Key Findings: I have recently done various researches on a secure browser and internet privacy. Through it, I got to discover that the ultimate answer to safe browsing is through a NordVPN.
Here is the list of our tested, and hand picked the most secure and private browsers of 2020 1. Avast secure browser – one of the best browsers due to high privacy and security options. New product in the market. Epic Privacy Browser – feel more privacy with this browser. Epic privacy browser. Alternatively: Tweak Chrome or Firefox for Privacy If you're not terribly keen on the idea of downloading a brand new browser, moving all of your bookmarks, extensions, and other data over to it. This browser is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. Comodo Dragon Browser. Comodo Dragon Browser is one of the best secure browsers but still, it is no match again for Tor Browser, but with its specialized assets, it makes web browsing much safer. It provides on-site malware scanning, secure DNS, SSL, and domain validation, and block all tracking, cookies and web spies.
Although tech giants like Google and Mozilla have introduced their secure web browsers even, they are not as safe as they claim to be.
Also, Tor which was a project of the CIA and is known to be the most secure browser requires the use of a VPN with it.
Intro To Secure Browsers
In this digital era, it is necessary for you to shield your online activity. Any program under the category of most secure browser ensures that your protection on the web is their priority. To keep your information hidden from outsiders is another job. Thus, a private browser will help you everywhere on the web.
Already a method has been defined for the transaction of data over the internet is through the web browsers. Unfortunately, some browsers have an adverse impact on the privacy of internet users. The outcomes that inhibit tracking scripts to steal user's credentials.
Also, the government mass surveillance program and data retention has the rights to keep records of users in the interest of national defense.
These aspects are annoying for users as it damages the internet freedom by tracking their browsing activities. To sort out these problems the best secure browsers have been introduced.
Most Secure Browsers In 2020
These browsers have the privilege to manage the data confidentiality from illegal access, harmful threats, and data exploitation.
Yet, hiding browsing activities are not top-notch with most secure browsers as they somehow outflow the data to ISPs. The private browsers are competent in providing a swift browsing experience on platforms like Android and iPhone.
Whereas, the normal browsers gives high data protection on Windows and Mac with assistance to privacy extensions.
1. Firefox Focus
Firefox Focus is one more adding to the roster of best anonymous browsers by Mozilla. It is purely designed for the customer's data security. The initial launch was considering the iOS users.
However, the recent update has to cover the Android. It's the most secure browser which focuses on data concealment with a beautifully designed that pleases your eyes.
It blocks the ad tracking which consequently means that websites aren't recording the user's web browsing history and the speed of internet isn't compromised.
The secure browser for Android has a dedicated feature which helps Firefox Focus on securing the position in the lists of ad blockers.
Firefox Focus blocks the advertisers from monitoring the user experience. Also, it eases the activities once the secure browser mode is activated. When you're done with your browsing session, you can hit the 'Erase' icon and all of your internet activities will be deleted.
2. Tor Browser
It is a secure browser which was developed after a massive increase in privacy issues of internet users. Tor browser has been a subject of discussion because of its technological advancement and awareness. People who use the internet on regular basis have installed the Tor browser for secure browsing activities.
Tor software is based on distributed networks of relays which protect internet communication from tracking by ISPs and surveillance agencies. Tor browser generates a dedicated encrypted tunnel for sending and receiving of data. It evades the evils eyes from monitoring the internet connection.
The web pages you visit becomes hidden along with your existing location. Also, it allows users to access restricted sites on their devices.
Tor browser enhances your online privacy and protects against the surveillance program carried by the NSA. It secretly transfers your internet traffic from different locations and hides the source of communication.
Tor browser can be used without installing any software on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It comes with pre-configured security features for protecting your anonymity and can run from a USB flash drive.
How Tor Works
Tor is also called 'Onion Router' because it works on the concept of Onion routing. The structure of onion has multi-layers; similar to onion router. These layers encrypt the data multiple times and then it is sent through virtual circuits.
The receiver side decrypts the data before it is passed on the next level. The innermost layer of encrypted data is decrypted by the last layer before the original data reaches the destination.
In such process, the decryption of the layers is done so efficiently that the IP address and location doesn't get reveal and keep hidden. This limits the spying eyes to look at the websites that you interact. Also, it makes them unable to watch your internet activities.
