Buying European Phones? Compare the Best Models from 2026 🇪🇺
Have you had it with the dominance from Silicon Valley or China? You're not the only one. More and more consumers are consciously choosing a smartphone from European soil. Whether you go for maximum privacy, unprecedented durability or simply European solidity: the choice is greater than you think in 2026. Below, we filter the noise and help you get straight to the device that fits your principles (and budget).
The Sustainable Leader: Fairphone (Netherlands)
Looking for a phone that will last as long as you do? Then Dutch Fairphone is the undisputed king. Where other brands push you to a new device after two years, Fairphone is designed to last.
With the brand-new Fairphone Gen 6 (and the still-powerful Fairphone 5), you get a modular marvel in your home. Screen cracked? Battery lazy? You snap in a new part without tools or technical knowledge in no time.
Why choose Fairphone?
- Modular design: Repair it yourself in minutes.
- Software support: Up to 8 years of updates (unprecedented in the industry).
- Fair materials: Conflict-free raw materials and fair wages in the chain.
Design & Innovation: Nothing & HMD
Want European, but don't want to compromise on 'cool-factor' or specs? Then Nothing (UK) and HMD (Finland, the makers behind Nokia) are your go-to brands.
Nothing: tech with a face of its own
London-based Nothing breaks through the boring sameness of the smartphone market. With the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, you get a transparent design and the unique 'Glyph' lighting. It's the perfect choice if you're looking for a high-end Android experience designed in Europe.
HMD & Nokia: Finnish Soundness 2.0
HMD Global upholds European honour with devices that focus on repairability and 'digital detox'.
- HMD Skyline: For those looking for a powerful smartphone that's easy to repair (Gen2 Repairability).
- Nokia 'dumbphones': Do you really want to go offline for a while? Models like the Nokia 2660 Flip or the classic Nokia 105 are perfect for digital tranquillity.
Privacy & De-Google: Boss of your own data
A key reason to buy European is privacy (AVG/GDPR). Many European brands run on a 'clean' version of Android, without unnecessary bloatware from Asia. Want to go one step further? Then look for devices that are or Murena-enabled. With these, you largely cut ties with Google, while continuing to use your favourite apps.
Reality check: Vote with your wallet
Let's face it: there is no such thing as a 100% European phone (yet). Chips and screens almost always come from Asia. But where do the profits go? With these brands, it stays in Europe. Moreover, these companies strictly comply with European legislation around data security (AVG) and working conditions. So you're not just buying a phone, you're investing in a fairer industry.
Other European players
Make your phone truly European
Hardware is step one. Software is the second battle. Replace these US services with European, privacy-friendly alternatives:
| Avoid | Replace with | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media | Facebook, X, Instagram | Mastodon, Bluesky |
| Messaging | Messenger, Telegram, WhatsApp | Threema, Element (Matrix) |
| Services | Google, Gmail, Google Maps, Microsoft 365, ChatGPT | Ecosia, Proton Mail, HERE WeGo, LibreOffice, Mistral Le Chat |
| Collaboration | Teams, Google Meet, Slack, Discord | Whereby, Revolt, Whaller |
| Streaming | Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Youtube | Viaplay, PeerTube |
It may seem like a big step, but it's not that big of a deal. You don't have to go 'cold turkey' in a day. Simply start by replacing your browser or chat app. Each app you replace is another piece of personal data that stays safely in Europe instead of on a server in California.
