Iridium is a secure browser that is based on Chromium, configured for more privacy. This might be a good option for anyone wanting a browser that supports Chrome expansions, while additionally having substantially more security than you'd get from Chrome.
- The Tor Browser provides one of the most secure ways available to browse the web. The browser makes use of the Tor ('The Onion Router') network, using the network's series of relays, which are run by volunteers and are used to encrypt and anonymize a user's connection.
- Using the Tor network is the most secure method of browsing the web. And Tor Browser is the best way to access the Tor network. But while Tor Browser is secure and private, its unbearable slowness means you might not want to use it very often.
Published Under:Review | Browsers
Last Updated: December 22, 2019
TweetShare
Quoracreative brings you a fresh and up to date guide about top browsers out there. Stay safe, secure and private with updates and the latest information. We dive deep into nuts and bolts so you don't have to.
JackTable Of ContentsIridium
Opera
Apple Safari
GNU IceCat
Chromium
Brave
Mozilla Firefox
Tor Browser
Google Chrome
Why Browser Security?
Are you ever alone when browsing the internet? Most people wouldn't know. In fact, the average person doesn't realize the magnitude of dangers lying in wait on the internet.
You should be responsible for your safety and privacy on the internet, and so should your browser. Browsers are at the center of the ongoing debate regarding privacy and safety on the web. They are the portals to the internet, so they should be at the forefront of ensuring your safety and privacy.
A secure browser is one of the ultimate essentials these days.
Very few of us know that most browsers hold very important bits of information about us in vast amounts. There are always intruders looking for week spots.
The information contained by browsers includes but is not limited to:
- Your browsing history
- Usernames and passwords for online accounts
- Cookies and trackers that hold your behavioral information.
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, etc used by autofill feature
- Your financial information like credit cards etc
Browsers do take measures to ensure your safety and privacy, but some perform better than others.
Here is a review of the top five most secure and private browsers in 2019.
Iridium
Iridium Browser is an extension of the Chromium project. Both, Google Chrome and Iridium are based on Chromium. The key difference between the extensions is that Iridium is modified particularly to help you with privacy. Iridium is also backed by the open source business alliance OSBA, which has 190 members.
Automatic transmission, partial queries, keywords and metrics to the core services are prevented by default. User approval is required for these to work. Google free download for windows 10.
Iridium Security Features
- Iridium uses increased RSA keysize to 2048 bits for self-signed certificates
- Instead of relying on existing identities, Iridium instead, with every new connection, generates a new Real-Time Communications identity (WebRTC).
- And for each WebRTC connection, Iridium generates a new ECDHE keypair instead
- System-provided plugins like Java and Flash are disabled.
Transparency
Most Private And Secure Browser
Deliverables, builds, updates and logs of all changes are available to view as a git repository. This provides transparency about all changes and updates made in the code.
Privacy
As compared to the standard chromium project, Iridium has multiple enhancements that provide security at the maximum level possible while maintaining compatibility.
Compatibility
In terms of compatibility, a user can add any type and number of plugins available at the Chrome web store as iridium is based on chromium core project as well, just like CHROME. Along with, Iridium is compatible with nearly all operating systems like Windows, macOS, Debian, Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Feodora, Red Hat Linux
Speed
In terms of speed, Iridium is very good. The reason being, many of the core functions which are disabled by default, such as personal queries and keywords, etc.
If you want to give Iridium a try, download it here. Also, you can view the project's GitHub account here.
Opera
Though Opera makes up to 2.5 % of the browser market, it is not one of the popular ones, unfortunately. Opera is definately fast and reliable. It has a great user interface and is able to do pretty much everything the other browsers can do for you.
Opera Turbo feature
One of the unknown features of opera is called the Opera Turbo feature. Opera Turbo feature, compresses your online traffic, and routes your traffic through opera's own servers which can highly improve your browsing speeds. In terms of speed, it definitely stands out. Try using opera if you are in a slow connectivity area and see the difference yourself.