Las vegas gambling games. What Makes It Different?
Tor is quite popular in those countries where freedom of expression over the internet is restricted. For instance, in China citizens are not able to access the web pages due to censorship laws, in such situation Tor browser comes to work.
This secure web browser is also in use of Edward Snowden known as 'Whistleblower' who reveals the information about NSA‘s PRISM program to the media through Tor. Many average citizens and academics use Tor in order to keep freedom and privacy protected in this era of mass surveillance.
3. Epic Privacy Browser
Epic web browser is developed using a chromium technology aimed at making your browsing private. The feature that makes it the secure browser is the 'private browsing mode'.
It means that on the close of Epic, deletion of all browsing data occurs during the use of internet and stores very small amount of data history.
The browser use 'encrypted proxy' that hides your IP address and encrypts browsing data. The DNS requests are routed via encrypted proxy. This gives protection to the browsing history from the internet service provider (ISP) and other data snoopers.
Epic is the most secure browser that protects you from tracking scripts, cookies, third-party widgets and Ad networks. It also lets you access the blocked content from others countries.
Using this browser, your searches remain private and it disallows search engines to save your IP address. It gives priority to SSL connections and protects you on the public network.
4. SRWare Iron Browser
SRWare Iron is another best secure browser that mimics Google Chrome except for its privacy features. It also claims to be the 'real alternative' to Chrome. This browser offers customizable developer tools, privacy settings, and extensions.
This secure browser eliminates privacy-compromising functionality and usage tracking, unlike Chrome. It is also has a built-in feature capable of blocking unwanted ads. It creates a unique user ID and submits entries to Google for generating suggestions.
SRWare is a fast browser, with sleek design and innovative features. Best for the people looking for a good Chrome-based developer focused web browser. SRWare secures your data by using different security methods.
5. Comodo Dragon Browser
The Comodo Dragon Browser is built on Chromium technology, offering similar features like Chrome with top-notch security, it means all the internet activities are protected. Comodo dragon has online privacy keeper with all necessary options.
The customize plug-ins and add-ons make the browser interface more user-friendly for beginners. It provides you with the unsurpassed speed with encrypted tunneling for secure transfer of traffic. Comodo Dragon browser keeps you secure and finishes crashes or frozen windows. It prevents cookies and other spying eyes from tracking you.
Comodo Dragon browser has Domain Validation technology which identifies and separates the superior SSL certificates from inferior ones. All browser download tracking is prevented by this browser in order to protect privacy.
6. Avira Scout Browser
The speculation behind scout that it's from the German anti-virus firm. Avira scout is to collect a range of third force security plug-ins in a chromium based secure browser with some of their additional features.
Avira scout offers safe web browsing that blocks phishing websites, Avira safe search, protected Wi-Fi which implements HTTPS when surfing sites with an insecure Wi-Fi and anti-tracking.
Scout does emerge to be ‘hardened' with a few tweaks, on the contrary, and additional ones are too probably in future. A script is incorporated to ensure extensions against a permitted list.
The extensions stated above are also executed with the browser itself and cannot be detached, a safety of sorts. Upcoming releases will include Avira's AV scanning, plus at some point the firm's cloud-scanning facility.
7. Brave Browser
Declared by Brendan Eich, a prime supporter of the Mozilla Project, Brave is an open source program that offers a respectable Chrome and Safari elective. It offers incredible speeds and propelled promotion following controls, perfect for the protection cognizant who are likewise after a lightweight program.
Accessible for Windows, Linux, and OS X clients, it has emerged as one of the most secure browsers. Brave incorporates HTTPS Everywhere joining, squares treat catch, includes a nice promotion blocker, and has a dynamic designer group which is continually enhancing the program.
Drawbacks?
It's as yet a moderately new program, so maybe not as clean an item as it could be, and augmentation usefulness is as yet deficient.
8. Yandex Browser
Yandex offers an extremely usable interface that doesn't stray too a long way from the solace of Chrome, in outline and highlights. Perfect for those that are careful about the move to a more secure and regularly stripped-back program. Thus, making it as a world popular secure browser.
