Private browsers are browsers that block tracking trackers, only connect to websites over HTTPS, and delete cookies after shutdown. Such projects are rare, so we’ll tell you about the most popular and only those verified by users.
The Best Private Browsers
#1. ExpressVPN - No activity logs VPN, all-access pass to global content. 30-day money-back guarantee. 3 Months Special Deal (save up to 49%)
#2. NordVPN - The Most Stable VPN. Protects all your devices, private DNS on every server. Best value deal: save 59% (2 year-Deal)
#3. PureVPN - AES-256 encryption, 6500+ servers in 140+ Countries, 7-day VPN trial. Browsers Extensions available. 31 Days Money-Back Guarantee
#4. Surfshark - Deal of the Day: 59$ for 24 months. Tested on Windows PC - Android - macOS. Split tunneling, Free Trial available
#5. CyberGhost - Ultra Fast Servers, up to 7 devices, no Logs Policy, Special streaming servers, 45-day money back (Incorporated in USA)
Features of Private Browsers
A Private Browser can be called with:
- regular updates supplemented by security patches (closing security gaps); refusal of advertising and/or providing the opportunity to include that independently, further
- supporting project developers;
- open source - all users must have access to the project’s base to ensure no tracking trackers, log storage, and other things are occurring.
Almost all modern browsers are based on Chromium, which initially raises suspicions about personal data safety.
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The best private browsers
Here is a list of the best private browsers (in no particular order from best to worst).
Brave
Custom solution for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Includes:
- Fine-tuning the parameters;
- Built-in adblocker, scripts, and tracking trackers;
- Free choice of a search engine (including frequent ones) and switching between search engines with a hotkey combination;
- A reward in the form of BAT cryptocurrency for viewing ads, the earned tokens are spent on maintaining the sites you like or buying digital goods.
Overall, the project has well-known for protecting against and being clear of scandals. The latest happened in Summer 2020 when a user discovered a rigging of referral links to crypto wallets. After communicating with the developers, the problem was fixed.
Waterfox
This project is based on Mozilla Firefox, is designed for 64-bit OS Windows, Linux, and Mac, and comes with open source code. Its features include:
- No built-in sponsored advertising;
- Removed data collection, optimizing support for DRM plugins;
- Customizing the browser for your own needs through advanced settings;
- Implemented partial backward compatibility with Mozilla Firefox plugins;
- No telemetry - a digital footprint left by the user while surfing.
Despite the absence of scandals around the project, it cannot be considered secure for the following reasons:
- In 2019, the browser was bought by System 1 (an American Company), falling under the United States jurisdiction regarding personal data storage.
- Security patches are released monthly, while Waterfox uses the outdated 68th version of Firefox, reducing its overall security strength.
Note: In 2020, the pre-installed search engine Ecosia was changed to Bing.
Iridium
With no telemetry tools left in the code, this Chromium-based browser is another all-time great. The source code is open source, and all assemblies are available for independent security auditing. The platform supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The browser's fundamental flaw is its privacy policy. It is unknown what kind of data the developer’s store and process, but after accepting the license agreement, they remain on their servers. The only way to remove them is to contact technical support.
1. ExpressVPN
Price Range: $6.67 - $12.95. Special offer: $99.95 for 15 months
Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices: up to 5 |
Devices: Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux |
Express is the de facto leader in the VPN app sector. It has over 3000 servers spread across 94 countries, providing you truly global coverage. The customer support at Express is better than its counterparts. It can stream Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and provide you the fastest browsing speeds among its peers. It is easy to use, and download and installation take less than 4 minutes. It breaks the toughest geoblocks, including China, with ease and provides quick browsing, streaming, and downloading as well.
It is based in a privacy-friendly location and has a strict no-logs policy that keeps your browsing data and history safe from prying eyes. The VPN works best for global streaming services and makes torrenting speeds faster. It provides DNS on each server and follows 256-bit AES encryption as well. Combined with an AES 256-bit cipher that comes with SHA-512 HMAC authentication and 4096-bit RSA key. Plans start at $6.67 per month.
Try ExpressVPN now and get our special offer!
