Best Internet Browser for Privacy: Top 10 Picks for 2024
Having a private browser in today’s high-tech world is a must. From keeping your details hidden from prying eyes to stopping big tech from tracking your every move, switching to a browser built for privacy is one of the first steps you should take to improve your online anonymity.
In this article, we will explore the best browsers for privacy, their unique features, and how they can help protect your sensitive information from prying eyes. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a tech-savvy individual, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which privacy browser is right for you.
Why You Need a Private Browser
You need a private browser because the websites you visit store a lot of personal information about you, otherwise called a browser fingerprint. Sites can still gather this information even if you turn off your cookies! In most cases, the information that websites collect includes:
- IP address: An ID number for your device on the internet
- Type of browser: The kind of browser you’re using to connect to the internet, like Google Chrome
- Operating system: The type of operating system you’re using, such as Windows or macOS
- Screen resolution: The number of pixels on your screen
- Fonts: The type of font, like Times New Roman or Arial
This information is used to create a unique profile about you, which in turn is used to track you online. For instance, have you come across an ad for a product you previously abandoned in a cart on an e-commerce website while you’re visiting another unrelated website? If yes, it is because your browser stored that information.
However, you can protect your data while using your favorite browser, such as Google Chrome, or add a layer of security on top of your private browser by using the industry-leading NordVPN.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Best Browser for Privacy: The Definitive List
In search for the top private browsers, our team of experts thoroughly ran tests on different options available and compiled a list of the best browser for privacy based on the following:
- Transparent privacy policies
- Solid security and encryption features
- Previous breaches and security incidents
- Overall performance and utility
So, let’s take a deep dive into the best browsers for your privacy online.
1. Tor Browser: The Best Anonymous Browser
Pros
- Source code is publicly available
- Auto deletes cookies that track you
- Bypasses censorship
Cons
- Can be slow
- Allows access to potentially harmful sites
The Tor browser is a non-profit project that hides your identity, preferences, and any form of personal data by sending your traffic through at least three nodes in the Tor network. Your data is encrypted at every Tor node (server) it goes through, hence making it very difficult for anyone to decipher that information.
For instance, if you search for a query on Google, the query, together with your personal details, is sent to Google. As you can imagine, this is detrimental to your privacy.
To enhance your security, the Tor browser redirects your request through encrypted servers before finally delivering it to Google.
This process masks your personal details and ensures that Google doesn’t know where the request came from therefore making you anonymous. As noted in our Tor Browser review, Tor’s privacy and security features, such as NoScript, block scripts intended to track you online or infect your device with malware.
However, during our tests, we noticed connection speeds drag while using the Tor browser.
Tor anonymous browser is a necessity if you would like to access the dark web, which speaks volumes to just how anonymous it is and why it is our best browser for privacy.
Why we picked Tor as a top privacy browser
- Tor uses a decentralized network, which means that no single entity controls, monitors, or logs your internet traffic.
- This encrypted browser allows you to access the internet anonymously without revealing your IP address or other identifying information.
- Tor is open-source software, which means its source code is available for anyone to review and audit for privacy and security concerns.
- It offers a range of privacy-focused features, such as disabling browser plugins, blocking third-party cookies, and preventing browser fingerprinting.
- The secure browser allows you to use the internet without leaving any traceable browsing data on your computer, which can help protect your privacy and enhance tracking protection from advertisers and data brokers.
- Frequent updates further add to its overall security.
2. Mullvad Browser: An Alternative to Tor Browser
Pros
- Implements Tor Browser security
- Browsing activity encrypted with Mullvad VPN
- Firefox-based browser
- Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Snappy website rendering
In 2023, one of the best privacy partnerships was solidified. Mullvad VPN and the Tor Project partnered and released the Mullvad browser. The secure browser is based on Mozilla Firefox, which means they took Firefox’s code, which is publicly available, and created the Mullvad privacy browser from it.
We fired up this exciting, secure browser and took it for a spin. First, we visited websites loaded with ads to see how well the built-in ad blocker, UBlock Origin, would perform. It successfully blocked ads, and we enjoyed an ad-free experience. Mullvad also comes pre-installed with NoScript, which blocks malicious code from infecting your device.