Safest Browser For Privacy Protection
Yandex, which depends on Chromium, utilizes the ‘Flicker' motor which runs checks through downloads and even uses Kaspersky's antivirus to examine for pernicious substance.
Regularly when programs run checks they wind up plainly lazy, and Yandex has endeavored to address this. The program utilizes Opera's Turbo innovation to improve pages that are failing to meet expectations or working over a temperamental system.
Yandex additionally gives DNS caricaturing assurance, which can piece site containing malevolent substance and secures passwords and bank card points of interest that are put away.
9. Dooble Browser
Dooble is a lean Chromium-based multi-stage (Windows, Linux, OS X) program that won't be for everybody notwithstanding its security highlights. In its default state it debilitates unreliable interfaces, for example, Flash and Javascript which will make it hard to use with a considerable measure of destinations yet may be justified, despite all the trouble for its stripped-down approach.
The program expects the client needs to travel in secret from the off, while HTTPS can be authorized and outsider session treats in iFrames blocked. The treatment of cookies is curiously granular.
An imaginative element is that all client content (bookmarks, perusing inclinations and history) can be encoded utilizing different figures and a passphrase. Another fascinating element is to set security, for instance, private perusing, for every tab utilizing the right-click alternative.
Commentators haven't taken to Dooble in light of the fact that it needs refinement in places yet we thought that it was quick and in some of its thoughts cunning.
10. Disconnect Browser
This browser uses the technology of crawling into the web and finding the websites of those corporations that track the public. Disconnect is particularly used to disconnect you from websites that aspire to store your data or any other information related to you in the other way.
While browsing through Disconnect, you are displayed multiple messages which state that any particular website endeavors to track your activities. Disconnect will automatically end your interface with specific websites that pose a hazard to your privacy.
Add-ons to secure your browsing activity.
There are likewise various distinctive additional items or expansions you can introduce to level up your web browser's protection and security.
Here are a couple of plugins that can enhance your web browsers' security.
- HTTPS Everywhere: – Developed at Electronic Frontier Foundation, this will direct sites to utilize a protected HTTPS encrypted network.
- uBlock Origin: – This is a standout amongst other browser-based advertisement blockers. It ensures you're not being tracked by advertisers on the web.
- uMatrix: – This gives you power over every program that might track you as you visit distinctive sites.
- Cookie Autodelete: – This will itself erase cookies that are never again required for your surfing.
- Privacy Badger: – Privacy Badger is additionally from EFF that sidelines spying promotions and trackers.
- Decentraleyes: – This ensures your security from tracking via content networks.
- Random User Agent: – Available for Firefox and Chrome, this add-on will spin through different user operators, enabling you to trick malicious systems.
- NoScript: – It enables you to alter precisely which contents keep running on the sites you land on. This is for cutting-edge clients and requires loads of customization since it will break most sites as a matter of course.
Conclusion
We hope that you would have found the secure web browser for safe browsing, it is reasonably obvious that Tor is the best secure browser to use however one should choose the browser according to his need of protection. Someone who wants security and privacy than the Epic browser is the ideal option.
Welcome here! Oh yeah I'll get you that best privacy Browser you came here for, I promise, but let me start with a very basic concept.
As far as I understand your concept of the best Privacy browser; it simply is a browser which will keep your info, data, and details private, isn't that right?
But how exactly does it do it and what makes one browser the most private browser on the web while the other not so much?
Well because, your web browsing history, your cookies and cache, flash cookies, your IP address logs, your browsing times, fingerprinting etc. all these can be used to trace and track your activities and real-life locations.
10 Best Privacy Browser List
So, any browser which doesn't record these all information is basically an anonymous browser online. (The bad news? Most do!)
That being said, let's finally get down to what you came here for, I'll get you a list of some of the best anonymous browsers for secure internet browsing, and then you can make your pick for the best Privacy browser from them.
Tor
Tor is the abbreviation for The Onion Router, and I believe you've already heard of the browser, considering how it tops the chart every time when there's a discussion on safe web browsing techniques.
It was developed in alliance with the U.S Navy and today it's every common man's need, its primary ability is the masking of traffic pathways by routing your traffic through a number of different relays.
So, your traffic doesn't start from you and finish at your destination, rather it passes through a number of Tor nodes before reaching your destination, making any and all kinds of traffic analysis impossible.
