DeGoogled phones, made in Europe: Fairphone, Volla, SHIFTphone, Punkt – a full review.
With the growing trend to deGoogle, European phone makers are becoming popular alternatives. Let’s look at the top five in this review.
The current trend to deGoogle is mostly about getting Android apps as replacements for Google apps and about getting rid os AI mode in Google search. But now many want to move beyond that, and leave the Google ecosystem for good. And we at Tuta can understand them very well! In 2026, it’s no longer necessary to base your entire digital life on Google or Apple, you can have a nice smartphone AND remove yourself from the Big Tech ecosystem completely. We’ve looked at 5 European phone makers that enable you to free yourself from Big Tech and its invasive tracking practices.
Top 5 deGoogled phones
- Volla Quintus
- Fairphone 6
- SHIFTphone 8
- Punkt
- Murena
This review will focus on these five smartphones that are developed in Europe and work as solid replacements to Google’s Pixel phones. That said, we must include one honorary mention: Graphene OS. Graphene OS is an Android OS that only runs on Google’s Pixel phones. But as the Android Source Tree for Google’s Pixels is no longer open source, the GrapheneOS team is looking to adapt the OS to other phones. It is still a great choice when freeing yourself from the tracking of Google apps as it’s an alternative open source operating system, and well known for its focus on security and privacy, for instance it has a hardend memory safety and exploit mitigation. However, even if you do not use any Google apps on your Pixel device powered by Graphene OS, you still hold a Google phone in your hand. That’s why Graphene OS is not included in this review, but it must be noted that it’s one of the most secure operating systems out there.
Practical notes for deGoogled phones
Obviously, when choosing a deGoogled phone, you will not want to get your apps from Google Play. Fortunately, there are great app store alternatives such as F-Droid, Aurora, and /e/ App Lounge that you can use instead. Sometimes it will be necessary to sideload your favorite Android app, meaning you need to get it directly from an app developers website as they offer their apps only via Google Play and not the alternatives. It can get complicated with apps such as banking apps that heavily rely on Google Play for Android, but some phone makers offer workarounds for this. It’s also possible that Google-dependent functionalities such as push notifications handled by Google’s FCM will not work on your deGoogled smartphone.
That’s why you should prefer choosing apps that do not rely on Google Push such as Signal instead of WhatsApp and Tuta Mail instead of Gmail. But not using WhatsApp and Gmail on a deGoogled phone makes sense anyway… So let’s look into the top five phones to free yourself from the Google ecosystem!
Volla phone Quintus
The Volla Quintus is the best choice when you want a multi-boot experience. It’s an Android powered by VollaOS (with multi-boot option) or Ubuntu Touch.
If you already get most of your apps from F-Droid or Aurora, you will have no issue switching to the Volla Quintus with VollaOS. The operating system is based on the open source Android (AOSP) and runs without any Google-dependency. Optionally, you can enable microG to improve compatibility for apps that rely on Google Play Services. Without this, some apps like banking apps may not work or have limited features (especially when it comes to push notifications or security checks). Volla phones are developed and sold in Germany; the hardware is partially manufactured in Asia, but final and decisive production steps takes place in Germany.
CEO Dr. Jörg Wurzer says:
A smartphone or tablet is a complex product with a complex supply chain. In our case, it starts with the chipset manufacturer Mediatek in Taiwan, continues via the board designer and the respective component suppliers to us in Remscheid. The final and decisive production steps take place in Germany. This includes final assembly or engraving, but above all the installation of the firmware and finally packaging and sealing at our site in Remscheid. For some models, we also use manufacturing capacities for assembling the device in Bocholt. Volla OS is developed and built on our self-managed servers located in Germany and Finland. We also manage the servers for the OTA (over the air) update. By the way, the display of the Volla Phone Quintus uses tempered Schott Alpha glass.”
We are gradually expanding our production capacities in Germany and now even have production capacities in Remscheid for small series of components, initially for accessories. We have now largely switched from commercial goods to our own products manufactured in Germany for the accessories. Felt cases from Bavaria, cables from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and screen protectors also from North Rhine-Westphalia. Some suppliers are even located in the neighborhood as we like to keep sourcing as local as possible.”
