Sustainable Substitutes for Operating Systems

Alternatives to Windows, macOS and Android, emphasising open-source, privacy-focused, and sustainable OS options.

Ubuntu

A Linux distribution based on free software, emphasising privacy, security, and user control.

Ubuntu is fully open-source, allowing users to modify, distribute, and contribute to its development.
Ubuntu does not collect unnecessary user data or include telemetry by default, ensuring user privacy.
The operating system is free from advertisements, providing a clean and distraction-free experience.
Canonical is headquartered in the UK.
Ubuntu is optimised to run efficiently on a wide range of hardware, including older machines, reducing energy consumption and e-waste.
Ubuntu’s architecture is modular, allowing users to customise and replace system components as needed and work with a minimal set of features.
Ubuntu is completely free to download, use, and distribute. There are no licensing fees.
Ubuntu can be installed and run without having to create an account.
Website

GrapheneOS

An Android-based OS with cutting-edge security and privacy features, but limited device support.

The entire GrapheneOS project is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits, community contributions, and transparency. There are no proprietary blobs or hidden backdoors, ensuring users can verify the security and integrity of the software.
GrapheneOS is designed with privacy as a core principle. It removes all proprietary Google services and replaces them with open-source alternatives, minimizing unnecessary data collection and telemetry. The OS enforces strict permission controls and does not include tracking libraries, making it ideal for users who prioritize privacy.
GrapheneOS has minimal overhead, ensuring that battery life is maximized and energy consumption is reduced.
GrapheneOS does not require registration to install or use the operating system. You can download and install it directly on supported devices without creating an account.
GrapheneOS is completely free to download, use, and distribute. There are no fees or hidden costs associated with the software.
The operating system is designed with privacy and security as core principles, and it removes all proprietary Google services and tracking libraries. This eliminates the presence of ads and data collection mechanisms by default.
Website
iodeos logo

iodéOS

A deGoogled mobile OS based on Android, with open-source alternatives pre-installed.

The company Iodé is based in France.
iodéOS is ad-free and its built-in ad-blocking features avoid exposure to ads in third party applications.
iodeOS is designed with privacy as a core focus. It removes proprietary Google services and replaces them with open-source alternatives like MicroG. The OS also provides tools to visualize and control data transmissions from apps, ensuring users have full transparency and control over their data. The built-in blocker further enhances privacy by preventing unwanted data leaks.
iodeOS promotes hardware longevity by supporting long-term software updates for older devices, such as providing Android 13 updates for devices like the Sony Xperia XZ1. Features like smart charging (now replaced by LineageOS’s Charging Control) help prolong battery life, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability.
iodeOS does not require users to register or create an account to use the operating system. Users can download and install iodeOS on supported devices without mandatory registration.
iodeOS is free to download and use. While the project offers pre-installed smartphones (including refurbished and modular devices) for purchase, the OS itself is available at no cost for users who wish to install it on their own devices. Paid subscriptions are available for enhanced ad-blocking features.
Website

Zorin OS

A Linux-based OS designed to provide a familiar experience for users transitioning from Windows.

Zorin OS minimises data collection and provides transparent privacy settings. It does not include proprietary telemetry or forced updates, giving users greater control over their digital environment.
The operating system is free from advertisements, providing a clean and distraction-free experience.
Zorin OS is optimized to run efficiently on a wide range of hardware, including older machines, reducing energy consumption and e-waste.
The base version of Zorin OS is free to download and use. There is a paid "Pro" version available for additional features and support.
Zorin OS is developed by Zorin Group, which is based in Ireland, making it a European project.
Zorin OS does not require registration to download or use the base version. You can freely download and install Zorin OS without creating an account or providing personal information.
Website

/e/OS

A privacy-focused mobile OS based on Android, developed to remove Google dependencies.

The /e/ Foundation is headquartered in France, ensuring compliance with GDPR and European privacy and labor regulations.
/e/OS is privacy-focused by design. It replaces Google services with open-source alternatives like MicroG and provides tools to minimise data collection and tracking. Features such as real-time privacy alerts, advanced tracker blocking, and the ability to control app data transmissions align with strong privacy protections.
The operating system is free from advertisements, providing a clean and distraction-free experience. It removes proprietary Google services and includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, ensuring users are not exposed to advertisements or unnecessary data collection.
/e/OS promotes energy efficiency by supporting a wide range of devices, including older models. This extends the lifespan of hardware, reducing e-waste and the need for frequent upgrades. The OS is optimised to run efficiently on various devices, contributing to sustainability
/e/OS does not require users to register or create an account to use the operating system. Users can download and install /e/OS on supported devices without mandatory registration.
e/OS is free of charge. Users can download, install, and use the operating system without any licensing fees. The project is supported by the /e/ Foundation and community contributions.
Website

How to move away from Big Tech Operating Systems

Here's a guide on how to easily get away from Android, MacOS and Windows.

If you want to install an alternative to Android on your phone, you'll first have to check whether your phone is supported by the alternative OS. If so, you can follow the installation guides provided by the provider (see GrapheneOS, iodéOS or /e/OS. You'll probably need to connect your device via USB to a desktop computer and use the provided installer, which may be available via a web interface.

For MacOS and Windows detailed installation guides for Linux alternatives are available on the given options. You'll probably need to have a USB drive available with at least 8GB of storage on which you deploy an image of the OS. It's also possible to install Linux distributions alongside of Windows or MacOS. Making it possible to fall back to the proprietary systems for certain tasks.