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The Best Private and Secure Web Browsers
Callum Tennent
Callum Tennent oversees how we test and review VPN services. He's a member of the IAPP, and his VPN advice has featured in Forbes and the Internet Society. Read full bio
When properly configured, Mozilla Firefox is the best private browser for performance, ease-of-use, and privacy. It’s open source, free, and highly customizable, offering robust protection against browser fingerprinting, third-party cookies, telemetry, and other privacy threats.
Using a good VPN is crucial for internet privacy and security, but it’s not enough on its own.
Even with a VPN, your browser can create a digital fingerprint that advertisers and authorities use to track you online. Without proper protection, your identity, browsing history, and sensitive personal data can be exposed.
Your browser is usually the weakest link in your security chain.
We’ve tested dozens of browsers to find the best private browsers available for anonymous browsing.
Summary: The Best Private and Secure Web Browsers
Following our privacy tests, the seven best private and secure browsers are:
All of the private browsers we recommend are open-source. They do not rely on data-hungry big tech companies, instead offering custom settings and active protection against online tracking.
Later on, we also recommend browser extensions that strengthen your privacy and security.
1. Mozilla Firefox: Best 'Mainstream' Private Browser
Summary: What You Need to Know About Firefox
The most private mainstream browser available in 2024
Built-in protection against third party trackers
Fully open source
Regular security updates
Requires configuration for optimal privacy
When properly configured, Firefox offers the best combination of performance, user-friendliness, and privacy among mainstream browsers.
Firefox’s key strengths are:
Open source: this allows for third-party code inspection and forms the basis for other privacy-focused browsers.
Highly customizable: unlike Chrome, Opera, or Edge, Firefox lets you disable all telemetry (sending data back to Mozilla) and third-party add-ons.
These features make even standard Firefox a strong contender for privacy.
Select the preferences or settings menu in the top right hand corner of your screen.
Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Firefox Data Collection and Use.
Uncheck every box in this section.
How to disable Telemetry in Firefox.
Firefox also has a feature which can block trackers, cookies, fingerprinters and cryptominers, called Enhanced Tracking Protection.
How To Change Your Default Search Engine
Select the settings menu in the top right of your screen.
Navigate to Settings > Search > Default Search Engine.
Choose your preferred search engine from the drop-down menu.
Advanced Firefox Privacy Settings
Access advanced settings by entering about:config in the address bar. Click “Accept the risk and continue” to access the configuration menu.
To modify settings, search for the preference name and double-click to toggle between true and false.
Firefox’s advanced configuration menu.
Here is a list of the most important advanced Firefox privacy settings, and whether it should be enabled for disabled for maximum privacy:
The most important advanced Firefox privacy settings and recommended values:
Preference Name
Set To
Effect
media.peerconnection.enabled
FALSE
Disables WebRTC to prevent IP address leaks
privacy.resistFingerprinting
TRUE
Enables native fingerprint protection
privacy.trackingprotection.fingerprinting.enabled
TRUE
Enhances fingerprint protection
privacy.trackingprotection.cryptomining.enabled
TRUE
Protects against cryptominers
privacy.firstparty.isolate
TRUE
Enables first-party isolation to prevent cross-domain tracking
privacy.trackingprotection.enabled
TRUE
Blocks known third-party trackers
geo.enabled
FALSE
Disables geolocation services
media.navigator.enabled
FALSE
Prevents tracking of camera and microphone information
network.cookie.cookieBehaviour
4
Enables highest cookie protection (New Cookie Jar)
network.cookie.lifetimePolicy
2
Deletes cookies at end of session
network.dns.disablePrefetch
TRUE
Disables DNS prefetching
network.prefetch-next
FALSE
Disables page prefetching
webgl.disabled
TRUE
Disables WebGL to prevent fingerprinting and security risks
dom.event.clipboardevents.enabled
FALSE
Prevents websites from detecting clipboard actions
media.eme.enabled
FALSE
Disables DRM-controlled HTML5 content
2. Firefox Focus: Best Private Mobile Browser
Summary: What You Need to Know About Firefox Focus
Stripped-down mobile browser
Fast and resource-efficient
Advanced security features
Clears cookies and history after each session
Firefox Focus, Mozilla’s privacy-centric mobile browser, prioritizes ad-blocking and tracking prevention by default and is really easy to use.