However, we couldn’t help but notice how long the websites took to load. Unfortunately, they took twice as long to load on Mullvad compared to Firefox or Brave.
Another thing we noticed during our tests was how the Mullvad browser didn’t render some web pages as well as on other browsers. For instance, in some cases, a webpage didn’t fill the window of the browser.
Additionally, Mullvad doesn’t come with a built-in VPN. Instead, users need to purchase the secure Mullvad VPN separately. You can read our in-depth Mullvad VPN review to learn more about this acclaimed VPN.
Why we picked Mullvad Browser as a top privacy browser
- Based on Tor security features but not the Tor network.
- This secure browser does not collect telemetry. Cookies, search bar entries, cached browsing data, and pages you visit are not saved.
- Mullvad privacy browser is pre-installed with privacy-friendly extensions such as UBlock Origin and NoScript.
- Offers different security levels from standard to safest. Safest is super secure but impeeds on the browsing experience.
- Blocks browser fingerprinting by default.
3. Brave Browser: The Best Browser for Privacy for Existing Chrome Users
Pros
- Pre-installed with ad blocker
- Sleek and intuitive interface
- Publicly available source code
- Loaded with privacy and security features
Cons
- Brave's ad program has led to privacy concerns
- Performance issues such as slow loading times and crashes
Brave is an aesthetic option for your private and secure browsing. We are impressed with Brave’s arsenal of security features. For example, in our tests, we attempted to access unsecured websites using Brave. To our relief, its HTTPS Everywhere feature ensured that the connections were secure and encrypted, protecting us from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
However, there are some privacy concerns with Brave privacy browser. In April 2019, Brave launched its ad program. On the one hand, it blocked ads from third parties, but on the other, it showed its own ads to users, which was suspicious to us. Although, it later changed this and started paying users for viewing ads.
In addition, a user also found that Brave was autocompleting URLs related to certain crypto websites that it had partnerships with. This also casts some doubt over the browser’s transparency practices.
If you are worried about the privacy of your personal information while using Brave, we recommend purchasing and downloading a VPN. NordVPN is our number one VPN provider, which comes with a Threat Protection feature that will block unwanted ads and will offer you top-notch security by encrypting your data.
Why we picked Brave as a top privacy browser
- Brave allows private windows with Tor that leave no trace of your activities online.
- The secure browser blocks Facebook and other social media sites from tracking your activity on other websites.
- Spoofs data sent to Google web services and blocks features such as FLoC and Google Reporting, which are not privacy-friendly.
- Brave offers a feature called “Brave Shields” that allows you to control what information websites can access, including blocking scripts, fingerprinting, and other tracking technologies.
4. Mozilla Firefox: The Most Customizable Anonymous Browser
Pros
- Customize it to your needs
- Robust security measures such as tracking blockers and data deletion
- Source code is available to the public
- Regular updates and patches
Cons
- Earns majority of its revenue from Google partnership
- Setting up security features and customizations can be daunting
- Can affect system performance on older computers
Firefox is a private and anonymous browser run by the Mozilla Foundation. It is a great privacy browser as you can customize it based on your needs, and it comes with some excellent security features, such as tracking blockers and malware protection. Moreover, it frequently updates its software and fixes any glitches quickly and effectively.
However, it’s important to note Mozilla secured an annual deal with Google in return for pushing Google as the default search engine with Firefox. This means the intrusive tracking by Google doesn’t stop even while using Mozilla Firefox, despite its commitment to privacy.
But while testing Firefox, our privacy team liked the fact that we could adjust it to our preferences easily and to the extent we preferred. By playing around with its plethora of settings, you can make it ultra-private and secure. Take a look at our Firefox set-up guide to learn how to configure the browser for the best privacy results.
Moreover, if you want to keep Google from logging your data but still continue using Mozilla Firefox, there is an extra step you can take. You can use NordVPN. It will spoof your details, such as your IP address, that Google uses to target you with ads. And the best part? You can use NordVPN for free to try out its features!