2. NordVPN
Price Range: $3.49 - $11.95. Special offer: 2-year deal with 68% off
Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:6 |
Devices: Firestick, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, Chromebook, Chromecast |
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS |
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. You can get this free VPN on your Android, iPhone, and desktop. It has 5,400 servers across the world and comes with the best in class security features as well. It provides an automatic kill switch that shuts your access to the internet as soon as the VPN shield is down. The Panama-based firm keeps you away from prying eyes and helps you get great streaming and download speeds. It bypasses IP throttling and provides access to Netflix and Amazon Prime from almost any country of your choice.
It follows a no-logs policy which provides you better security than a free VPN. It has dedicated P2P servers providing better security and privacy. It allows you to get extra protection with double IP and Onion over a VPN. It can support six devices at once and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. Plans start at $3.39 per month.
3. PureVPN
Price Range: $1.32 - $10.95. Special offer: 7-day trial for only $0.99
Money-Back: 31-day free trial |
Devices: 10 |
Devices: Routers, Android TV, Amazon FireStick, Microsoft Surface |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox |
If you like accessing streaming platforms from different counties, then PureVPN is the right choice for you. Though this app is not the fastest among its peers, it could easily stream Hulu, Netflix, HBO GO, and BBC iPlayer in HD. The encryption protocol of the service is also not as strong as its peers, and the customer service is not as good as others. However, it is a relatively cheap option with plans starting at $1.99 per month.
Increasing your encryption will be detrimental to your speed. However, when it comes to streaming, PureVPN works well because of its specialized servers for popular websites. You can select a specialized server for a specific website from the app. The Hong Kong-based firm focuses extensively on privacy protection and lies outside the 14-Eyes jurisdiction. It also claims to have a strict no-logs policy for the users. It can also break the Chinese internet firewall.
Now work, binge & stay secure online with PureVPN
4. Surfshark
Price Range: $1.99 - $11.95. Special offer: Get 81% discount
Money-Back: 30-day free trial |
Devices:Unlimited |
Devices:Android TV, FireTV |
Platforms: Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Chrome |
SurfShark is another reliable and high-speed VPN service provider. It is also one of the cheapest products on the market. If you are unhappy with a free VPN but don’t want to spend a fortune on a paid VPN product, then SurfShark should be the app of your choice. It provides you high-speed servers that allow you to stream in high definition. It also comes with a CleanWeb adblocker, which helps people in avoiding midroll ads in video streaming platforms like YouTube.
It comes with high-speed connections as well, which can go up to 14.52 Mbps upload and 40.92 Mbps download. SurfShark provides P2P sharing, which makes torrenting very speedy. It has industry-standard 256-bit encryption as well and follows a strict no-logs policy. It also provides IP and DNS leak protection. It also works well with P2P clients. It also provides you double VPN protection, which keeps your browsing data safe.
5. CyberGhost
Price Range: $2.75- $12.99. Special offer: 3 extra months for FREE
Money-Back: 45-day free trial |
Devices: 7 |
Devices: Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick, Android TV, Routers |
Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
CyberGhost is a reliable provider with strong encryption and extra features that come with a fair price.It allows access to popular social networks and streaming services even in the countries with active censorship. Technical documentation is quite helpful, and the first line support is responsive and friendly. Overall, CyberGhost is a good choice for beginner and intermediate users.
Enjoy a fast and reliable VPN
About Anonymous Browsers
Disabling tracking trackers, telemetry, and blocking cookies do not make anonymous browsers entirely secure. For example, the Tor browser was caught in links with the FBI, and the Indian developers of the Epic browser have not yet opened the source code of their project.
All large projects like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera sell user data, analyze all their actions, and monitor visited sites.
How to Ensure Anonymity on the Web
In conjunction with private browsers, use anonymous search engines like YaCy, DuckDuckGo, or Startpage. The best solution is to subscribe to a VPN service, as they are also needed for:
- Anonymous file exchange within P2P networks;
- Traffic protection against the provider, special services, and hackers;
- Access to a network in countries with strict Internet censorship (China & UAE);
- Access to geo-blocked content: websites, streaming services, or online games.
Do not use free VPNs - they collect users’ data and use Proxy instead of a secure connection.
The best VPNs include ExpressVPN, NordVNP, PureVPN, Ivacy, and Surfshark. Nord is now offering a 2-year subscription with a 69% discount for only $86.00.
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Written by: Stefany Anderson
Technical Writer, Visit My WebSite Techno-copywriter, Privacy, Internet Security