The browser comes with comprehensive privacy features. You can block trackers and fonts, disable JavaScript, and control cookies. For added security, it obscures content and prevents screenshots when you switch tabs. A fingerprint unlock option provides quick, secure access. With just one touch, you can erase your browsing history and cookies.
Firefox Focus stands out with its unique single-tab design, promoting a focused browsing experience. Its lightweight structure ensures fast performance, making your web activities smooth and efficient.
While Firefox Focus offers excellent privacy in a streamlined package, its minimalist approach may not suit everyone’s browsing needs. However, for those prioritizing privacy and simplicity, it’s an excellent choice.
How to Optimize Firefox Focus for Privacy
Firefox Focus has telemetry turned on by default. Navigate to the settings to disable it.
At the same time, customize the level of privacy to your preferences. As with any super-private browser, turning on all of the protections breaks some websites or makes them display strangely.
3. LibreWolf: Reliable Firefox Alternative
Summary: What You Need to Know About LibreWolf
Firefox-based fork
Retains core Firefox experience
Enhanced privacy with telemetry stripped out
Compatible with Firefox extensions
Less frequent security updates than Firefox
LibreWolf is a privacy-focused, community-maintained fork of Firefox. It’s designed for users who prioritize privacy, security, and user freedom. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, LibreWolf comes with several pre-configured features to enhance online safety.
The browser offers robust protection against tracking and fingerprinting right out of the box.
It uses DuckDuckGo as the default search engine, known for its privacy-respecting practices.
LibreWolf doesn’t collect any telemetry data, ensuring your browsing activity remains private.
For content filtering and ad blocking, it comes with uBlock Origin built-in.
While LibreWolf is always based on the latest version of Firefox, it operates as a separate browser. This means it lacks auto-update capabilities.
As a result, urgent Firefox security patches may experience a slight delay before being released on LibreWolf, and users must update manually.
This approach, while giving users more control, means LibreWolf may not always be as up-to-date security-wise as Firefox itself.
4. GNU IceCat: Fully 'Free Software'
Summary: What You Need to Know About GNU IceCat
Firefox-based source code
Fully free software
Optimized for privacy
Performance trade-offs
Linux only
IceCat is part of the GNU Project, which reimagines the Mozilla suite with a focus on privacy and transparency.
This browser adheres strictly to free software principles, ensuring users have complete control over their browsing experience.
Out of the box, IceCat comes equipped with several privacy-enhancing add-ons. These include HTTPS Everywhere for secure connections, SpyBlock for tracker prevention, and countermeasures to prevent browser fingerprinting.
It also features LibreJS, which blocks proprietary JavaScript to further safeguard your privacy.
A key aspect of IceCat is its commitment to transparency. The browser’s source code is completely open for inspection and modification, allowing tech-savvy users to understand and customize their browsing environment.
This commitment extends to all future versions and variants of the browser.
While IceCat prioritizes ethical software development and user privacy, it’s worth noting that this focus can sometimes come at the cost of performance or broad compatibility.
However, for users who value privacy and open-source principles above all else, IceCat offers a unique and principled browsing option.
5. Tor Browser: Fully Anonymous
Summary: What You Need to Know About Tor Browser
Accesses anonymous Tor Network
Requires technical knowledge to use properly
Firefox-based
Much slower than alternatives
Not suitable for torrenting or streaming
The Tor browser is a modified version of Firefox that provides access to the Tor Network. It’s optimized for privacy and anonymity, offering a unique approach to secure browsing.
Unlike VPNs, Tor operates on a decentralized network, which enhances its privacy features.
However, it’s crucial to understand that improper use can lead to potential risks. These include compromised anonymity and vulnerability to surveillance, underlining the importance of proper usage.
If you need enhanced security, Tor can be combined with a VPN in a setup known as Onion over VPN.
This combination provides an additional layer of protection, though it typically leads to slower browsing speeds.
It’s worth noting that Tor is generally slower than standard privacy browsers due to its complex routing system.
While it offers strong anonymity when used correctly, these significant drawbacks should be considered.
We recommend researching Tor vs. VPN services to determine the best solution for your privacy needs.
