Leaving reCAPTCHA? 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
reCAPTCHA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Friendly CaptchaRecommended Friendly Captcha is a European solution designed to protect websites from bots while ensuring a seamless user experience. It replaces traditional CAPTCHA methods with a privacy-friendly approach that does not track users. The system uses cryptographic challenges to verify human interaction, enhancing security without compromising user privacy. | 🇩🇪Germany | Contact | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
mCaptcha mCaptcha is a European-developed tool designed to enhance online security by preventing automated bot interactions on websites. It provides a user-friendly verification process that authenticates human users without compromising user experience. Ideal for businesses looking to safeguard their online platforms. | 🇪🇺EU | Contact | Medium | 2-4 hours |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Friendly Captcha is a European solution designed to protect websites from bots while ensuring a seamless user experience. It replaces traditional CAPTCHA methods with a privacy-friendly approach that does not track users. The system uses cryptographic challenges to verify human interaction, enhancing security without compromising user privacy.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Friendly Captcha is a European solution designed to protect websites from bots while ensuring a seamless user experience. It replaces traditional CAPTCHA methods with a privacy-friendly approach that does not track users. The system uses cryptographic challenges to verify human interaction, enhancing security without compromising user privacy.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures legal safety for EU users.
- Servers located in Germany enhance data residency assurance.
- Open source allows for community scrutiny and transparency.
- E2E encryption protects user data during verification process.
Trade-offs
- Migration may require significant development resources.
- Limited third-party integrations compared to reCAPTCHA.
- Learning curve for developers unfamiliar with new API.
mCaptcha is a European-developed tool designed to enhance online security by preventing automated bot interactions on websites. It provides a user-friendly verification process that authenticates human users without compromising user experience. Ideal for businesses looking to safeguard their online platforms.
Advantages
- mCaptcha servers are located in the EU, aiding GDPR compliance.
- mCaptcha is open source, allowing for independent audits and transparency.
- Optional E2E encryption enhances data security for user interactions.
- Potentially lower costs with mCaptcha compared to Google’s pricing model.
Trade-offs
- Migration from reCAPTCHA may involve significant integration effort.
- Limited documentation available for mCaptcha could hinder onboarding.
- mCaptcha may lack advanced features present in reCAPTCHA, like image recognition.
Before You Switch
Export your data from reCAPTCHA before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your reCAPTCHA 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. reCAPTCHA is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to reCAPTCHA?
There are 2 European alternatives to reCAPTCHA. Friendly Captcha, mCaptcha 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 reCAPTCHA?
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 reCAPTCHA?
Yes, most services including reCAPTCHA allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your reCAPTCHA account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from reCAPTCHA to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from reCAPTCHA 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 reCAPTCHA subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from reCAPTCHA 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.