Web Browsers

This document lists various web browsers, emphasizing those that protect user privacy and limit tracking. Privacy-oriented browsers prioritize minimal data collection, tracker blocking, open-source code, and security-focused features. Chromium-based browsers dominate the market, but some independent engines and hardened variants offer stronger privacy protections.

Recommended Privacy-Focused Browsers

• Brave: Chromium-based browser with built-in tracker and ad blocking, fingerprinting protections, HTTPS Everywhere, and optional Tor integration for private tabs.
• Firefox: Open-source browser with strong privacy controls, Enhanced Tracking Protection, and support for privacy extensions. Can be further hardened with user.js tweaks.
• LibreWolf: Firefox fork with telemetry removed, privacy defaults pre-configured, and uBlock Origin included by default.
• Tor Browser: Firefox ESR modified to route traffic through the Tor network for anonymity and tracker resistance.
• Mullvad Browser: Privacy browser co-developed by Mullvad VPN and the Tor Project, focused on anti-fingerprinting without requiring Tor.
• Ghostery Dawn: Privacy-focused browser from Ghostery with built-in tracker blocking and ad blocking.
• SRWare Iron: Chromium fork with tracking removed and privacy tweaks by default.

General Browsers with Privacy Modes

• Vivaldi: Highly customizable Chromium browser with built-in tracker and ad blocking. Privacy depends on configuration.
• Opera: Chromium-based browser with built-in VPN (proxy), ad blocker, and social integrations. Owned by a Chinese consortium. Not recommended for those with privacy concerns.
• Safari: Apple’s browser with Intelligent Tracking Prevention and privacy reports. Good privacy defaults but closed-source.
• Edge: Chromium-based Microsoft browser with tracker blocking modes. Sends telemetry by default — must be disabled manually.
• Chrome: Market leader but collects extensive usage data. Requires privacy extension setup to reduce tracking.

Mobile & Lightweight Privacy Browsers

• DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser: Mobile browser with tracker blocking, HTTPS upgrading, and privacy scores.
• Bromite: Chromium fork for Android with ad blocking and privacy patches.
• Vanadium: Hardened Chromium fork for GrapheneOS, focused on security.

Legacy / Niche Browsers (Not Recommended for Privacy)

• CentBrowser
• Coowon
• Comodo Dragon (privacy claims disputed due to data handling concerns)
• Maxthon (history of data leaks)
• Sleipnir
• Slimjet
• Torch
• UCBrowser (flagged for privacy issues, especially in China)
• Yandex Browser (sends data to Yandex servers)

Privacy Tips Regardless of Browser

• Use uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere where supported.
• Disable third-party cookies.
• Turn off telemetry and “usage statistics” in settings.
• Use private search engines such as Startpage, DuckDuckGo, or Searx.
• For maximum anonymity, pair a privacy browser with Tor or a reputable VPN.