We all know that the internet can be a scary place. Between hackers and cyber criminals, it's hard to feel safe online. That's why it's essential to use a secure browser that will protect your privacy. Luckily, there are a variety of browsers out there that can help you keep your information safe and protect your privacy. We are here with our list of the 11 most secure browsers that can protect your privacy in 2022.
The majority of browsers today are data collection tools for advertising companies. The largest and most popular browser, Google Chrome, is no exception. Through their advertising partners, these companies can make money from your browser. In addition, it is common for search engines, email services, and free mobile apps to violate users' privacy.
Brave Browser: Browser with the highest level of privacy and security
Firefox: An excellent combination of privacy and usability
Tor browser: Ultimate anonymity and security
Chromium browser: Most customizable browser for tech nerds
Iridium Browser: An all in one solution for your privacy and security
Epic Privacy Browser: Third party tracking killer, best for staying un-tracked
GNU IceCat Browser: Best out-of-box protection, with numerous customization options
Bromite Browser (Android): Best for surfing useful content and staying focused without ads
LibreWolf: A perfect Firefox fork
DuckDuckGo privacy browser: A great alternative to Google Chrome, with more than 80% features
Pale Moon: Highly customizable and open-source with transparency.
Browsers collect a variety of information from users. This can include your IP address, geographic location, search history, and even the content of your emails. All of this information is then used to target ads at you. While this might not seem like a big deal, it can actually be quite dangerous.
Your IP address can be used to track your physical location. Hackers can use this information to target you with specific attacks. Additionally, your search history can be used to give you personalized offers and sales funnels. For example, if you're searching for a particular product, you might see ads for that product on other websites. This can be very annoying and even intrusive.
The simple answer is NO! While "incognito" mode does not save your browsing history, it does not protect your privacy. Your ISP can still track what websites you're visiting. Additionally, any cookies that are placed on your computer will still be active. This means that companies can still collect data about you while you're in incognito mode. The only way you can bypass it is to either use a secure browser or use a reputed VPN that can hide your identity.
We choose a secure browser based on three factors mainly, they are:
- Security: The browser should have security features like encryption, anti-malware, and phishing protection.
- Privacy: The browser should have privacy features like Do Not Track, private browsing mode, and third-party cookie blocking.
- Ease of use: The browser should be easy to use and have a user-friendly interface.
We spent an adequate amount of time researching these browsers to ensure that we only include the best-in-class browsers regarding security and privacy. The definition of "BEST" can change from person to person; if one person is more concerned about security, they might go for a browser with more security features even if it lacks in other departments.
So be sure to identify the definition of "BEST" for yourself; we have something for everyone.
The best way to protect your privacy is to use a secure browser that offers privacy protection. There are a number of browsers out there that offer this type of protection. After 197 hours of collective research and testing, we've compiled a list of the 11 most secure browsers that can protect your privacy in 2022.
Brave Browser is a relatively new browser that's already making waves in the world of online privacy. This browser is based on the Chromium engine, which means it's compatible with a wide range of devices and websites. Brave Browser has a variety of features that make it ideal for those who want to protect their privacy.
For starters, Brave blocks ads and trackers by default. This means that you won't have to worry about companies collecting your data. Additionally, Brave offers a "Private Window with Tor" feature. This allows you to browse the internet anonymously and keep your data safe from prying eyes.
Our favorite thing about Brave is that it provides simple, out-of-the-box privacy. It is ideal for those who do not have the time, patience, or know-how to customize and tweak their browsers. Additionally, Brave works with Chrome extensions, making it a viable alternative to Chrome.
A number of privacy-enhancing settings are available in Brave, including blocking third-party ads, upgrading unsecured connections to HTTPS, blocking cookies, and blocking fingerprinting. You can adjust them under Shields and Privacy and security in Settings.
Quick features of Brave browser:
Firefox has been around for a long time and is one of the most popular browsers. It's known for its security features, which make it a good choice for those who want to protect their privacy.
One of our favorite things about Firefox is that it offers a "Private Browsing" mode. This mode prevents your browsing history, cookies, and other data from being saved on your computer. Additionally, Firefox blocks third-party cookies by default. This means that companies won't be able to track you as you browse the web.
Firefox also offers a number of security features, including anti-phishing protection and malware blocking. These features make it more difficult for criminals to steal your personal information.