Here's an explanation of how it works:
Oh, and it also doesn't keep any history, IP or cookie logs! Although note that 'only' Tor isn't enough to protect your privacy on the Internet, and you should have a VPN as well, something like the NordVPN to be truly anonymous. becuase NordVPN offers all required categories servers like dedicated IP server, Onion Over VPN Server, Anti DOS, Double VPN and etc. Tor browser also offers to customize your setting in security levels like Standard, Safer or Safest.
When users select any one level then Browser offers default security level setting to users. But the most recommended setting is Safest.
If you are windows users and want to save yourself from the unwanted footprint then always use VPN service with Tor Browser, both will create double layer protection for you. Also, you need to fix your windows 10 privacy issue.
Epic Browser
The name is totally justified, the browser really is EPIC. The primary reason why I believe this may be one of the best privacy Browser is that it has a built-in, free VPN embedded on the browser hence masking your IP address so it can't be tracked.
Apart from that, it blocks all and any kinds of ads as well, so you get an ad-blocker which in return also increases your page-load times.
Then there is the device-fingerprinting, it's data which again can be used to track you and is blocked by Epic, not just that, Epic also shows you who is tracking you on your other browsers as well! Free blazing sevens.
In a nutshell, it doesn't keep any history, doesn't log your IP address, doesn't use 'Auto-fill' or 'auto-suggest' which can be stolen by other third parties, no DNS or web cache is used, removes URL check, auto address suggest, removes URL tracker, prevents error reporting etc.
All these combine together to get you one of the most secure web browsing experiences possible. If you want to enhance your browsers features, like as chrome browser, here you also can add some extention like xmarks, lastpass, roboform and etc.
Obviously, it's completely free and lightweight!
Tails
Tails stands for 'The Amnesic Incognito Live System', too complicated? Let's simply say that it's another project from Tor!
Yeah, so there's the vote of confidence we've been searching for. And I personally like to term it as 'an advanced version of Tor' even though they're not the same thing.
Tails is an 'operating system' and not just a browser. A very lightweight OS. Popular slot games. So, you can carry it on your USB stick, and it being portable, you can 'run' it directly without formal installation.
It can be carried, used from, and then can be disappeared from any system because it never uses the Hard-disk of the system where it's installed or run from, rather confines itself to the use of its RAM.
You can use it to simply run confidential files or documents on a system (because the original OS would have no clue of those files ever being on the system), or use it to browse the internet as it uses the Tor network to connect to the internet.
Even the apps are forced to connect to the internet only via Tor and that means airtight privacy for you.
An advanced feature also allows you to fight back mechanisms which block the use of Tor and this is why I call it the advanced Tor.
It also has quite a few additional features such as LUKES, OTR, Nautilus etc. which secure not only your browsing habits, but also your instant messages and E-mails.
Brave is what the name signifies, a Brave browser, and Brendan Eich (co-founder, Mozilla) is the name behind Brave!. It's a comparatively newer project compared to Tor or Epic, but is definitely a solid one with a very realistic potential of replacing Chrome or Safari.
The primary weapon in its arsenal is its speed, it blocks ads which help you browse faster as the page load time is reduced. According to them, pages load 2-8x faster with Brave as compared to our traditional browsers.
It even tracks and displays the amount of time you've saved by being on Brave!
I'm also in love with their concept of 'saving data', which in turn save money. They've brought forward a picture of how we waste over $200 USD/year from our pockets to let agencies and companies track us!
It has blockers in place which block Malware, Viruses and other such elements which can harm not just your privacy but your system as well, also; most of the connections are rendered via HTTPS!
Although note that some data 'is' recorded for betterment of the browser, but it's not identifiable or linkable to you, such as your history may be recorded but 'you' won't be, meaning it can't be verified which individual created that certain cache of data and that's something I believe we can live with.
Brave pays you for browsing! It's not the best privacy-move, however, Brave claims it only displays privacy-respecting ads. You get paid for letting these ads show up.
Moreover, it recently partnered with one of the best Bitcoin trading platform Binance. So now, you can purchase Bitcoins directly from within your Brave browser's 'New Tab' as well.
