Internet

The best private browsers for maximum online safety

By: Dale Arasa - @inquirerdotnet

Inquirer Los Angeles / 09:09 AM June 16, 2021

Are you looking for the best private browser? The idea of internet privacy is becoming more popular as more people become aware of online tracking. As a result, more folks like you are searching for a privacy-focused browser.

We’ll jump right into it by going through the four best private browsers. Then, we’ll clear up some misunderstandings about private browsing. More importantly, we’ll discuss the reasons why it can be good or bad.

It’s creepy knowing that corporations and unknown groups see what you do on the internet. Yet, we know that it happens whenever we visit a website or buy online. The best private browsers enable users to keep their online activity to themselves.

#1: Tor Browser

If we’re talking about the best private browser, Tor would certainly fit the bill. It started as Onion Routing, a way to use the internet with utmost privacy.

David Goldschlag and Paul Syverson of the US Naval Research Lab took on the challenge. In October 2002, they released the Tor network as free, open-source software.

Tor stands for “The Onion Routing.” Then in 2008, they began creating Tor Browser. Eventually, it became essential for activists around the world. It was important during the 2010 Arab Spring.

Nowadays, the Tor Project aims to provide uncensored internet for everyone. It has become the most powerful tool for online freedom and privacy. Here are some of its security features:

Block third-party trackers – Tor browser blocks trackers from the websites you visit.
Let nobody know the sites you visit – It makes sure trackers can’t identify you based on your browser and device data.
Multiple layers of security – Your data passes through three layers over the Tor network.
Browse freely – Tor Browser lets you open websites that may be blocked in your country.

If there’s one negative about Tor Browser, it’s that it’s too good. Many countries understand how powerful it is. That’s why some of them ban Tor.

The Tor team has real expertise. That’s why their browser remains the go-to for internet privacy. If you’re looking for the best private browser, look nowhere else.

#2: Brave Browser

The best private browsers often have limited features. While they focus on online privacy, regular users may find them lacking. Luckily, Brave Browser boldly challenges this notion.

The lion head adds nifty features to your private browsing experience. Here are some of the other things you can do with Brave:

Loads pages 3x to 6x quicker – Brave Browser opens your websites much faster than Chrome and Firefox.
Import data from your old browser – Add the bookmarks and settings, so you can easily continue where you left off. While you’re at it, you might as well turn it into your new default browser!
Sync your devices – Brave Sync makes sure all your devices are updated.
Brave Rewards – Support content creators by watching ads on the browser. In turn, those folks earn BAT (Basic Attention Tokens) that they can exchange for regular money.
Features for Brave iOS users – The lion head has a treat for Apple mobile users. Brave Browser lets them create, watch, listen, and save playlists. Put any media, from songs, videos, YouTube clips, or even Twitch streams.

Brave Browser has one weird problem, and it all has to do with BAT. It wants users to watch ads so they can support certain artists. That misses the point of private browsers: blocking ads!

What’s more, the world has been moving away from direct advertising for years. Instead, they turn to new forms like sponsored content. These subtler methods are more effective too.

Setting BAT aside, Brave is one of the best private browsers right now. Perhaps the Brave team can confidently come out with improvements to BAT.

#3: DuckDuckGo

Here’s one of the best private browsers that stand out. For one, it’s not a standalone browser on PC! Rather, it’s an extension for Google Chrome.

DuckDuckGo has mobile browsers, though. You may download it from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Even better, it’s free!

So why did we include it in this list? Well, you’ll find the smiling bird in other best private browser lists. It’s easy to see why though, especially if you look at what it can do:

Add it to Google Chrome – If you’re one of the many who like Chrome, DuckDuckGo lets you keep using it. The extension will just secure your browsing experience.
Ad tracking prevention – Make the pesky trackers “DuckDuckGo away” (pun intended)!
Keep your browsing history to yourself – Your default search engine probably keeps tabs on your searches. Not DuckDuckGo, though.

Unfortunately, DuckDuckGo and Brave have a similar “fowl” (pun intended again). The happy bird still shows ads because it needs the revenue.

At least they’re not based on your online activity. You won’t get ads that seemingly track your online purchases. Direct advertising is still not the best for DuckDuckGo, though.

#4: Mozilla Firefox

Here’s one of the most popular and secure browsers out there. Mozilla Firefox is almost as well-known as Chrome. More importantly, it has these features:

Faster, smaller browser – The Fox is faster than Chrome. What’s more, it doesn’t eat so much data too!
Add more features – You want more functions? Firefox lets you add as much as you want.
Personalize your browser – Choose how your Firefox looks. Pick a theme or make your own.
Picture-in-picture – If you use YouTube, you’ll notice it lets you place videos into a mini window. Firefox does this too.
Private Browsing Mode – It’s like Chrome’s Incognito mode. Turn it on to keep data and history tracking off.
Blocks ad trackers – Of course, one of the best private browsers keeps third-party trackers away.
Password Tracker – It’s like Google Passwords. Let the Fox fill in the login details each time you go to certain sites.

While the Fox is faster than Chrome, it still can’t beat the Brave lion head. Also, it has fewer extensions available compared to Chrome.

You may use Firefox on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Still, it works best on Windows. Firefox is one of the best private browsers. It has lots of room for improvement, though.

Why private browsing isn’t what you think

Most people think they’re invisible once they hit privacy mode. Even the biggest web browsers admit the limits. For example, Microsoft Edge’s InPrivate mode warns it can’t hide from ISPs.

These settings just don’t save your cookies, searches, and browsing history. Others may still see your IP address. Websites you visit track your sessions in them.

If someone else provides your access, they could see what you’re doing too. Using connections from companies or schools lets them see what you’re doing.

This doesn’t mean the best private browsers are useless, though. They can secure your sessions as much as possible. Just don’t expect 100% privacy on the internet.

More importantly, remember to keep your info safe. Never share any personal details on any site, especially on private browsers. You’re responsible for what you do with these browsers.

Moreover, you can still get viruses with private browsers. Be careful about the sites you visit. Otherwise, you may get harmful viruses and malware.

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Why private browsing can be good or bad

They provide private browsing for folks around the world. In turn, they share the goodness of the internet with everyone. Here are other reasons why private browsing is good:

It promotes freedom for all.
Private browsing allows sharing of information.
In turn, it could promote humanity’s progress.
Regulations may violate human rights.

Unfortunately, not everyone who uses private browsing is good. Some people use it to perform illegal activities. Here are some reasons why private browsing can be bad:

It may open the public to harmful content, especially children.
Shady characters may use it to violate the law.
Sensitive data may spread, putting countries in danger.

Final thoughts

Believe it or not, cryptocurrency can improve private browsing. The Orchid Network provides a VPN powered by crypto. It uses OXT coins as its cryptocurrency.

People may purchase OXT to buy bandwidth on the Orchid Network. In exchange, the Orchid Network uses blockchains to keep your internet session private.

Cryptocurrencies are much more than internet money. It could transform many aspects of life around the world. Specifically, it may provide better private browsing.

Learn more about the best private browsers

Is there a truly private browser?

Even the best private browsers can’t hide your internet presence 100%. The sites you visit keep tabs on your sessions. Some folks can still see your IP address.

Can incognito searches be tracked?

The websites you visit while using the mode can track you. What’s more, your internet provider can see what you’re doing online despite privacy modes.