As soon as you log in to the internet, your activities are monitored. The monitoring is done by your internet service provider and third-party trackers. Hence, to stay safe while browsing the internet, using a safe browser for Windows can protect your data from third parties. There are quite a lot of browsers available out there. But not all of them can be considered safe browsers. Instead, here are some suggestions for the best safe browsers for Windows 11/10 (Privacy focused)
How We Picked up Safe Browser?
There are numerous web browsers available out there that let you explore the internet seamlessly. However, since we are talking about safe browsers, most browsers aren’t fit for this list. Instead, we have handpicked safe browsers based on two factors.
How well does the browser protect you from vulnerabilities, online exploits, hackers, and other things on the internet? Secondly, how much data is the browser itself collecting about you? And with whom are they sharing your data? And how does the browser protect your privacy?
We have focused on browsers that protect your privacy and ensure that you are getting a seamless browsing experience.
Why is Browser Safety Important?
Many users do not give any importance to browser safety when browsing the internet. However, browser safety is an important thing that no one should ignore.
If you are not using a secure web browser, it can quickly lead your computer to a wide range of problems caused by anything from spyware installed on your computer without your knowledge.
A secure browser adds an extra layer of security measures to help you avoid third-party actions that can harm your computer or steal private data.
Most safe browsers have a list of permitted applications and activities and don’t allow functions not on that list to run. Secure browsers are a great help for blocking certain behaviors in the first place only. Additionally, third-party technologies such as cookies are blocked by safe browsers.
Safe Browsers for Windows 11/10 (Privacy Focused)
While there are many more, here is our list of five best privacy-focused browsers for Windows PC:
- Brave
- Tor Browser
- Epic Privacy Browser
- Opera
- WaterFox
We recommend you try each of them and then pick up whatever works best for you. Also, make sure to check the list of features.
1. Brave
Brave is a popular privacy-focused browser that claims to be 3x faster than Chrome and offers better protection from Google and Big tech.
The best part of Brave is that it blocks all creepy ads from every website by default. Also, it blocks ads that follow you across the web.
Also, it comes with features like ad-blocking, private search, incognito Windows, and VPN, and you can access all of these with just a click. Plus, it offers you anonymized network routing.
Features:
- Brave loads webpages 3x to 6x faster than other web browsers.
- Control content access to the full-screen presentation.
- Send “Do not track” with browsing requests.
- Configurable global shield defaults
- Super easy to switch to the Brave browser from other browsers.
- You can create a playlist right in your browser.
Pros:
- Blocks ads by default
- Built-in password manager
- Supports custom backgrounds
- Block trackers across all apps
Cons:
- Lack of browser extensions and add-ons
- Some features are still in Beta
2. Tor Browser
Regarding safe browsers for Windows, the Tor browser is a popular choice. It lets you protect yourself against tracking, censorship, and surveillance.
The browser works by anonymizing your web traffic using the Tor network. It makes it easy to protect your identity online.
The best part of Tor is that it hides your real IP address and system information from other website websites and services you visit. Plus, it hides what you are doing from your internet service provider.
Features:
- Cross-platform availability. It is supported by Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
- It secures your data with complex encryption before sending it over the internet.
- Automatic data decryption on the client-side
- It is a combination of Firefox Browser + Tor Project.
- It provides anonymity to servers and websites.
Pros:
- Hides real IP and System information
- Visit blocked websites
- Route data to/from behind the firewall
- Portable
Cons:
- Slow browsing because of too many checks
- Often associated with Darknet
3. Epic Privacy Browser
Epic Privacy Browser is another privacy-centric browser. The browser is private and secure and can effectively block ads, trackers, fingerprinting, crypto mining, ultrasound signaling, and more.
This browser can stop 600+ tracking attempts during an average browsing experience. Also, it offers you a free VPN with servers located in 8 countries for ultimate network privacy.
Features:
- It is built for speed and security
- Hide any files you download
- Built-in ad-blocker (crypto-mining scripts, ads, trackers, popups, etc.)
- Strict no-logging encrypted VPN
- Fingerprinting protection
- Built-in Video Downloader.
Pros:
- Always browse in incognito mode
- No browsing history.
- Option to close all the tabs and delete data
- Read articles for you using Epic’s audio queue
- Offers password-saving support
Cons:
- Not compatible with password managers.
- Some websites might not work.
- Updates are rarely released.
4. Opera
You can also have a look at Opera. It is faster, safe, and smarter than most web browsers.
The browser is fully featured for privacy, privacy, and security. Plus, it comes with some cool features. For instance, Opera lets you chat with your friends directly in your browser, connect your devices with Opera for file sharing, comes with a free VPN, and more.
Features:
- Free VPN
- You can instantly send files, links, and notes across your devices.
- It improves your laptop’s battery performance.
- Crypto wallet for making secure payments
Pros:
- Modern design
- Connect your social media apps to the browser
- Search in tabs so you can work more efficiently
- Offers customizable workspaces
Cons:
- No ad blocker.
- Slower than its competitors
- Cannot customize the Window design
5. WaterFox
Lastly, there is the WaterFox. It is a fork of the popular browser Mozilla Firefox and is entirely open-source. It offers you enhanced tracking protection that safeguards your privacy while you surf.
It prevents trackers from following you around the internet and collecting data about your browsing habits and interests without interfering with site operation. Also, it protects you from malicious programs like malware that drains your laptop battery.
Features:
- WaterFox is more privacy-focused compared to Firefox.
- Offers tracking protection
- It has removed many Firefox features that decrease users’ privacy.
- It offers the option to erase all online data on your system
Pros:
- WaterFox is faster than Mozilla firefox.
- It supports browser extensions.
- WaterFox comes with a built-in search engine.
- It uses few hardware resources.
Cons:
- WaterFox is less updated.
- The browser is not fully optimized.
Conclusion
So that was the list of safe browsers for Windows 11/10. All the browsers mentioned above are secure and offer a smooth browsing experience. So check them out and see which one you like the most. Also, for any other suggestions, drop a comment below.
Are Tor browsers safe?
Tor is definitely a better choice than all the safe browser options. It strengthens your privacy and offers you a safe browsing experience compared to browsers that provide no protection. However, Tor is not 100% secure, and its traffic passes through Tro nodes. So your traffic has to be decrypted before it reaches the open internet, and the person operating your exit node can monitor your traffic.
Is Edge safer than Firefox?
Both Edge and Firefox are pretty equal in terms of features and data encryption. However, Mozilla Firefox is a better choice for better online privacy and data transparency.
Is Opera browser safe?
Opera is one of the safest browsers out there. The browser offers you a free VPN, ad blocker, and flow file sharing, which are some must-have features. Also, it provides you with a smoother and distraction-free browsing experience while safeguarding your privacy online.