The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested
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Browsers are a battleground for user privacy. Websites have become flooded with ad-sponsored content and tracking scripts. At the same time, marketers can purchase or scrape web browsing histories to fingerprint individuals over time, creating shadow profiles across different online services.
Shadow profiles, or data collected without consent, can lead to comprehensive profiles documenting your interests, product searches, browsing history, personal data, and more, resulting in targeted advertising.
Many of us consider such tracking activities an invasion of privacy, but you don't have to consent to tracking or data collection -- especially if you have chosen the right browser from the start. While Chrome is the most widely used browser worldwide, with an estimated 67% market share, alternative browsers can help you stay anonymous online.
Also: The best free VPNs
When looking for a privacy-focused browser, you should investigate how advertising trackers and cookies are managed, whether search histories are stored or shared, and whether the browser developer operates with a transparent privacy policy.
What is the best secure browser for privacy right now?
ZDNET experts have kept a finger on the pulse of the secure browser market for decades, and many of us have tried and tested different privacy-focused options over the years. Brave is our top pick for the best browser for privacy, based on its ad tracking prevention, security settings, usability, and speed. Read on to find out the rest of our top picks for the best secure browsers for privacy in 2025.
Best secure browsers for privacy in 2025
Brave is a Chromium-based browser that blocks ads, fingerprinting, and ad trackers by default.
Brave has millions of users worldwide. The company's business model relies on privacy-protecting ads that pay publishers and users when users pay attention to ads. Brave is transparent about this revenue stream, wherein users are rewarded in crypto tokens only if they opt into ad viewing.
The company removed Google code from its Chromium version to improve user privacy, including some account integration, background sync, and inline extensions. Brave also has several privacy-enhancing settings, including blocking third-party ad trackers, upgrading unsecured HTTPS connections, and blocking cookies and fingerprinting. The company says disabling invasive ads and trackers improves loading times on desktop and mobile.
Also: 10 common dangers VPNs won't protect you from online - and how to avoid them
Brave also has a "Tor mode" that provides anonymized onion network routing. The browser developer offers a VPN and firewall service that protects sessions, even outside the browser, and an AI-based search engine.
As of version 1.68, Brave became the first iOS browser to attempt to upgrade all sites to HTTPS by default automatically. In version 1.75 on desktop, users can add their own scriptlets into a page, which Brave says "allows for better control over [their] browsing experience."
Brave also offers a feature called "Off the Record" (OTR) for users who may be victims of intimate partner violence. The browser developer says the feature "aims to help people who need to hide their browsing behavior from others who have access to their computer or phone."
Many users say the browser exceeds their expectations, although others find some functionality, such as VPN connectivity, could be improved. As Brave has recently updated its VPN with more device support and server selections, it will be interesting to see if users report a more positive experience.
Brave features: Chromium-based | Blocks third-party ad trackers | Private search | Blocks cookies | Incognito windows | Onion routing | VPN | Off the Record browsing | AI assistant | iOS HTTPS by default | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.8
When it comes to DuckDuckGo, user privacy comes first.
The company that offers a privacy-focused search engine and browser is a vocal supporter of consumer privacy rights and now handles millions of user search queries daily.
There is a growing appetite for privacy-focused alternatives to tech giants like Meta and Google. DuckDuckGo's Privacy Essentials extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge is also popular. Its reputation is built on the idea that it does not collect user data but can provide the same search results as those that do.
DuckDuckGo was once only a search engine, but the developers then released a mobile-friendly browser app, followed by a desktop version. The organization's browser provides private search, website protection and blockers, web encryption, and more.
Also: 5 great Chrome browser alternatives that put your privacy first
DuckDuckGo is experimenting with AI-assisted technologies to improve its search experience, including anonymously accessing GPT models, known as DuckDuckGo AI Chat. Users appreciate the firm's privacy focus, although some complain of censorship -- a concept DuckDuckGo staunchly denies.
So how does it make money? DuckDuckGo shows ads but does not engage in targeted advertising. DuckDuckGo also offers Privacy Pro, a subscription for $10 per month (or $100 per year) that offers access to a VPN, online personal information removal services, and identity theft restoration.
DuckDuckGo features: Mobile and desktop private browser | Does not collect user data | AI experiments: DuckDuckGo AI Chat | No search engine query trackers | Data removal and identity restoration services | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.1
Firefox is a must-have for individual browser privacy across multiple devices if you're looking for a mainstream option.
