Top 10 Web Browsers for Privacy
If you're concerned about privacy, it's important to choose a web browser that prioritizes your data security. Some mainstream browsers may collect extensive data on your browsing habits, have built-in tracking features, and even record sensitive information like passwords. Because not all popular browsers are fully open source, it can be challenging to verify what kind of data they actually collect.For those who value privacy, the alternatives listed below are worth considering.
Firefox is one of the most popular browsers out there. Unlike other main browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Safari, Firefox is open-source. This means anyone can view the source code and check to see if the browser contains spyware. By default, it has some spyware, but it can easily be configured to become almost as private as the Tor browser. Don't forget to install uBlock Origin and HTTPS Everywhere for maximum privacy. uBlock serves as an ad blocker, which, unlike Adblock Plus, doesn't allow acceptable ads. HTTPS Everywhere encrypts your web traffic so nobody can see your sensitive data.
You can also use Firefox's built-in tracking protection instead of using uBlock.
The Tor browser is the best browser you can use to browse the internet anonymously. It connects through the Tor network, which is more private than a normal connection because nobody can see your IP address. Keep in mind that this doesn't stop ISPs from seeing that you're using Tor, but they won't know what you're doing on it.
In order for Tor to work properly, you will need to change some of your browsing habits. Don't change any settings or install any add-ons, such as Adblock Plus. Don't browse in fullscreen or adjust the window size. Doing any of this will distinguish you from other Tor users and make it easier for sites to track you. Also, don't log into any social media accounts or use your real name. By logging into your TheTopTens account on Tor (assuming you've already used it on a different browser), you're essentially undermining the whole point of complete privacy. Admins can use what they already know about you, such as your IP address, to profile you.
Additionally, don't use Tor (or a VPN) to make troll lists on this site and then try to evade bans. That's not why the browser was made.
Pale Moon is a browser based on an extremely old version of Firefox. As a result, it isn't as secure or up-to-date as most browsers, but it does offer more privacy. It's good for users who prefer the older, better version of Firefox.
Ungoogled Chromium is essentially just Google Chrome but without the Google spyware. It's probably the best choice for privacy if you're willing to compile it. Otherwise, you should use Iridium instead.
Best browser. Deserves to be higher and even higher.
Basically, it's the same thing as Ungoogled Chromium, except it's much easier to set up. It does use Google Safe Browsing, but you can easily disable that. I wouldn't recommend doing so because it would pose a huge security risk, especially if you use Windows.
It's fully open-source and doesn't have any spyware. However, it also doesn't have as many privacy features as some other browsers, such as Tor and Firefox.
The Newcomers
Qutebrowser is a very minimal browser that doesn't have any spyware but also lacks significant privacy protection. It's a keyboard-driven browser with a minimal GUI. As a result, Qutebrowser is one of the most difficult browsers to use, but it provides a decent browsing experience without privacy issues.
Waterfox is a fork of Firefox that maintains support for legacy extensions that were removed in Firefox Quantum. I wouldn't recommend using this browser since it contains some spyware and is less supported and slower to update than Firefox. However, it's better than using Chrome.