Why we picked Mozzila Firefox as a top privacy browser
- Firefox offers a range of privacy settings that can be customized to your preferences. You can block cookies, prevent websites from tracking you, and even use add-ons to enhance your privacy.
- This secure web browser has built-in security features such as phishing and malware protection, which can help protect you from online threats.
- Firefox has implemented a new “Total Cookie Protection” feature that prevents cookies from being shared across different websites, which can help prevent cross-site tracking.
- Firefox supports a wide range of add-ons that can enhance your privacy and security. For example, you can use add-ons like uBlock Origin to block ads and trackers.
5. Safari: The Best Browser for Privacy for Mac
Pros
- Blocks malicious files
- Built-in tracking prevention boosts anonymity
- Numerous extensions to configure security preferences as required
Cons
- Infrequent updates can lead to security issues
- Lacks overall customization
- Owned by Apple and source code is private
Safari is Apple’s default browser and boasts a wide range of useful security and privacy features.
For instance, it blocks malicious code intended to steal your information, and it keeps your data secure in case you click on an insecure link. While testing Safari, we also noticed that when we enabled the “Fraudulent Website Warning” feature, it would notify us if a website potentially contained malicious software.
In keeping with Apple’s focus on privacy, a tracking prevention feature was added to Safari in the recent past. As a result, it doesn’t let advertisers use your information, and it helps you stay anonymous when browsing the web by hiding your digital fingerprint.
Moreover, we tested Safari’s “Private Browsing” feature and noticed that when this was enabled, Safari did not store the websites we visited, nor did it remember any information for AutoFill forms.
Thanks to Apple’s recent pivot toward privacy, Safari comes out as one of the more private and secure web browsers. If you use Apple devices, then Safari is a no-brainer, really. However, you may want to enable some of its safety-enhancing browser extensions to protect yourself completely.
Why we picked Safari as a top privacy browser
- Safari Reader removes ads and other distractions from web pages, making it easier to read content without being tracked by advertisers.
- The best privacy browser for Macs’ Intelligent Web Tracking Prevention blocks third-party trackers from collecting data about your online activities, making it difficult for advertisers to build a profile about you.
- Safari comes with a built-in password manager that securely stores your login credentials and autofill’s them for you when you revisit a site.
- Safari uses anti-fingerprinting technology to make it difficult for websites to track your device and gather information about your online activity.
6. Chromium: A Minimalist Anonymous Browser
Pros
- Doesn't share data with Google
- Regular updates and security patches enhances security
- Code is available to the public (open-source)
Cons
- Problems playing videos and viewing files
- Lacks plug-ins that can enhance privacy
Granted: Google Chrome loads fast, offers access to helpful browser extensions, and looks great. However, users are wary of Google’s data collection and sharing practices due to its sprawling ad-targeting business.
Chromium has all of the good parts of Google Chrome but without the infringement on personal data and security concerns. Despite being based on Google Chrome, it doesn’t send any data to Google, making it one of the best browsers for privacy.
Users looking for a minimalist but private Chrome alternative should look no further than Chromium. You can rest assured that your data isn’t being sold to ads services or to Google. Of course, the minimalist nature means that usability is compromised, but that’s just a tradeoff you have to make for privacy and security.
Why we picked Chromium as a top privacy browser
- The privacy-focused browser is available on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, which makes it a versatile choice for users who need to use the same browser across multiple devices.
- Compatible with a wide range of browser extensions to improve your privacy.
- It’s not bloated with software making it fast and responsive.
- Easy for Google Chrome users to transition due to a similar look and feel.
7. Vivaldi: The Best Private Browser With an In-Built Suite
Pros
- Rich set of privacy and usabillity features
- E-mail and calendar clients for improved productivity
- Pre-installed anti-tracker and ad blocker
Cons
- Not open-source
Vivaldi is a Chromium-based browser that combines security with flexibility and customization, and this is why it made our list of the best browser for privacy. The increasingly popular privacy browser combines some essential security features with a strong focus on privacy, which makes Vivaldi a safe browser to use.
