The Best Web Browsers for Privacy 2024

It’s no surprise that people want a more private browsing experience while surfing the web, as 33% of global consumers have experienced a data breach.[1] Internet users are now looking for web browsers that prioritize security and anonymity. A few names leading the pack are Opera and Mullvad.

Opera offers a built-in VPN combined with ad-blocking capabilities and cookie management tools. This makes it an attractive option for anyone seeking privacy without sacrificing functionality. On the other hand, the Mullvad Browser was developed in partnership with the Tor project and focuses on minimizing tracking and browser fingerprinting.

These are just two of our five picks for the best web browsers for privacy. Each stands out for its unique approach to securing user data and providing a safe browsing experience. So if you’re tired of your default search engine like Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome and want to enjoy private browsing, read on.

The 5 best web browsers for privacy 2024

• Tor Browser: Best for anonymous browsing
• Opera: Best for built-in VPN features
• Mozilla Firefox: Best for customizable privacy controls
• DuckDuckGo: Best mobile browser for privacy
• Mullvad Browser: Best for WebRTC protection

Tor Browser: Best for anonymous browsing

Who it’s best for

Tor is ideal for individuals who prioritize anonymity online. It suits users like journalists, activists, or anyone needing to shield their identity due to the sensitive nature of their internet activities. Those concerned about government surveillance or internet censorship also find Tor highly beneficial. Although it’s free, its advanced features cater to users with some technical know-how, making it less user-friendly for the general populace.

What we liked

We liked how Tor Browser excels in providing anonymity. It routes internet traffic through multiple servers globally to make it difficult for users’ online activities to be monitored or traced in any way. This enhanced privacy, alongside having an open-source nature and availability in multiple languages, makes it accessible and trustworthy. The fact that it was built by the U.S. Naval Research Lab (NRL) to hide intelligence and has continued maintenance by a non-profit organization also adds credibility to its security and privacy.

What we didn’t like

Despite its strengths, Tor Browser is not without drawbacks. It's notably slower than mainstream browsers due to its complex routing process for maintaining anonymity. Users might find this trade-off between speed and privacy challenging. Also, while Tor masks IP addresses effectively, it's not entirely foolproof, particularly at the exit nodes of its network. Using Tor might raise legal concerns in some countries due to its association with accessing the dark web.

Tor Browser specs

Opera: Best for built-in VPN features

Who it’s best for

Opera is a suitable choice for anyone looking to strike a balance between functionality and privacy. It’s great for those who want to avoid the technical complexities of more specialized privacy browsers. Opera offers a built-in virtual private network (VPN) feature, which comes as a significant advantage to those who wish to also use a VPN. This allows users to save money on the costs of a separate service. Opera is perfect for everyday users who value privacy but also want a user-friendly and versatile web browser.

What we liked

The VPN is the standout feature we like about Opera. It offers a straightforward solution for users to gain enhanced privacy and security. Given that this built-in VPN is free and easy to use, it appeals to users who are new to VPNs and are looking for a hassle-free experience. We’re also a fan of the robust cookie management tools on offer with Opera. They allow users to clear and manage browser cookies effectively to limit the spread of their information. It also boasts additional features like ad blockers and has a user-friendly interface.

What we didn’t like

One thing we do want to note is that the browser’s built-in VPN has some limitations. Although convenient, it isn’t likely to offer the same degree of protection or speed as a standalone VPN provider. It also doesn’t have as many server options, which can limit the options and a user’s access to geo-restricted content. Users looking for more advanced privacy features may find that Opera is a bit basic compared to the browsers that are fully focused on privacy.

Opera specs

Mozilla Firefox: Best for customizable privacy controls

FellowNeko/Adobe

Who it’s best for

Mozilla Firefox is an ideal option for users who value privacy and flexibility. It offers various levels of cookie management and tracking protection to allow users to tailor their privacy settings to suit them. This makes it a no-brainer for privacy-conscious individuals who want a personalized experience.

What we liked

Mozilla Firefox stands out for its robust and customizable privacy controls. It offers Enhanced Tracking Protection by default, blocking a wide range of trackers and harmful scripts. Users can further adjust these settings for more stringent privacy measures. We like how Firefox disables browser cookies and blocks third-party trackers. Its no-cost nature, user-friendly interface, and compatibility across various platforms also make it accessible to many. Finally, its open-source nature adds a layer of transparency and trustworthiness, which is essential when looking for a browser.

What we didn’t like

One downside to Firefox's extensive privacy features is that they can sometimes break websites or hinder the internet browsing experience. This occurs when essential cookies or scripts are blocked. Some users might find the customization process slightly complex. While Firefox is a strong contender here, it may not offer the same level of integrated security features as other specialized privacy browsers.