Mozilla Firefox isn't the best browser for privacy out of the box, but it can be customized and hardened. You must disable Firefox's telemetry feature, which collects "technical and interaction data" as well as "installing and running studies." (Which is not good for your privacy)
You can customize the level of privacy in the Privacy & Security settings area, which includes Standard, Strict, and Custom options.
The best thing about Firefox is you can install any browser extension to make your workflow easy and more effective.
Quick features of Firefox:
Tor Browser is a free and open-source browser that's designed for online privacy. It's based on the Firefox browser and uses the Tor network to anonymize your traffic.
The Tor network is a group of volunteer-operated servers that allows people to browse the internet anonymously. When you use Tor Browser, your traffic is routed through multiple servers before it reaches its destination. This makes it difficult to track your activity or identify your location.
Tor Browser also blocks third-party cookies and blocks fingerprinting. These features make it more difficult for companies to track you as you browse the internet. Blocking in the Tor browser is done by rejecting all the javascript codes which try to execute in your system on the browser level.
One downside of Tor Browser is that it's slow. This is because your traffic is routed through multiple servers, which can cause delays. Additionally, Tor Browser is not officially available for mobile devices. (but there are methods to do so)
The solution to this problem is to use the Tor browser by keeping the Tor network off; this way, you can use the Tor browser as a normal browser, and you will see a drastic increase in browsing speed. You can also use the Tor Browser on your mobile devices by downloading the Orbot app and configuring it to work with the Tor network.
Quick features of Tor browser:
If you are a tech person, you may know that Chrome and Chromium are two different browsers. Both are open source, but Chromium is the base of Google Chrome; it's what Chrome is built on.
Chromium is a very lightweight browser; it doesn't have some of the features that come with Chrome, such as automatic updates, an integrated PDF viewer, and support for proprietary codecs. However, Chromium does have a built-in password manager and sync feature.
Chromium is not as secure as Firefox or Tor Browser, but it's more secure than most other browsers. This is because Chromium blocks third-party cookies by default and has a number of security features, such as sandboxing and address bar spoofing protection.
On top of all this, you can make this browser work with your Python scripts and open some new levels of customization and privacy; you can send flags like --incognito,--Profile, and --Headless to make sure you are not bombarded with UI-based ads.
One downside of Chromium is that it's not as privacy-friendly as Firefox or Tor Browser. This is because Chromium is based on the Blink engine, which was developed by Google. (Google is not known for respecting user privacy)
Quick features of Chromium:
Iridium is a Chromium-based browser that focuses on privacy and security. Iridium comes with all the features that you would expect from a modern browser, such as tabbed browsing, bookmarks, history, and support for extensions.
Although Iridium is based on Chromium, the developers have made sure that many Google-dependent features are not present in it. Iridium also has some unique privacy features, such as a built-in script blocking tool and an always “Do-Not-Track” header feature.
Site data (cookies, local storage, etc.) is only kept until exit, which means it does not matter if you are in incognito mode or not; your data will be deleted as soon as you close the browser.
One downside of Iridium is that it's not as well-known as some of the other browsers on this list. This means that there are fewer extensions and add-ons available for Iridium. This browser is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Quick features of Iridium browser:
Epic Privacy Browser is a Chromium-based browser that comes with a number of built-in privacy features. Epic blocks ads, third-party cookies, and trackers by default. It also has a proxy feature that allows you to access blocked websites and block all the unnecessary trackers on the server level.
In terms of strengths, Epic stands out. As a first step, it hides your IP address and browsing history using an encrypted proxy server.
Additionally, Epic protects you from ad-tracker scripts, cookies, cryptocurrency mining scripts, and third-party widgets. Whenever you exit the browser, its cookies and browsing history are automatically cleared.
Despite using an encrypted proxy or a VPN, Epic also blocks certain types of real-time communications that may leak your IP address.
This browser is really a challenge for hackers because nobody can download the source code of this browser. As a result, it is impossible to find any vulnerabilities in the browser.
Quick features of Epic Privacy Browser:
As free software, GNU IceCat includes a large number of privacy add-ons and tweaks by default, helping it to protect your privacy out of the box.
These include features such as SpyBlock, LibreJS (which blocks proprietary JavaScript code), and HTTPS-Everywhere. There are also some countermeasures against fingerprinting.
GNU IceCat blocks third-party cookies, tracks the number of ads and annoying popups you’ve seen on each website, and disables WebRTC — a protocol that can leak your IP address.
It also has a Do Not Track feature that sends a “Do Not Track” request to every website you visit, telling them not to track your online activity.
