most secure browsers
When it comes to browsers, you might have heard about or used different browsers like Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, etc. While most browsers offer similar features, some are more secure when compared to others. So, it is important to choose a browser that offers the best privacy features for your daily use. Similarly, ease of use is also something you will need to consider. In this article, we have listed the top five browsers that are secure and easy to use, as well.

Browser Security

In general, most browsers retain their users’ browsing history, store cookies, and keep track of the websites they visit. Some even let users save their passwords. Most browsers do not offer solid security features and you cannot have a private experience while you browse the web. As a user, it is important to understand that browsers make available security and privacy options; it is up to the users to configure them.

Only a secure browser will offer security features to protect your privacy and personal information and stay anonymous online. The following are a few security features you will need to look for in browsers to have a secure browsing experience.

The browser you use must

  • Let you disable/enable cookies
  • Warn you of unsafe sites and downloads
  • Offer browser updates
  • Disable and enable pop-ups
  • Disable redirects
  • Let you grant or deny permissions to websites
  • Disable scripts for certain websites or for all websites
  • Let you delete or keep your browsing history and cache
There are some browsers that offer solid security and privacy features. Any time you set up a new browser, you will need to configure the settings manually.

Top Five Secure Browsers in 2023

  • Chrome
  • Safari
  • Firefox
  • Brave
  • Tor Browser

Chrome

One of the most commonly used browsers, Chrome offers best-in-class security features to secure your data and protect your privacy while you browse the web. When you use this browser, you can block scripts, pop-ups, and cookies. You will have the option to request websites you visit not to track your browsing habits. Likewise, you can turn on the setting to display warnings when you visit a spammy or dangerous website or download unsafe files.

Chrome will also alert you when the passwords you stored get exposed. You can also block websites you do not want to visit or the ones you consider to be dangerous. Chrome comes with the incognito navigation mode, using which you can browse the web without saving cookies or your browsing history.

Chrome is one of the top browsers that releases updates quite often so that you can keep your browser updated and make sure you have the latest security features.

The only drawback is that you will need to sign in to your Google account to use this browser. Though it tracks your personal information, this browser does not share it with websites you visit.

Safari

Safari, available on iOS and MacOS, comes with a suite of useful security features to let you secure your personal data while you browse the web. It offers features like password generator that will allow you to create strong passwords. This browser will prevent potentially harmful websites from loading and let you control browser permissions. Its Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature will prevent cross-site tracking. It will let you block cookies and also provide a privacy report with information on the trackers you might come across on the web. Safari’s private browsing mode uses DuckDuckGo by default, which will protect its users’ privacy while they browse the web.

However, Safari is not open-source, so you may not know what it does with the data it collects. This is one drawback of this browser.

Firefox

One of the most popular browsers available for Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, and Linux, Firefox is a secure browser that comes with great security features. This browser provides reports on the websites that try to track you and offers tracker protection.

You can turn on the setting to receive updates whenever there is a data breach. You can see what data Firefox collects and also opt out of data collection if you do not want the browser to collect any data. You can choose to block popups and turn on the setting that will automatically block malicious downloads.

It lets users set permissions for websites and it forces all websites to load over HTTPS to offer users a secure browsing experience. Browser updates are made available quite often and this browser is an open source project. So people who are aware of coding and who possess the required skill set can analyze the code and ensure that Firefox is collecting only the required data. You can also disable features like Telemetry and Pocket, if you do not want them.

Brave

A simple yet secure browser, Brave offers solid privacy features. It comes with browser fingerprinting protection and a built-in ad blocker that will by default block trackers and ads. It offers easy access to the Tor network and blocks third-party storage. It will also let you block scripts.

Brave is an excellent alternative to Chrome and you can use this browser with Chrome extensions. However, it is important to use only the extensions that will protect your privacy and security. It comes with a feature that will let users access the Dark Web. This browser is available for Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS.

This Chromium-based browser emphasizes the importance of HTTPS-encrypted connections and automatically upgrades its users’ connections to HTTPS. Though Brave is open-source, users do not trust it completely due to its Chromium base.

Tor Browser

Tor is well-known for its security and it is a great choice to avoid browser fingerprinting. This browser that runs on the Tor network will protect you from tracking. It will automatically clear your browsing history and cookies and it is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

As it runs on the Tor network, Tor follows a complicated connection procedure and it will encrypt your traffic thrice for three different decentralized nodes. Though this complicated procedure slows down the connection speed, it is almost impossible for hackers to intercept internet traffic.

The Tor browser focuses on privacy and security and so it does not support most plug-ins.
This browser, which is a hardened version of Firefox, can also be used without the Tor network disabled. In this case, it will work just like other browsers. However, you will need to be cautious whenever you adjust settings, as the changes you make could disable the browser’s built-in security features.

VPN for Browsers

If you would like to make your browsing experience more secure and wish to keep yourself completely anonymous, we suggest using a VPN. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic, make you completely anonymous by masking your IP address and let you browse the web without worrying about being tracked online.

Trustworthy VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and ExpressVPN offer extensions for browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and more. Most of these VPNs are compatible with the Tor browser, as well. If you would like to know more about VPN services that work well with the Tor browser, read our article on Best VPN for Tor browser. You can use a secure VPN with one of the browsers mentioned above to make your browsing experience more secure.

The Final Word

It is mandatory to choose a browser that offers solid security features to stay secure while you browse the web. Browsers mentioned above keep adding security features to make sure their users have a secure browsing experience. Nevertheless, if you are looking for additional security features and for complete online anonymity, the best thing you can do is to use a VPN.

If you would like to know more about VPN services that are compatible with the browsers mentioned above, check out our article on the Best VPN Services.