Best secure browsers for privacy 2025: Stay anonymous online with these anti-tracking browsers
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The internet is a battleground for user privacy. The moment you open your browser and begin surfing, companies will track your movements, force you to accept data collection policies that may include third-party data storage, sharing, and sales, and you will be fingerprinted for targeted advertising.
But how do you stop the privacy invasion? The first step is to choose a browser that can help you stay anonymous and actively works to prevent its users from being tracked. You need to know how the browser developer approaches user privacy, whether or not search histories are logged or shared, and if any nasty surprises are lurking in its privacy policy. Brave is one of the best options out there for secure browsing, with alternatives including the Tor Browser.
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What is the best secure browser for privacy right now?
Brave is my top pick for the best browser for privacy, based on its ad-tracking prevention, security settings, usability, and speed, making it my top choice for a secure browser that will suit most users.
However, if you're after a browser and search engine combination for private queries, you can't go wrong with DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo is known for its anti-tracking stance and continues to refine its browser -- software born out of the popularity of its no-logs search engine -- to match.
ZDNET experts have kept a finger on the pulse of the secure browser sphere for decades, and many of us have tried and tested different privacy-focused options over the years. Read on to find out the rest of my top picks for the best secure browsers for privacy in 2025.
Best secure browsers for privacy in 2025
Brave is a Chromium-based browser that blocks ads, fingerprinting, and ad-trackers by default, and is one of my favorite browsers overall -- and my top choice if privacy is paramount.
Why we like it: Brave has millions of users worldwide. The company
Brave also has several privacy-enhancing settings, including blocking third-party ad trackers, upgrading unsecured HTTPS connections, and blocking cookies and fingerprinting. The company says disabling invasive ads and trackers improves loading times on desktop and mobile.
Brave operates a "Tor mode" that provides anonymized onion network routing. The browser developer offers a
The company's business model relies on ads that pay publishers and users when users pay attention to adverts, but it isn't imposed on users. Brave is transparent about this revenue stream, wherein users are rewarded in crypto tokens only if they opt into ad viewing.
Also: 10 common dangers VPNs won't protect you from online - and how to avoid them
As of version
Recently, Brave announced it would block Microsoft Recall's activities by default, effectively stopping the controversial tool from capturing your Windows activity.
Who it's for: Many users say the browser exceeds their expectations, although others find some functionality, such as VPN connectivity, could be improved. I enjoy using Brave, but it takes some time to get used to, especially if you're using Chrome or Edge. Still, it's one of the better secure browser options on the market.
If you don't mind a reasonable learning curve, Brave is for you.
Brave also offers a feature called "
Who should look elsewhere: As Brave has recently
Brave features: Chromium-based | Blocks third-party ad trackers | Private search | Blocks cookies | Incognito windows | Onion routing | VPN | Off the Record browsing | AI assistant | iOS HTTPS by default | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.8
Another solid choice for improving your privacy on the web is the Tor Browser, a nonprofit project focused on anonymizing users online.
Why we like it: Its proprietary web browser disguises your internet protocol (IP) address and activity by relaying them through a network of servers, or nodes, run by volunteers.
Bouncing your information through different relays makes tracking exceptionally difficult, which is beneficial if you don't want your internet service provider (ISP) or anyone else to spy on your online activity.
Tor can be crucial for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and people avoiding censorship. The Tor Browser is also a popular choice for accessing the deep web -- a collection of websites that are inaccessible through traditional means such as search engines, in what is known as the "clear" web.
Also: I found the most private and secure way to browse the web - and it isn't incognito mode
The Tor Browser's default search engine is DuckDuckGo, which will not log or store your search queries.
Tor's latest release contains a variety of bug fixes and improvements for
Who it's for: While it isn't a mainstream choice, the Tor Browser is well-regarded by people who don't want to be tracked on the web. The Tor Project updates it frequently, and the browser is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
Who should look elsewhere: Users applaud the network's uncompromising approach to privacy but report slow speeds and occasional problems with CAPTCHAs. Due to the architecture of the Tor network, page loads in the Tor browser can be slower, and some sites might not work well.
There's also a learning curve to consider, which may deter some users. Based on my own experience, I would recommend that interested users read up on the Tor Network and how it operates before downloading, as its difficulty level means it is not my top choice.
