In a world dominated by fast growing technology, your personal data is the most thing that you should protect while browsing internet. It is extremely valuable for tech giants such as Facebook and Google, as well as for other third parties that take your data and utilise it for their own purposes. This is where secure web browsers get in the picture; they maintain your privacy and security which are important for safe surfing on the net.
A safe browser must offers and meet these two vital factors:
- Privacy: How will the browser maintain your privacy? How much personal data can it collect and where does the browser share it?
- Security: How good does this browser secure your data from online exploitation, hackers, and other third-parties?
Keeping these two indispensable factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the best secure browser that will give you security against third-parties and their malicious activities.
With this article we aimed to answer above questions and therefore went through all available free browsers out there (mostly open source projects). We finally made it ready, and We picked the following for you based on our best know-how on safety, Speed and Privacy.
The best chromium-based browsers at a glance
- Brave
- Iridium Browser
- Opera
- Chedot
- Vivaldi
- Slimjet
- Avast
- Naver Whale
- Cent Browser
- Yandex Browser
- Sleipnir Browser
- Blisk Browser
- Microsoft Edge
The best Mozilla based browsers at a glance:
No matter what kind of internet user you are, there’s a browser out there that’s perfect for you – and chances are it’s one of these browsers bellow:
BEST CHROME BASED BROWSERS 2020
1. Brave
The best browser for power users and privacy protection
Operating system: macOS, Windows and Linux (Free)
As their motto says: Take back control with Brave- One of the most unusual browsers around is Brave. With their privacy shield, Brave blocks all ads from any web page by default, which makes it arguably the fastest browser around. Ads are a huge portion of how many websites make money — block these ads, and suddenly the most important web financial tool is eliminated.
What’s in it for You? Simply put, if you’re not waiting for ads to download along with website content, then your web experience will feel much faster. Brave performs no user tracking, making it a private browser as well. Brave loads major news sites up to six times faster than Chrome, Safari and Firefox on mobile and desktop.
2. Iridium
Fast in every way
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Debian based, openSUSE, Fedora, CentOS (Free)
Iridium is just fast in every way. It starts very fast, loads and also renders very complex web sites really fast. Iridium secure browser offers a completely transparent browsing experience.
It has a public Git repository that helps you to review all the changes you made in your privacy settings. The best thing about this is you can access the entire source code whenever you want because it is already provided to you. Besides this, here are the features offered by Iridium Browser.
- Privacy: Iridium is founded on Chromium, which is an extremely safe browser. With the help of several enhancements, including the use of tight security, the optimum level of privacy is delivered to your browser without sacrificing compatibility.
- Speed: If there’s one thing that Iridium does best, aside from offering privacy and security, it’s being swift and quick in any way. It starts efficiently and continues this throughout loading websites.
- Deployability: Iridium is simple and straightforward to install and it also enables administrators to deploy it without any hassle. For example, you can use an MSI based installation method to achieve easy deployments for the whole organization.
- Easy to Use: The great thing about Iridium is you don’t have to be a pro to use it and enjoy its benefits. This is because it is easy to use, making it a suitable browser for anyone. It doesn’t have any complex mechanism or feature that requires special and advanced knowledge. On top of that, it is simple, clean, and easy to operate. Even a beginner can take advantage of this browser.
3. Opera
Classy browser that’s particularly good for collecting content
Operating system: macOS, Windows and Linux (Free)
Opera has a very long history in the browser space and going through significant changes since its initial release date on 10th of April 1995, where it has evolved over the years from being a trial ware browser, an ad-sponsored browser, to a free use browser that is safe and secure.
Opera shares much of Chrome’s DNA, yet more secure of a browser. It is considered ass one of the oldest browsers in the market that runs on the versatile Google Chromium system. The differences appear when you look at Opera’s built-in features. With a simple interface and plenty of features, Opera runs faster than previous versions, and allows you to enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
Compatible with numerous extensions, Opera allows cross-platform data synchronization with support for multiple operating systems, such as Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux.
4. Chedot
It lets you download music from Soundcloud and videos from YouTube
Operating system: macOS, and Windows (Free)
For a long time now, Google Chrome has been the only popular browser to derive from the assorted and reliable Chromium platform. However, there are other browsers based on Chromium that are still out there. Each one has its own unique tools and features.
The Chedot Browser is a good example of this. For starters, it has a nice-looking icon inspired from revolutionary Che Guevara bird. Aside from the basic ability to surf the internet, the browser features many unique tools as well.
