Since the new iteration of the internet is finally upon us, many applications are emerging as a Web3 alternative for already existing and popular Web2 applications. The shift from a centralized infrastructure to a decentralized one is becoming the new path that many organizations are taking. Many cloud storage are now trying new blockchain-based solutions that will provide users with more security and transparency when it comes to data storage.
Now, we are seeing a major focus on building and implementing decentralized apps (DApps) that act as an alternative to Web2 applications but with a blockchain back-end. This article will provide you with all the Web3 alternatives for your favorite Web2 apps.
Web2 vs. Web3 Applications
Before we get into the Web3 alternatives for some popular applications, let’s go over why would you even consider Web3 applications in the first place.
Using a Web3 application might seem very similar to a Web2 application in interface and front-end. However, Web3 applications differ backend-wise as they deploy open-source blockchain technology. This technology allows Web3 applications to change how we view ownership, data storage, and censorship.
For example, since Web3 applications are powered by a distributed blockchain across a peer-to-peer network, there is no one central authority governing the apps. Instead, they are managed by self-executing smart contracts that deploy trustless transactions between users. On the other hand, Web2 applications are centralized and often managed by mega-corporations such as Google or Meta. This leaves the interaction between users to be managed and monitored by these centralized systems.
Web3 Applications Characteristics
Here’s what Web3 applications are offering:
- Open Source Backend: Anyone can update or improve a Web3 app since the code is open-source and free for all to see. This promotes collaboration between developers, progressiveness, and faster innovation.
- From Users to Owners: Web3 applications belong to everyone, and can reward all participants by shares rather than limiting the power to a few stakeholders or founders.
- Open Access: Since Web3 applications are permissionless and with no central authority, they are not restricted to one group of users. In fact, DApps can be used by pretty much anyone. In contrast, centralized applications have restrictions on who can and cannot access their product. For instance, many applications are not available in certain countries. However, in Web3 apps, there are no restrictions.
- No Censorships: Since DApps are not controlled by a central organization or government, there is no censorship on what users can and cannot do. In Web2 applications, users must meet specific requirements for them not to be banned or suspended. On the other hand, the immutability of the blockchain makes sure that all data can never be deleted or banned, which creates a free-of-censorship ecosystem.
- Privacy and Security: Web2 applications are known to snoop around users’ data and personal information. In fact, the general public has exposed many Web2 applications for selling users’ data. Not to mention, these centralized apps have a single point of failure that make security breaches very easy. In contrast, Web3 applications do not request users to fill out personal information. Most DApps only request that users to connect their crypto wallet. Also, since the blockchain is operated by a peer-to-peer network, it doesn’t have one point of failure, thus, very hard to hack.
Web3 Alternatives to Web2 Applications
If you’re sold on what Web3 applications offer, here’s a definitive list of some Web3 alternatives to Web2 applications that you might enjoy.
Search Engines
Cyber
The Cyber protocol was the first to build an experimental prototype of a Web3 search engine that builds upon many Web2 search engines’ weaknesses. Cyber.ai differs greatly from engines like Google by changing the indexing mechanism. Google’s content ranking system is based on the users’ background information such as location, previous searches local legislation, and more. This is why you see two users deploying the same query and getting different results.
Cyber however works in a different manner, where information is shared between peers without a centralized organization. Kind of similar to how torrents work. Instead of Google’s hyperlink mechanism, Cyber.ai will use cyberlinks to rank content. That means a user becomes a distribution point for downloading and uploading content.
PSearch
Similar to Cyber, PSearch is a Web3 alternative to Web2 search engines. PSearch’s vision is to include cryptocurrency in everything, like rewarding users with tokens for using the search engine. It’s a search engine with a limited advertisement, anonymous browsing, and an open-source platform for the development community. Although PSearch is generating 150 million monthly searches, which is a fraction of Google’s rate, it has the potential to be one of the best Web3 search engines.
Browsers
Brave
Brave is a Web3 browser that allows its users to access decentralized apps and digital economies safely and smoothly. Chrome and Firefox are Web2 browsers that allow access to crypto through installing extensions. However, Brave offers the ability to switch between applications without having to connect to a crypto wallet on each website, and without any intermediaries.
Brave is considered one of the major Web3 browsers. It has recently added blockchain and IPFS integration. The Brave wallet allows users to swap and transfer assets and includes a live market graph. It supports the Ethereum blockchain and users can connect their Metamask wallet to the Brave wallet smoothly.
Osiris
Just like Brave, Osiris is a blockchain-based browser that provides easy access to DApps, integrates IPFS hosting, and has a user-friendly interface. This browser comes with its native embedded Metawallet. This wallet acts as a layer 2 solution that allows faster transaction speed.
Another cool feature is Osiris armor. It’s a built-in ad blocker that blocks ads on websites for a smooth browsing experience. In addition, Osiris supports dAppstore, a marketplace where users can easily and safely access DApps.
