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Open the laptop, power it on, click on Chrome, search what you want.
Many think a browser and search engine are interchangeable. While the search engine is important in what searches you get, what is equally important to your internet privacy is how you get that info: from the browser.
As noted, most just use Chrome. Though if you look at your Task Manager, can you see just how much resources Chrome sucks up, in addition to Microsoft Edge browser already being in the background? Some may constitute this to using Windows and just switch to linux. However, even on Linux if you use Chrome, it will still take up much resources. Also, when it comes to ADs targeting you, what browser you use will have a lot to do with how you’re targeted.
What option is there than Chrome? Well I’m glad you read today’s article then, because when first looking into it myself, I didn’t realize just how much fun I’d have finding out.
Finding a browser begins with what you need:
- Simple?
- Plug-ins?
- Private?
I’m sure there’s more to put a browser under, but these are the main gist, whether you only need to search without any clutter, or need plug-ins for extra features, and/or a private browser that you can bank and search whatever you want without Google or Microsoft taking note. 11:36
Simple VS Features
There’s 1 thing to realize before comparing options- **all browsers are built on chromium**, chrome? Dang how will I ever… No, I said Chromium! That’s Chrome’s base (an upstream) without the bloatware.
The simple browsers won’t include AI integration, unlike browsers with features (unless said otherwise).
What about Firefox? From supporting telemetry as of recent and incorporating AI, look at this article to see.
Simple
- Chromium
- LadyBird
- Zen
- LibreWolf - very private
Features
- Vivaldi - wants to be private, yet… no AI.
- Arc - bad for privacy too but many love it anyway
- Opera - terrible for privacy
Why private?
If you scroll through Pinterest, Facebook, or just your search engine, do you find the ADs that show up similar to what you needed? Some may think this is just what is needed, others are annoyed- and for good reason. All these platforms have a way of sharing between each other what you search so that they can profit. This isn’t just in finding a product you need though, your info also goes to data brokers. For example, if you search yourself up right now, what will you find? Every address you’ve lived at and every social handle you’ve used? If not, then that’s great, but more often than not you’ll find all about yourself.
While even when using the right browser can this info show up, it’s every little detail that builds up into a trail that can follow you through every internet tunnel you go through. Seeing when you bought a home or when you got married will be at the top of the list for data brokers to take advantage of when they send a phishing email or phone call describing exactly who you are.
Here are the best private browsers and why.
- mullvad
- brave - voted as most private, and it doesn’t look so bad either (it’s pretty cool) only downsides are rewards, tho features can be disabled.
Takeaway
Notice how many of my sources come from forums (Reddit unfortunently)? Since we’re looking at user feedback on these browsers, while some things like statistics need to be quoted elsewhere, a user’s feedback will most likely shed the most light.