One of Firefox's most important privacy features is enhanced tracking protection. Mozilla has borrowed Tor techniques to block browser fingerprinting, and Firefox's developers are constantly seeking to improve tracking-prevention features.
Firefox is rich with choices to customize the browser for privacy. It blocks social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, tracking in private windows, crypto miners, and fingerprinting scripts. There is also a "strict" mode that might break some sites when trackers are blocked -- but you can allow enhanced tracking protection for trusted sites.
Users enjoy Firefox's approach to privacy but note that it can be a resource hog.
Also: How to protect yourself from phishing attacks in Chrome and Firefox
Another option for Firefox fans is Firefox Focus, a privacy-focused browser for iOS and Android that blocks trackers and has a built-in ad blocker. The company also offers a VPN ($4.99 per month), with the option to connect up to five devices to over 500 servers in 30 countries.
You can also check out a range of browsers based on Firefox but with additional protection, such as Librewolf.
Mozilla Firefox features: Enhanced tracking protection | Firefox Focus for mobile | Strict privacy standards | DNS queries sent to a secure resolver service | Focus on accessibility | Encrypted Client Hello | AI development | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.5
Another excellent choice for improving your privacy on the web is the Tor browser, a nonprofit project focused on anonymizing users online.
Its proprietary web browser disguises your IP address and activity by relaying it through a network of servers (nodes) run by volunteers. Bouncing your information around makes tracking exceptionally difficult, which is excellent if you don't want your ISP or anyone else spying on your online activity.
Tor can be crucial for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and people avoiding censorship. The Tor browser is also a popular choice for accessing the deep web: a collection of websites that are inaccessible through traditional means, such as search engines, in what is known as the "clear" web.
Also: I found the most private and secure way to browse the web - and it isn't incognito mode
The Tor browser's default search engine is DuckDuckGo, which will not log or store your search queries.
While it isn't a mainstream choice, the Tor browser is well-regarded by people who don't want to be tracked on the web. The Tor Project updates it frequently, and the browser is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Users applaud the network's uncompromising approach to privacy but note slow speeds and occasional problems with captchas.
Due to the architecture of the Tor network, page loads in the Tor browser can be slower, and some sites might not work well. There's also a learning curve to consider. Nonetheless, the Tor browser is a privacy-preserving browser worthy of your consideration.
Tor's latest Alpha release contains a variety of bug fixes.
The Tor browser features: High levels of security and anonymization | Onion routing | DuckDuckGo integration | Access to websites outside the clear web | Blocks trackers and cookies | Fingerprint resistance | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 3.2
Not to be confused with the Tor browser, the Mullvad Browser is marketed as the "Tor Browser without the Tor network." The Tor Project team built the browser, but Mullvad, a respected Swedish virtual private network provider, distributes it.
The browser emulates the Tor network by creating a similar fingerprint for all users, improving anonymity. Furthermore, the browser comes with a private mode out of the box, blocks tracking and cookies, and prevents online functions that extract information from visitors, such as device identifiers.
The Mullvad Browser is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, or as a Firefox extension.
You can use the browser as a standalone product or combine it with Mullvad VPN. Users have generally given positive reviews, although you may find yourself signing up for the VPN for the best setup -- and it's not the cheapest on the market. The company has also recently partnered with Obscura VPN.
Also: 5 alternative browsers that might just replace Safari on your Mac
Mullvad was subject to a search warrant by the National Operations Department (NOA) of the Swedish Police in 2023. Mullvad staff said that since customer data did not exist, law enforcement left with nothing. To give you another example of Mullvad's approach to user data, the company is removing PayPal subscriptions "to store less data about our customers."
Mullvad Browser features: Fingerprint masking approach | Removes online identifiers | Private mode enabled by default | Blocks trackers and cookies | Extension available | VPN available | Defense against AI-guided Traffic Analysis (DAITA) | Google Play rating: 3.7 | App Store rating: 4.2
What is the best browser for privacy?
Brave is our top pick for the best browser for privacy based on its approach to user privacy, ad tracking prevention, the wide range of privacy settings on offer, usability, and speed. That said, since no browser is perfect, you should decide which option suits you best.