Compression
And as we talk about compression, compression reduces the amount of data that is needed to transfer between your browser and servers. A great feature while browsing on your mobile phone. You might consider monitoring the opera browser on your children's devices because of its rerouting feature as it can avoid any content restrictions enforced by you or your ISP.
Free Ad-Blocker and VPN
It comes with an integrated ad blocker, very handy for undistracted browsing.
Also has a unique battery saving mode which can help you to run your device for much longer, plus a free built-in Free VPN
Compatibility
Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Opera Strengths
- Integrated Ad-Blocker by default
- Strong security features
- Comes with Built-in VPN
- Compression
- Turbo feature
Opera Weaknesses
Iridium is a secure browser that is based on Chromium, configured for more privacy. This might be a good option for anyone wanting a browser that supports Chrome expansions, while additionally having substantially more security than you'd get from Chrome.
- The Tor Browser provides one of the most secure ways available to browse the web. The browser makes use of the Tor ('The Onion Router') network, using the network's series of relays, which are run by volunteers and are used to encrypt and anonymize a user's connection.
- Using the Tor network is the most secure method of browsing the web. And Tor Browser is the best way to access the Tor network. But while Tor Browser is secure and private, its unbearable slowness means you might not want to use it very often.
Published Under:Review | Browsers
Last Updated: December 22, 2019
TweetShare
Quoracreative brings you a fresh and up to date guide about top browsers out there. Stay safe, secure and private with updates and the latest information. We dive deep into nuts and bolts so you don't have to.
JackTable Of ContentsIridium
Opera
Apple Safari
GNU IceCat
Chromium
Brave
Mozilla Firefox
Tor Browser
Google Chrome
Why Browser Security?
Are you ever alone when browsing the internet? Most people wouldn't know. In fact, the average person doesn't realize the magnitude of dangers lying in wait on the internet.
You should be responsible for your safety and privacy on the internet, and so should your browser. Browsers are at the center of the ongoing debate regarding privacy and safety on the web. They are the portals to the internet, so they should be at the forefront of ensuring your safety and privacy.
A secure browser is one of the ultimate essentials these days.
Very few of us know that most browsers hold very important bits of information about us in vast amounts. There are always intruders looking for week spots.
The information contained by browsers includes but is not limited to:
- Your browsing history
- Usernames and passwords for online accounts
- Cookies and trackers that hold your behavioral information.
- Names, addresses, phone numbers, etc used by autofill feature
- Your financial information like credit cards etc
Browsers do take measures to ensure your safety and privacy, but some perform better than others.
Here is a review of the top five most secure and private browsers in 2019.
Iridium
Iridium Browser is an extension of the Chromium project. Both, Google Chrome and Iridium are based on Chromium. The key difference between the extensions is that Iridium is modified particularly to help you with privacy. Iridium is also backed by the open source business alliance OSBA, which has 190 members.
Automatic transmission, partial queries, keywords and metrics to the core services are prevented by default. User approval is required for these to work. Google free download for windows 10.
Iridium Security Features
- Iridium uses increased RSA keysize to 2048 bits for self-signed certificates
- Instead of relying on existing identities, Iridium instead, with every new connection, generates a new Real-Time Communications identity (WebRTC).
- And for each WebRTC connection, Iridium generates a new ECDHE keypair instead
- System-provided plugins like Java and Flash are disabled.
Transparency
Most Private And Secure Browser
Deliverables, builds, updates and logs of all changes are available to view as a git repository. This provides transparency about all changes and updates made in the code.
Privacy
As compared to the standard chromium project, Iridium has multiple enhancements that provide security at the maximum level possible while maintaining compatibility.
Compatibility
In terms of compatibility, a user can add any type and number of plugins available at the Chrome web store as iridium is based on chromium core project as well, just like CHROME. Along with, Iridium is compatible with nearly all operating systems like Windows, macOS, Debian, Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Feodora, Red Hat Linux
Speed
In terms of speed, Iridium is very good. The reason being, many of the core functions which are disabled by default, such as personal queries and keywords, etc.
