Artificial Intelligence (AI) > A private Gemini alternative
The private and free Gemini alternative
Gemini is built into Search, Gmail, Drive, and Google Messages. It can see everything you type, search, and store across Google's ecosystem. But you can protect yourself by switching to Lumo, a private Gemini alternative that helps you write, research, and work efficiently without the risks.
Why Lumo is a safer Gemini alternative
By default, Google can retain your Gemini conversations for up to 3 years even after you delete it from your account, putting your data at risk of being leaked or used for monitoring or advertising purposes. Lumo is designed to keep your chats completely private, even from Proton. Your conversations are never logged, never reviewed by anyone, and protected by zero-access encryption.
| |  Lumo AI |  Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-access encrypted chat history | 是 | 否 |
| No third-party data sharing | 是 | 否 |
| Does not log your chats | 是 | 否 |
| No AI training on your data* | 是 | 否 |
| Built and hosted in Europe | 是 | 否 |
| Uses only open-source models | 是 | 否 |
| No ads | 是 | 否 |
| |
*By default, consumer Gemini (Free and paid tiers) uses your conversations to train its AI models. You must manually turn off Gemini Apps Activity to opt out — but even then, conversations are still retained for up to 72 hours, and any chats already reviewed by human annotators remain stored for up to three years, separately from your Google Account.
The best Gemini alternative that's private and free
Like every Proton product, Lumo is built around the principle that your data belongs to you — not the platform. You get a capable, fast AI assistant without handing over your conversations to one of the world's largest advertising companies.
Your conversations never train anyone's AI
The regular version of Gemini trains its models on your chats by default — you have to actively opt out. Lumo never uses your conversations, files, or prompts for AI training under any circumstances.
No logs, no retention
Gemini stores your conversations for up to 18 months by default, and up to three years if reviewed. Lumo keeps no server-side logs — not your prompts, not your uploads, not your chat history.
Encryption only you can unlock
Google and its employees can read your Gemini conversations. Lumo protects your saved chat history with zero-access encryption, meaning only you can ever decrypt and read it.
No ads or data sharing, ever
Google's entire business is built on advertising and behavioral data. Lumo never shows ads and never shares your information with outside vendors.
Protected by Swiss privacy laws
Google is a US company, so your Gemini data falls under US jurisdiction and is subject to surveillance requests. Lumo is built and hosted in Europe, runs on self-controlled servers, and operates under robust Swiss privacy protections.
Open source and independently verifiable
Unlike Google, Lumo exclusively uses open-source models and code. You don't have to simply take our word for it: Anyone can independently review and verify our technology.
Get more done with private AI
Upload files
Upload PDFs and images to Lumo and get summaries or answers to questions.
Search the web
Get answers backed by web results and up-to-date information.
Manage Projects
Group chats, files, and ideas in folders to easily keep track of work using Projects.
Enable Ghost mode
Enjoy even greater privacy if you don’t want a conversation saved in your history.
Use on the go
Use Lumo anywhere with apps for iOS, Android, and web.
Join an encrypted ecosystem that protects your privacy
Lumo is part of a privacy-first ecosystem that protects your data with end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption. Nobody can see your data except you and the people you choose to share it with — not even us.
Create a free Lumo account and you'll also unlock access to our VPN(新視窗), email, calendar, cloud storage, document editor, spreadsheet editor, password manager, video conferencing, and more.
Over 100 million people and businesses worldwide trust us with their data
@recant731
on X
Just got Lumo to help plan out a road trip, with detailed routes and budgets for stays and my car on fuel. @ProtonPrivacy already had me stoked and now @asklumo has too.
@markruffalo
via Instagram comment
There are other chat apps you can use that are actually just as good, cheaper or more private that don’t fund evil in the world. Lumo from ProtonMail comes to mind
@banasnap.bsky.social
on Bluesky
Promising premise: a privacy-first AI is exactly what the current landscape was missing. With most services dominated by US and Chinese companies, having a European-based option, from a team already well-versed in online privacy, fills a much-needed gap. Looking forward to trying Lumo.
tintreack
on Reddit
This is pretty awesome, and the mascot is kind of adorable. I really love the branding of this. Also, as a visionary user who has to use ChatGPT for his workflow, thank you. I can finally get rid of that. I've been testing it out, it's pretty great! Nice job team.
Switch to a private AI assistant
Lumo is designed for people who want an AI assistant they can trust. Lumo isn’t trained on your chats, and it will never expose your private information to competitors, partners, or advertisers.
Frequently asked questions about Lumo, the best Gemini alternative
- Why is Lumo a better alternative to Google Gemini?
- Can I use Lumo for work or team collaboration?
- Does Lumo comply with data protection regulations?
- What languages does Lumo support?
Learn more about Gemini and AI
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