audited by academic researchers. It's not a theoretical privacy claim: the open-source code is publicly reviewable.
Finnish-developed mobile operating system offering privacy protection, Android app support, and enterprise-grade security for smartphones and embedded devices.
Sailfish OS represents a genuine European alternative to mainstream mobile operating systems, developed by Finnish company Jolla since 2013. This Linux-based platform prioritizes privacy and security while maintaining compatibility with Android applications through its dedicated AppSupport solution.
Key advantages include:
- Complete data encryption and Firejail sandboxing for applications
- Built-in VPN support and firewall protection
- Android app compatibility up to Android 13 level
- Enterprise-grade MDM with 22 APIs and 31 configurable policies
- Open source foundation with full source code access for licensees
The platform excels in corporate and governmental environments with features like remote device management, secure data wiping, multi-user support, and WPA2 Enterprise authentication. Its adaptable architecture supports various form factors from smartphones to embedded devices and smart TVs.
Developer-friendly features include Qt framework support, Docker-based cross-platform builds, and comprehensive APIs for camera, notifications, and media controls. The gesture-based interface combines Scandinavian design principles with practical functionality.
With 35 supported languages, world-class text input including XT9™ prediction, and infrastructure tools for ecosystem development, Sailfish OS offers a complete alternative that respects user privacy while delivering enterprise capabilities.
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