Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
ZDNET Highlights
- There are many open-source web browsers available.
- It doesn’t matter what platform you use, there’s an open-source app.
- Each of these web browsers is free to install and use.
How much time do you spend in your web browser? I would venture to say that this number is much higher than you think. If I had to guess, I probably spend 6-7 hours a day using web browsers (and that’s probably underestimating my estimate).
Web browsers are essential, not only for work, but also for home, school, entertainment, shopping…
Also: 5 Reasons Why Zen Is My New Favorite Browser (RIP, Opera)
Chances are you’re using the Chrome web browser, which is proprietary (ie, closed-source). Did you know that Chrome is based on an open-source web browser? (More on that in a bit.) Open source evolves much faster than its proprietary brethren. Not only that, but when a vulnerability is discovered in a piece of open-source software, it is fixed very quickly, a feat proprietary software cannot match.
There are many open-source web browsers available, many of which are as good as or better than Chrome. Let me introduce you to our top open-source browser choices.
1. Zen Browser
zen browser Based on Firefox and does what Firefox hasn’t done for a while… listen to users. Zen Browser quickly adopted vertical tabs, workspaces, and a great theme engine. Those three features alone put Zen Browser at the top of my list, and that’s why it’s my default web browser on Linux. I would also use Zen Browser as my MacOS default, but for some reason, the UI feels a bit broken. When the developers fix that problem, you can bet I’ll keep my Zen on when using Apple’s OS. Zen Browser is the perfect blend of performance, flexibility, efficiency and beauty. What else could you want in a browser?
2. Brave
Brave is one of the most secure web browsers on the market not named Tor. Yes, there are some bits of Brave (like everything crypto related) that I always disable when I use the browser for the first time, but other than that, Brave is an amazing experience right out of the gate. As I said, Bahadur is safe. First, there’s the “Shields” feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinting. This feature is enabled by default, so you don’t need to do anything to increase security. Brave also features built-in protection against malicious sites and downloads using Google Safe Browsing. If you want high security, flexibility, and open-source, Brave is the browser to beat.
3. Chromium
Chromium is the “mother of all browsers”. I say this because there are a lot of browsers (including Chrome) that are based on this one browser. If you prioritize privacy and transparency, you would be better off switching from Chrome to Chromium. Why? Well, migrating from Chrome to Chromium is incredibly simple because, on the surface, they are very similar.
Also: For anonymous browsing, these extensions are the next best thing after Tor
One thing that Chromium doesn’t have is Chrome’s data collection features. That alone should make you consider the leap. If you’re serious about your privacy, but don’t want to learn to use a different browser, just switch to Chromium. One caveat about Chromium is that, because it strips Google services, you’ll have to manually (and regularly) update the browser, and you’ll likely find you have to manually install some codecs for specific media types.
4. Tor Browser
If you’re really serious about security and privacy, there is no better browser to use than the Tor browser. Tor uses the Tor network to encrypt and anonymize all your data, so anyone sniffing a data packet will have a hard time seeing what you’re sending. Truly, if you really value your security and privacy, there is no other option.
Also: 5 Best Chrome Browser Alternatives That Put Your Privacy First
There are a few things to remember when using Tor. First, because of its reliance on the Tor network, it is slower than most browsers. Second, it is not as intuitive as other browsers. Although there is a slight learning curve, the time you spend is worth the security you get. I often tell people to use your regular browser when security isn’t as important, but when you need the most security, use Tor.
5. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a great browser that is also the most flexible app of its kind. Vivaldi puts you in the driver’s seat for customization, and you can do a lot. If you are tired of the standard “Chrome-like” layout of web browsers, you should definitely try Vivaldi. Vivaldi also includes features like an ad/tracker blocker, tab management, a dashboard, and built-in tools like mail, calendar, and a VPN. I like to think of Vivaldi as Opera’s open-source cousin (but without the amazing theme engine).
