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Best Browsers for Privacy That You Can Use to Hide Personal Information
With 98% of web apps vulnerable to malware attacks, it is even more vital to secure our private information. There are many ways to do that.
However, by using a browser that hides your personal information and blocks your access to malicious websites, you can have safe and secure surfing on the Internet.
Let’s explore the best browsers for privacy with this detailed guide.
Why Do I Need a Private Browser?
Ever experienced when you opened your web browser and it popped up with disturbing and inappropriate ads that redirect you to websites that steal your private data? No matter how much you try to avoid them, they still intrude on your privacy.
Here’s where a private browser comes in handy.
They do not store your browsing history, cookies, or any other website data, which means no malicious site can track your online data. They also improve security like private browsers will not automatically fill your website login data.
12 Best Browsers for Privacy
With multiple alternatives available for personal browsing, you may need help finding the right one. But don’t worry. We have a list of 12 private browsers with details like pros and cons so you can effortlessly select the one.
- Mozilla Firefox
You can use Firefox for private surfing as it is a free and open-source browser and is privacy-focused.
Pros
- It prevents third-party tracking and your browsing history storage and offers Enhanced Tracking Protection and Private Browsing Mode.
- Firefox allows you to customize its privacy settings.
- You can also use its tremendous collection of extensions.
Cons
- It still lacks some services that are available in other internet browsers.
- It can slow down your internet performance if you are using a lot of tabs at once.
- DuckDuckGo
If you need a privacy-focused search engine, here’s one for you.
Pros
- It does not track or collect your record.
- It has a simple and user-friendly interface.
- It provides transparency in its algorithm.
Cons
- Its search results are less accurate than others.
- It lacks personalized search results and suggestions that are available in other browsers.
- Brave
Another option for a private browser is Brave, which also provides features for crypto users.
Pros
- It blocks ads and restricts trackers, which means your data is secure.
- It is faster than other browsers.
- It also provides rewards in the form of BAT cryptocurrency.
Cons
- It is still under development and lacks some features available in other browsers.
- Its BAT rewards are only sometimes accepted, and it can be hard to earn them.
- Its security is still a concern for some researchers.
- Tor Browser
If you need complete network anonymity, then go for the Tor browser, as it uses its network to secure your internet experience.
Pros
- It anonymizes your traffic, making it difficult for anyone to track your online data.
- It can protect you from government surveillance and censorship.
- It allows you to access websites that may be blocked in your region.
Cons
- Since it routes your traffic through a secure tunnel, its speed is slower than other browsers.
- Its configuration is complex to use and set up.
- It may block some websites and services for security purposes.
- Avast Secure Browser
Avast provides privacy features like blocking ads and pop-ups by default, blocking trackers, and more.
Pros
- It improves your surfing experience by blocking intrusive ads and pop-ups by default.
- It prevents you from targeting advertising by blocking all trackers.
- It warns you about phishing websites.
- It has a bank mode that provides extra privacy when you are online banking.
- It is an open-source browser and is easy to use.
Cons
- It can be slower than other browsers like Edge and Chrome.
- It also consumes more memory on your computer.
- Some features, like native support, are still missing.
- Bromite
Bromite is an open-source private browser and can be audited by anyone to check its services.
Pros
- It blocks ads and all trackers by default.
- It forces websites to use HTTPS if possible and protect your data from intruders.
- It provides you control over cookies and third-party sites and automatically deletes them when you close the browser.
- It is faster and more lightweight than other browsers.
Cons
- It still lacks some features that are available in other browsers.
- It may only be compatible with some websites.
- Microsoft Edge
Edge provides multiple features that can secure and keep your browsing private.
Pros
- It has an InPrivate browsing option that prevents your web history and cookies from being stored.
- It blocks all ads and trackers.
- It performs fast even with multiple tabs open.
- It has many features, like native support for progressive websites and built-PDF reader, which are unavailable in most browsers.
Cons
- It is a closed source, which means no one can audit it, and its code is also not transparent.
- It collects your data, like history and cookies.
- It is not supported with other operating systems and is only available in the Windows ecosystem.
- Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a Chromium engine-based browser and is free for your customizations and privacy settings.
Pros
- It has built-in ad and tracker blocking, cookies customization, and private browsing mode.
- You can change its appearance and functionality according to your preferences.
- It has many unique functions, like you, such as stackingeate workspaces and adding notes on web pages.
Cons
- It still needs some features available in other web browsers.
- Its performance is slower than other browsers like Chrome and Safari.
- Vivaldi can take your device memory with more tabs.
- Apple Safari
Safari is the web browser available on Apple iOS and macOS devices and is well-recognized for its simplicity, integration, and speed.
Pros
- It is one of the fastest web browsers and consumes less memory.
- It has a user-friendly and straightforward interface.