Nonetheless, the Tor browser is one of the best privacy-preserving browsers available.
The Tor Browser features: High levels of security and anonymization | Onion routing | DuckDuckGo integration | Access to websites outside the clear web | Blocks trackers and cookies | Fingerprint resistance | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.6
When it comes to DuckDuckGo, user privacy comes first -- and this includes your search queries, making it my top choice if you don't want your searches recorded.
Why we like it: The company, which offers a privacy-focused search engine and browser, is a vocal supporter of consumer privacy rights and now handles millions of user search queries daily.
DuckDuckGo was once only a search engine, but user demand led to the developers releasing a mobile-friendly browser app, followed by a desktop version. The organization's browser provides private search, website protection and blockers, web encryption, and more.
DuckDuckGo's
Also: 5 great Chrome browser alternatives that put your privacy first
DuckDuckGo is experimenting with
So, how does it make money? DuckDuckGo shows ads but does not engage in targeted advertising. DuckDuckGo also offers
DuckDuckGo has
Who it's for: If you want your search engine queries to remain private, DuckDuckGo is the best option.
Furthermore, the DuckDuckGo browser has been designed to be user-friendly, and its new refresh is a welcome change. I still like how it helps new users import their existing bookmarks and passwords, sets itself as the default, and guides users through its security practices. So it could be a good option for beginners, too.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a browser with a wide array of security tools for overall privacy, consider Brave or another of my recommendations.
DuckDuckGo features: Mobile and desktop private browser | Does not collect user data | AI experiments: DuckDuckGo AI Chat | No search engine query trackers, private searches | Data removal and identity restoration services | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.0
Firefox is a reasonable choice for individual browser privacy across multiple devices if you're looking for a mainstream option.
Why we like it: One of Firefox's most important privacy features is enhanced tracking protection. Mozilla has borrowed Tor techniques to block browser fingerprinting, and Firefox's developers are constantly seeking to improve tracking-prevention features.
Also: How to protect yourself from phishing attacks in Chrome and Firefox
Firefox offers numerous options to customize the browser for enhanced privacy. It blocks social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, tracking in private windows, crypto miners, and fingerprinting scripts. There is also a "strict" mode that might
Several months ago, Mozilla said it was working on Anonym Private Audiences, a system for advertisers and platforms to "work together using first-party data to create targeted audiences" without sharing user data.
Who it's for: Firefox's default privacy settings are strong, and its tracking protection is of great benefit, so this will suit anyone who wants solid privacy through a well-known browser. You can also try out new features through
Another option for Firefox fans is
You can also check out a range of browsers based on Firefox, but with additional protection, such as Librewolf.
Who should look elsewhere: Users enjoy Firefox's approach to privacy, but note that it can be a resource hog. In my own testing, I find that Firefox is user-friendly and familiar, which means there isn't much of a learning curve to use it, but it can be a strain on PC resources. If you use an older PC, I'd opt for a less intensive browser.
Mozilla Firefox features: Enhanced tracking protection | Firefox Focus for mobile | Strict privacy standards | DNS queries sent to a secure resolver service | Focus on accessibility | Encrypted Client Hello | AI development | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.6
The Mullvad Browser is marketed as the "Tor Browser without the Tor network."
Why we like it: The Tor Project team built the browser, but it's distributed by Mullvad, a respected Swedish virtual private network provider.
The browser emulates the Tor network by creating a similar fingerprint for all users, improving anonymity. Furthermore, the browser comes with a private mode out of the box, blocks tracking and cookies, and prevents online functions that extract information from visitors, such as device identifiers.
Mullvad was
Despite the trouble it must have caused Mullvad at the time, I think it's beneficial that we've seen how the company handles user data requests from law enforcement.
The Mullvad Browser is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, or as a Firefox extension.
You can use the browser as a standalone product or combine it with
In recent news, Mullvad announced it is removing
Also: 5 alternative browsers that might just replace Safari on your Mac
Who it's for: Anyone who wants to pair a privacy-first browser with a VPN. I've tested the VPN, and while it doesn't offer the largest server network around, speeds are good, and I trust it. The company operates a fixed access rate of €5, or about $5.84, per month.
