Top five browsers for online privacy and security. When surfing the web, a lot of people operate under the assumption that the online world is a fair environment, and all websites have transparent data policies. Well, that can’t be further from the truth. There are loads of disconcerting minutiae about user data buried in the fine print of the End User License Agreement (EULA). Many popular media sites and online businesses use personal data collected from consumers in unethical ways.

For instance, many marketing companies trade user data for a variety of reasons. These organizations often leak personal data, which is, in turn, used to show consumers targeted ads. Using the right internet browser can improve your privacy online. A good browser will keep online marketers from tracking your online activity and protect your personal data. Here are the top five browsers for online privacy and security.

Tor

Tor is the ultimate browsing solution when it comes to maintaining total anonymity and privacy online. The Tor browser strives to keep your online activity as private as possible by routing your internet traffic across three different relays, effectively blocking malicious ads and browser cookies. Tor is definitely the browser for you if you’re looking for a solution that has thought of everything security-wise. A major drawback when using the Tor browser is the low download speeds.

Firefox

Mozilla Corporation’s Firefox is one of the best browsers when it comes to privacy and security. Firefox is an excellent option for internet users who are looking for an option that offers flexibility when it comes to privacy and security. If you like getting specific about how to manage privacy and security settings, Firefox is the browser for you. The browser comes with features such as the ability to block third-party trackers, cookies, and other unique ways to achieve customizable privacy.

Brave

Brave is a fast, secure, and privacy-focused internet browser. Some of the browser’s key privacy and security features include a native password manager, the ability to manage cookies as well as block ads and scripts, and automatic HTTPS connection upgrades. Developed by a former Mozilla employee, Brave is a decent option for out-of-the-box privacy and security. Brave is a chromium-based internet browser, which means that using this browser will feel pretty familiar if you have been using Google Chrome.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft’s latest flagship browser is one of the most secure browsers available. In terms of privacy, Microsoft Edge has a lot of similarities with Mozilla Firefox. For instance, the browser provides customizable privacy options allowing you to choose between three levels of privacy options (Basic, Balanced, and Strict). Microsoft Edge also gives you complete control over site permissions, including ads, location requests, and cookies.

Why You Still Need A VPN

A good browser can do a lot for your online privacy. However, a browser doesn’t protect you from all kinds of online threats. Your IP address remains exposed to trackers, ads, and sites. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still see every site you visit. To be completely safe when browsing the internet, you need an extra layer of security. We recommend that you download a VPN to stay protected. 

A VPN securely encrypts your internet traffic and conceals your IP address. Without a unique IP address to link back to your identity, websites, ads, and trackers can’t track your online activity. Using a VPN gives you complete anonymity on the internet. A VPN is easy to use; just download, set up, and get a subscription. Browsing the web with any of the browsers listed above while connected to a VPN service is the most effective way to ensure online privacy.