There is a bundle of interesting features which come with the Chromium-based browser for PC. After the browser is installed, just launch the app and wait for the main window to pop up. In the upper left corner, you’ll immediately see all new icons.
There are 5 specific tools in the web navigator which improve the user experience. For instance, there is a VPN service integrated into the browser which lets users hide their IP addresses and go to Geo-restricted websites. Another tool lets you quickly view your Facebook account profile and various sections of it.
Chedot lets you download music from SoundCloud and videos from YouTube. The browser has a Media Downloader that can download your favorite videos from YouTube in either mp4a format or mp4 format. This tool can also download music in mp4a format from SoundCloud, which is a music streaming service.
The Download Manager tool shows you each item you downloaded by using the web browser. And lastly, there is a screen capture tool which comes in very handy. It lets you select and enhance certain parts of your browser window that are visible.
5. Vivaldi
Build your own browser with unique docking and tab-stacking
Operating system: macOS, Windows and Linux (Free)
Vivaldi was officially launched in April 2016 by Vivaldi Technologies, a company co-founded by Jon Von Tetzchner, one of Opera’s co-founders.
The overall idea of Vivaldi is to build a browser made for user’s customization. Among all the Chromium-based browsers, Vivaldi is the one that comes with the most customization options of them all. The new Vivaldi browser protects you from trackers, blocks unwanted ads, and puts you in control with unique built-in features. This is a browser built from the ground up to deliver a unique user experience, and for the most part, it succeeds.
Currently, Vivaldi is a stable browser, and its latest version 2.0, customization is brought to a next level, with more features and easier access.
6. Slimjet
Fastest web browser for Windows powered by Blink engine
Operating system: macOS, Windows and Linux (Free)
Slimjet is a fast, smart and powerful web browser based on the Blink engine. It is built on top of the Chromium open source project, on which Google chrome is also based. Slimjet integrates a lot of powerful and convenient features to help users maximize their online productivity. Slimjet also includes many options and settings so that users can customize the internet browser to best suit their own personal preference.
- Fast and Efficient: Faster browser startup, faster page loading, highly responsive UI powered by industry-leading Blink engine.
- Secure and Stable: Automatic protection against phishing and malware, advanced privacy control options, robust multi-process architecture.
- Powerful and Versatile: Loaded with convenient and powerful features, the app does more for every user without relying on external plugins.
- Flexible and customizable: Flexible options and settings are available to customize the Slim jet to suit personal preference and maximize productivity.
7. Avast Secure Browser
Enjoy safer browsing that’s up to 4x faster
Operating system: macOS, Windows and Android (Free)
Avast Secure Browser is Avast’s Chromium-based web browser for Windows and macOS with built-in features to stop digital fingerprinting, hide and protect your personal info, and block ads for faster browsing. Avast has been built with user’s best interests in mind.
- Prevent hackers from stealing your data: Hide everything you type online to keep your sensitive data safe.
- Block malicious websites and downloads: Protect your device from threats with powerful anti-phishing technology.
- Automatically force websites to use encryption: Make sure supported websites use encryption to secure your data.
- Mask your digital identity: Stop websites from identifying you based on your unique browser profile.
8. Naver Whale
Use the web faster and safer with Awesome new browser!
Whale Browser is a highly customizable Internet browser whose enhanced abilities separate it from various other similar browsers that are based on Chromium engine. It was built with goal to make every users more free, and it was not meant to be just another browser. Whale presents users with a new environment through advanced Web technology. And the ultimate goal is to allow the user to have freedom on their own.
Built from the ground up to be intuitive and fast, most notable and unique features of this browser are the ability to view two pages simultaneously in one single tab, instant access to the sidebar with many useful tools for more streamlined browsing with different add-ons and basic tools like screenshot, translator and calculator are pre-installed, and you can easily customize it as you wish by adding extension apps and sites, and even access a popup mobile view of the current webpage with just a few clicks of your mouse.
With a beautiful design that is intentionally optimized to not overwhelm novice users, high customization and ease of use, you can do it the way you want; customize colors, designs and even background themes of new tabs on Whale.
9. Cent Browser
New web browser based on Chromium rich of features
Operating system: Windows (Free)
Cent Browser is a Chromium-based browser that functions similarly with Google Chrome with enhanced set of unique features like super drag, mouse gesture, scrollable tab bar, auto hide bookmark bar, incognito tab, memory optimization, etc.
