5 Free Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private (2024)

Using an untraceable web browser leads to a much safer online experience. Fortunately, it's easy to start using a browser that prioritizes your privacy.

Here are a few of the best private browsers that are (almost) completely anonymous.

Why Use an Anonymous Web Browser?

Private information is big business, and everyone is trying to watch you. The secret services, governments, Microsoft, cybercriminals, and your creepy neighbor from across the street all want to know what you're doing all the time.

While it's almost impossible to completely remove yourself from the global grid, there are some steps you can take to reduce your information footprint.

The best place to start is with your browser. It's your main portal to the web, so using one of the best anonymous browsers will make a significant difference to your privacy. Simply enabling private browsing in your current browser isn't enough. You need a new browser to achieve true anonymous browsing.

Here are some options.

1. Tor Browser

5 Free Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private (1)

The Tor network has one simple goal: anonymous browsing. It's the best private web browser available and the best browser for accessing the dark web. The network aims to protect a user's location, browser history, personal data, and online messages from any person or bot that's performing network traffic analysis.

To access the Tor network, you need to use the Tor browser. It's so secure that the US Navy uses it for intelligence gathering. Tor is also used by law enforcement organizations who want to visit websites without leaving government IP addresses in the site's log. It's available for all major OS such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.

There are also some downsides to using the Tor browser. For most users, the biggest issue is speed. Because your traffic is taking such a twisty route to get to its destination, your browsing experience will not be as fast. If you have a good connection, it might not be an issue, but if your internet speed is slow, Tor might become painful to use.

Pros:

Cons:

Strong anonymity and privacy features.

Slower browsing speeds due to multiple relays.

Layered encryption for enhanced security.

Potential compatibility issues with certain websites.

Ability to access the dark web and blocked websites.

Download Tor: Windows | Mac | Android | iOS

2. Epic Browser

5 Free Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private (2)

Epic Browser doesn't use a specialized onion network, but it immediately disables lots of the most common ways your privacy is compromised when surfing the web.

For example, this free private browser doesn't save your history; there's no DNS pre-fetching; it doesn't allow third-party cookies; there are no web or DNS caches; and there's no autofill feature.

The browser automatically deletes any associated databases, preferences, pepper data, and cookies from Flash and Silverlight when you close your session.

Epic Browser will also protect you against newer scams and malware, such as fingerprint scanners, crypto mining, ultrasound signaling, and more. It is available for all major operating systems.

Pros:

Cons:

Robust privacy features, including ad and tracker blocking.

Limited support for extensions compared to mainstream browsers.

Encrypted proxy for added anonymity.

Smaller user base, potentially leading to less comprehensive support.

User-friendly interface for a seamless browsing experience.

Download Epic Browser: Windows/Mac | Android | iOS

3. SRWare Iron Browser

5 Free Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private (3)

If you're a Google Chrome user, SRWare Iron will be familiar; it's based on the open-source Chromium project, so a lot of the on-screen visuals look very similar.

The main difference between Chrome and SRWare Iron is data protection. Experts have criticized Chrome for its reliance on a "Unique User ID"; every time you start a session, Google is alerted to your data usage.

SRWare strips out the usage of an ID along with other Chrome privacy issues such as search suggestions. It makes SRWare Iron a great secret web browser.

Pros:

Cons:

Eliminates privacy-invasive features found in Google Chrome.

Depends on Chromium updates for security patches.

Offers a familiar browsing experience for Chrome users.

Potential for data collection by third-party extensions.

Supports Chrome extensions and apps.

Download SRWare Iron: Windows/Mac | Android

4. Comodo Dragon Browser

5 Free Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private (4)

Comodo doesn't come close to Tor Browser, but it does have some built-in tools that'll make browsing the web a safer experience.

For starters, this private web browser will automatically block all tracking, cookies, and web spies. It comes with built-in domain validation technology that'll instantly segregate strong and weak SSL certificates, and it uses the Comodo antivirus suite to protect you from ransomware, viruses, and other attack vectors.

Like SRWare Iron, it's based on Chromium, so it'll be an easy switch for a lot of people. It has two versions—one that looks like Chrome and one that looks like Firefox. Choose whichever you are more used to.

Pros:

Cons:

Utilizes Comodo's security technologies for enhanced protection.

Limited customization options compared to some other browsers.

Emphasizes SSL certificate verification for secure browsing.

Supports Chrome extensions and apps.

Download Comodo Dragon Browser: Windows

5. Brave Browser

5 Free Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private (5)

Brave Browser is another one of the best free private browsers. It stands out by focusing on both privacy and speed. Brave blocks unwanted ads and trackers by default, reducing how much data websites collect about users. It also offers features such as HTTPS Everywhere and script blocking to enhance privacy and security.

Additionally, the browser includes Brave Rewards, which allows you to opt into viewing privacy-respecting ads and earn cryptocurrency rewards. However, Brave's approach to advertising has received mixed opinions from users and the industry.

Pros:

Cons:

Default ad and tracker blocking for improved privacy.

Controversial approach to advertising and revenue generation.

Enhanced privacy and security features, such as HTTPS Everywhere.

Smaller user base compared to mainstream browsers.

Brave Rewards program for earning cryptocurrency.

Download Brave Browser: Windows | Android | iOS

Browse the Internet Anonymously

As concerns about online privacy continue to grow, the demand for private browsers has increased. It's surprisingly difficult to find a truly free anonymous browser that focuses on your anonymity and security as primary features.

The Tor Browser, Epic Browser, SRWare Iron, Comodo Dragon Browser, and Brave Browser are a few of the best private browsers. Each browser has its own unique advantages and potential drawbacks, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. By selecting a free private browser from this list, you can take significant steps toward safeguarding your online privacy and enjoying a more secure browsing experience.

Note that if you want to truly stay safe and enjoy anonymous browsing online, you should definitely pair your anonymous web browser with a reputable VPN that cares about your privacy.

Don't know which VPN to use? We highly recommend ExpressVPN. If you use this link, you can get three FREE months when you sign up for one year.

  • Security
  • Internet
  • Anonymity

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Manage Your List

Follow

Followed

Follow with Notifications

Follow

Unfollow

Readers like you help support MakeUseOf. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

5 Free Anonymous Web Browsers That Are Completely Private (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 6335

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.