Pros:
- 100% Google-free
- Optional compatibility to Google Play Services and Google Play Integrity
- Volla OS (Android-based) or Ubuntu Touch (mobile Linux) or both with multi boot on Volla OS
- Volla OS focuses on safety & device encryption with unique security mode
- Simple, smart and minimalist UI for distraction free usage
Cons:
- Some Google-dependent apps will require extra steps
- Ubuntu Touch has a much smaller native app ecosystem
Flagship (Volla Quintus) - key specs
- 6.7” AMOLED display
- 50 MP triple camera
- 8 GB RAM | 256 GB storage
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 7050 8-core processor
Verdict
The Volla Quintus is a great phone if you want a deGoogled phone with a special eye on quality and nice haptics. With its focus on security and encryption, you can get a Google-free phone that’s not only free from any tracking, but also keeps your data safe and protected. On your Quintus, you can use lots of the deGoogled apps that we recommend; for instance, Tuta Mail runs very nicely on Quintus. And since the Tuta apps do not use Google Push, you can even receive email and calendar notifications on your deGoogled smartphone. Yet, you still have the option to enable Google Play compatibility if you realize that you are not yet ready to leave Google completely. In addition to its security, the Volla Quintus comes with minimalist distraction which gives you the good feeling of freedom and safety.
The deGoogled Volla Quintus costs €719, and you can buy it here with 10% discount by entering the gift code VOLLA10 on check-out.
Fairphone 6
The Fairphone 6 is your future phone if you want hardware longevity and the possibility to deGoogle – with the option to go back to Google if deGoogling turns out to be too much of a challenge. Fairphone is a Dutch company; the phone itself is assembled in China. The unique selling point of Fairphones is the focus on sustainability. The company promises wants to offer a contrast to the throwaway society by encouraging you to use your phones longer. That’s why Fairphones get a long warranty and are easier do repair because of modular parts that can be swapped without having to get an entirely new phone when one thing breaks.
When using Fairphone with Google’s Android, you can get all your apps from Google Play without any limitation. To use a deGoogled Fairphone, you can order it with /e/OS preinstalled. Obviously, you will then not be able to get your apps from Google Play, but /e/OS has its own app store with lots of Goolge-alternative apps, called App Lounge. Plus, you can sideload apps, for instance you can get the Tuta apps directly from the download section of our website. If you need a specific app, like your banking app, it’s very well possible that this app is compatible and runs normally on your deGoogled phone, but it’s not a guarantee for all apps that are out there. If your app is not compatible on /e/OS, you need to access your account via the website.
Pros:
- Promises long warranty and repairability
- Can be officially bought with Google’s Android OS or the deGoogled /e/OS (Murena) preinstalled
- Modular, swappable parts for better repairability
Cons:
- /e/OS on Fairphone does not have the same level of app-ecosystem as Google Play
- Some apps (banking, DRMed video) may require workarounds
- Fairphone hardware choices focus on sustainability, which sometimes is in conflict with best speed performance
Unique features:
- Exceptional repairability
- Long update promises *Ethically-sourced components
Flagship (Fairphone 6) - key specs
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
- RAM / Storage: 8 GB / 256 GB (expandable)
- Display: ~6.31” LTPO OLED, 120 Hz
- Battery: ~4,415 mAh (user-replaceable focus on longevity)
- Cameras: 50 MP main, 13 MP ultrawide, 32 MP front
Verdict
Fairphone with its focus on ethical sourcing, high repairability and sustainability is a great choice if the environment matters to you. You can test having a deGoogled phone and see how this works out for you. And if it doesn’t, you do not need to throw the phone away, but you can flash the OS and install standard Google Android OS. Though, we’re certain that once you’ll have a deGoogled phone, you will not want to go back to Googles machine of tracking and exploitation.
You can get a deGoogled Fairphone 6 for €649 here.
SHIFTphone
The SHIFTphone suits you best if you want modular, user-serviceable hardware with strong custom-ROM / Google-free options. Any SHIFTphone can be used with ShiftOS-G which is based on Google’s standard Android and comes with Google apps pre-installed. This means it will not be a Google-free phone, but all Android apps, even if you use a niche banking app, will work. You can also choose to use the lightly deGoogled variant, ShiftOS-L, which is also based on Google’s Android, but comes without any Google apps and has F-Droid preinstalled for installing your favorite apps like Tuta Mail and Tuta Calendar, all available on F-Droid, of course.
You can also use the ShHIFTphone with a fully deGoogled community-built version of /e/OS. By choosing this operating system, you’ll have an alternative to minimize your reliance on Google services and enhance your digital privacy. The e-Foundation website provides further information on the Murena SHIFTphone and resources for those interested in exploring this privacy-focused mobile operating system.
SHIFT designs its phones in Germany, but they are manufactured and assembled in China under fair production policies monitored by the company.