During our tests, Vivaldi was straightforward to set up, and we were able to disable all third-party cookies. We also noticed that our browsing history was stored on our device only and not on the Vivaldi browser. Moreover, we could customize Vivaldi to our preferences and create quick commands and keyboard shortcuts.
In a comment to VPNOverview for this article, Jon von Tetzchner, the Founder of Vivaldi, stated:
We are also unique in that we are not an ad company and we do not collect user data, not in the cloud and
not locally either. Some may argue that as long as the data does not leave your computer, it is OK, but we
do not agree. The damage from user profiling and surveillance based ads is still there and in some ways
it is even worse as the amount of data collected can be more extensive.Jon von Tetzchner
Founder of Vivaldi
The in-built Calendar and Mail apps are also useful for users who prefer integrated apps and lack privacy-friendly substitutes for them.
Vivaldi’s integrated suite of tools makes it a unique browser. The fact that these tools are offered with little to no compromise when it comes to user privacy makes it one of the best private browsers in our books. That said, the inability to prevent browser fingerprinting is a significant drawback.
Why we picked Vivaldi as a top privacy browser
- Vivaldi does not collect any user data and stores all user data locally on the user’s device.
- Vivaldi’s sync feature is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that users’ data is protected and cannot be accessed by third parties or hackers.
- Vivaldi allows users to customize their privacy settings, including blocking or allowing cookies, blocking ads, and disabling location tracking.
- This private browser uses the privacy-focused search engine called DuckDuckGo by default, which does not track users or store personal information.
8. Epic Privacy Browser: The Best Browser for Privacy With an In-Built Proxy
Pros
- Extreme privacy protection features
- In-built Proxy
- Auto deletion of data, passwords, and history after each session
Cons
- Limited functionality
- Does not block Yahoo! Search from tracking you
Epic Privacy Browser is another Chromium-based browser that maximizes user privacy and security. It makes a whole host of changes found in regular browsers to augment user privacy.
The private browser also provides comprehensive protection against tracking and fingerprinting. This means it protects you from advertisers that create a profile about you to target you with ads.
The in-built proxy is another helpful feature to facilitate anonymous browsing. While reviewing The Epic Privacy Browser, we tested its eight servers in multiple regions, such as the Americas, France, and Germany.
To our pleasant surprise, we comfortably streamed some of the shows in our list of best Netflix shows. Also, platforms such as Disney Plus worked flawlessly and without buffering.
This extreme focus on privacy does come with some downsides, however. Since the web browser retains no data, this can affect the general ease of use. For instance, while testing Epic Browser, it was impossible to look up the web pages we had visited in previous browsing sessions.
Another downside is Epic Browser has a partnership with Yahoo! Search. This partnership mandates Epic Browser not to disguise users using the proxy or anti-tracker when they click an ad on Yahoo! Search or other Yahoo-affiliated websites.
According to Epic Browser, “Yahoo! Search does bypass both our proxy and ad blocker. Upon ad click in Yahoo! Search, the proxy and built-in ad blocker remain disabled for several seconds.”
Therefore, if you want to use Yahoo! Search but still want to remain anonymous, we recommend using NordVPN, which will mask your IP address and hide your data from prying eyes.
Why we picked Epic Browser as a top privacy browser
- The private browser has a built-in proxy that allows you to browse the web anonymously. This feature can help you bypass website restrictions and protect your online identity.
- Epic Browser also encrypts your DNS requests, which means that your internet service provider cannot see which websites you are visiting.
- It encrypts all connections by default, which means that your browsing activity is protected from snooping by third parties.
- Epic is one of our best privacy browsers because it stores no history, keeps no logs, prevents third-party cookies, and retains no cache.
However, its overall usability is not on the level of browsers like Firefox and Safari, as it sacrifices certain important features, such as browsing history, to maintain privacy
9. Freenet: The Best Anonymous Browser for Freesites
Pros
- Decentralized network blocks tracking
- Supports anonymous file sharing
- Source code is available to the public
Cons
- Can be slow
- Can only access Freesites and not all websites
Freenet is a useful tool for a popular form of torrenting called peer-to-peer file sharing and anonymous communication between small groups. However, much like Tor, we noticed that speeds on Freenet are significantly slower.
