8 Popular Web Browsers With Built-In VPNs

The web browser is arguably the most critical application in your phone and computer. It’s your access to the World Wide Web. It’s so entrenched in modern daily life that, as of March 2023, more than 55% of all Internet users have at least one browser. 

The best browsers easily incorporate extensions. A web browser with a built-in VPN, in particular, offers an effective way to strengthen online security and privacy. The VPN helps users access restricted content, prevents tracking, and helps avoid potential cyber threats.

In the following section, learn more about the popular web browsers with built-in VPNs.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Opera has a dedicated feature for security, privacy, and browsing data.
• Brave uses a built-in VPN to block phishing and malware attempts to keep you secure online.
• Epic Browser features a cryptomining blocker that prevents cryptocurrency miners from accessing your computer.
• Tor encrypts browsing data and isolates every visited website to prevent third-party entities from tracking you.
• Aloha browser masks IP addresses to keep users’ privacy and internet browsing anonymous.
• Avast Secure browser has an anti-phishing feature that blocks websites and downloads, preventing malware and spyware from gaining access.
• UR browser features a virus scanner that blocks infected websites.
• Psiphon uses proxy configuration to hide your IP address and browsing activity.

What Are The Best Web Browser With a Built-in VPN?

If you’re new to VPNs and are intimidated by manually setting one up, browsers with built-in VPNs are a great introduction to the technology.

These browsers provide an easy way to protect your web surfing from trackers. They also give extra advantages like ad blocking, malware protection, and advanced private browsing features.

There are many web browsers with built-in VPNs to choose from. However, eight of the best ones are:

• Opera
• Brave browser
• Epic browser
• Tor browser
• Aloha browser
• Avast Browser Pro
• UR browser
• Psiphon 

1. Opera

Opera is a free VPN browser designed for desktop and mobile platforms. Developed by Opera Software, it’s a fast web browser with a built-in email client and other convenient security features.

The Opera Browser offers dedicated security, privacy, and browser data features. Surfing the internet through the Opera browser’s VPN means your internet traffic is encrypted, and using its remote servers renders your IP address invisible, making browsing secure and private.

Additionally, Opera keeps you safe through Security Badges. This feature checks the pages you visit against a database on malware-ridden and phishing websites.

If you’re considering Opera, here’s what you need to know about it:

Ironically, Opera being feature-filled is a notable disadvantage for the browser. Users who like a minimalist design may find the browser’s excess buttons, sidebars, and other features distracting.

2. Brave Browser

Brave is a Chromium-based web browser like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. However, it’s a privacy-focused browser, specializing more in blocking ads and website trackers.

Brave browser offers a robust privacy policy and various security shields. It utilizes a built-in VPN to encrypt browsing and block malware and phishing attempts. 

The browser also enhances your privacy by obstructing ads and third-party trackers faster than others. Not loading trackers, ads, and other sources of malicious content conveniently makes load time quicker.

If you’re thinking about using Brave, here are important things to keep in mind:

Since Brave is strict on ads, one major criticism against this browser is its unfair treatment of small content creators and digital publishers. They won’t earn any ad revenue from Brave users, impacting their profitability. Ads are essential for websites to keep publishing content. 

3. Epic Browser

Epic browser is one of the best browsers with a built-in VPN. It’s a proprietary, privacy-focused software based on the Chromium source code. What makes Epic browser unique is that it’s always in private browsing mode, automatically deleting all browsing data whenever users exit.

Epic blocks ads and user activity trackers by default, enabling users to browse the internet anonymously. Also, by blocking third-party cookies and other attempts in browsing history tracking, Epic secures personal data from being stolen.

Epic browser’s other prominent feature is its Cryptomining blocker. It prevents Cryptominers from hijacking your PC or network and straining your device’s hardware, resulting in poor performance.

To get to know the Epic browser better, check out this overview:

Epic browser can safeguard your privacy and offer a standard level of anonymous web surfing. While it’s not perfect, it’s better than private browsing on a regular browser. That said, if you’re looking for a top-notch browser that provides protection worthy of the Dark web, try Tor.

4. Tor Browser

Tor, or The Onion Router, is one of the most popular web browsers with a built-in VPN. It’s designed to protect users from traffic analysis and give them true anonymity while surfing the web. These features are so reliable that they have made Tor browser a staple when it comes to visiting the Dark web and its most interesting websites.

