Online privacy is a big concern for many people especially when browsing the internet. Why? Because online marketers are eager to profit by tracking your online activity, including your browser history, cookies, IP address and device identifiers. However, using the best private browsers can help reduce this tracking and make your online experience more private.
Here at Techbonafide, we’ll review and evaluate the top private browsers available, also explain how online tracking works and why using a private browser is important by suggesting more ways to protect your privacy.
Avast Secure Browser: Best for Built-in VPN
Avast is one of the few browsers that come with a built-in VPN, though it costs $5.99 per month with discounts for longer subscriptions. Avast’s VPN uses the open-source OpenVPN protocol which is a standard in the industry. You can try it free for a week without needing to provide payment details. However, it’s worth noting that Avast has previously offered free services that raised some concerns about non-monetary costs.
The Avast Secure Browser also includes features like built-in ad blocking, anti-phishing protection and a password manager. While it uses Google Search as its default search engine, it offers strong tracking protection according to the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks tool, though it does have a unique fingerprinting profile that could be traceable. Being based on Chromium, the browser is visually appealing and works well with most websites.
Brave Privacy Browser: Best for Fingerprint Tracking Protection
Brave is a browser that focuses on privacy and blocking ads while also allowing you to earn cryptocurrency as you browse. It’s built on a customized version of Chromium the same engine that powers Google Chrome so it’s compatible with most websites. However, Brave aims to go beyond just protecting your privacy or letting you earn crypto. Its creators envision a shift in web commerce where direct micropayments replace the need for intrusive ads. To earn cryptocurrency with Brave, you’ll occasionally see a small, unobtrusive ad outside the browser window but you can turn this feature off if you prefer.
“According to the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks tool Brave offers “strong protection against Web tracking.” It includes a feature called Shields that blocks third-party tracking cookies and ads by default.”
Brave also forces websites to use the more secure HTTPS protocol and gives you options for Standard or Aggressive tracker-blocking and ad-blocking. One of its standout features is advanced fingerprinting protection which randomizes certain browser features to make tracking you harder. In tests, Brave was one of the few browsers that successfully randomized its fingerprint.
Brave also offers other privacy-focused tools such as a search engine, a private messaging app and a project called SugarCoat which prevents scripts from collecting your browsing data while still keeping websites functional.
DuckDuckGo: Best for Private Search
DuckDuckGo, known for its private search engine, now offers a standalone desktop app (currently in beta) and a mobile web browser. This Chromium-based browser has some user-friendly features like a “panic button” in the form of a flame icon at the top which instantly closes tabs and clears browsing data. The search bar is neatly aligned with the back and forward buttons making the design look clean and easy to use. On the new-tab page you can customize site buttons and see a list of previously visited sites along with a tracker count showing how many were blocked.
The browser also manages cookie consent popups automatically and supports the Global Privacy Control standard. It includes Duck Player, a feature that allows you to watch YouTube videos without Google ads which worked well in testing and could be a compelling reason to use the DuckDuckGo browser.
If you prefer to stick with your current desktop browser you can add the DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials extension. This extension blocks third-party trackers, switches your search engine to DuckDuckGo’s privacy-focused one, forces sites to use encrypted HTTPS connections when available and provides a privacy score for the sites you visit. Installing this extension even improved Chrome’s privacy score on the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks tool to “strong protection,” which is also the score for the standalone DuckDuckGo browser.
As TechBonafide explains:
“Data privacy is a major concern in the world of internet. Everyone should be aware of it. You can learn more about data privacy from the following link: https://techbonafide.com/data-privacy/“
Epic Privacy Browser
Epic Privacy Browser like Avast and Opera offers built-in VPN-like functionality through its encrypted proxy which helps hide your IP address from websites. Epic claims to block ads, trackers, cryptomining and even ultrasound signaling. It also blocks fingerprint tracking scripts and prevents WebRTC from leaking your IP address.
However, the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks tool shows that Epic provides only partial protection against tracking ads and invisible trackers with its default settings. This is similar to the result you get with Google Chrome: “You have some protection against web tracking but there are gaps.” When you enable Epic’s built-in uBlock feature by clicking the umbrella button, the protection improves to “strong protection” against web tracking.