Best browser for privacy | Ad tracking prevention? | Mobile support? | Onion routing? |
Brave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
DuckDuckGo | ✓ | ✓ | Available ✓ |
Mozilla Firefox | Available ✓ | ✓ | X |
Tor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Mullvad Browser | ✓ | X | Via Tor ✓ |
Which is the right browser for privacy for you?
Choose this... | If you want... |
Brave | The best overall browser for privacy. Brave's default focus is on privacy and security, and the addition of optional onion routing is a nice touch. |
DuckDuckGo | A search engine or browser that never stores or logs your search queries. The browser extends the original search engine functionality to mobile and desktop. |
Mozilla Firefox | A mainstream secure browser that focuses on tracking. Firefox's tracking prevention is multi-layered and will help prevent you from being profiled online. |
Tor | A system based on the onion routing network. You can access deep web websites and remain anonymous. |
Mullvad Browser | To use it with a virtual private network (VPN). Mullvad is a one-stop shop, meaning you don't need to download and install additional privacy-protecting extensions. |
What is a secure browser for privacy and why do I need one?
A privacy-focused, secure browser automatically erases your browsing and search history and cookies. It may also limit web tracking and even help hide your location.
Privacy-focused browsers may also promote virtual private network (VPN) usage and include features designed to bypass censorship blocks and keep you as anonymous as possible, such as via access to onion routing and refusing to log site visits or web searches.
Also: How to delete yourself from internet search results and hide your identity online
If you are concerned about your online privacy, you should install a privacy browser or, at the very least, use an extension made by a privacy browser maker in your current browser.
You should consider using a secure browser if you want to reduce the volume of data collected about you online, if you want to mask your activities, and if you do not want your search queries logged. Each browser offers different features, so research which one fits your needs.
Factors to consider when choosing a secure browser
Choosing the right browser might not seem like a huge deal, but if you want to protect your privacy at the first gate to the web, consider these factors when looking for a secure browser:
- Online identifiers: Check if the browser tracks your activities or website visits. This data can be used to create targeted advertising profiles and track you across different websites.
- Search queries: One of the most significant ways we are tracked online and have profiles compiled based on our interests is through our search engine queries. The most secure browsers do not log these records.
- Revenue: Browser developers, just like any other business, need to make money. One method is to sell user data, search queries, and other datasets. This impacts individual privacy unless there are opt-in and opt-out functions.
- Ad blocking: Some privacy-enhancing browsers block ads by default, but this doesn't mean all websites will be clear of ads. If there is a service you access frequently, and you want ad blocking -- YouTube, for example -- it's worth checking to see if these ad blockers are circumvented or work effectively on your favorite platforms.
- Audits: The best secure browsers will conduct frequent security audits and have consistent patch releases to fix vulnerabilities and bugs that could expose you.
- Transparency: The best secure browser developers adopt a transparent approach to user data collection and security.
- Speed vs. security: Some browsers route your traffic through several servers to reduce the likelihood of you being tracked. You may have to decide how much speed reduction you will accept.
- VPN: If you want to use a VPN, consider whether the browser works well with one -- or if the browser already offers a built-in solution or supports extensions. Check out our recommendations for the best VPNs in 2024.
- Mobile support: Not every secure browser has a mobile app, which you should consider if you want to use just one browser across all your devices.
How did we choose these secure browsers for privacy?
While investigating the best secure browsers for privacy in 2025, we compared each of these browsers and extensions to determine what makes them different and which is best for different use cases.
- Balance: The balance between managing user privacy and funding a business can be tricky for companies to manage. However, as we've shown, many developers are willing to embrace user security over potential opportunities to generate more revenue. It is this mindset that sets some browser developers apart.
- User experience: We reviewed customer feedback to ensure that most users find the browsers easy to install and use, and we prioritized options with a long track record of positive user feedback.
- Features: We want to see additional privacy-enhancing features, like onion routing and VPN support. We chose providers who offer more than standard browsing experiences.
- Targeted advertising: We prefer browsers that do not adopt this practice, as it can lead to shadow profiles being generated on their users' behalf. At the very least, we want users to have a choice in these programs, such as through opt-out mechanisms.
- Tracking defense: At a minimum, we want privacy-based browsers to have a level of defense against user tracking. Preferably, there will also be ad-blocking software working in the background.