Mozilla Firefox pros and cons

DuckDuckGo: Best mobile browser for privacy

Timon/Adobe

Who it’s best for

DuckDuckGo is most beneficial for mobile users who prioritize privacy over everything else in their internet browsing experience. It's especially appealing to those wary of being tracked online by advertisers and data brokers. DuckDuckGo is designed for users who want simple, straightforward privacy features without any cost. It's a great choice for individuals who prefer web browser privacy without a complex setup or additional fees.

What we liked

DuckDuckGo shines with its commitment to not tracking user search history and maintaining privacy across web activities. Its straightforward privacy controls, such as the tracker blocker and Fire button for erasing browsing data, enhance user security without compromising ease of use. The private search engine's ability to block third-party trackers and ads organically is a significant plus, contributing to a cleaner and more private browsing experience.

What we didn’t like

A notable limitation of DuckDuckGo is that while it blocks trackers, ads based on search results still appear. Although not personalized, these ads might still be a concern for users seeking an ad-free experience. Additionally, some features like “bangs” can potentially undermine the privacy benefits DuckDuckGo offers, as they might lead to search leakage.

DuckDuckGo pros and cons

Mullvad Browser: Best for WebRTC Protection

Who it’s best for

Mullvad is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize WebRTC protection, essential for safeguarding against IP address leaks during real-time communication. It's ideal for individuals who engage in frequent video conferencing, VoIP calls, or use P2P services. Its emphasis on privacy without needing personal information during sign-up makes it a top choice for those seeking anonymity. While it's free as a browser, its associated Mullvad VPN service offers competitive pricing, appealing to users mindful of cost and privacy.

What we liked

Mullvad Browser stands out with its robust WebRTC protection, ensuring that users' real IP addresses are not exposed during web sessions. Its partnership with the Tor Project to develop a privacy-focused browser demonstrates its commitment to online anonymity. The browser's simplicity and user-friendly approach make it accessible to many users, irrespective of their technical expertise.

What we didn’t like

One concern is the browser's potential lack of integration with certain mainstream features or extensions that users might be accustomed to in more popular browsers. This might limit its appeal to a broader audience. Users familiar with more feature-rich browsers might find Mullvad's simplicity and focus on privacy a trade-off against functionality and customization options. It's also important to note that while the browser is designed for privacy, it does not inherently include all the features of a VPN service, which some users might expect. That comes at an additional cost.

Mullvad pros and cons

Best VPN extensions for web browser security

VPN browser extensions are terrific tools for enhancing your web browser security. They offer robust protection against cyberthreats and provide sufficient user privacy. These VPNs encrypt your online activities and mask your IP address to prevent web tracking and data breaches. They’re particularly beneficial for users accessing public Wi-Fi networks or handling sensitive data. Here’s a brief overview of three of the best browser extensions for privacy and security:

• NordVPN: NordVPN's browser extension is known for its strong encryption and privacy features. It provides a secure, encrypted tunnel for your browser traffic, protecting you from IP leaks and cyberthreats. NordVPN's extension includes threat protection, meshnet, dark web monitoring, dedicated IP, split tunneling, and more. Its lightweight design ensures fast browsing without slowing down your computer.
  
  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• Surfshark: Surfshark's browser extension offers a seamless blend of privacy and convenience. It includes an advanced CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. Surfshark is also known for its Bypasser tool, which allows certain websites or apps to bypass the VPN for faster access. The extension is user-friendly, with a simple interface and easy-to-navigate settings.
  
  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN's browser extension is highly regarded for its speed, robust security, and reliability. It offers TrustedServer technology to ensure that your data is never written to a hard drive, enhancing privacy. The extension is also equipped with a tracker blocker and ad blocker, among many more features. ExpressVPN's extension works in conjunction with the desktop application, providing an extra layer of security.
  
  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Best web browsers for privacy FAQs

Bottom line: The best web browser for privacy

When it comes to maintaining privacy online, the choice of a web browser is a critical decision. Among the top contenders, each browser brings unique features to the table. Tor Browser stands out for its unmatched anonymity and complex routing network, ideal for those who prioritize absolute privacy. Opera offers a balanced mix of functionality and privacy with its built-in VPN and user-friendly interface.

Mozilla Firefox is known for its customizable privacy controls and appeals to users seeking a personalized browsing experience with robust privacy features. For mobile users, DuckDuckGo provides an excellent solution focusing on not tracking user search history. Finally, Mullvad Browser emphasizes WebRTC protection and is tailored for users concerned about IP leaks during real-time communications.

In addition to these browsers, integrating VPN extensions such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN can enhance security and privacy. They offer an extra layer of protection and IP masking to provide you with comprehensive online privacy and security. Learn more about the best web browsers with built-in VPNs, like Opera, Aloha Browser, and Epic Privacy Browser.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.