The browser’s interface closely resembles Chrome’s, with added buttons for privacy and proxy features. However, it doesn’t offer the extra convenience features found in browsers like Edge and Opera.
Ghostery Private Browser
Ghostery Private Browser is built on the open-source Firefox platform, enhanced with the Ghostery tracker-blocking extension. It’s available for free on Android, Windows, iOS and macOS. The browser defaults to using Ghostery’s own private search engine which shows the number of trackers and ads on the search results. Ghostery also offers a Privacy Suite and keeps a tracker database at WhoTracks.Me.
According to the user experience, the browser loads faster than Firefox and has a simple, minimalist design. However, it didn’t perform as well on the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks test which indicated some protection against Web tracking but with gaps. This result was worse than what I got with Edge and Firefox but similar to Safari’s performance. Ghostery Private Browser isn’t included in the PrivacyTests.org open-source tests for web browser privacy but Firefox, the base for Ghostery, scores well in those tests.
Firefox
Mozilla has been a leader in enhancing privacy on the web for a long time. Their Firefox browser is a free, open-source alternative to other popular browsers. Mozilla introduced the Do Not Track feature, although Google undermined it in Chrome, a browser heavily reliant on tracking users for its business model. Firefox was also the first to offer a private browsing mode that not only hides your activity from others using your device but also from websites you visit.
Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection in the Standard setting blocks social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, tracking content in Private Windows, cryptominers and fingerprinting scripts. According to the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks tool, this setting provides “strong protection against Web tracking.” The Strict mode goes further, blocking trackers hidden in ads, videos and other site elements. Currently, Firefox’s fingerprinting protection relies on a list of known trackers but Mozilla is working on an update that will make your browser harder to distinguish, making it more difficult for trackers to identify you.
LibreWolf
LibreWolf is a modified version of the open-source Firefox browser designed to enhance security and eliminate any data-sharing (“phoning home”) that many browsers, especially from big tech companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft might do. While LibreWolf’s interface is quite basic and lacks many modern browsing conveniences beyond bookmarks, tabs and history, its focus is on privacy rather than aesthetics.
The browser comes with the uBlock anti-tracking extension pre-installed and uses DuckDuckGo, a search engine that doesn’t collect your data as the default. LibreWolf scores very well on privacy tests including the PrivacyTests.org measurements and the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks fingerprinting test, where it provides “strong protection against Web tracking.” To further protect your privacy, LibreWolf even disables Google Safe Browsing, a feature that standard Firefox includes.
Mullvad Browser
Mullvad Browser is based on Mozilla’s open-source Firefox code, developed in collaboration with the Mullvad VPN service and the Tor project. It looks similar to the Tor browser but it doesn’t offer actual Tor functionality like the Brave browser does.
In leak tests, Mullvad Browser outperforms many others, showing no DNS or WebRTC leaks. It comes with the uBlock Origin extension for blocking ads and trackers and DuckDuckGo is set as the default search engine which is more privacy-focused than Google or Bing. While the browser encourages users to sign up for Mullvad’s VPN service, it’s worth noting that this VPN has received praise as a PCMag Editors’ Choice winner. However, the browser doesn’t have strong fingerprinting protection, as it shows a unique fingerprint that trackers can see according to the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks test.
Opera
Opera has a long history of bringing new features to web browsers. The Norwegian company was the first to introduce tabs and integrated search and one of its developers even invented CSS. Today, Opera offers a free built-in VPN and a gaming browser called Opera GX. The latest version, Opera One includes new features like tile-like tab management, an AI chat sidebar and faster rendering with a multithreaded compositor.
However, it’s worth noting that what Opera calls a built-in VPN is technically a proxy not a true VPN. Unlike a standard VPN which hides your IP address for all your computer’s traffic, Opera’s proxy only applies to the browser. Opera claims it doesn’t log your data which is an important feature when choosing a VPN. It also uses AES-256 encryption.
Opera blocks ads and trackers by default and the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks test shows it provides “strong protection against Web tracking.” While it doesn’t have specific anti-fingerprinting features, the test notes that it presents a unique fingerprint. However, with the VPN/proxy feature enabled, the fingerprint becomes “nearly unique” which is an improvement. Opera also offers unique conveniences like Speed Dial and a sidebar for quick access to messaging services and frequently visited sites, setting it apart from most other browsers.