- Platform support: We selected browsers offering a range of support for different operating systems and platforms.
- Mobile: We prefer our recommended secure browsers to have mobile apps for Android and iOS, as it's more convenient to use the same browser across your devices.
FAQs
Do I need a privacy browser?
If you are concerned about your online privacy, you should install a privacy browser or at least an extension. We have to take responsibility for our own privacy online these days -- you can't rely on companies to do the job for you.
Also: 5 reasons why Zen is my new favorite browser (RIP, Opera)
A few basics: Download one of the privacy-first browsers listed above that doesn't log your queries and activities, install a VPN, and use messaging apps with end-to-end encryption.
Does using a private browsing window hide my IP address?
Private browsing sessions do not tend to mask your IP address, just like how an incognito window doesn't hide your IP address if you're using Chrome. These sessions simply don't store your browser history, the information you've entered into forms, or what permissions you've given to sites you've visited.
Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Opera all use a similar form of "anonymous" web window for browsing, but they aren't truly hiding your online identity.
If you want to block your IP address from being viewed or tracked, you can download a VPN, which masks your IP address so your service provider (or anyone else, for that matter) can't see what you're doing.
What is Chromium?
The Chromium project is focused on developing a privacy-first and stable browser framework. It's used by many other browser providers -- including Brave -- and as it is open source, anyone can examine its code for privacy flaws or vulnerabilities. Google engineers launched the project.
What is the most common personal web security risk?
Honestly? Putting your personal or contact information on social media. If you have your full name, phone number, address, or place of work anywhere on your social media, someone can use it to wreak havoc on your personal accounts.
To prevent this, avoid using your real name online where possible, turn off location tracking, and don't post about your place of work if you can help it. All it takes is a single piece of personal information for someone with very bad intentions to get a hold of your entire online presence. If you're posting photos of yourself away from home and on holiday, for example, you're letting people know your home is vulnerable.
Those innocent-looking name generator memes are another big issue (the ones that have you type out your first pet's name and your childhood street name to tell you your fortune or personality type). These are answers to common password recovery questions, so by letting the world know that your pet was called Fluffy, you could be handing over all of your personal accounts to internet criminals.
Do all search engines track you?
No. Privacy-focused search engines, including DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Ghostery do not log your search queries. If you're wondering how they make money, ads may be shown -- but they are not necessarily targeted based on your information. Other search engines may collect information to tailor their results and show you ads.
How do I remove private information from search engines?
It can be difficult to remove private information from online search engines, but depending on the nature of the information, it may be possible.
You can use a service like DeleteMe to remove generic data and online accounts, but you may also need to contact website owners directly in some circumstances. You can also send a request to Google, and the company will consider requests on a case-by-case basis.
Is DuckDuckGo actually private?
DuckDuckGo started out as a search engine that did not log your queries or allow advertisers to track you. The search engine is still there, but it is now bolstered by a browser -- a feature that fans have been requesting for years.
Like other secure and private browsers on the market, DuckDuckGo isn't perfect, but the company behind the service has been an advocate for consumer rights and privacy since its inception and offers one of the most private browsing experiences out there.
How do I enable Safe Browsing in Chrome?
If you're going to stick with Chrome, enable the browser's Safe Browsing for a layer of protection against malicious websites and online threats. Open Chrome, head to Settings, Privacy & Security, the Security tab, and then Safe Browsing.
You have three options: Enhanced protection, which offers Google's highest level of protection; Standard, which protects from "known dangers"; or you can turn Safe Browsing off.
Another security setting you should consider is enabling secure connections, which will warn you if you visit a website that doesn't support secure connections.
Should private browsing be on or off?
Private browsing ensures that the logs of your website visits aren't recorded in the browser's history. This doesn't mean that it is private, safe, or kept away from advertisers and trackers. Instead, these functions are device-based and stop logs from being linked to accounts.
For example, if you are Christmas shopping, and you don't want a loved one to catch wind of their present, a private browsing session is useful. You should also enable it if you're using someone else's device.
Is Safe Browsing and Incognito the same?
No. Safe Browsing and Incognito browsing are not quite the same. Safe Browsing will alert you to potentially malicious websites and will warn you if you encounter an online threat, whereas Incognito will hide your website visits on your browser and your device.
Also: Too many tabs? Try these browsers with better tab management than Chrome