Opera Crypto Browser
The giant web browser Opera has recently launched a dedicated Web3 browser, the Opera Crypto Browser. Since Opera is a world-renowned name, it succeeded in attracting a large user base. The browser features a Crypto Corner tab that provides the latest crypto market news and updates. Here, you can find the latest news that covers blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, future airdrops, NFTs, educational content, and much more.
Also, Opera has included a new native non-custodial wallet in its Web3 browser that will allow users to easily access their crypto. In addition, the browser supports a built-in VPN and ad-blocker for a safe web experience.
Social Network
Secretum
If you’re looking for a DApp that resembles the messaging platform giant Whatsapp, then Secretum is your go-to application. Secretum is the only decentralized application for encrypted end-to-end messages that is built on the Solana blockchain. The messaging application provides users the ability to trade NFTs and cryptocurrencies and creates a secure chatting environment.
Unlike Whatsapp, this Web3 alternative application doesn’t request users’ personal information, such as name, phone number, and other personal details. Users can sign up by only providing a wallet address. In addition, the messaging history is not controlled by a central authority, instead, it is stored on anonymous and non-connected nodes.
Diamond
Diamond on the DeSo blockchain can be considered the Twitter of Web3. This is the first Dapp to include social networking as we know it. Diamond provides full ownership of users’ content and identity. This platform also provides its users the ability to mint NFTs with a single click. Thus, users can mint any post on Diamond as an NFT.
Also, instead of the usual “likes”, Diamond allows users to send others currency with direct tips as “diamonds”. Users can also send each other NFTs as gifts easily and can showcase all their NFTs on their profiles.
Sola
The Sola platform acts as a Web3 alternative to the popular Meta application, Facebook. However, Sola is trying to achieve an equal environment where all users can have their own voice. This Web3 application uses blockchain and artificial intelligence as a basis. That means that the platform utilizes AI algorithms to showcase related information to users based on their interests.
The first thing users see when opening the application is images or “cards” of content instead of the regular Facebook feed. Users can either skip the cards or endorse the content. Endorsed content can be further distributed to more users, negating the need for the regular share or like system. In Web2 applications.
Emails
DMail
Decentralized emails are becoming a thing as the blockchain gains more popularity. Dmail Dmail is an emailing platform where users can securely log into their accounts without providing any personal information. It aims to create a connection among users by laying a foundation for sharing and exchanging on-chain information. What’s great about a decentralized email application is the high-level data security since it is based on blockchain technology.
Dmail has a built-in wallet that users can use to send NFTs to other emails. In addition, users can use Dmail to send out emails to traditional email addresses smoothly.
LedgerMail
Just like DMail, LedgerMail is considered to be the first decentralized email service that is based on blockchain technology, PoS Consensus, and cryptographic algorithms. LedgerMail’s aim is to provide users with an email platform that has no central authority and to mitigate cyber-attacks. This application encrypts messages and attachments by cryptographic encryption.
LedgerMail emails would be transferred and validated on-chain, just like the usual blockchain transaction. Thus, giving users the highest level of security.
Professional Network
Entre
As a LinkedIn alternative, Entre is a decentralized blockchain-based professional platform that lets users share content and connect and work in the Web3 environment. What’s great about this application is that users can connect with opportunities through live streaming, meeting and hosting, and more. Users can even earn Entre points by inviting new people and completing tasks on the platform. Users can use Entre points to redeem prizes, cash, or even cryptocurrency.
Kleoverse
Kleoverse is a Web3 application that provides job searches and helps freelancers to create their professional profiles in Web3. Instead of the traditional CV, Kleoverse uses NFTs to visualize the individual’s Proof-of-Talent that they gained by completing projects with different DAOs.
Music Streaming
Audius Music
Audius’s aim is to become the leading Web3 streaming and sharing platform by offering complete decentralization. The platform has a public blockchain infrastructure to give artists better control over their tracks. In addition, this Web3 alternative doesn’t take cuts of artists’ revenues.
The platform has its own native token $AUDIO and decentralized storage to store music tracks. Also, the platform rewards artists with $AUDIO for placing on the Audius chart. However, this platform doesn’t allow users to mint music as NFTs
OPUS
Ethreum-based decentralized music hosting and listening platform, OPUS takes tracks and stores them on IPFS as a decentralized storage system. Users listen to music tracks through smart contracts that contain the track’s hash and decryption keys. In addition, the smart contract ensures that creators are getting royalty fees. However, the platform does take around 10% of the revenue and gives artists the other 90%.
Video Streaming
Odysee
This Web3 alternative is here to replace popular video streaming platforms such as Youtube. Odysee’s interface is very similar to Youtube’s layout. Users can upload videos to their channel and viewers can also comment and like other people’s content. Unlike YouTube, Odysee puts the power in the hands of its creators and users. This means the ability to monetize content without having a set number of subscribers. On the other hand, viewers have the freedom to skip ads and pay as many Lbry coins as they think the video deserves.