If you want to give Iridium a try, download it here. Also, you can view the project's GitHub account here.
Opera
Though Opera makes up to 2.5 % of the browser market, it is not one of the popular ones, unfortunately. Opera is definately fast and reliable. It has a great user interface and is able to do pretty much everything the other browsers can do for you.
Opera Turbo feature
One of the unknown features of opera is called the Opera Turbo feature. Opera Turbo feature, compresses your online traffic, and routes your traffic through opera's own servers which can highly improve your browsing speeds. In terms of speed, it definitely stands out. Try using opera if you are in a slow connectivity area and see the difference yourself.
Compression
And as we talk about compression, compression reduces the amount of data that is needed to transfer between your browser and servers. A great feature while browsing on your mobile phone. You might consider monitoring the opera browser on your children's devices because of its rerouting feature as it can avoid any content restrictions enforced by you or your ISP.
Free Ad-Blocker and VPN
It comes with an integrated ad blocker, very handy for undistracted browsing.
Also has a unique battery saving mode which can help you to run your device for much longer, plus a free built-in Free VPN
Compatibility
Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Opera Strengths
- Integrated Ad-Blocker by default
- Strong security features
- Comes with Built-in VPN
- Compression
- Turbo feature
Opera Weaknesses
- Very few plugins
You can learn more and download Opera browser with VPN here
Apple Safari
Safari is Apple's default web browser. Unfortunately, it has been exclusive to Apple and Mac devices since 2012; hence many people may not be familiar with it. Safari is the reason why Mac users are less susceptible to internet vulnerabilities. The browser is always scanning the internet for suspicious sites and blacklisting them. It also sends users alerts about potential dangers.
The browser has also recently unveiled a password generator and manager that helps prevent users from using old and weak passwords that are easy targets for hackers.
Most importantly, however, Safari runs web pages in a sandbox so that malicious code cannot affect the browser or access any data. This is what primarily sets it apart from other major browsers that are less secure.
One major shortcoming of Safari is that updates are far in-between. Unfortunately, Safari has suffered the same fate as Microsoft's Internet Explorer as most Mac users prefer secondary web browsers.
GNU IceCat
GNU IceCat is an extension of firefox from the GNU free software project. It includes many privacy features that are added by default.
GNU LibreJS
It is provided as free for GNU IceCat and any other browsers based on Mozilla. In technical terms, it helps to block non-free or nontrivial JavaScript. This provides a solution to a problem known as the JavaScript trap. It helps users avoid running any proprietary software unknowingly, in their web browsers.
HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS Everywhere is a collaboration between 'The Tor Project' and the 'Electronic Frontier Foundation'. It helps with providing support for encryption over https. Many websites these days, do provide at least some limited support for encryption over https but it is not something easy to use. The https everywhere extension solves the problem by rewriting an HTTP request using HTTPS
Spyblock
Spyblock is a defense used against transaction generator or botnet Malware. TG waits for a user to log in at targeted sites and issue transactions on behalf of the user. A user has no idea that these transactions are taking place in their name
You can further learn and download GNU IceCat here
Chromium
Chromium is a product of Google Chrome. Google who is jehovah. Both browsers are open-source, but there is a major difference in that Google Chrome comes with code written by Google for access to the company's services. As such, Chromium is for those people looking for more privacy and independence from the Google Corporation.
Chromium is more private than Google Chrome as users' data is not sent to the tech giant. It is also more secure as users can check for vulnerabilities and patch them themselves. It is also easier to integrate third-party apps that can help boost your security and privacy.
The only shortcoming of Chromium is that it does not update automatically. This is concerning as updates come out regularly and, in all fairness, Chromium is still a project in progress. As such, you should check for updates every 2-3 weeks and install them manually.
Brave
Brave is the most unusual kind of browser in the market right now.
The features that are unique to the brave browser are:
- If you want privacy, It's the only web browser that honors that commitment to the full and can guarantee your privacy. Going a step further, you can block all the scripts and cookies.
- If you don't want ads, block them. No ifs no buts.