Tor encrypts browsing data by default. It isolates every visited website so that third-party trackers and ads can’t follow. To raise security further, users can also disable specific web features often used by hackers to compromise security.

Unfortunately, Tor browser’s heavy emphasis on cybersecurity makes it slower than others. The Tor network receives over a million users daily, with just over 6,000 relays directing traffic. Each server’s load sometimes causes traffic latency or slow load times.

Still, if you’re interested in installing Tor, here’s more basic information about the browser:

5. Aloha Browser

Aloha browser has the standard privacy features. It conceals the user’s IP address and blocks ads and other pop-ups to shorten load time. However, Aloha’s fingerprint lock gives it an edge over its competitors. 

The fingerprint lock feature is an added layer of security that protects the browser from unwanted access. If you don’t want your child, partner, or family using your browser, you can simply lock it with a passcode or fingerprint.

Below is a summary of Aloha browser’s basic information that you need to keep in mind:

In general, the Aloha browser is a good option for those who prioritize privacy and security. However, it has notable areas that need improvements. One is the browser’s speed. Aloha is slightly slower than average, especially since it relies heavily on a VPN connection.

6. Avast Secure Browser Pro

Avast is mostly recognized for its antivirus software. Its optional add-on, Avast Secure Browser Pro, has quickly risen as one of the more popular web browsers with built-in VPNs.

The Avast Secure brows​​er has anti-phishing features that block malicious websites and downloads. Avast uses this security element to prevent malware and spyware from infecting your system. 

The browser also has Bank Mode, a feature that keeps your passwords, credit card credentials, and other personal details hidden while browsing the internet. This adds a valuable layer of protection against black hat hackers.

The table below shows information on the Avast Secure browser if you plan on installing it:

The Avast Secure browser is for those who need extra security. Given its company’s renowned background in virus management and cybersecurity, it makes sense that the browser excels at detecting online threats.

7. UR Browser

UR browser is a cross-platform web browser based on the open-source Chromium project. It’s also focused on security, privacy, and user-friendliness.

UR browser’s main feature is an integrated virus scanner that flags potentially harmful files and websites. When the virus scanner detects potential threats like phishing or malware, it prevents access to avoid data breaches.

Additionally, UR browser offers three privacy levels: Low, Medium, and High. The Low level provides HTTPS redirects and obstructs browser fingerprinting. The Medium level blocks ads, third-party cookies, and invisible trackers to prevent personal data from being stolen. Lastly, the High level includes all the Medium-level benefits and a Ninja mode that erases all browsing history upon tab closure.

For more information on UR browser, refer to this overview:

Despite its considerable security features, UR browser has a major drawback. Currently, it’s still in its beta phase. Compared to other brands on this list, UR browser is still new. It doesn’t have an established user base yet, which could be difficult when it comes to reporting and fixing bugs.

8. Psiphon

Falling into a category of technology called circumvention tool, Psiphon uses VPN, SSH, and HTTP proxy technology to provide users with uncensored access through the internet. The browser offers two modes, VPN and Proxy.

Psiphon uses the proxy mode to hide your IP address and browsing activity; it also avoids detection by using transport protocols to hide that a VPN is in use. All data that goes through Psiphon is encrypted, preventing ISPs or any third-party spectators from seeing the contents of your internet traffic.

Here’s what you should know before choosing Psiphon:

When it comes to free VPNs, Psiphon is a good option for bypassing censorship. However, it does have some downsides. The number of servers is limited, and the speed often slows down.

Bottom Line

A web browser is often used to access the internet, for entertainment, banking transactions, or connecting with loved ones. Most internet traffic runs through a web browser, making it a target for trackers, hackers, or malware that exploit your personally identifiable information.

Powerful and popular web browsers with built-in VPNs ensure security by encrypting inbound and outbound traffic. They create network tunnels to shield you, enhancing privacy and security for the data sent and received. 

All in all, a built-in VPN helps avoid threats for a safer online experience. Choose the one that best caters to your needs.

By Jalluri Sirisha

Sirisha is a networking enthusiast with a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering. She has developed a keen interest in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and has gone the extra mile to gain firsthand experience and knowledge.