SRWare Iron
SRWare can best be explained as- Google Chrome, minus the privacy intrusion. That's so because it's created using the same open-source code as Google Chrome, just without all the backdoors and identity stealers which does make it a candidate for this best privacy browser list.
The potential or features of SRWare can best be understood after you understand all the loopholes that Chrome has, for starters it has RLZ tracking which sends information about the location and time of Chrome being downloaded, auto-launch of the Chrome updater with every startup, real-time keyword tracking which supposedly is used for 'suggestions' etc.
None of the above trackers are present with SRWare, and those were just some of them the list may also include Error trackers which sends information about your system after every crash to Chrome servers, and the Installation ID which unique to every installation.
Furthermore Chrome doesn't have an Ad Blocker either which SRWare does, and SRWare also lets users permanently change User-agent settings. It has also disabled DNS-Preaching to keep spammers at bay.
So users gets the exact same speed, interface and ease of use as Chrome just without having to worry about their privacy being at risk.
Burner Browser
Burner Browser is probably one of the most complete and private privacy solutions on this list that's so because it's not just a 'browser', rather it's a bundle of a Virtual Desktop + a VPN/Socks + Mobile app.
What makes it one of the best privacy browser is the fact that it lets users create their own, isolated, completely user-controlled servers on their desktops which can then be used to access the Internet, or even the Deep/Dark web.
It also bundles in a VPN and Socks for added security which pass on the traffic from your desktop to the Internet, your traffic and location seem to be originating from the location you've set your server in which make your physical location virtually untraceable.
Also, everytime the system is turned off, all fingerprints, activity logs, history and every inch of data related to your last access is completely and permanently destroyed from the Desktop server.
The Mobile browser too is equally encrypted and private and is built using Mozilla source-code just without the privacy backdoors.
Even though it's not free, it has 3 plans and the lowest can be purchased for as low as USD $1.49 for one day while others cost USD $9.99/month if purchased for 12 months, or USD $14.99 if purchased for a month.
Yandex
Yandex is no new player in the game, it's known to most of you reading this even though you may have never used it.
It's a 'Chromium' based browser, so the one aspect you won't have to compromise with is its user-interface.
Speed has always been an issue with even the best of secure browsers, although Yandex addressed the issue with its 'Turbo mode', meaning you won't have to trade speed for security.
It has inbuilt '
And to top it all up, it uses Kaspersky antivirus to power its scans, all in this one browser, so I believe it does deserve a place on this best privacy Browser list, don't you?
Comodo Dragon
Comodo again is a name in the online security industry you may already be familiar with, they've been one of the best SSL providers in the industry among other things.
Comodo Dragon is a browser based on Chromium technology, so the browser has all the Chrome features + features of its own not available on Chrome + a hell lot of security and privacy than Chrome offers.
First of all, it has disabled all and any tracking of its users by websites or any other third party.
Secondly, cookies aren't enabled either, and its advanced domain validation filters out the site's SSL type as well and finally all browser download tracking too is disabled hence adding quite a bit of privacy for you.
Ipredia OS
Ipredia OS too similar to TAILS, isn't just a potential name as the most private browser, but a complete Operating system.
Although it's not as advanced as TAILS, as it needs to be hard-installed on a system and will be using the system's Hard-disk to run on.
But, as long as you run it on your own system and for a longer term, it's one of the best out there.
Every bit of data is routed though I2P which is a sort of a 'network within a network' and the data is wrapped in several encryption layers before being sent off.
The network is dynamic as well as distributed, meaning there are no trusted parties, and with the OS you get not only a browser, but a secure IRC client, bit torrent client, GNOME console and lot more.
The only downside is it's not as 'lightweight' as a browser and is a more hardcore solution.
HTTPS Everywhere
It's slightly different than the other browsers mentioned in this best privacy browser list as it's not a browser, rather an add-on, available for Chrome, Mozilla and Opera.
It's helpful for those who do not wish to break up with their native browsers but need anonymity, privacy and security at the same time.
It's a project from EFF and Tor, the two biggest crusaders of online security!
As the name suggests, it forces your browser to show you the HTTPs version of each site you visit, why that's important? Well otherwise, it's not that hard to intercept non-HTTP connections, modify the destination website, username/passwords and lot's of other data.
