Over 71 million people fall victim to cybercrimes every year. This makes online safety a great concern. Anyone can be at risk of being prey to phishing, identity theft, hacking, or more.
It is crucial to take extra measures to protect yourself online. One of the ways to do so is by practicing safe browsing. Using a secure browser helps you avoid suspicious third-party access to your data.
Explore the best secure browsers that can help you browse the Internet safely.
Best Secure Browsers for Your Privacy
Online privacy is a primary concern for everyone. Cybercriminals are eager to steal personal data by following your tracks as you browse the internet. They usually go for your browser activity and IP address, as these are gateways to gather more personal details about the user.
Secure browsers help stop those attacks, making your online environment more private. Here is a list of the top secure browsers you can use for better online privacy:
Firefox
Launched in 2004, Mozilla Firefox is a free and easy-access alternative to other browsers. For almost two decades, it has been at the forefront when it comes to ensuring user security as they browse the web.
Firefox was the first browser to come with a private browsing mode. It lets you hide your browsing activities from other sites or people that can access your device.
The Firefox browser also features Enhanced Tracking Protection, which blocks social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, fingerprinters, and crypto-miners.
| Pros | Cons |
| Has advanced security that blocks spyware and viruses | Requires a lot of memory to run |
| Comes with a built-in pop-up blocker that stops almost 100% of pop-ups. | Downloads can’t be resumed once interrupted |
| Lets you open unlimited pages in a single window | Some websites are not compatible |
| Reported to have the fastest download speed |
Brave Privacy Browser
In 2016, Brave appeared as a privacy-focused alternative to Google Chrome. It looks and feels similar to Chrome, but Brave offers better online privacy features.
Like other secure browsers, the Brave browser has a feature called Shields that blocks third-party tracking cookies and ads by default. It enforces HTTPS and allows users to pick between standard or aggressive tracking.
Brave is the only browser with the EFF tool that can report a randomized fingerprint. It also has other security-minded products designed to block scripts that collect your browsing data while maintaining site functionality.
Besides its emphasis on privacy, it allows you to earn cryptocurrency while browsing. Its creators (Brendan Eich and Brian Bondy) aimed to change how web commerce works with direct micropayments.
| Pros | Cons |
| Has a minimalist user interface to prioritize performance and speed | May stop publishers and content creators from making money off of people who visit their sites |
| Compatible with most browser extensions, including fundamental web technologies | Runs its own ad network based on a user-centric rewards system |
| Block web trackers and digital ads for a more intrusive browsing experience | |
| Considerably lighter on system resources than other browsers |
Microsoft Edge
Image Source: Microsoft Community
Microsoft Edge is one of the most popular secure browsers. Privacy was the main goal of the Microsoft team when they developed Edge. The browser continues to evolve with forced HTTPS connections, vertical tabs, sleeping tabs, performance boosts, and more.
The Edge browser offers three levels of tracking protection: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. All levels block trackers they detect as fingerprinting or crypto-mining.
‘Basic’ allows web tracking by advertisers and websites. ‘Balanced’ is recommended if you want to block trackers from websites you’ve never visited. Meanwhile, ‘Strict’ stops trackers from almost all sites, regardless of browsing history. It also allows minimal delivery of personalized ads.
Microsoft Edge is also compatible with Secure DNS. Plus, it lets you personalize your ad in Microsoft News and Bing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Inability to outperform other browsers |
| Offers a sizeable library of browser extensions | Mediocre interface |
| Comes with tracking prevention | Incompatible with older hardware specifications |
| Customizable user profiles | |
| Allows users to declutter an article for a more direct reading experience |
Tor Browser
Tor is a browser that anonymizes all of your web traffic. It offers a multi-step encrypted route for your browser, making it hard for cyber attackers to identify your data.