- If you are ok with ads (And there could be the reason why. Details later), the brave will allow them but in a non-traditional way.
The power is back to the user.
Now, why on earth would you like to look at ads?
Well, there is money to be made.
There are two types of ads:
Optional User Ads, which users can block or opt-in and be part of the target audience and receive 70% of ads revenue. The other 30% will go the Brave.
Publisher Integrated Ads(Non-Optional), where 70% of the revenue will go to the Verified Publishers. The remaining 30% will be equally divided between the users and the 'Brave'.
Brave is still relatively new compared to other browsers in the list. In fact, most people are yet to hear about it, let alone try it out.
Brave is the creation of Brenden Eich, the creator of JavaScript and the former head of Mozilla. Its founder utilizes the best and latest technology. To this end, Brave is faster and easier to use than most other browsers. It is also more secure and private.
Brave uses several techniques to keep your web activity private. For starters, it has a default ad blocker that not only blocks pesky ads but also keeps advertisers from monitoring and tracking your online behavior. The browser also has an in-built Tor tab that is not as effective as Tor but is, nevertheless, ideal for incognito browsing.
Brave also has extensive security settings. For instance, you get to delete whatever data you wish before closing the browser. There are also many settings to customize and secure your browsing experience. This includes keeping scripts from loading and blocking fingerprinting attempts.
As mentioned, Brave is relatively new and is still working on improving the initial version for desktop users. However, the browser is operational and freely available. The updates are also coming in fast so stay tuned.
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is one of the most popular browsers besides Google Chrome. One of the reasons why is because of its top-notch security and privacy levels.
Mozilla Firefox has one of the most comprehensive security suites of any web browser. It helps protect against malware and phishing attempts. It also detects web forgeries and blocks any websites reported for launching web attacks. It also warns users if sites try to install add-ons without the user's permission. What's more, users can customize security settings as they see fit to protect against more dangers.
Firefox's privacy features are not quite as good, though. It does have a ‘Content Blocking' feature that enables users to block all web trackers. However, privacy is guaranteed in the fact that this browser is completely open-source – this means that anyone can inspect the source code for threats and make the necessary corrections, so criminal elements tend to keep away.
Mozilla Firefox issues new updates every 6-10 weeks. Updates are designed by volunteer coders, but they feature the latest security, privacy, and performance protocols. Firefox's latest update and version, Quantum, is one of the most private and secure ones yet.
Tor Browser
Tor Browser has always been the go-to browser for those seeking an extra level of security and privacy. It is, in fact, the browser of choice for those browsing the Dark Web.
Tor encrypts your traffic in three layers by bouncing your data around a vast network of relays on thousands of computers. As such, it is incredibly difficult for anyone to trace your data or your identity unless they deploy extensive resources. This is what primarily makes Tor the best browser for privacy.
Tor also packs a range of formidable security features. For starters, it does not track your browsing history. Additionally, it automatically deletes all your cookies at the end of each session. It is also ranked as the best browser against browser fingerprinting. What's more, users can make extensive configurations to boost their security and privacy.
Tor may be the best browser in terms of privacy, but that does not mean that you are completely anonymous. As such, avoid engaging in unlawful online activities based on your confidence in this browser – the FBI's bust of the Silk Road market, which dealt in drugs, assassins, and other products and services, is a good reason why.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most popular browser with a market share of about 80%. It is especially popular for its inclusion of proprietary Google code that grants easier and quicker access to Google services compared to other browsers.
Google Chrome has one of the easiest and clean interface. It provided connectivity across devices and a huge amount of extensions that make life much more easier online.
It is also faster and more efficient than most other browsers.
Google chrome compatible with everything
Windows: 7, 8, 8.1 and 10MacOS: OS X 10.10 and laterLinux: Ubuntu, Debian, OpenSUSE, and FedoraMobile: IOS and Android
To start with, chrome has always followed the rules to provide a clean and simple user interface. For that very reason, Chrome has always refrained from overload with features and options. the very very basic version consists of a search and address bar, AKA Omnibar, a few navigation controls and a basic space for you to choose your extensions. Like the App Store for Apple, Google pairs with a rich resource of extensions. This helps chrome stand out from other browsers in terms of providing extended third-party features.