- It can be integrated with iCloud, Continuity, and Handoff.
Cons
- It lacks a few functions like extensions and native support for web apps.
- It is not customizable.
- It is only operable within the Apple ecosystem and is unavailable in Linux and Windows.
- Chromium
It is a popular web browser project like Brave, Edge, and Chrome with fast speed and stability.
Pros
- It is one of the most stable web browsers.
- It has features like native support for web apps, casting, and extensions.
- Anyone for its services can audit it.
Cons
- It collects your browsing history and cookies for better performance.
- Some browsers based on the Chromium engine are not open-source.
- It is not as customizable as other browsers.
- Waterfox
Waterfox is based on the Firefox codebase and is privacy-focused.
Pros
- It has features similar to Firefox, like a built-in ad and tracker blocker.
- It is highly customizable.
- The code is transparent and auditable.
- It has a private browsing mode for extra security.
Cons
- It is slower in performance.
- It needs to be better supported like Firefox and has a few add-ons available.
- It lacks a few functions available in other browsers.
- Epic
Epic is a Chromium-based web browser with features like an ad blocker.
Pros
- It provides online privacy by blocking all trackers and intrusive ads.
- It is fast and efficient, like Chromium.
- It is a free browser and has code transparency.
Cons
- It has a few extensions and support features.
- It is less popular as compared to other browsers.
Should I Hide My IP Address for Private Browsing?
When you are browsing, your IP address is not hidden. It is still visible to the websites, your ISP, and other third-party apps you use. So you don’t need to hide your IP Address for it.
Private browsing only prevents your traces and blocks ads for you. Even some browsers clear cookies and other temporary files for you.
Hiding your IP address can secure your network and prevent all kinds of surveillance. If you want to hide your IP, go for Tor or VPN that encrypts your data and reroutes it, making you completely invisible on the Internet.
What Are the Most Common Network Security Risks?
We recommend you use private browsers or hide your IP address to secure yourself from security attacks. These attackers can gain unauthorized access, disrupt data operations, and use your info maliciously.
If you download a file or software and your devices start to slow down or abruptly close, you are affected by malware. It can attach itself to emails and malicious websites.
Meanwhile, when you are watching a video or opening a website to receive messages of winning rewards or emails about security breaches, then that is phishing attacks.
Some network risks include Denial of Service attacks that overwhelm your network traffic like botnets, making it inaccessible to actual users.
Additionally, your network can be exploited through intermediate servers like man-in-the-middle to steal your data.
Although these attacks are harmful, the most dangerous and undetectable one is the insider threat. Your organization’s employees, malicious actors, or simple human error can become the reason for your attack.
What is Better Than Incognito Mode?
Although the incognito mode is suitable for privacy, some better options can easily surpass its features, like the Tor browser.
It not only provides private browsing but also reroutes your data through multiple servers, making your search anonymous.
Some private browsers like DuckDuckGo or Brave can also provide anonymous web browsing. Another option can be the Startpage search engine, which also has better privacy features than incognito mode.
Does Incognito Hide Your IP?
Private browsing, or incognito mode, is a feature that most browsers provide to block ad trackers and remove cookies, your browsing history, and any temporary files saved.
These features prevent websites or any malicious user from using your stored data for their purpose or stealing your ID. However, it still doesn’t hide your IP address from websites, Your ISP, or any third-party surveillance.
Am I Being Tracked on the Internet All the Time?
Yes, your Internet can constantly track you. How? It’s simple through Cookies, Web beacons, IP addresses, and more.
Now, how are they used for tracking? Cookies are small data pieces that websites store on your device, like login info, preferences, and what website you visited. While Web beacons are tracking GIFs, they usually store email data.
Another one is your IP address. It is your identity on the Internet and provided by ISPs ( Internet service providers).
Since they offer it, they make sure you don’t indulge in any malicious act, or sometimes, just to keep records on you, they track your IP and you in simple words.
Why do they track you? Well, for advertising, or in the case of browsers, to improve their performance by popping up the exact thing you want to search.
At the same time, the government tracks you for keeping records on citizens.
What Are the Five Eyes Alliance Countries?
To share intelligence securely and quickly, five countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, formed the Five Eyes Alliance.
Its primary purpose is to share information to combat terrorism or organized crime to prevent threats to national security efficiently.
This alliance promoted cooperation and made the world safer. Also, it reduces the cost of troubleshooting network-related issues by sharing resources and expertise.
How to Enhance Privacy Online
Online privacy is a vital necessity in this virtual verse. Fortunately, there are many privacy-centric browsers, websites, and apps available to enhance your security.
However, choosing the right security measure can be challenging. So, why not use a one-stop solution like PureVPN, which provides anonymity, security, the fastest services, and, most importantly, encrypts your data?