How to Stay Anonymous When Using Tor
Using Tor correctly isn’t difficult, but it isn’t always intuitive. It has two big vulnerabilities:
Information leaks when used improperly.
Potential eavesdropping at public exit nodes.
To maintain anonymity, follow these steps:
Avoid logging into personal accounts, such as social media or email.
Don’t share personal information.
Use HTTPS sites exclusively.
Disable mobile two-step verification.
Never torrent (risks IP leaks and slows the network).
EXPERT ADVICE: Avoid full-screen mode to prevent revealing screen information that could aid in browser fingerprinting.
6. Brave Browser: Alternative Approach to Ads
Summary: What You Need to Know About Brave
Innovative advertising model
Chromium-based
Free and open source
Built-in anti-tracking
Not the most private option available
Brave, developed by the creator of JavaScript, offers a unique approach to online browsing that balances privacy with a novel advertising model.
Brave’s core features include blocking traditional ads and trackers by default, while offering its own ad system that rewards users with BAT cryptocurrency (note: this requires an email).
It also features a customizable “shields” system that can block scripts, device recognition, and cross-site cookies.
The browser is open-source, with its code available on its GitHub repository.
However, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks.
Brave is based on Google Chromium, which may raise privacy concerns for some users. WebRTC cannot be disabled, potentially compromising privacy.
As a for-profit company, Brave takes a 15% share of ad revenue, which some privacy absolutists might view as a conflict of interest.
Some non-optional anonymized user data is collected. Adverts are tailored to your browsing history, which is stored locally but not sent back to Brave.
Brave offers a unique approach to privacy-focused browsing but may not be the best choice if you prioritize maximum privacy.
How to Optimize Brave for Privacy
Brave can be a secure, privacy-focused browser if you avoid the advertising system. Even when configured properly, it’s still less privacy-effective than Firefox-based browsers however.
Keep BAT rewards disabled. It’s turned off by default and we recommend you keep it that way.
If you’ve already turned on the rewards system, turn it off by clicking the triangular ‘rewards’ button in the top right corner of the browser.
How to disable Brave’s rewards feature.
7. 'Ungoogled' Chromium: Closest to Google Chrome
What You Need to Know About Ungoogled Chromium
Open-source Chromium base
Google connections removed
Chrome-like interface
Chrome add-on compatibility
Semi-frequent security updates
Ungoogled Chromium is a version of Google Chrome that has been stripped of all Google-related components.
While The Chromium Projects are open-source, they are still developed by Google. Chromium browsers typically send data to Google by default, and it’s challenging to verify complete removal of this feature, even in Ungoogled Chromium.
One advantage of Ungoogled Chromium is its Chrome add-on compatibility. However, users should exercise caution when using add-ons. More add-ons can make it easier to identify your browser, and they can potentially serve as data collection vectors for Google and third parties. It’s crucial to only use thoroughly vetted add-ons to maintain privacy and security.
Consider other Chromium-based alternatives like Iridium, which has similar privacy goals but less frequent updates.
Why Do I Need a Private Browser?
Your browser choice significantly impacts your online privacy and anonymity. Using an insecure browser exposes you to:
Data collection: Even with a VPN, your browser may send activity data to tech giants like Google, Apple and Microsoft and hundreds of advertisers.
WebRTC IP leaks: This browser-based technology for real-time communication is enabled in most browsers and can expose your real IP address.
Cookies & tracking scripts: These can track your behavior across multiple websites.
Browser fingerprinting: Your unique browser settings can create a digital fingerprint that can be used to track you even while using a VPN and ad blockers.
All this information is sold to advertising companies, and used to build a personalized profile of you, your interests, and your behavior.
Authorities, financial institutions or even potential employers could also potentially get their hands on this data.
The Problem with 'Normal' Browsers
Unprotected browsers can expose sensitive data to advertisers, governments, tech companies, and even criminals, such as:
Account details
Autofill information
Purchases made
Messages sent
Websites visited
Videos watched
While data sharing for services is common, most collection occurs without user knowledge or consent, often justified by unused features.
There’s a significant risk of data being misused, abused, or shared without consent
A secure browser protects against targeted attacks and malware. It may stop a hacker from stealing your account details, but it won’t prevent you from leaving a trail of data behind you as browse the internet.