It has a neat and flexible interface that makes it easy to use and understand by all users. You can also enjoy unlimited and safe internet browsing.
- Google Chrome Based: Based on the prominent web browser project – Chromium, the tool inherits all of Google Chrome’s advantages.
- Mouse Gesture: Hold on and move the right mouse button to execute commands without using the keyboard, menus or toolbars.
- Scrollable Tab Bar: Set minimum tab width to avoid tabs becoming too small.Scroll entire tab bar by mouse wheel.(similar to Firefox tab bar).
- Super Drag :Drag something to open quickly by left mouse button.
- Lots of Tab Options: Provide plenty of tab options, such as ‘Double Click To Close Tab’, ‘Right Click To Close Tab’, ‘Hide Tab Close Button’, ‘Switch Tab By Mouse Wheel’, etc.There is always an option to feed your needs.
- Incognito Tab :No need to to open new window, just use incognito mode for new tabs.Also can be used as a multi-login tab.(similar to older Opera’s New Private Tab).
10. Yandex
A smooth and fast alternative to the major browsers available today
Operating system: macOS, and Windows (Free)
Yandex browser is an alternative Web browser yet simple and easy-to-use internet browser. With a streamlined interface designed to make your browsing experience as quick and enjoyable as possible. Developed and owned by Yandex, Russian version of Google and largest search engine so far.
Its neatness interface gives you plenty of space for viewing webpages. The minimalist design allows you to focus on more important things. Webpages load rapidly even with low connection speeds. Warnings about harmful sites, SMS fraudsters, and checking all downloaded files for viruses.
Once installed, you can import all of your settings from your previous default browser, and you’ll be ready to start surfing the Web in no time.
11. Sleipnir
Advanced Web browser with customization and tab functions as main feature
Operating system: macOS, Windows, Android and iOS (Free)
Sleipnir the unknown browser so far. A fully featured web browser with support for the Gecko engine
- Fast and durable Blink engine: It implements the Blink engine also used in Google Chrome, so it is overwhelmingly fast and durable.
- Chrome Function Extensibility: The rich function extensibility of Google Chrome can be used the same in the program. Please feel free to select the Extensions of your choice.
- Web Inspector: Web Inspector is a powerful Web development tool. It can inspect structure and scripts in Web pages and modify them.
- Security and Privacy: The tool implements the Blink engine also used in Google Chrome, so it is overwhelmingly fast and durable.
- Import in 10 sec: Import bookmarks and more from other browsers like IE and Google Chrome, and start browsing right away.
- Add Search Services: Search fields from a variety of Web sites such as Wikipedia and Amazon can be added to the app.
- Sync Bookmarks: Sync bookmarks with Sleipnir on different devices such as iPhone and iPad, Android, Mac and PC.
If you install it, you can easily import data from any installed browsers you have with simple button clicks and you are good to go.
12. Blisk
Perfectly developed websites that look great and work perfect on any device
Operating system: macOS, Windows and Linux (Free to try)
Blisk is the first Free to Try developer-oriented browser. It provides businesses with a development workspace for the teams and freelancers to develop and test modern web applications twice faster. Blisk enables developers to preview their changes as they code across multiple devices simultaneously.
Blisk is not 100% free. With Premium option that has the same set of features as the free plan. With Blisk Premium, you can use all features of Blisk without any limits. The free plan is limited to 30 minutes daily. When the free session ends, Blisk disables devices, auto-refresh, screenshots and screen recorder, scroll-sync, error notifier, page inspector, device DevTools.
13. Microsoft Edge
From Microsoft Exclusive to Inclusive
Operating system: macOS, Windows, Android and iOS (Free)
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer used to be the best web browser until Mozilla Firefox came along. Firefox was popular for a while until Google Chrome took over its popularity. Now, Microsoft is back with an all-new browser to compete with Chrome. It is Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge is a free web browser rebuilt using the open-source Chromium project. Owing to the latest upgrade, Edge is now in the league of web browsers that directly compete with Google Chrome. It received improvements compared from its predecessor Internet Explorer. The browser features better performance and enhanced security. It keeps users safe and productive when browsing online with desktops or laptops.
Edge can be downloaded on multiple devices like Android, iOS, macOS, and all versions of Windows. The browser runs faster than all chromium-based browsers. It comes with additional features like tracking prevention, personalized tab layouts, 4K streaming, reward points, and a choice to accept or reject targeted advertising. Since Microsoft has worked on making the transition to Edge seamless, it’s a good choice for anyone looking for an alternative web browser.
