Google knows you. It saves your browser histories, keeps tabs on your YouTube preferences, and if you have a mobile device, Google is able to ping it. Chrome sends this information to its partners who then reach out to you with targeted ads. Couple that with the anticipation that soon Chrome will no longer support popup blockers and other privacy extensions to stop this much tracking and it may be time to part ways with this browser. Here are a few alternatives to Chrome to try out.
Most customizable: Vivaldi
Vivaldi has a similar feel as Google Chrome because it uses the same Chromium base code. It imports your settings, histories, and bookmarked pages from your Chrome account so you don't have to manually enter everything in. It's the most customizable web browser, down to the position and look of the browser tabs, and offers a bit more security than Chrome. Google Drive is still accessible from this browser and most Chrome extensions also work with Vivaldi. Free at Vivaldi.
Malware protection: Avast Secure Browser
This browser is fast, automatically transfers your bookmarks, history, and settings from Chrome, and comes with the Avast internet security browser extension already installed. It earns high scores for stopping malicious files from downloading to your computer and stops you from accidentally accessing phishing schemes and webpages harboring malicious files. Avast Secure Browser comes with its pop-up blocker already enabled and a link to its free antivirus program. Free at Avast.
Open source: Brave
Brave is an open-source browser, which means you can add code yourself and customize the tools available. The base browser is pretty bare, which means there aren't many standard features included, but it also makes this browser impressively fast at navigating to and loading web pages. Because it's built on the Chromium code, Brave looks and functions similar to Chrome. Free at Brave and Brave Release, Brave Beta and Brave Nightly.
Closest to Chrome: Opera
Opera is a popular alternative to Chrome because it uses the same source code and feels and functions similarly. It's a bit faster than Chrome and several extensions that are designed for Chrome work with Opera, too. Opera doesn't track your online movements quite as Chrome does, so it's better for privacy, but it also doesn't have webpage blocking listed among its security or privacy settings. You can use add-ons to accomplish this, and most Chrome extensions work with Opera. Free at Opera
Non-Chromium option: Firefox
If you're ready to give up on Chromium altogether, Firefox is the obvious answer. This browser is very secure and after several upgrades is much more user-friendly. It bookmarks pages, stacks tabs and will resume the last pages you had open the last time you had the browser open. Firefox is also one of the best at both stopping malicious downloads and blocking dangerous websites with just its default security settings enabled. Changing these settings gives you more privacy and security. Free at Mozilla
Window's solution: Microsoft Edge
For Windows 10 users, your desktop came with access to Microsoft Edge. Edge has a clean look and is easy to navigate. It taps into Windows Defender to help ensure your computer doesn't become infected, plus it loads webpages quickly. One neat feature is Notes, which lets you highlight passages on any website and save it for you to read later. Edge, unfortunately, doesn't work with older versions of Windows. Free at Microsoft
Old school IE: Maxthon
For Internet Explorer enthusiasts, Maxthon is worth considering. This browser looks and works like IE, built using the same base code, but it's still supported with new updates. It's compatbile with older versions of Windows and Windows 10. It reaches older sites that haven't been updated to recognize or support Microsoft Edge. Maxthon has a drag-and-drop feature that lets you grab content from a page and drop it into an IM or email message. Free at Maxthon
VPN browser: Tor Browser
The Onion Routing, or Tor Browser, is a good way to navigate the web without being detected. Unlike a privacy browser, Tor truely blocks your identity, by shielding your IP address while you are online. Instead, anything trying to track you will be shown a random IP address set up by Tor. This browser automatically blocks trackers, ads, and cookies so they can't figuring out who you are, capture browser histories or follow you around the web. This helps cut down on targeted ads. Free at Tor
Midori Browser
The Midori Browser we care about the privacy and anonymity of our users, so browsing is 100% private and thanks to the alliance with Dongee we will offer a service called Midori Virtual Network.
A VPN that will give a total and complete anonymity to users when browsing, and to improve your experience, you have full control of all your information since we do not store sensitive data.
Meet Min: A smarter web browser
Min is written entirely with CSS and JavaScript using Electron, and is open-source software, available on GitHub. Min is designed to be fast. It uses less battery power, so you don't have to worry about finding a charger.
Iridium Browser
Speed: Iridium is just fast in every way. It starts very fast, loads and also renders very complex web sites really fast.
Privacy: Chromium (which Iridium is based on) is a very secure browser, yes. But it does call home to Google and we did even more to enhance security to the maximum extent possible.
Ease of Use: Just anybody can use Iridium right away. It is simple and easy to handle, it does not require any special knowledge at all.
Qutebrowser
Qutebrowser is a keyboard-focused browser with a minimal GUI. It’s based on Python and PyQt5 and free software, licensed under the GPL. It was inspired by other browsers/addons like dwb and Vimperator/Pentadactyl.
Slimjet
Fastest web browser that automatically blocks ads.
Tired of all the obtrusive ads that attempt to track everything you do online, irritates your eyes and wastes your time? Welcome to the ONLY browser that automatically blocks ALL ads. No plugins, opt-ins or configurations needed. Enjoy a clean and ad-free web at lightning fast speed.
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