IceCat is based on the Firefox browser and is fully compatible with all Firefox add-ons. It also comes with a few extra security features, such as HTTPS Everywhere and NoScript. Having the Firefox DNA, it’s quite easy to use.
Quick features of GNU IceCat Browser:
Bromite is an open-source browser for Android that comes with ad blocking and incognito mode enabled by default. Bromite is based on Chromium, so it has all of the features that you’d expect from a modern browser.
This browser mainly focuses on decluttering web pages by removing unwanted content such as adverts, buttons, and other elements. It also blocks third-party cookies and trackers.
Small UI changes enable you to quickly identify useful content quickly. Bromite also blocks mixed content and forces HTTPS whenever possible.
Quick features of Bromite Browser:
This project is mainly focused on two things, i.e., user privacy and security. LibreWolf is a community-driven project that aims to create a Firefox fork that prioritizes user privacy and security.
LibreWolf blocks any tracking attempts by default and also provides an easy way to block trackers on specific websites. It also comes with some other features that make it a great privacy browser, such as disabling WebRTC, Telemetry, and other data collection attempts.
This browser is available for desktop operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Open BSD.
As far as updates are concerned, the LibreWolf team appears to be very diligent. However, it's important to keep in mind that updates are not automatic. As a result, you will need to manually update the browser, which is a disadvantage. If you are someone who doesn't like to manually update your software, this might not be the best privacy browser for you.
Quick features of LibreWolf Browser:
This is one of the most popular privacy browsers out there. DuckDuckGo has a strong focus on protecting user privacy. It doesn't collect or share any personal information, including IP addresses and search history.
The browser blocks third-party trackers by default and provides a built-in tracker blocker that lets you block trackers on specific websites. It also comes with a Private Browsing mode that doesn't save your browsing history or cookies.
DuckDuckGo is available for all major desktop and mobile platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
The best thing about DuckDuckGo is its fast speed and minimalist design. It's also very easy to use, which makes it a great option for those who are not tech-savvy.
DuckDuckGo assures users that these trackers don't allow Microsoft to monitor individual users or link search activity to specific individuals. Although DuckDuckGo has close connections to large tech companies and advertisers, the lack of transparency surrounding this situation is concerning; end of the day, they have to make money in some way, and they usually make most of their money through paid advertisements and affiliate links.
Quick features of DuckDuckGo Browser:
This is another open-source fork of Firefox that aims to provide efficiency and customization and user privacy. The Pale Moon browser offers different customization options, as well as support for older Firefox extensions and its own add-ons. Even though the design on this browser feels a bit outdated, however, it is lightweight, fast, and does not feel overly cluttered.
As of now, Pale Moon is available for Windows and Linux only. As opposed to other Firefox forks, Pale Moon runs on its own browser engine, which makes it incompatible with most Firefox add-ons. However, it does support a few WebExtensions.
As a small player in the browser industry, Pale Moon doesn't have much to offer in terms of bells and whistles. However, in terms of privacy, they did a great job with a very small development team.
Pale Moon also offers an "Off-Main-Thread Compositing" feature that speeds up page rendering on multi-core processors. This makes Pale Moon one of the fastest browsers out there, which is a huge advantage.
The developers of Pale Moon have also promised never to include any form of data collection or user profiling in the browser. This is a great commitment to user privacy and makes Pale Moon one of the best privacy browsers out there.
Quick features of Plate Moon browser:
In spite of the fact that some browsers claim to be secure against vulnerabilities, they may not be the best choice from a privacy standpoint. Let's have a look at them.
Google is surely a data company; they try to customize your experience by collecting as much data about you as possible. They use this data to show you targeted ads both inside and outside of their products.
While Chrome is a prevalent browser, it's not the most privacy-friendly option out there. Google uses a technique called "browser fingerprinting" to track users across the web. This means that even if you're using incognito mode, Google can still track you and collect data about your browsing habits.
Mozilla Firefox is a popular open-source browser that's known for its privacy features. However, it's worth noting that Google and other tech giants fund Mozilla. As such, there's a possibility that Firefox is not as independent as it claims to be.
In addition, Mozilla has been criticized for its partnership with Cliqz, a German search engine that's known for its data collection practices. This partnership allows Cliqz to collect data about Firefox users and show them targeted ads.
Opera is a popular browser that's known for its data-saving features. However, it's worth mentioning that Opera is owned by a Chinese company called Kunlun Tech. As such, many fear that there's a possibility that Opera is being used as a tool for Chinese government surveillance.
Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 10. While it's not as popular as Chrome or Firefox, it's worth paying attention that Microsoft has been criticized for its data collection practices in the past.
As such, there's a possibility that Edge is collecting data about your browsing habits and sending it back to Microsoft. In addition, Microsoft has been known to improve its services by using the data they collect from users.
The story of the Epic browser is very different; since 2014 company has been claiming to open source the code, but to date, the source code is not available to the public. The company behind Epic, Hidden reflex, has been contracted by the Indian Govt. for developing a secure browser for their armed forces personnel, which surely indicates that the browser can not be fully trusted.
Safari is the default browser on Apple devices. While it's not as popular as Chrome or Firefox, it's not the worst but not as safe as you might think.
Apple was accused of "Hoarding" safari browser history in order to sell it to data companies. In addition, Safari has been known to track users across the web and show them targeted ads.
Keeping all the above in mind, we can say that there is no perfect browser that fulfills all the needs, but you can choose the best browser as per your requirements.
Using a secure browser is a great measure that you can do to protect your privacy online. However, it's worth mentioning that there are other steps that you can take to stay protected from web threats.
Here are a few tips:
Even if you're using a secure browser, your traffic is still vulnerable to snooping and surveillance. This is where a VPN comes in.
A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another country. This makes it impossible for anyone to spy on your traffic or track your location.
In addition, a VPN can also help you bypass censorship and access blocked websites.
If you're looking for a VPN to use with your secure browser, we recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both of the providers are fast, reliable, and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
When creating an account on a website, only give the bare minimum amount of information that's required. For example, if a website asks for your birthdate, only give the year.
The less information you give online, the less there is to be stolen in the event of a data breach.
One of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your accounts is by using brute-force attacks. This is where they try to guess your password using common words and phrases.
To prevent this from happening, make sure to use strong passwords that are at least 8 characters long and contain a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
In addition, it's a good idea to use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store strong passwords for you.
Phishing is one of the most common ways that hackers try to steal your personal information. This is where they send you an email containing a malicious link.
If you click on the link, you'll be taken to a fake website that looks identical to the real thing. Once you enter your login details, the hackers will have access to your account.
To avoid falling for a phishing attack, make sure to only click on links from sources that you trust.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from hacking attacks is to keep your software up to date. This includes your operating system, web browser, plugins, and any other software that you use.
Whenever a new security update is released, make sure to install it as soon as possible. This will help patch any vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone whenever you try to log in.
Even if a hacker manages to guess your password, they won't be able to log in without also having your phone.
There's always a chance that your computer could get hacked, even if you take all the necessary precautions. This is why it's important to back up your data regularly.
This way, if your computer does get hacked, you won't lose all your important files. We recommend using a cloud-based backup service like Backblaze or Crashplan.
Using a secure browser is a great way to protect your privacy online. However, it's important to remember that it's just one part of the puzzle. By following the tips above, you can help protect your privacy online. However, it's important to remember that no security measure is 100% effective. The best way to stay safe online is to stay vigilant and up-to-date on the latest security threats.
A: While using TOR can be a great way to protect your privacy, it's important to remember that it's not completely anonymous. In addition, TOR is often used by criminals to hide their tracks. So, while using TOR is not necessarily dangerous, you should use it with caution.
Another important thing about using TOR is that it can slow your computer. So, if you're using TOR for browsing the web, you may want to consider using a separate browser for other tasks.
A: The best way to prevent your IP address from being tracked is to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through an intermediary server, which makes it much harder for anyone to track you. In addition, a VPN can also help you access websites that are blocked in your country.
A: Incognito mode in Google Chrome offers some privacy protection, but it's important to remember that it's not entirely anonymous. In addition, your ISP can still track your activity while using Incognito mode. The main reason behind this privacy protection (Incognito mode) is to prevent your browsing history from being saved on your computer. So, if you're looking for complete anonymity, you should use a VPN.
A: While it's not necessarily something to worry about, it's essential to be aware of the fact that your ISP can track your activity. In addition, some ISPs have been known to sell their customers' data. So, if you're concerned about your privacy, you should use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through an intermediary server, which makes it much harder for anyone to track you. This way, your ISP won't be able to see what you're doing online.
A: Unfortunately, it's a Yes; your Internet Service Provider(ISP) knows everything that you do online. As every request you make on the internet goes through your ISP, they can very well keep track of everything. Although they promise not to do so, some of them have been found breaking the trust by selling customer data to a third party.