Google Chrome is an example of a browser that’s secure but not private.
2. Private Browser
A private browser limits data collection and tracking. It doesn’t share your data with tech companies or governments and has robust anti-tracking measures. Ideally it is also open source for transparency.
Smaller development teams and open source software usually means less frequent security updates, potentially increasing vulnerabilities.
Iridium is an example of a browser that is private but less secure.
3. VPN Browser
So-called ‘VPN browsers’ are normally proxies, not full VPNs, which means they don’t offer as much protection.
The privacy claims of these browsers can be unreliable as there no regulations around what constitutes a ‘VPN browser’.
The Opera browser is just one example of a ‘VPN browser’ that undermines your privacy by sharing your data to numerous third parties, including Facebook and Google. Our advice is to avoid using Opera VPN, as it’s not safe to use.
For optimal privacy, combine a trusted VPN with a genuinely private browser rather than relying on ‘VPN browsers’.
What Are 'VPN Browsers'?
Some browsers claim to have full VPN capabilities, but these ‘VPN browsers’ are often glorified proxies with limited protection. The term lacks a strict definition, so don’t assume they offer privacy. Let’s examine the most popular options:
The most popular ‘VPN Browser’ is probably the Opera browser. Despite its popularity, Opera is neither a proper VPN nor is it particularly private. We recommend avoiding the Opera browser where possible. For more details on exactly why, you can skip to our chapter on popular browsers to avoid.
Tenta Browser is another “VPN browser” that’s only available on Android. Tenta isn’t fully open-source, which is worrying for a browser that sells itself on privacy. The free version of Tenta isn’t a full VPN, although Tenta do sell a “pro version”, which is. It has a firm no-logs policy and is kept up to date from a security perspective, which are both positives.
Epic is the third well-known ‘VPN browser’. Epic is closed-source, so it’s hard to know exactly what it does with your data. Like Opera and Tenta it only runs as a proxy, not as a full VPN. Epic is also based in India, with servers in the US – neither of which are good jurisdictions for privacy. It is based on Chromium, and there is some evidence that it still sends your information back to Google.
We can’t fully recommend using any of these browsers. At the very least, you should use them with caution.
We look forward to the arrival of a well-made, transparent, and effective VPN browser. Until then, the term “VPN Browser” is a marketing statement more than anything else.
If you want a lightweight VPN within your browser then the best option is to use a trustworthy VPN add-on, although these are also often proxies. To help you find a safe option, we’ve written guides to the best VPN extensions for Chrome and VPN extensions for Firefox.
If you’re looking for a private browsing experience that includes a VPN, our advice is to avoid “VPN Browsers”. You should be running a full, trustworthy VPN alongside a properly configured privacy-first browser.
5 Popular Web Browsers to Avoid
Some of the most popular browsers on the market are also the most invasive. If you’re looking to browse privately, avoid the following browsers at all costs:
1. Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the world’s most popular browser, but despite it’s ease of use, poses significant privacy risks.
Chrome is a key data source for Google’s lucrative personalized advertising business. It records most of your online activity, even in Incognito Mode. The browser integrates with Google’s ecosystem, allowing extensive data collection across various services that’s the basis of Google’s powerful ad-targeting service.
Data Collection
Chrome’s “Sync” feature, enabled by default when logged into a Google Account, saves the following to Google’s servers:
Browsing history
Bookmarks
Passwords and Autofill information
Browser settings and extensions
Even with Sync disabled, Google collects data through searches, email, YouTube, third-party services, and analytics on most websites.
Google’s privacy policy couches its data collection in friendly language, saying that they collect data to improve services, but it’s primarily used for targeted advertising.
“We collect information to provide better services to all our users — from figuring out basic stuff like which language you speak, to more complex things like which ads you’ll find most useful, the people who matter most to you online, or which YouTube videos you may like”
Google tracks users even when not signed in, using unique identifiers tied to browsers and devices.