You can convert your copy of chrome into a full and mighty software tool for the kind of usage you have in mind: some of the most common useful categories you can add to your copy of Chrome browser:
You would like built-in notes, bookmark bars helpers, web page analysis, stats, VPN, grammar check, link shortener, Google translate, Ad-Blocker or any other feature, you would find an extension provided by an industry leader in that domain, to integrate with Chrome.
Google Chrome Synchrinization (sync)
Another Feature which sets Chrome apart is cross-connectivity between devices. All you need is sync with your copy of the Chrome browser with your Google account and all your preferences, bookmarks and search history are seamlessly available across all the devices you use.
Google Chrome Security
Chrome ranks well in terms of security. It packs all the security features that you can think of – to put it into perspective, Chrome beats Mozilla Firefox in terms of the number and strength of security protocols. Its updates contain the latest security protocols, and it ranks the highest in Browserscope security test scores.
However, Google Chrome is a resource-hungry browser and not the best browser for privacy. In fact, Google has been blamed for the ongoing concerns about internet users' privacy. It has a questionable privacy policy that it manipulates to get around set regulations. It also has thousands of extensions that need access to your data. Finally, one cannot ignore the fact that Google profits off data and Google Chrome is one of its best data collection tools.
Google Chrome Strengths
- Fast
- Simple, easy-to-use design
- Deep integration across devices
- A vast library of extensions
Google Chrome weaknesses
- Resource-hungry
- Privacy concerns
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Meet The Author
Jack is an accomplished cybersecurity expert with years of experience under his belt at TechWarn, a trusted digital agency to world-class cybersecurity companies. A passionate digital safety advocate himself, Jack frequently contributes to tech blogs and digital media sharing expert insights on cybersecurity and privacy tools.
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It's 2020, the internet is ALIVE, and you want to browse its worldly goodness. But you also know that being 2020, there is the potential for phishing attacks, malware, fake news, misinformation, and much more.
So, how do you stay safe online? The first thing to consider is your internet browser. There are many browser options, but which is the safest internet browser in 2020?
Here are 2020's most secure browsers.
Security vs. Privacy in Internet Browsers
The following list has a strong focus on secure internet browsers. Hand in hand with security is privacy, something many people strive towards but find difficult in the online world. Your browser plays a key role in your privacy, as well as your online security.
Can you separate security from privacy?
For this article looking at the most secure browsers of 2020, we are going to talk about both features. As you'll see, some browsers provide excellent internet security but are lackadaisical regarding your privacy.
1. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is a very popular secure browser that regularly beats out its other top-tier browser competitors for security and privacy.
First up, Firefox is the only major open-source browser. This alone sets it apart from the major browsers in terms of accountability. Adding to that, the development of Firefox takes direction from the Mozilla Foundation, a non-profit organization. The Mozilla Foundation also directs the development of the Thunderbird email client.
Firefox features an extensive set of security features. It advises users that the browser provides 'strong privacy protection from the moment you install,' but there are more privacy and security options available.
For example, Firefox blocks cross-site tracking cookies as default, stopping social media and other trackers following you around the internet and building a user profile. You can also use the integrated tracking protections to view which sites and trackers are attempting to follow you.
Furthermore, there are numerous excellent security and privacy extensions available as Firefox Add-Ons.
Another excellent Firefox security and privacy feature is DNS-over-HTTPS, which encrypts your domain name searches before sending them over the internet. DNS-over-HTTPS was once the sole reserve of third-party DNS providers. Still, browsers like Firefox are making the technology and the security it affords easier for regular users to access.
Although Firefox doesn't receive as many updates as some of the alternatives, it remains a very secure browser that actively encourages user privacy, and believes that 'Privacy shouldn't be relegated to optional settings.'
