Privacy and security concerns are a big issue, and many people are considering switching to lesser-known browsers, thinking they might offer better security than popular browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
I was curious about this, so I decided to see if they lived up to the hype.
Benefits of Lesser-Known Browsers
One big benefit of some of these lesser-known browsers is that they focus on privacy from the start. For example, Brave has built-in ad and tracker blocking. Not only does this make your browsing experience faster, but it also reduces the amount of data advertisers collect about you. With Brave, your privacy gets a boost without having to install additional extensions, as it automatically blocks third-party cookies and tracking scripts.
Enhanced Security Features
Avast Secure Browser is another great addition, offering solid security features like phishing protection and a special “bank mode.” This creates a secure environment, especially for online transactions, protecting you from things like keyloggers and screen capture attempts. Plus, if you’re already used to Chrome, it’s easy to switch to Avast Secure Browser because it looks and works just like Chrome, making it a user-friendly option for those looking for extra security.
Privacy-focused design
Some browsers, like LibreWolf, take privacy even further by removing all telemetry. This means no one is tracking your browsing habits, making it a great choice if you want to keep your online activities private. LibreWolf also enforces HTTPS connections as much as possible, ensuring your data is encrypted between you and the websites you visit.
For those who prioritize anonymity, Mullvad Browser, built in collaboration with Mullvad VPN, is another strong option. It blocks third-party trackers and fingerprinting attempts without relying on the Tor network, meaning you get anonymity without the slow browsing speeds that come with using Tor.
Potential Disadvantages of Lesser-Known Browsers
While these alternative browsers have some great privacy features, they also have some drawbacks.
Frequency of Updates
A big concern is how often these browsers release updates. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox release regular updates to fix security vulnerabilities, sometimes multiple times a month. However, some lesser-known browsers take longer to implement critical updates, which can expose you to security risks in the long run. For example, the default version of Epiphany (web) can become out of date without being manually updated, leading to decreased security.
Small User Base and Bug Reporting
Another problem is the small user base. With fewer people using these browsers, security bugs can go unnoticed for a long time. In contrast, mainstream browsers have huge communities that help identify and report bugs quickly. While browsers like Brave have a strong following, other lesser-known browsers may not have the same level of support, meaning any vulnerabilities that do come up may take longer to fix.
Privacy Concerns
Even browsers that prioritize privacy are not immune to issues. For example, in June 2020, Brave faced trouble for automatically adding affiliate links to searches for cryptocurrency companies like Binance and Coinbase. Although they quickly fixed the issue, it serves as a reminder that no browser is perfect for privacy.
Similarly, DuckDuckGo, which touts itself as a privacy-first browser, faced criticism when its mobile browser allowed Microsoft trackers on third-party sites while blocking trackers from Google and Facebook. This was due to a search agreement with Microsoft, and while DuckDuckGo’s founder acknowledged the issue and promised changes, it shows that even privacy-focused browsers can sometimes fall short. Finally, the Tor Browser, known for its ability to provide anonymity by routing traffic through multiple relays, may still be at risk. In early 2021, a hacker took control of more than 27% of the Tor network’s exit nodes, allowing them to potentially monitor traffic or downgrade HTTPS connections to certain cryptocurrency websites. This incident highlights the potential dangers of malicious exit nodes within the Tor network.