Types of Data Collected
Whether or not you’re signed into your Google account, Google can collect the following data from across its platforms:
Browser type & settings
Device type & settings
Operating system
Mobile network name
Phone number
IP address
System activity
Purchases
Date & time of interaction
Search terms
Videos you watch
Voice and audio (from audio features)
A list of the people with whom you communicate and share content
Activity of third-party sites or apps that use Google services*
This data is first analyzed to detect “spam, malware and illegal content” then used to serve highly-detailed and personalized adverts. You can see just how long Google keeps all of this information here.
How to Download Your Google Data
Select Manage Your Google Account from your user profile
Select Data & Privacy
Find Download or Delete Your Data near the bottom of the page
Choose Download Your Data and follow the prompts
How to download your Google profile data.
We recommend you avoid all Google services as much as possible, especially Chrome. If you must use Chrome because of its ease-of-use and speed, then we recommend using it alongside a trusted Chrome VPN at the very least.
2. Microsoft Internet Explorer & Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has improved in performance and user interface, but falls short in privacy features and customization options.
Privacy Concerns
Stores browsing habits, passwords, and form entries in the cloud
Includes integrated DRM technology, which can be intrusive
Offers minimal and ineffective anti-tracking technology
While Microsoft’s data gathering isn’t as extensive as Google’s, Edge is still not a safe haven for user data. However, Microsoft does provide instructions on how to view and delete stored information.
Microsoft’s overall track record on user privacy remains questionable, with the company facing scrutiny over its data practices.
3. Safari Browser
Safari, Apple’s default web browser for macOS and iOS devices, has made significant strides in privacy protection in recent years. However, it still falls short of being considered a truly private browser.
Safari Privacy Protection Features
Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP): Safari uses machine learning to identify and block cross-site trackers, limiting advertisers’ ability to follow you across the web.
Privacy Report: Provides you with a summary of trackers blocked on the websites you visited.
Private Browsing mode: Prevents Safari from remembering the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information.
Fingerprinting defense: Reduces the ability of websites to uniquely identify your device based on its characteristics.
According to Apple’s privacy policy, the company collects the following personal information from its users:
Name
Device IDs
IP address
Phone number
Email address
Mailing address
Contact preferences
Location information
Credit card information
Social media profile information
Information about family & friends
Content shared from Apple products
Apple states that this data is used for various purposes, from product development and advertising to fraud prevention and internal research.
Safari is closed source. Unlike fully open-source browsers, such as Firefox, Safari’s code is not publicly available for independent security audits.
Safari also offers fewer privacy-enhancing extensions and customization options than we would like.
While Safari does offer more privacy protections than some other mainstream browsers, and Apple claims not to share user data for marketing purposes, significant concerns remain. The company’s internal data use practices and cooperation with government surveillance programs should give pause to privacy-conscious users.
If you decide to stick with Safari despite these concerns, we recommend you:
Contrary to Opera’s marketing, its built-in “VPN” is actually just a proxy service, not a true VPN. This misrepresentation is compounded by several security concerns:
A 2016 hack exposed users’ personal information and passwords
A privacy policy that shows little regard for user anonymity
Third-Party Data Processing
Opera’s privacy policy reveals that third parties may process user data, though details about what data is shared and how it’s processed are scarce.
The list of third-party processors includes major data companies like Google and Facebook, as well as lesser-known entities. The list also includes the Pangle Ad SDK, which is developed by TikTok developer Bytedance, a huge red flag for privacy.
The involvement of these data companies significantly undermines Opera’s claims to privacy. Users cannot reasonably expect their data to remain private when it’s being processed by multiple third parties, some of which are notorious for their data collection practices.
Despite its marketing as a privacy-focused browser with VPN capabilities, Opera falls far short in delivering genuine privacy protection. Its reliance on third-party data processors and misleading VPN claims make it a poor choice for users who prioritize their online privacy and security.
5. UC Browser
Developed by the Alibaba Group, UC Browser is a hugely popular mobile browser in countries like China and Indonesia. It even outperforms Google Chrome in some of these markets and yet is practically unknown to users in Europe and America.
There is significant evidence that UC Browser is not at all secure. While most of the browsers on this list do dubious things with your data or share it with other organizations, UC Browser makes it easy for criminals to get their hands on it.
If your browser doesn’t include privacy protections like script blocking or third-party tracker protection natively, there are many trustworthy free extensions that offer this functionality.
There are some browser extensions you can’t trust. This includes Adblock Plus, which takes money from websites to put them on a whitelist.