The Tor browser can give users the safest level of protection when browsing. Also, it lets you access the dark web. However, you can do little when browsing with Tor since it disables JavaScript.
| Pros | Cons |
| Entirely free | Slower loading time |
| Easy access to the dark web | Exit nodes do not encrypt traffic |
| Safer than regular browsers | Blocks some scripts, so some websites are not compatible |
Some people confuse Tor with VPNs, but these tools are different. Both offer encrypted connections through distinct means. Tor makes you anonymous by rerouting your traffic through nodes, while VPNs encrypt your connection by masking your IP address.
| ✅ Pro Tip If you want to be as secure as possible while browsing the Internet, using Tor with a trusted VPN service is highly recommended. The Tor browser makes sure your browsing activity is hidden. Meanwhile, a VPN ensures that all your non-Tor traffic is protected. |
| 📝 Side note: Even though you are maximizing your anonymity while using Tor and VPN simultaneously, keep in mind that this may also lead to slower loading times. |
Opera
While it was officially released in 2005, Opera’s history began in 1994 as a Norwegian software company research project. This makes it one of the oldest desktop browsers still actively evolving.
From being the first to include tabs and integrated search, Opera’s developers now offer a gaming browser called Opera GX. It offers CPU, RAM, and network limiters to help users get the most out of gaming and browsing.
Opera also blocks trackers and ads by default. However, unlike other browsers, Opera does not have anti-fingerprinting features.
| Pros | Cons |
| Requires only a little of the system’s resources due to its small download and memory profile | Strict adherence to coding |
| Fast and responsive | Often blocked since most web developers consider Opera a low-priority |
| Offers integrated phishing protection, RSS feeds, and email clients | Extensions are challenging to find |
| Has a supportive user community |
Apple Safari
Launched in January 2003, Safari was initially the default browser on Apple devices. It was only four years later when they released it on iPhones.
Apple was one of the first major tech vendors to bring the profile of fingerprinting to everyone’s attention. Safari is even considered one of the fastest web browsers out there. While it ranks highly for privacy and security, it lacks the customizable features and add-ons that other browsers offer.
In terms of security, Safari has a feature called Intelligent Tracking Prevention. This stops cross-site tracking via machine learning without impacting how the sites you visit work.
| Pros | Cons |
| Competitive speed and performance level | Exclusivity to Apple devices |
| Handoff feature across devices for uninterrupted browsing | Lack of alerts when users access unencrypted web pages |
| Minimalist design language | Other cloud services are not offered, so users can only sync data via iCloud |
| Has a standard Privacy Browsing mode that blocks a pop-up blocker and web trackers | Limited availability of browser extensions |
| Has a Privacy Report Tool based on Intelligent Tracking Prevention technology | |
| Works best for Website Developers |
Avast Secure Browser
Image Source: Avast
Established as a cooperative in 1988, Avast has developed a private browser that automatically blocks trackers and ads that slow you down. They used to call it “SafeZone” before it was rebranded as “Avast Secure Browser” in 2018.
Before the rebranding, Safezone’s interface was almost the same as the Opera browser. When users went to financial or shopping sites to run online transactions, SafeZone was automatically activated.
Today, Avast Secure Browser has better privacy protection and is trusted worldwide. It centers around internet privacy and security, with features like anti-tracking technology and Bank Mode.
It also provides ad blocking, password management, and anti-phishing. As a Chromium-based browser, Avast is entirely compatible with most sites.
Avast Secure Browser is also one of the browsers that offer a built-in VPN for added protection. It offers multiple server locations and can protect up to 10 devices.
| Pros | Cons |
| Straightforward and user-friendly interface | Limited productivity tools |
| Large extension store | Few personalization options |
| Browsing speed is faster than leading browsers | Some security features require payment |
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo regards itself as a direct competitor to Google Search. This secure browser has a mobile app that works for iOS and Android. Users can also use it as a browser extension for Safari, Firefox, or Chrome.
Because they searched for a specific item once, online shoppers may see repetitive ads on each site they visit. DuckDuckGo can help you avoid that. This browser lets you scour the Internet without trackers trailing and collecting your data. It has built-in tracker blocking, so websites will find it difficult to gather information about you.
