In today’s digital age, privacy is a top concern for many internet users. With data breaches and online tracking becoming more common, it’s important to use a browser that prioritises your privacy. Most Android devices today ship with Chrome as the default browser out of the box. But the company behind it, Google, has a massive ad business, meaning it may not all be inclined towards limiting tracking on its products. In this article, we’ll explore the top privacy-focused browsers available for Android devices – alternatives to Chrome, if you may. From blocking trackers to encrypting your data, these browsers offer a range of features to help keep your online activity secure. Firefox (Android / iOS) Firefox is arguably one of the most well-polished browser experiences on Android, with a modern interface and excellent scrolling performance. It also offers support for proper one-handed usage with most elements weighted toward the bottom for easier reach. By default, Firefox promises to block over 2,000 trackers that collect information about where you go online and slow down loading speeds. The browser lets you install extensions, bringing support for your favourite desktop extensions like Dark Reader and Ghostery to mobile (for the first time?). Third-party cookies and unwanted ads that follow you around the web are also swatted away with the Enhanced Tracking Protection mode. If Firefox’s extensive feature list feels overwhelming, then the browser also has an alternate, slimmed-down version called Firefox Focus. Brave (Android / iOS) If you have been a lifelong Chrome user and would rather that your next browser doesn’t stray too far from what you’re used to, then Brave makes the perfect privacy-focused alternative. The app sports a familiar interface but with a twist – the address bar has been moved to the bottom so that you don’t have to reach across your screen as often. Privacy takes the front seat with Brave, with the browser proudly reminding you of how safe you are right when you open it up. The Privacy Report feature on the new tab page shows you the number of trackers and ads you’ve blocked and the amount of data you’ve saved. Privacy-focused features on the browser include a built-in ad-blocker, anonymous browsing history, personalised private search, script blocking, cookie blocking, and private incognito tabs. Vivaldi (Android / coming soon to iOS) If you have used the desktop version of Vivaldi, you’d swear that Vivaldi is one of the most feature-rich browsers around. Its Android version is no less customisable, offering a plethora of options to manage tabs, including two-level stacked tabs, among other things. Vivaldi also offers proper tablet support so big-screen aficionados wouldn’t lament scaling issues while using it. Vivaldi promises it doesn’t track your behaviour (take that, Google!). A built-in Ad Blocker blocks privacy-invading ads and stops trackers from following you around the web. Popups can be gotten rid of “in a few clicks.” DuckDuckGo (Android) Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo also has a privacy-focused browser that goes by the same name. It isn’t big on features but privacy is beefy, with a built-in tracking cookie blocker, HTTPS enforcer, and a feature that “helps stop companies from creating a unique identifier for you by blocking their attempts to combine specific information about your web browser and device settings.” The browser also features a nifty Fire button right on the address bar atop, which clears your tabs and browsing data in a jiffy. Soul (Android) If you thought Vivaldi was customisable, wait till you hear about Soul Browser. One of the lesser-known internet surfers on Android, Soul goes the extra mile in terms of personalisation, letting you tinker around with just about everything you can see on it. The address bar, menu, search bar, tab bar, tabs page, and font can all be adjusted according to your liking. Privacy has also been special attention with Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control features. Via (Android) Via is the anti-Soul Browser. It weighs just 2MB and is designed for minimalism. As you can expect from a browser of this size, web pages load extremely quickly and scrolling is as smooth as it can get. Features are light but the browser does let you customise the homepage, letting you play with elements such as the search bar, background, and favourites. Privacy features include Do not track, Block third-party cookies, and an option that requests websites to not sell or share your data.