Tempest Browser
Tempest is a newer browser built on Chromium, created by the same team behind the private search engine of the same name. It’s similar to Chrome but with added privacy features. The home page is set to Tempest Search which sends anonymous usage data and offers auto-complete suggestions.
While you can add site buttons, you can’t change the startup page which might be frustrating. One positive feature is the option to encrypt search terms and view privacy reports for the sites you visit. You can choose between three privacy levels in the settings: No Blocking, Block Trackers (the default) and Block Ads and Trackers—more options than Chrome offers.
Tempest uses the Cloudflare DNS server by default which is more secure than using your ISP’s server. The security settings only offer Standard Protection or none unlike Chrome’s Enhanced Protection which is likely excluded because it sends browsing data to Google.
In the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks test, Tempest was one of the few browsers, along with Brave, that produced a randomized fingerprint which is a good sign for privacy. However, even with the Block Ads and Trackers setting enabled, it only offers partial protection against ads and trackers. It’s also worth noting that the software’s founder, Michael Levit, has previously sold services to Chinese companies, though he has committed to donating half of Tempest’s proceeds to climate change efforts through the Founders’ Pledge.
Tor Browser
The Tor Browser, short for “The Onion Router,” is designed to protect you from tracking, surveillance and censorship. It’s known as one of the most private browsers available and the EFF’s privacy test confirms it offers “strong protection against Web tracking.” Tor routes your browsing traffic through multiple encrypted layers, making it extremely difficult to identify you. Unlike a VPN which only encrypts traffic between you and the server, Tor sends your traffic through at least three nodes. The first node knows your location but not your destination, the middle nodes know neither and the final node knows the destination but not the source. This process makes tracing your traffic back to you nearly impossible. The downside is that it slows down your browsing.
If you increase Tor’s security to its highest level and disable JavaScript, many common websites especially those with interactive content like YouTube, won’t work. Tor also allows you to access sites using its unique onion protocol, often referred to as the dark web, in addition to providing privacy on the standard web. The EFF’s Cover Your Tracks tool shows “strong protection against Web tracking” but notes that your browser has a unique fingerprint. If you switch to the highest privacy setting, Tor offers top protection against fingerprinting, though this setting disables JavaScript and limits what you can do on the internet.
For even greater privacy, you can run Tor through Tails, a lightweight operating system based on Ubuntu that you boot from a USB drive. Tails doesn’t save any unencrypted data from your browsing session and leaves no trace on your computer.
Vivaldi
Vivaldi, a browser that branched off from Opera and uses Chromium code is known for its high level of customization. It offers unique features like built-in translation, split-window view, tab groups, notes, a link sidebar and mouse gesture support. It also includes a feature called Workspaces allowing you to group related browsing sessions together.
Vivaldi comes with built-in ad blocking and tracker blocking, though it doesn’t specifically target fingerprinting. The browser’s privacy settings are extensive and highly customizable. According to the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks test, Vivaldi provides “strong protection against Web tracking” when tracking protection is enabled but it still presents a unique fingerprint.
Waterfox
Waterfox is a browser based on Mozilla’s Gecko engine, the same one used by Firefox. It recently became an independent open-source project. Waterfox has a clear and privacy-focused policy, stating that they don’t collect your personal data unless you specifically register for a service. The browser uses the same Enhanced Tracking Protection as Firefox which safeguards against social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, fingerprinters, crypto miners and hidden trackers in ads and videos. You can also turn off WebRTC for added privacy.
Like Firefox, Waterfox allows you to sync bookmarks, history, tabs, passwords, add-ons and settings. It uses Oblivious DNS to hide your website requests from your ISP, enhancing your privacy. You can also use any extensions and themes designed for Firefox. The EFF’s Cover Your Tracks test shows that Waterfox provides some tracking protection with its default settings but switching to Strict improves this to “strong protection.” However, even with these settings the browser still presents a unique fingerprint, despite its claims of fingerprinting protection which like many browsers, relies on a block list rather than the randomization method used by Brave.
FAQs
How Are You Being Tracked on the Web Right Now?