All the add-ons we recommend are transparent, community-maintained, or developed by not-for-profit organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
We always advise using a VPN browser extension to mask your IP address and encrypt your browser-based data transfers.
There is no perfect model for online privacy, so you need to work out the best approach for you.
Recommended Browser Extensions for Privacy
As a good start, however, we do recommend the following browser extensions for privacy and security when properly configured:
However, it’s important to be aware of the following general safety tips:
Choose extensions carefully. Untrustworthy sources may include spyware or data collection scripts. Research before downloading, especially free ones, regardless of ratings. If concerned about spyware, read our article on detecting phone spying.
Don’t overuse extensions. Too many add-ons make you more identifiable online through browser fingerprinting. The more customized your browser, the more you stand out.
For best results, choose one trusted extension for each key privacy element. For example, one for blocking ads and another for tracking scripts or CDNs. Avoid overlapping utilities and limit yourself to two or three extensions total.
Your device reveals detailed information about your operating system, browser, and hardware to websites you visit. This creates a unique “fingerprint” used to identify and track users, known as browser fingerprinting.
Authorities, advertisers, and trackers can use this technique to trace your online activity.
Websites can track you through browser fingerprinting.
While individual pieces of information are harmless, combined they can identify you with surprising accuracy. Audio fingerprinting, which tests your machine’s audio-stack, is an emerging method that provides additional identifiable data.
If you don’t take any measures to obscure it, your browser fingerprint will include:
Device type
OS name & version
Browser name & version
Engine name & version
IP address
Geolocation
ISP
System date & time
Canvas fingerprint
Language
Speaker configuration
Number of microphones
Number of Webcams
Graphics card name & driver
CPU build
Battery Status
Device motion
Device pointing method
Number & names of fonts on device
Browser extensions
Whether or not Cookies are enabled
If tracking protection is present
If WebRTC is enabled
Information about WebGL
Screen resolution and orientation
Browser window size
Whether the browser is logged into popular websites*
This information forms a unique profile for each web user. For a complete list of data websites can access about you, visit deviceinfo.me.
How to Prevent Browser Fingerprinting
To achieve true online anonymity, aim to blend in with as many users as possible.
Websites like AmIUnique and Panopticlick can gauge your fingerprint’s uniqueness. However, don’t rely on them for definitive answers, as their data samples may be outdated.
Most recommended private browsers offer some protection against fingerprinting by limiting the information shared with trackers. Paradoxically, providing no information can make you more identifiable than sharing common details. Each browser extension also increases your uniqueness.
Using Safari on an iPhone is effective against fingerprinting due to similar configurations across devices, though this means trusting Apple with your data.
For optimal privacy, use a privacy-focused browser with a few carefully selected add-ons to balance fingerprinting protection and overall privacy.
What Is Browser Compartmentalization?
Logging into multiple accounts in one browser compromises online privacy, allowing sites to link your real-life identity to your browsing habits.
Browser compartmentalization involves using different browsers for various online activities, customizing each for specific threat models. For example:
Browser 1 (e.g. Firefox): For logged-in accounts and password-protected sites.
Browser 2 (e.g. Firefox Focus): Set to delete cookies and history after each session, used for general browsing.
Browser 3 (e.g. Tor): Configured for maximum privacy and anonymity.
For optimal privacy, consider using separate browsers for different online activities.
Will ‘Private Browsing Mode’ Keep You Private?
Private Browsing or ‘Incognito’ mode alters your browser’s behavior but doesn’t affect other computers.
Incognito mode will not hide your online activity from your ISP.
Normal browsing stores data locally, including visited websites, cookies, form data, and search history. Private Browsing mode doesn’t store this information, discarding temporary data when the session ends.
While it prevents obvious local traces and cookie tracking, Private Browsing is not completely private or anonymous. It only affects your computer, not other network devices. Your ISP, employer, or school can still monitor your activity.
Incognito mode will:
Delete session history and data
Prevent saving form information
Incognito mode will not:
Hide activity from websites, ISP, or network administrators
Prevent all local data storage
Private browsing primarily prevents obvious local traces and allows browsing without account logins. For true privacy, use a privacy-focused browser with a trustworthy VPN.