Browsers
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Chromium-based browser with strong built-in ad, tracker and fingerprint blocking, and timely Chromium security updates. Note that Brave does bundle potentially unwanted features, like crypto, rewards and AI which add bloat and increase attack surface
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The main independent browser, on Mozilla's own Gecko engine rather than Chromium. Reliable, long-standing, with frequent security updates, broad extension support and strong customization. However telemetry is on by default, and many other preferences need to be tweaked for optimum privacy. Consider using a user.js similar to arkenfox's user.js or follow 12Bytes's guide to harden your settings
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An independent fork of Firefox hardened for privacy by default. No telemetry, uBlock Origin bundled, anti-fingerprinting, strict settings
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A Firefox-based browser maintained in collaboration between the Tor Project and Mullvad. With strong anti-fingerprinting (so users look alike), no telemetry and uBlock Origin bundled
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Tor provides an extra layer of anonymity, by encrypting each of your requests, then routing it through several nodes, making it near-impossible for you to be tracked by your ISP. While excellent for anonymity, Tor is less suited for daily browsing; it's slower and some sites will be blocked or broken, among other trade-offs
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Notable Mentions
- Cromite -
Chromium fork and successor of Bromite. Adds built-in ad and tracker blocking, removes Google service calls, and disables several fingerprinting vectors. Note that patches often lag several weeks behind upstream
- WaterFox -
Firefox fork with telemetry, studies and data collection removed. The legacy Classic line retains support for XUL/NPAPI extensions; the current Quantum-based release does not.
- PaleMoon -
Independent Firefox-derived browser using its own Goanna engine. Disables telemetry and retains support for legacy XUL extensions. Lagging support for modern web-platform features (e.g. CSP) has led to incidents of Cloudflare blocking the browser.
- Iridium -
Chromium fork with telemetry, background pings and most Google service integrations stripped out or made opt-in.
- SeaMonkey -
All-in-one internet suite (browser, mail, IRC, HTML editor) derived from the Mozilla Application Suite. Receives security fixes but lags upstream Firefox on features.
- Ungoogled-Chromium -
Chromium with all Google web service integrations, binary blobs and background calls removed. Tries to retain the default Chromium experience as closely as possible. No built-in auto-updates; relies on third-party rebuilds for security patches.
- Basilisk Browser -
Firefox/UXP-based fork originally created by Moonchild Productions and independently maintained since 2022. Retains NPAPI plugin and XUL extension support dropped by mainline Firefox.
- IceCat -
GNU's fully-free Firefox fork. Removes proprietary components such as DRM and EME, and bundles LibreJS to block non-free JavaScript. Tracks Firefox ESR, but release cadence lags upstream and can delay security fixes.
Notes
12Bytes maintains a list of privacy & security extensions.
Word of Warning
New vulnerabilities are being discovered and patched all the time - use a browser that is being actively maintained, in order to receive these security-critical updates.
Even privacy-respecting browsers, often do not have the best privacy options enabled by default. After installing, check the privacy & security settings, and update the configuration to something that you are comfortable with. 12Bytes maintains a comprehensive guide on Firefox Configuration for Privacy and Performance
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