Also, we don’t recommend Freenet for daily use because, through this browser, we could only access “Freesites” during our tests. This means you can’t visit normal sites like Facebook, Reddit, and regular news sites.
However, with Freenet, data is transmitted through a series of nodes/intermediaries which makes it difficult to determine where internet traffic is actually coming from. Its decentralized nature makes Freenet highly censorship-resistant.
You can also use the browser to share large files in an anonymous manner. It features two modes, i.e., OpenNet and darknet. OpenNet functions like any normal browser, where users can connect with all other individuals using the Freenet network.
However, when using the darknet, users can limit their range of communication to just family and friends, facilitating anonymous browsing and communication.
Why we picked Freenet as a top privacy browser
- Freenet is a decentralized network, which means that there is no central server or point of control. This makes it more difficult for third parties to monitor or censor content on the platform.
- Freenet uses strong encryption to protect files shared on the platform. This means that users can share sensitive information without worrying about it being intercepted or compromised.
- This private browser allows users to communicate anonymously through its built-in messaging system, so users can send and receive messages without revealing their identity or location.
- It uses a series of proxies to protect users’ IP addresses, which makes it difficult for third parties to track users or monitor their activity on the platform.
- Freenet doesn’t keep logs of user activity on the platform. Hence, there is no record of users’ browsing history or other activity.
10. LibreWolf: The Best Browser for Privacy for Firefox Users
Pros
- Blends privacy with Firefox’s utility and customization
- Source code is available to the public
Cons
- Limited utility for streaming content
LibreWolf is based on Firefox with a marked focus on user privacy and security. It comes with several security configurations enabled right out of the box.
For example, during our testing of LibreWolf, we noticed that it includes only private search engines like DuckDuckGo which keeps you anonymous online, and SearX. We also observed that it protected our IP address when WebRTC was being used. WebGL and IPv6, which can sometimes compromise privacy, were also disabled. Additionally, when we closed the app, it deleted cookies and history.
Regarding security, LibreWolf aims to keep pace with upstream Firefox updates that patch any new security issues. Moreover, LibreWolf enables HTTPS encryption by default, which means that your traffic is encrypted and secure even if you visit insecure websites or use public Wi-Fi.
LibreWolf’s utility for streaming and content consumption is questionable as it blocks digital rights management technology. Most streaming platforms will not work in browsers with DRM disabled/blocked. It also lacks additional security features offered by other browsers, such as a password manager.
Why we picked LibreWolf as a top privacy browser
- It comes pre-installed with a set of privacy-focused add-ons, including uBlock Origin, Decentraleyes, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere. These add-ons help to block ads and trackers, prevent browser fingerprinting, and encrypt user traffic.
- LibreWolf has several security settings enabled by default, including disabling telemetry, disabling geolocation, and disabling WebRTC. These settings help to prevent data collection and protect user privacy.
- The private browser does not “phone home“ to Mozilla or any other server, which prevents sharing user data with third parties.
- Librefox blocks tracking cookies by default, which helps to prevent third-party trackers from following users around the web.
How We Chose Our Best Privacy Browsers for This List
With so many browsers available in the market, choosing the best browser for privacy can be a daunting task. We considered several essential factors, including security features, privacy policies, private search, and encryption. We discuss them in more detail below.
1. Privacy and security features
The use of private browsers is particularly important for users who want to protect sensitive information such as financial data, health information, or personal communications.
Without privacy and security features, online activities can be monitored, and sensitive information can be intercepted, leading to identity theft, fraud, or other security breaches.
In addition to protecting personal data, privacy and security features in private browsers also protect you from online threats such as spyware and phishing attacks.
Many private browsers offer built-in protection against these threats, such as blocking malicious websites or warning users about potentially dangerous downloads.
2. Data collection
The best browser for privacy should not collect any data on your browsing habits or personal information. This includes data like your search history, cookies, location data, and IP address.