DuckDuckGo is one of the few search engines that allows access to the dark web. It does not keep logs of your online activities, which lets you browse the dark web freely while maintaining anonymity.
| Pros | Cons |
| No stored user data | Local listings lack personalization |
| Unfiltered search results | Fewer compatible services |
| No targeted ads | |
| One-scroll experience | |
| Provides answers to search queries without opening any webpage |
| 💡Did You Know?DuckDuckGo was launched on a leap year. What’s more interesting is that it was released on February 29, 2008. Gabriel Weinberg, an American businessman, funded the software from his own pocket. In 2011, Union Square Ventures and some investors backed him up. |
Waterfox
Waterfox is one of Mozilla’s Gecko-based browsers. It uses the same Enhanced Tracking Protection as Firefox. This browser also has tracking protection that shields its users against trackers, fingerprinters, crypto-miners, and more.
Like Firefox, this browser allows you to sync the following:
- Passwords
- Tabs
- History
- Bookmarks
- Settings
- Add-ons
| Pros | Cons |
| Stripped of Telemetry | Owned by an advertising company |
| Compatibility with Firefox add-ons | No mobile support |
Bromite Browser
Bromite is one of the best private browsers for Android. Like most secure browsers, it is also based on the code that controls Google Chrome.
According to its website, Bromite offers a no-clutter browsing experience without privacy-invasive features.
Oddly enough, the Bromium browser’s default search provider is Google, though you can switch it to something like DuckDuckGo. It also earned the “nearly unique” fingerprint designation. This makes it tricky for trackers to identify you and your data.
Overall, Bromite looks and works much like the Android version of Chrome.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free and open-source | Not easily accessible since it’s unavailable on the Google Play Store |
| Straightforward and minimal UI | |
| Powerful ad-blocking engine | |
| Reduces leaked information with its fingerprint randomization |
| 📝 Note Even though Bromite is Android-exclusive, it is unavailable on the Google Play Store. That said, you must download and install its APK file to use the browser on your Android phone. |
Why Do You Need a Secure Browser?
An average internet user spends almost 7 hours online daily. The more a person browses, the greater the risk to their personal data. To stay safe online, here are some good reasons to practice safe browsing:
1. Avoid Phishing Scams
In 2022, over 3 billion phishing emails were sent daily, making phishing one of the most common forms of cybercrime. It often takes the form of fraudulent texts, sketchy calls, or emails that look credible.
As soon as you respond to any phishing email, the attacker can:
| Access your bank accountsRequest new PINsMake purchases | Hijack passwords and accountsSell your data to other partiesUse your Social Security Number for loans |
| ⚠️ Warning Avoid opening attachments from emails with an unknown or suspicious origin. Online criminals often send spam emails with attachments that include malware that may infect your device or steal your data. |
2. Advertisers Collect Your Data
Advertising companies are getting smarter at driving sales. They now use machine learning technologies to reach their target audiences. In 2021, digital ad spending reached over $522 billion worldwide.
For ads to work, companies must know their audience, what they like, or what they are most likely to buy. To do this, they gather data using the websites that you visit. They also observe how you interact with the ads they place on those sites.
An average internet user is targeted by over 1,000 ads daily. This is why it is essential to use browsers with ad blockers. With this tool, you can avoid repetitive ads while enjoying a faster and safer browsing experience.
3. More Software Threats
More than 300,000 new pieces of malware are produced daily, making the likelihood of any unsuspecting user getting infected higher.
Below are signs to look out for to know if your device has malware:
- Unusual slow system responses
- Spam and pop-up ads
- Frequent redirection to an unknown website
- Strange icons on the desktop
- New files created or apps installed without your permission
| ✅ Pro Tip Besides securing a safe browser for yourself, you should also perform regular backups to offline storage. This way, you can ensure the restoration of any vital data in case malware hits your device. |
Tips to Browse Safely
For a daily internet user, a secure browser is a necessity. However, browser security is only complete with user education. Here are some of the best practices to help you create a safer internet experience:
1. Pay Attention to the Site You Visit
There are certain parties that can access your browsing history, like your ISP and network administrators. Generally, they monitor your online activities for surveillance.
However, most websites can also see what you do on the Internet. They do so for user profiling and advertising. This means you must be cautious of the websites you visit, as they collect data about you as soon as you access them.
If you get a prompt that says, “Your connection is not private,” it is most likely because the website accessed is unreliable and may cause security issues.
