In order for Bitcoin to be a decentralized currency, as it was intended, the only option is to use your own node. Most people want convenience and cheap so they compromise by giving up their privacy and sovereignty.

For Bitcoin to work as intended 4 things have to happen.

1. The network needs to be decentralized.
2. Bitcoin has to have a limited supply.
3. Users have to posses and control (custody) their Bitcoin.
4. Transactions have to be peer-to-peer (no 3rd party intermediary).