Good: Open source, extensive privacy features, tracker blocking as standard, Facebook container, highly customizable.
Bad: At times, the lack of in-house testing holds features and releases back, lack of funding could cause Firefox to cease development.
Download: Mozilla Firefox for Windows, macOS, Linux | Android | iOS
2. Tor Browser
What list of secure browsers would be complete without Tor Browser? None, that's the answer. Tor Browser is a modified Mozilla Firefox browser that comes with extra functions allowing users to browse the dark web.
The extra functions come in the form of extensions such as NoScript, HTTPS Everywhere, the TorButton, and TorLauncher, all of which are required to use the dark web safely. The setup of Tor Browser (and the content it allows access to) is usually seen as a major downside to its use. While access to nefarious content is, without doubt, a concern, Tor Browser has other issues.
Mostly, Tor Browser isn't very useful as a daily driver for your internet browsing. Sure, it keeps you anonymous as you surf the regular internet, but due to extensive privacy settings, it also breaks a lot of stuff in the process. While the situation is much better than in the past, many websites won't work.
Now, you can also argue that those websites shouldn't use so much invasive tracking. I would agree with you. But reducing the amount of privacy Tor Browser provides to browse the regular internet also makes it much more dangerous to browse the dark web.
In that, Tor Browser is best suited to that purpose or for moments where you require extensive privacy as other secure browser options don't make browsing the internet a chore.
Good: Integrated privacy features, open-source, and frequent updates.
Bad: Breaks websites potential for malicious exit nodes; painfully slow at times due to network configuration.
Download: Tor Browser for Windows, macOS, Linux | Android
I should also add that access to the dark web is both good and bad, depending on your take. Unsure what to think? Check our dark web explainer for everything you need to know.
3. Epic Privacy Browser
Epic Privacy Browser is a Chromium-based internet browser with a very strong focus on security and privacy.
Out of the box, the Epic Privacy Browser blocks a huge amount of advertising trackers and background scripts, drastically increasing your security and privacy. The script blocking ensures that malvertising and cryptocurrency mining scripts will fail to run. There's also the integrated anti-fingerprinting, again protecting your privacy.
Meanwhile, Epic's one-click encrypted proxy hides your IP address and routes your traffic securely.
Epic blocks the majority of browser extensions and add-ons. Although Epic is Chromium-based and could allow access to the extensive catalog of Chrome extensions, the developers believe this creates unnecessary risk. Extensions can come with security issues, create vulnerabilities, and, most of all, breach your privacy (for example, some extensions will reveal your IP address even while using other privacy features).
One issue is the update frequency of Epic in comparison to other secure browser options. At the time of writing, Epic uses the Chromium 80.2.3988 build, which was released sometime in February 2020. The latest version is actually 83.x, while version 84.x is close to release.
Good: Great privacy out of the box, extensive privacy options, blocks the majority of extensions and add-ons, and deletes all session data when you close the browser.
Bad: Sometimes falls considerably behind with updates; integrated privacy features don't always work. Epic also provides a false sense of security.
Download: Epic Privacy Browser for Windows, macOS | Android | iOS
If you prefer Chromium-based browsers like Epic, check out the best Chromium-based browser alternatives.
4. Comodo IceDragon
Comodo IceDragon is a secure browser developed by security company, Comodo. The IceDragon browser is based upon Mozilla Firefox, so it carries a lot of the same security features as the main browser.
Comodo IceDragon integrates other Comodo security features. For example, Comodo's SiteInspector tool scans for malware and other vulnerabilities before visiting the webpage. There is also the option to use Comodo Secure DNS to load webpages faster as well as decrease the chance of loading a malicious page. The Comodo Domain Validation double-checks website SSL certificates.
Another plus is that you can use the full array of Firefox's extensions with Comodo IceDragon. This means you can extend the security and privacy functionality of the browser using tried and tested add-ons.
Good: Based on Firefox, access to Firefox extensions, integrated Comodo security features.
Bad: Infrequent updates, based on an older version of Firefox.