This error typically pops up when your browser cannot verify the site’s SSL certificate. It is a digital certificate that encrypts the data between the user and the website. It is necessary since it guarantees that unwanted third parties cannot interrupt the traffic and access the transmitted data.
| ✅ Pro Tip You can install a browser extension like Web of Trust to ensure you’re opening a secure website. It shows a website’s safety score based on its user base’s reviews and provides a real-time alert when you visit a dangerous website. |
2. Keep Your Browser Up-to-date
Hackers typically look for the browser’s vulnerabilities to attack and steal data. By keeping your browser up-to-date, your device can get the latest security version and prevent hackers from attacking it.
Browsers like Firefox have automatic updates to ensure safe browsing, so you don’t have to check for them manually.
3. Use a Secure Internet Connection
Many Wi-Fi hotspots do not enforce any form of security. Hackers can easily spread malware and steal data through the networks. Some cybercriminals even create a clone network to trap users and get into their computers.
Check your Wi-Fi’s security protocol to guarantee protection. Always use WPA2 or WPA3 for better encryption and authentication when browsing.
| ✅ Pro Tip When connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot, turn off File Sharing from your computer’s System Preferences to prevent wireless access from hacking your computer’s files. |
4. Install Antivirus Software
Malware is more common than you think, so it is important to keep your device protected. To do that, antivirus software must be at the top of your list. Antivirus programs can generally scan up to 350,000 online threats, so you should consider getting one.
McAfee Antivirus Plus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus are some of the best antivirus software. There’s also a ton of free options all over the web.
5. Use Unique Passwords
Using the same password across multiple websites or accounts makes you vulnerable to online criminals. Billions of decrypted passwords are freely available on the dark web, which might even include yours.
Avoid using weak and predictable PINs. Instead, opt for strong passwords that use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, make it a habit to change it at least every 90 days.
6. Disable Auto-Complete for Forms
Most browsers provide the option of remembering passwords entered into forms. While it makes the users’ lives easier, it also provides data that attackers can exploit.
If you remain logged into a site, attackers can easily hijack your browsing history and steal your data. Make sure to turn off the auto-complete features on your browser and clear any saved passwords.
7. Limit the Use of Cookies
Cookies are tiny text files saved in the browser cache when a user visits particular websites. These may stay in your system for weeks or longer unless browser settings indicate that cookies should be removed regularly.
Online criminals often steal the cookies as they carry personally identifiable information about the users. That is why you should limit the use of cookies when you’re browsing as much as possible.
Make sure that when a website sends a prompt about cookie collection, update the settings to either “Reject cookies” or “Necessary cookies only.”
| ✅ Pro Tip Clear your cache and cookies regularly. This logs you out of all the websites you were initially logged into. However, doing so keeps the data saved in the cookies safe from the hands of cyber attackers.  |
Conclusion
Using a secure browser is important for protecting your data. Finding the best and safest browser for you depends on what fits your browsing needs.
However, it’s worth noting that you need more than a secure browser to protect your privacy. To have that additional layer of security, you must add a quality VPN that will encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address.
A good ad blocker helps as well. Many ads have tracking codes that collect your data and serve annoying, targeted ads. If you don’t block ads, third-party networks can detect your activities easily, which is not ideal.
Secure Browsers FAQs
How do you stop a browser from tracking?
One of the best ways to stop your browser from tracking is to use an anti-tracking browser like Ghostery Private, which blocks trackers from transmitting your data to their servers.
Which browser does not track you?
Some of the secure browsers that do not track you are Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari, Puffin, Vivaldi, and Chromium.
Which browser does not save history?
Tor, Brave, Firefox, and Safari do not save history when used with Private Browsing Mode. However, it’s worth noting that using these browsers does not mean you’re browsing anonymously entirely.
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By Raj Vardhman
Raj Vardhman is a tech expert and the Chief Tech Strategist at TechJury.net, where he leads the research-driven analysis and testing of various technology products and services. Raj has extensive tech industry experience and contributed to various software, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence publications. With his insights and expertise in emerging technologies, Raj aims to help businesses and individuals make informed decisions regarding utilizing technology. When he's not working, he enjoys reading about the latest tech advancements and spending time with his family.