Some browsers like Google Chrome have been criticized for “phoning home,” which means they regularly send user data to their servers or other third-party servers without the user’s knowledge or consent.
To ensure privacy, it’s important to use browsers that do not collect data or that allow you to control what data is sent and how it is used. This can prevent the sharing of your data with third parties, such as advertisers or government agencies.
However, if you want to be extra safe and ensure your data is not up for grabs, you can use a VPN. NordVPN will safeguard your sensitive online information and encrypt your data with highly secure VPN protocols. One of these protocols is OpenVPN that has the best encryption algorithms and ability to bypass the toughest firewalls while keeping you safe online.
3. Tracking protection
Tracking protection is an important privacy and security feature in browsers that we consider. It helps to prevent third-party trackers from monitoring your online activity.
When you browse the web, websites often use various types of trackers to collect information about your behavior, such as your search history, online purchases, and interests.
These trackers are often used for targeted advertising, but they can also be used for more nefarious purposes, such as identity theft or fraud. Therefore, it’s important to use browsers that offer some form of tracking protection to minimize the risk of being tracked.
4. Private search
The best browser for privacy should also offer private search capabilities, allowing you to search the web without revealing your search queries or personal information.
When you perform a search on the web, search engines often record information about your search history, including your search queries, IP addresses, and other identifying information.
This information can be used to create targeted advertising or sold to third parties for data mining or other purposes.
Private search engines, such as DuckDuckGo or StartPage, offer an alternative to traditional search engines by providing a private and secure way to search the web.
These search engines do not track your searches or collect any identifying information, making it more difficult for third parties to monitor or profile you.
5. Encryption
Encryption is a critical privacy and security feature in browsers that we highly considered. It helps to protect your data from unauthorized access and interception. When data is encrypted, it is converted into a code that can only be deciphered by someone who has the key to decode it.
Browsers use encryption to protect user data in several ways. One common use of encryption is to secure user connections to websites using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure).
When a user connects to a website using HTTPS, their data is encrypted as it is transmitted between their device and the website’s server. This helps to prevent third parties from intercepting and reading user data in transit, such as login credentials or financial information.
Encryption is also used in other browser features, such as virtual private network services. For instance, NordVPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a secure server, making it more difficult for third parties to monitor or intercept your data.
Best Private and Anonymous Browsers for Mobile
While some of the browsers listed above have mobile apps as well, the browsers listed below are by far the best private browsers for iOS and Android.
Bromite
Bromite is a Chromium fork for Android that does away with privacy-invasive features found in other mobile browsers. It has an in-built ad-blocker, which has features of some of the best ad blockers, and also has an incognito mode, DNS over HTTPS, and anti-fingerprinting mechanisms.
It’s a clutter-free browser that will help preserve browser privacy on your Android device.
Browsers You Should Avoid
Most browsers we talked about are a good choice, though some are better than others. However, there are several browsers you should avoid, too, as they may compromise your personal data while on the internet. We have listed some of them in the table below.
| Browser | Why it’s not great for privacy |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Tracks and collects user data to sell targeted ads using techniques such as fingerprinting Several software vulnerabilities are reported in its extension web store. A lawsuit was filed against Google, alleging that it collects user data even in incognito mode. |
| Microsoft Edge | Known to use telemetry and persistent identifiers to track usage. Ranked as one of the least privacy-friendly browsers as it tracks hardware IP addresses which can be collated with other information to de-anonymize users. |
| Opera Browser | Owned by a Chinese group – a nation known for its invasive surveillance and data collection practices. Its in-built VPN has been known to collect and store user browsing logs. |
Pairing the Best Browser for Privacy With a VPN
While a secure browser is an important first step towards online privacy, it’s not enough by itself. Indeed, even the most secure browsers, like Tor, can have some security vulnerabilities. An important additional step you can take to secure yourself while browsing is to use a VPN.
A VPN can be used to change your IP address and encrypt your data – which helps prevent your ISP or government from snooping on you. Moreover, since you will now be using the VPN’s IP address, your real location will be hidden, and you will have the opportunity to access online content that may be blocked in your country.
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