5. Dooble
Dooble is a unique entry on this list: it is powered by neither Chromium nor Firefox. Instead, Dooble is an independent development, which is impressive.
Out of the box, Dooble comes with a strong privacy focus. Default security and privacy options include ad and tracker blocking, script blocking, encrypted bookmarks and browsing history, encrypted user profiles, sandboxed tabs, and much more. You'll also note that Flash and JavaScript are disabled as default. The new google download.
The browser receives frequent security and feature updates, too. Interestingly, you can also use Dooble as an FTP client to transfer files to a server or otherwise. Dooble also features on our list of the best open-source browsers, which is worth checking out for other browser options.
Good: Open source, free from Google and other development influence, lightweight, and fast.
Bad: Can feel outdated in comparison to other modern browsers; difficult to find add-ons. Has a very small userbase which means easy identification.
Download: Dooble for Windows, macOS, Linux
6. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a free secure browser based on Chromium. Vivaldi aims to replicate some of the features users felt were lost when the Opera browser switched to a Chromium-based development model. While Vivaldi is also Chromium-based, it includes numerous modifications to replicate the older style of Opera.
Vivaldi is considered a very secure internet browser. It receives frequent updates, keeping it in line with the main Chromium releases, which is important for user security. The browser protects against phishing sites and malware and will prevent you from downloading files from a malicious site. Another cool feature is the encrypted bookmarks and passwords, which you can sync between your devices.
Furthermore, recent updates to Vivaldi have introduced better script and tracker blocking, although these features are somewhat lacking in the fine detail you find with alternative browsers.
Good: Frequent updates, access to Chrome extensions and add-ons, easy to use, highly customizable, with great tab management options.
Bad: Closed-source. Meanwhile the tiny market share makes users with the Vivaldi browser easy to identify without a VPN. Performance issues at times especially with resource-heavy tabs.
Download: Vivaldi for Windows, macOS, Linux | Android
7. Google Chrome
Google Chrome consistently features on lists of the most secure browsers. Now, some will take issue with the idea that Google Chrome is secure. That's because while Chrome works well to keep attackers and other intruders at bay—but is also very lax on personal privacy.
Chrome has regular updates, performs well in hacking tests, comes with integrated security features, and has won the 'Most Secure Browser' section at the annual Pwn2Own hacking competition on multiple occasions (as well as other security awards).
Still, Google Chrome's privacy intrusions and data-hoovering practices are well known at this point. It should come as no surprise that the browser developed by a company whose primary income source is advertising would use the opportunity to collect data.
That's why as good as Chrome is on actual security, it scores poorly for privacy. Of course, you can add privacy-focused Chrome extensions to increase your privacy. Some of these extensions also increase your security, too. But when there are equally secure options that come with better privacy features, Chrome shouldn't become your automatic choice.
Good: Award-winning security, frequent updates, invites outsiders to stress check browser, and extensions make browser more secure.
Bad: Major privacy issues, browser extensions can cause security issues, closed-source code (based on open source project, Chromium), and as many have found out, very resource hungry and prone to hanging.
Are Lesser-Known Browsers Secure?
In a world where privacy and security are vital, finding the most secure browser is difficult. As you can see, you have to make compromises, choosing between security, privacy, and functionality. Mozilla Firefox ticks all three boxes and is one of the most secure browser options in 2020.
There are many alternative browsers out there. The major issue facing these browser alternatives is funding. How can you attract enough users to warrant continuing development without succumbing to some form of privacy-invading technology, or before update frequency creates a serious security issue?
Even if you don't trust Google, Chrome receives frequent updates and is generally secure. But those Chromium-based browsers take longer to implement security features and updates, potentially leaving you exposed. The same issues are apparent for those using Firefox as a starting point, too.
So, yes, lesser-known browsers can absolutely be secure. But before committing to one, make sure to check the version history, update frequency, and the overall reputation of the browser.
Another thing to consider is speed. Have you ever wondered why some browsers are faster than others?
Read the full article: 2020's 7 Most Secure Browsers Compared