Leaving Reddit? Here's everything you need
Compare 2 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Reddit is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LemmyRecommended Lemmy is a European open-source social network platform designed for individuals and communities seeking privacy and control. It offers self-hostable capabilities, allowing users to create and manage their own forums while maintaining data ownership. Lemmy's federated nature enables interaction across different instances, enhancing connectivity. | 🇳🇱Netherlands | Contact | Medium | 1-2 hours | |
Mastodon Mastodon is an open source federated microblogging service/social media platform. A federated social network is decentralized, similar to how email works. Since Mastodon is open source, anyone with enough technical know-how can create their own Mastodon server where users can register. A Mastodon server is comparable to the email provider in the email system. Mastodon servers can communicate with each other via a standardized and open protocol called ActivityPub. Thanks to this protocol it is possible that users from one Mastodon server can for example follow users from other server or like their content. | 🇪🇺EU | Free | Medium | 2-3 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Mastodon is an open source federated microblogging service/social media platform. A federated social network is decentralized, similar to how email works. Since Mastodon is open source, anyone with enough technical know-how can create their own Mastodon server where users can register. A Mastodon server is comparable to the email provider in the email system. Mastodon servers can communicate with each other via a standardized and open protocol called ActivityPub. Thanks to this protocol it is possible that users from one Mastodon server can for example follow users from other server or like their content.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Lemmy is a European open-source social network platform designed for individuals and communities seeking privacy and control. It offers self-hostable capabilities, allowing users to create and manage their own forums while maintaining data ownership. Lemmy's federated nature enables interaction across different instances, enhancing connectivity.
Advantages
- Federated network allows cross-instance interaction
- Full GDPR compliance ensures data protection
- Open-source for tailored customization options
- Self-hosting offers complete data control
Trade-offs
- Migration requires technical setup and learning
- Fewer users may limit community engagement
- Optional E2E encryption may not be default
Mastodon is an open source federated microblogging service/social media platform. A federated social network is decentralized, similar to how email works. Since Mastodon is open source, anyone with enough technical know-how can create their own Mastodon server where users can register. A Mastodon server is comparable to the email provider in the email system. Mastodon servers can communicate with each other via a standardized and open protocol called ActivityPub. Thanks to this protocol it is possible that users from one Mastodon server can for example follow users from other server or like their content.
Advantages
- Decentralized; no single point of failure
- Full GDPR compliance; EU-hosted servers
- Open-source; customizable and transparent
- Optional E2E encryption for privacy
Trade-offs
- Migration pain; data transfer is manual
- Learning curve; new interface and features
- Fewer users; smaller community engagement
Before You Switch
Export your data from Reddit before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your Reddit account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. Reddit is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Reddit?
There are 2 European alternatives to Reddit. Lemmy, Mastodon are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Reddit?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Reddit?
Yes, most services including Reddit allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your Reddit account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from Reddit to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Reddit first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Reddit subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Reddit to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.