Microsoft has released Edge Chromium browser with Canary and Dev builds for Windows in April 2019. A Mac version of Microsoft Edge was also teased during Microsoft’s Build 2019 developer conference. Mac users can finally try both of the Chromium-based Canary and Dev builds at the convenience of their Mac computers.
BEST MOZILLA BASED BROWSERS 2020
1. Waterfox
Browse the Web your way, with the Indie Web Browser!
Operating system: macOS, Windows and Linux (Free)
Waterfox Classic provides you with a high-performance browser 64-Bit version of Mozilla Firefox. The Firefox source code was taken and compiled in order to specifically run for 64-Bit Windows computers. To make Waterfox Current stand out from the crowd, it was compiled with many optimizations so that it will perform faster and more efficiently than simply compiling Firefox as a 64-Bit program.
Waterfox Current
Use this version of Waterfox if you want the latest and greatest the web has to offer, want to use all WebExtensions and a few bootstrap extensions.
Waterfox Classic
Use this version of Waterfox if you have your browser set up with various NPAPI plugins and bootstrap extensions that have not been updated as WebExtensions or for Waterfox Current.
2. Comodo IceDragon
Fast and versatile Internet Browser based on Chromium
Operating system: Windows (Free)
Comodo IceDragon is a free, feature-rich, secure chrome-based Internet browser builds on the open-source core that powers Firefox by the maker of the renowned Comodo Internet security software. If you are looking to avoid online privacy leakage, then this is the one; Comodo IceDragon provides privacy enhancements with lightning speed. It has the look and feel of Chrome but features several security and functionality improvements:
- Built-in website scanner: If you’re suspicious about a website, Web Inspector allows you to scan any URL to find out if it hosts malware before you visit the site.
- Detects and blocks ad trackers: Comodo’s PrivDog browser extension strengthens online privacy by automatically blocking advertising networks which are attempting to track your activity.
- More secure default setting: The program ships with settings optimized for maximum security and privacy. “For example, we disabled and removed the automatic submission of usage statistics, disabled the search prediction service and disabled HTTP referrers”.
- Private browsing: Incognito mode further improves privacy by preventing cookies from being stored during browsing sessions.
3. Cliqz
Secure browser with built-in quick search for your Computer
Operating system: macOS and Windows (Free)
CLIQZ is the first browser with built-in quick search and integrated privacy protection: anti-tracking, anti-phishing and ad blocker, with the help of this Mozilla Firefox-based web browser! Experience a new dimension of surfing with the CLIQZ Browser.
CLIQZ is Fast and safe! “That is how you want to use the internet. We feel that you are entitled to this. For this we have invented the Cliqz browser. Its safety architecture gives you back your anonymity. Its built-in search revolutionizes the way you search the internet and find what you are looking for. Just imagine. You search for something and even before you have finished typing this is what happens: your web browser completes top relevant search results and website suggestions as if on its own. Only one click and you are where you want to go. This feels a bit like thought-reading. No other browser can do that.”
4. Pale Moon or New Moon
Super fast browser designed for the best possible performance
Operating system: Windows, Linux and macOS (Free)
Pale Moon is an Open Source, Goanna-based web browser available for Microsoft Windows and Linux (with other operating systems such as macOS), focusing on efficiency and customization. Make sure to get the most out of your browser!
Pale Moon offers you a browsing experience in a browser completely built from its own, independently developed source that has been forked off from Firefox/Mozilla code a number of years ago, with carefully selected features and optimizations to improve the browser’s stability and user experience, while offering full customization and a growing collection of extensions and themes to make the browser truly your own.
5. SeaMonkey
All your Internet needs in one free application suite
Operating system: Windows, Linux and macOS (Free)
The SeaMonkey project is a community effort to develop the SeaMonkey all-in-one internet application suite. Such a software suite was previously made popular by Netscape and Mozilla, and the SeaMonkey project continues to develop and deliver high-quality updates as well as new features and improvements to this concept. Containing an Internet browser, email & newsgroup client, HTML editor, IRC chat and web development tools, SeaMonkey is sure to appeal to advanced users, web developers and corporate users.
SeaMonkey is built on the open source Mozilla Gecko engine, the same code which underlies the highly successful Thunderbird and is the base for the Firefox browser. SeaMonkey benefits from the cross-fertilization with these other projects, by gaining (and contributing) new features and the ongoing security updates which are a modern necessity. The SeaMonkey Association provides legal backing for the SeaMonkey Project.