Bottomline, totally one of the best privacy browser add-ons out there.
Dooble
Jack Wallen says Dooble is the '9th' best, out of 10 Linux (although it supports Windows, and OS X as well) browsers out there. What I say is, it has one of the best user-interface and experience I've ever seen, apart from its security and privacy features; obviously.
Dooble was created with the sole intent of improving privacy nothing else, period. It automatically removes cookies, and has an advanced option to alter this feature according to your needs
All third party cookie-sessions are automatically blocked, and similar to HTTP Everywhere, sites are forced to render the HTTPS versions of themselves.
Database containers which are authentically encrypted are available, along with an advanced and highly configurable content blocker which helps block not only ads, but certain sites as well.
It also disables your Java, iFrame & Flash player, obviously, your browsing experience gets effected, but it adds a lot of security.
The data which is stored, such as bookmarks or history for your ease and better browsing experience, is converted into 'cipher', in other words, it's unreadable and is garbage even if someone gets their hands on it.
It also is open-source so nothing is hidden either and it has been voted up as one of the best privacy Browser by nearly all the sites and tech-geeks who've heard of it.
Freenet
It's more of a hardcore approach, probably 'the' best privacy out there, but it's more like locking yourself up in a room.
Let's just say, it's like an 'isolated' browser, it has an 'internet' of its own, and it uses 'peers' and 'nodes' to connect, and let others connect to you. So you can't connect to anyone or any website outside the Freenet.
It has its own 'freesites', blogs, social network and everything else.
Its best feature is it lets you create a 'secret identity' which is then used on Freenet. Secondly, it's decentralized and completely anonymous.
All the nodes are connected, but not connected, meaning you're only connected to your 'nearest neighbour' and are oblivious to the identity of anyone and everyone else and vice-versa.
Safest Browser For Privacy
Consider it more like a storage space, a part of your hard-disk is used to store files of others on the network, and your files are stored on other people's disks. They're encrypted obviously, and can be accessed with specific keys.
Note that it's slightly complicated and not as straight forward as a normal browser to use, so this might not be your first choice when you're hunting for the best privacy browser, but if you need an ultimate level of privacy, not just for browsing but for downloading or storing files, it can be the answer.
Whonix
Whonix is an open-source dark web browser which basically has two of its own separate virtual machines; which are like additional, isolated operating systems inside your main OS.
The first VM is the gateway through which TOR is connected to as all traffic through Whonix needs to be passed only through Tor, and the second VM is where all the operations are actually run; in an isolated environment, outside your primary OS.
This infrastructure makes sure that all and any chances of DNS leaks are eliminated, all your actions are in the temporary, isolated VM without leaving an iota of trace on your primary OS and even viruses and Trojans installed on your system can't get access to your actual IP address.
SubGraph OS
Website:https://subgraph.com/sgos/
Subgraph OS is a major torch-bearer for free-speech; liberal internet; anti-surveillance laws and so on. One of its prime goals and functioning is it reduces user endpoint exposure making sure the user can't be identified or tracked.
For starters it makes sure that all communications are routed through Tor network; although it does make exceptions where needed making sure you don't suffer a accessibility-loss.
It also makes use of Stream Isolation provided by Tor making sure that all the applications on your system use different Tor circuits; hence creating isolated circuits for each application ensuring there's no common converging point for all those applications connected to the network.
Its application firewall policy vets outgoing connections and whenever a foreign connection is attempted to be made, it provides users with the choice to either allow or deny said connection.
Another one of Subgraph's primary goals is to make it more 'expensive' for attackers to attack systems, which it achieves by hardening the Kernal using Grsecurity, using a Sandbox around applications which generally connect to the internet; or are targeted by hackers such as IMs, E-mail clients, PDF Viewers and so on.
Additionally it has a mandatory file-encryption protocol on the OS; the files on the system must be encrypted and it's not a choice rather a requirement. It also has a process which lets users check the Binary integrity of packages making sure they legit are from Subgraph and haven't been altered.
The User-interface isn't extremely graphic-rich but sure is easy and the OS can be operated by just about any 5th grader kid with basic computer knowledge.
xB Browser
Website:https://xb-browser.en.uptodown.com/windows
xB Browser is one of those legends which continue to server the community even years after their death (or being discontinued). The program, released in 2006 was one of the best anonymity-solutions of its time, but was suddenly discontinued after the mysterious disappearance of its founder and staff.
