What is the best web browser for privacy?

Privacy browsing refers to the act of surfing the internet without being tracked by third parties, this means that website cookies, personal data, usernames and passwords and internet history will not be retained by the browser.

Over 60% of people use Google Chrome as their primary internet browser making it the most widely used browser in the world. However, with GDPR concerns and internet scams on the rise, it is important to understand the implications that various browsing behaviour can have on your online security. Personal data is highly sought after by online advertising firms who can leverage users’ web browsing histories in order to establish unique browser identities. Over time these identities form shadow user profiles that facilitate targeted advertising strategies. However, in more sinister circumstances, online criminals could use this data to conduct scams 

Private browsers offer a range of features to prevent this type of activity from taking place, enhancing user privacy and security. They help prevent tracking through cookies and block ads to ensure a more private and streamlined browsing experience. By erasing search history, users’ web search results will remain unaffected by previous activity, preserving activity privacy further. Such browsers will also often automatically log users out of any programmes upon the closure of tabs or devices minimising the risk of unauthorised access. 

For heightened anonymity, certain private browsers incorporate a VPN feature, allowing users to conceal their identities and IP addresses while browsing. Moreover, some browsers enable seamless profile synchronisation across compatible devices, enhancing user convenience and accessibility. Overall, private browsing provides users with greater control over their online privacy and security, more information about online security can be found here.

Knowing the facts and what options are available means you can assess your needs and make a considered choice about which browser is the best option for you.

Do I need a privacy browser?

The idea of what constitutes private browsing can also vary, for instance, some may perceive it to simply be the ‘incognito mode’ on a major browser while to others, it’s using a web browser that encrypts your activity before it reaches your ISP (Internet Service Provider). The reality is that a lot of browsers claim to be private but on closer inspection, all of the users’ activity can still be seen by the Internet Service Provider, just not by other users. 

Therefore, the decision about whether or not you should use a privacy browser and if so, which one depends largely on your browsing activity and the level of personal protection you desire. 

Best private browsers for Android

The following browser options are renowned for their advanced security and privacy features.

Brave

Brave prides itself on being faster than Google Chrome while providing better privacy protection.

• Blocks cookies: Not only does Brave block cookies from tracking your activity, it also blocks cookie consent notices – you won’t have to see another cookie pop-up again. There is also the option to enable popup blocking. 
• Blocks 3rd-party ad trackers: Brave blocks third-party ad trackers which are pieces of code that are present on websites to collect and send information about users browsing history.
• Disables invasive ads and trackers: Prevents the storing of block cookies and fingerprinting.
• Off the Record (OTR) – This feature aims to help people who need to hide their browsing behaviour from others who have access to their computer or phone.

Epic Privacy Browser

• Blocks Ad Trackers, Fingerprints & Third-Party Cookies: Epic blocks eleven different ways from ID numbers to server-based services which are used to know what you browsed
• Optional Always-On Private Browsing
• One-Click Encrypted Proxy: This function hides your IP address and encrypts all your data when you want to be very private. 

Best privacy browser for iPhones

Aloha

• Built-In adblocker: Aloha Adblock cuts off most ad networks’ codes and trackers’ codes.
• VPN Integration to mask your location while browsing: This means you are free to join public wifi networks without risking any personal details like passwords getting stolen.
• Doesn’t collect any data: This includes your usage, searches, location or data from websites you’re visiting.

Mozilla Firefox

• Blocks trackers: This browser blocks known trackers that can gather information about you online
• Enhanced cookie protection: This software creates a ‘Cookie Jar’ where websites’ cookies are places to keep them isolated from your activity
• Phishing & Malware protection: Users receive warnings if they have visited a deceptive site
• Firefox Monitor warns you if your online accounts were involved in a known breach of security: This feature warns users if their data has been involved in a known data breach.

Tor Browser

• A genuinely private browser:Tor browser is one of the genuinely private browsers as it encrypts all web activity three times over
• High levels of anonymity: The levels of encryption enforced by Tor mean that your IP address and activity is hidden from your internet service provider
• DuckDuckGo Integration: The browser also has the capacity for DuckDuckGo (explained below).

Honourable mentions

DuckDuckGo

Although the full browser isn’t available on desktop, DuckDuckGo is a great option for both iPhones & Android devices. Unlike Google, it doesn’t track you at all so all of your medical, financial and personal issues remain yours and only yours. Not only is all of your activity encrypted, but this browser will also block hidden tracking from non-Google websites. This means that all your search results remain unbiased and free from the influence of your previous searches or other factors such as location.

Opera

This browser does contain ad-blockers and tracker blockers both included for safer browsing, however, it is worth noting that,  unlike many of the other options mentioned in this article, Opera is not a ‘not-for-profit- business and was recently purchased by a Chinese tech giant. There are wider concerns about Chinese firms in relation to the protection of personal information which should be taken into account by users.  

Conclusion

There are many browser options for those who wish to engage online more privately and protect their personal information. Whether you are browsing on Android, iPhone or desktop there are some great privacy solutions. Some key things to consider when choosing one is being aware of what problem or problems you are trying to solve and selecting browsers that provide the most relevant solutions. It is also worth noting that non-profit organisations don’t have a financial incentive to drive revenue from users by collecting and selling their data so this is a good thing to consider if you are concerned about the legitimacy of a browser’s claims.