The two main ways you’re being tracked on the web right now are through cookies and digital fingerprinting.
Cookies are small pieces of data that websites store in your browser to remember things like where you’ve logged in or items in your online shopping cart. These are essential for making websites work smoothly. However, privacy concerns arise with third-party cookies those are not placed by the site you’re visiting but by another entity, often Google, Facebook or an advertising service. These third parties can then access this information allowing them to track your online activities across different websites.
Digital fingerprinting is a method websites use to identify you by collecting detailed information about your system. This includes your browser type and version, operating system, plug-ins, time zone, language, screen resolution, installed fonts and more. Even if you turn off third-party cookies websites might still recognize you through your digital fingerprint.
Unlike cookies which you can delete your digital fingerprint is harder to get rid of. Unless you switch to a new device or use a browser that randomizes this information, you can’t easily avoid being tracked this way. For instance, Brave is the only browser in our tests that showed it could randomize fingerprint information.
Another way you’re tracked is through long strings of characters added to web addresses when you copy them. These strings can also identify you. A browser extension called ClearURLs can help remove this kind of tracking.
Google has stated plans to remove support for third-party cookies in its Chrome browser but the timeline keeps getting pushed back, with the latest update moving it from 2023 to 2024.
Is Incognito Mode Safe?
Private browsers offer more protection than the incognito or private browsing mode in regular browsers. Incognito mode mainly hides your browsing history from others who use the same device. Once you close the session, your passwords, cookies and browsing history are deleted, so the next person using the browser won’t see what websites you visited. However, incognito mode doesn’t protect you from being tracked by the websites you visit. Mozilla has a helpful list of common myths about private browsing that explains this in more detail.
How Can You Prevent Web Tracking?
Some browsers offer better privacy protection than others. For example, Edge and Safari use block lists to prevent known fingerprinting while Firefox is developing a tool that alerts you if a website tries to track you by extracting information like your hardware specs. This experimental Firefox feature removes data that could be used to identify you.
Browsers like Brave, Avast Secure Browser and Apple’s Safari also include features that hide details about your device, browser configuration and installed fonts and plug-ins, making it harder for websites to track you.
Additionally, many modern browsers including Firefox and Edge, now support more secure DNS protocols. DNS (Domain Name System) is the system that translates website addresses into the numbers web servers use. Usually, your ISP’s DNS servers handle this but secure browsers now use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) to encrypt the connection and prevent your ISP from tracking your browsing activity or redirecting your unfound requests to their search providers.
How Do You Know If You’re Trackable on the Web?
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) offers a tool called Cover Your Tracks that tests how easily your browser can be tracked and fingerprinted. It uses a real tracking company (whose name is not disclosed) for its tests.
Be prepared: the test usually shows that your browser has a unique fingerprint, meaning it can be tracked. For example, even at its best, Chrome only shows partial protection and a unique fingerprint on this test. Other tools you can use to check your digital fingerprint include AmIUnique and Device Info which also indicates if your browser has any fingerprinting protection.
For a broader look at browser privacy including more than just fingerprint tracking, you can visit PrivacyTests.org. This open-source site tests web browser privacy and highlights the weaknesses of major browsers like Chrome, Edge and Safari.
If you prefer to use Chrome or another browser without strong tracking protection, you can install plug-ins to help protect your privacy. Popular options include Decentraleyes, DuckDuckGo, PrivacyBadger and uBlock Origin. However, be aware that Google plans to switch Chrome to a new platform called Manifest V3 which may reduce the effectiveness of these extensions.
Which Browser Is the Most Private?
Brave and Tor offer the best protection against tracking among the browsers mentioned here. In the EFF’s Cover Your Tracks test, Brave was the only browser to show strong protection with a randomized fingerprint. Additionally, Brave has a private window mode that uses Tor which sends your traffic through multiple proxies to keep you anonymous online.
AXplorer and Opera offer a built-in VPN that helps protect against ISP tracking but remember, with a VPN, the provider can see all your traffic. Tor, on the other hand, doesn’t have this issue and a VPN doesn’t impact your browser fingerprint.
“While no browser can provide perfect security or privacy, using one of these options can make it much harder for others to track your online activity.”