Anyway, the browser can still be downloaded from the link provided above. In February 2008, the browser reported 6.5 Million downloads which made xB Browser the most downloaded anonymous browser of its time. (Source: Wikipedia)
As for anonymity, the basic infrastructure works on Tor, the traffic is routed through the Onion network which both masks the IP address, as well as encrypts the traffic.
The highlight however is that the browser is completely portable, and hence can be run directly from external removal devices such as USB sticks. Once the device is removed, every bit of data about the user activity including History, Cookies and Temp files are deleted.
It also allows routing of E-mail and other communication apps to the Tor network. The browser can use Tor, however it's optimized also to make use of the XeroBank anonymity network, it is (or probably 'was') an anonymity network alike Tor which offered multiple hops to a user's network traffic.
Some of the browser's components may not function as of today, yet it can be used to gain a bit of anonymity which will still be more than that offered by Chrome, Safari or any other clearnet browser.
WaterFox
Website:https://www.waterfoxproject.org
WaterFox leads with the tagline 'Free, Open and Private', which does imply the goals that Watrfox is oriented towards. It's a Mozilla fork developed by an individual developer-Alex Kontos. The browser has absolutely 0 live-connections to Mozilla.
It also auto-blocks trackers and other spies which may relay user information and help agencies track users. Furthermore, it cleans up after itself and deletes all information pertaining to a user's online-activities after each session which includes the cookies, history, used passwords and everything else.
Being a Mozilla fork, it does let users install the Mozilla addons and extensions which are supported by Mozilla, additionally the browser also supports Android in addition to supporting Windows.
PsiPhon
Website: https://www.psiphon3.com/
PsiPhon is a browser which uses VPN, HTTPs and SSH to help users circumvent censorship and privacy-invasion. It essentially helps you mask your online activities from the govt. as well as ISP.
xB Browser
Website:https://xb-browser.en.uptodown.com/windows
xB Browser is one of those legends which continue to server the community even years after their death (or being discontinued). The program, released in 2006 was one of the best anonymity-solutions of its time, but was suddenly discontinued after the mysterious disappearance of its founder and staff.
Anyway, the browser can still be downloaded from the link provided above. In February 2008, the browser reported 6.5 Million downloads which made xB Browser the most downloaded anonymous browser of its time. (Source: Wikipedia)
As for anonymity, the basic infrastructure works on Tor, the traffic is routed through the Onion network which both masks the IP address, as well as encrypts the traffic.
The highlight however is that the browser is completely portable, and hence can be run directly from external removal devices such as USB sticks. Once the device is removed, every bit of data about the user activity including History, Cookies and Temp files are deleted.
It also allows routing of E-mail and other communication apps to the Tor network. The browser can use Tor, however it's optimized also to make use of the XeroBank anonymity network, it is (or probably 'was') an anonymity network alike Tor which offered multiple hops to a user's network traffic.
Some of the browser's components may not function as of today, yet it can be used to gain a bit of anonymity which will still be more than that offered by Chrome, Safari or any other clearnet browser.
WaterFox
Website:https://www.waterfoxproject.org
WaterFox leads with the tagline 'Free, Open and Private', which does imply the goals that Watrfox is oriented towards. It's a Mozilla fork developed by an individual developer-Alex Kontos. The browser has absolutely 0 live-connections to Mozilla.
It also auto-blocks trackers and other spies which may relay user information and help agencies track users. Furthermore, it cleans up after itself and deletes all information pertaining to a user's online-activities after each session which includes the cookies, history, used passwords and everything else.
Being a Mozilla fork, it does let users install the Mozilla addons and extensions which are supported by Mozilla, additionally the browser also supports Android in addition to supporting Windows.
PsiPhon
Website: https://www.psiphon3.com/
PsiPhon is a browser which uses VPN, HTTPs and SSH to help users circumvent censorship and privacy-invasion. It essentially helps you mask your online activities from the govt. as well as ISP.
It also can be used to connect to the Internet when you're on a Public Wi-Fi or something that can be potentially compromised. When using PsiPhon your IP address is constantly changed providing you with anonymity.