Pros:
- Modular, user-replaceable parts (battery, modules)
- Focus on long-term ownership
- Official support for alternative OS installations; community /e/OS builds exist
Cons:
- Hardware is a bit older (e.g. Snapdragon 845 on SHIFT6mq), so performance for heavy tasks may be less performant
Unique features:
- Removable battery, deep modularity (screws, replaceable modules)
- Strong emphasis on repairability and component traceability
Flagship (SHIFTphone 8.1) - key specs
- SoC: Qualcomm QCM6490 (industrial platform, based on Snapdragon 778G)
- RAM / Storage: 12 GB LPDDR RAM / 512 GB internal storage (microSDXC expandable up to 2 TB)
- Display: 6.67” AMOLED, Full HD+
- User-replaceable universal battery (compatible with SHIFT6m, SHIFT6mq, SHIFTkeys with adapter)
- Dual 50 MP + 50 MP (pixel binning, 4K video)
- IP66 water protection
- Hardware kill switches for camera & microphone
Verdict
Shift lets you easily explore a deGoogled phone with the option to go back to the standard Google Android OS in case you find that the limitations caused by disabling all Google functionalities too frustrating. The SHIFT6mq is a solid phone from Germany, giving you the option to quit US tech and choose European products.
You can buy the SHIFTphone 8.1 for €651 here.
Punkt
A Punkt phone is the best option for you if you want a simple, privacy-centric device with a Google-free OS out of the box with built-in privacy tooling. Punkt phones with Apostrophy OS are designed to be simple and secure which is good for users who want a straightforward privacy-first phone without having to tinker with the phone too much. Going completely Google-free always comes with some limitations in app compatibility, and the Punkt phone is no exception in this. For certain apps, you may need to use web versions or alternatives. As Apostrophy OS is a Google-free fork of Android with privacy focus, it does not include Google Play Services by default and apps that require Google services might be limited in functionality (no push noticiations) or not work at all. To solve this issue, some people report that they were able to use sandboxed Play Store equivalents, but this requires manual tinkering. The Punkt. MC02 is developed in Switzerland, but assembled and manufactured by partner companies in China.
Pros:
- Punkt ships Google-free smartphones with Apostrophy OS which is Punkt’s hardened Android fork
- Integrated privacy defaults and optional paid VPN/service packages
- Vendor focuses on “less data, less tracking”
Cons:
- Hardware is mid-range: Punkt emphasizes privacy and simplicity over bleeding-edge specs
- Some reviewers note a dimmer display and software limitations for power users
Unique features:
- deGoogled OS: Apostrophy OS (privacy-first fork)
- Integrated privacy features
- Simple UX with curated app choices
Flagship (Punkt. MC02) - key specs
- SoC: MediaTek Dimensity 900
- RAM / Storage: 6 GB LPDDR5 / 128 GB UFS 2.2 (expandable via microSD)
- Display: ~6.67” IPS 2400×1080 (60 Hz)
- Battery: reported ~5,500 mAh (varies by listing; Punkt pages focus on long battery)
- Cameras: 64 MP main + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro; 24 MP front (depending on spec sheet)
- OS: Apostrophy OS (based on AOSP / Android 13 lineage)
Verdict
The Punkt. MC02 with Apostrophy OS is a 100% deGoogled smartphone with all its benefits and limitations that go along with it. It is a nice alternative and can be bought for €499 here.
Murena smartphones
Murena is the parent company of /e/OS, headquartered in the Netherlands. Murena does not produce phones itself, but sells a variety of the deGoogled phones reviewed above with /e/OS preinstalled. When getting a smartphone from Murena, you can be sure that it is 100% Google-free. Plus, Murena’s Google-free app store App Lounge is already preinstalled on these devices, which according to Murena is “the most integrated de-Google experience available in Europe”.
You can get deGoogled smartphones with /e/OS from vendors such as Volla, Fairphone, and Shift here.
Android OS alternatives
The smartphones presented here already come with an alternative Android OS that does not depend on Google’s Android OS. There are more replacements for Google’s Android, and you can install them yourself on all kinds of phones. As mentioned, there is GrapheneOS for Pixel phones, but there’s even more. /e/OS (based on LineageOS) is a popular OS to go Google-free, but we’ve talked about this enough already. The same with Volla OS for Volla phones which have been discussed in detail.
Then there’s also LineageOS. This is a community project, meaning the OS is developed by the open source community, free for anyone. Many forks depend on LineageOS so that vendors like Murena continuously support the development of this operating system. LineageOS has a very large community and is well-maintained, but it needs to be set up manually by someone who knows a thing or two about smartphones.
Another alternative Android OS is CalyxOS, which is a privacy-focused version of Android, but sandboxed Google apps can be optionally used. CalyxOS has hardened security and optional support for microG as a workaround for limited Google app compatibility. The Android OS offer a good balance between app compatibility and privacy, and can be installed on several phones.
Conclusion
The reviewed phone makers – Volla, Fairphone, Shift and Punkt – focus on producing deGoogled phones with a deGoogled OS preinstalled. It’s great to see the trend of going Google-free growing, and it’s a strong push-back against Google’s strategy of killing Android freedom and of making it impossible to install any app from any app store on Android.