Safest Browser For Privacy Windows
It primarily relies on L2TP/IPSec to encrypt your traffic, L2TP is one of the most secure if not the most secure connection protocols that the best VPN programs offer.
It also is available for iOS and Android devices. However note that on these mobile devices it only encrypts the browser-traffic. So the device, or apps aren't encrypted. However using the browser will allow you unrestricted access to almost any website on the planet.
GNU IceCat
https://herekload961.weebly.com/three-card-poker-practice.html. Website: https://www.gnu.org/software/gnuzilla/
GNU IceCat, formerly GNU IceWeasle is basically Mozilla Firefox, stripped of all its tracking abilities and made more privacy friendly. For starters, it uses HTTPS-Everywhere for traffic encryption, naturally making the connections a lot more secure.
Then, it's bundled with a ton of anti-fingerprinting measures. Because a user can't directly control fingerprints, IceCat does the job for us. It prevents detection of fonts and other such personal elements which can help a third-party identify the browser or create a pattern.
Alike Tor browser, it has a number of hardcore privacy features as well. But in most instances they adversely effect the browsing experience (aesthetically). Hence, IceCat provides the users with the ability to either allow, or deny those advanced changes.
It also focuses heavily on 'Non-free Add-ons'. They explain how supposedly 'free' addons and plugins are often concealed from users, or just running in the background without user permission (or awareness). These are fully capable of heavily spying on a user's action and privacy.
GNU IceCat fights against that by getting rid of those non-free add-ons and providing access to actually 'free' software/plugins/add-ons.
In a nutshell, IceCat is not commercialized and being volunteer-run promises great privacy and anonymity. It obviously is free.
Cliqz
Website:https://cliqz.com/en/desktop
Cliqz is a deep web privacy browser made specifically to promote user-anonymity and privacy. It's completely open-source which makes it transparent and trustworthy. The primary attraction, or feature on which it markets itself is its built-in search feature. So you do not have to use Google, Bing or any of the other traditional search-engines. Hence you not only get a private browser, but also an anonymous search engine.
The search-engine is marketed as a 'smart-search'. It's capable of 'guessing' (taking only a couple alphabets/words as inputs, and bringing up relevant headlines automatically). It's also capable of displaying weather, currency, shopping, wiki and other snippets.
The browser heavily censors trackers and prevents websites from tracking you or your browsing habits. Then there's an ad-blocker which makes sure you don't see ads you don't like. You can manually select which websites will show ads and which won't.
It also uses HTTPS Everywhere which basically makes sure your connection is always on the safer side. It's also capable of detecting and blocking malicious websites and websites. However unfortunately, it's currently only available for its German-user base.
No personal or identifiable data whatsoever is stored on the Cliqz servers. All in all, it mentions privacy and anonymity as two of its primary USPs. Is completely free and available for Windows/Mac/ Android/iOS.
Other tips for Privacy browsing
Simply installing a browser doesn't make your impervious to govt. and third-party snooping.
As mentioned above, make it a point to install and use the best VPNs in the industry. (world best VPN service fee only $3.49/mo).
Now, get rid of whatever browser you're using to read this piece. I assume Google Chrome? Or Safari maybe?
Uninstall them when possible.
If not, hide them in a folder and forget they exist. Literally.
Also, do me a favor and mask your mic and webcam with black tape, please? (Especially when using Tor or on the Darkweb).
Those are the easiest to hack into.
And make sure you aren't running any other applications instead of the browser and the VPN, unless of urgent need while browsing the internet.
Let me just say that, it's not illegal to use a VPN or an anonymous browser.
But, you shouldn't use them for illegal activities.
A legal subpoena is still valid for them.
Wrapping Up
So finally, if you ask me which is 'the' best Privacy browser, I'll say from my personal perspective, taking into account ease of use, size, reputation and features, it should be Tor.
But, it depends on what you're searching for and what your exact needs are, some browsers in this list aren't as advanced as Tor, while others may be better, or simpler, or simply more light-weight, once you go through this list you'll get an idea of which browser suits your needs.
Anyway, do let me know which browser fits you as the best privacy Browser for you and why on our Facebook page! I love reading your feedback! Chrome www goo.
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