Who should look elsewhere: Mullvad is relatively new, and so if you want a secure browser with a longer history, try out Brave. If circumventing censorship is your top priority, go for Tor.
Mullvad Browser features: Fingerprint masking approach | Removes online identifiers | Private mode enabled by default | Blocks trackers and cookies | Extension available | VPN available | Defense against AI-guided Traffic Analysis (DAITA) | Google Play rating: 3.6 | App Store rating: 4.1
What is the best browser for privacy?
Brave is my top pick for the best browser for privacy based on its approach to user privacy, ad-tracking prevention, the wide range of privacy settings on offer, usability, and speed. That said, since no browser is perfect, you should decide which option suits you best.
Best browser for privacy | Ad tracking prevention? | Mobile support? | Onion routing? |
Brave | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
DuckDuckGo | ✓ | ✓ | Available |
Mozilla Firefox | Available | ✓ | X |
Mullvad Browser | ✓ | X (VPN only) | Via Tor |
Which is the right browser for privacy for you?
Choose this... | If you want... |
Brave | The best overall browser for privacy. Brave's default focus is on privacy and security, and the addition of optional Tor onion routing is a nice touch. Incognito browsing and off-the-record services are also available, making it a great all-round choice for most and one that I use frequently. |
Tor | A system based on the onion routing network. You can access deep web websites and remain relatively anonymous. While often slow, Tor provides a level of security suitable for whistleblowers, activists, and anyone else with concerns about being tracked or spied upon. |
DuckDuckGo | A search engine or browser that never stores or logs your search queries. The browser extends the original search engine functionality to mobile and desktop, bringing online browsing fully under the DuckDuckGo umbrella. Private search and web protection are also available. |
Mozilla Firefox | A mainstream secure browser that focuses on preventing tracking. Firefox's anti-tracking prevention is multi-layered and will help prevent you from being profiled online. The Firefox Focus app is also worth exploring as a privacy-first mobile browsing solution. |
Mullvad Browser | To use a secure browser with a virtual private network (VPN). Mullvad is a one-stop shop, meaning you don't need to download and install additional privacy-protecting extensions. The VPN doesn't have the largest server network, but it is reliable and fast, and it offers one of the most flexible plans on the market. |
What is a secure browser for privacy and why do I need one?
A privacy-focused, secure browser automatically erases your browsing and search history and cookies. It may also limit web tracking and help hide your location.
Privacy-focused browsers may also promote virtual private network (VPN) usage and include features designed to bypass censorship blocks and keep you as anonymous as possible such as via access to onion routing and refusing to log site visits or web searches.
Also: How to delete yourself from internet search results and hide your identity online
If you are concerned about your online privacy, you should install a privacy browser or, at the very least, use an extension made by a privacy browser maker in your current browser.
You should consider using a secure browser if you want to reduce the volume of data collected about you online, if you want to mask your activities, and if you do not want your search queries logged. Each browser offers different features, so research which one fits your needs.
Factors to consider when choosing a secure browser
Choosing the right browser might not seem like a huge deal, but if you want to protect your privacy at the first gate to the web, consider these factors when looking for a secure browser in 2025:
- Online identifiers: Check if the browser tracks your activities or website visits. This data can be used to create targeted advertising profiles and track you across different websites.
- Search queries: One of the most significant ways we are tracked online and have profiles compiled based on our interests is through our search engine queries. The most secure browsers do not log these records.
- Revenue: Browser developers, just like any other business, need to make money. One method is to sell user data, search queries, and other datasets. This impacts individual privacy unless there are opt-in and opt-out functions.
- Ad-blocking: Some privacy-enhancing browsers block ads by default, but this doesn't mean all websites will be clear of ads. If there is a service you access frequently, and you want ad-blocking -- YouTube, for example -- it's worth checking to see if these ad-blockers are circumvented or work effectively on your favorite platforms.
- Audits: The best secure browsers will conduct frequent security audits and have consistent patch releases to fix vulnerabilities and bugs that could expose you.
- Transparency: The best secure browser developers adopt a transparent approach to user data collection and security. In the best scenarios, there will be a transparent and easy-to-understand privacy policy as well as vulnerability disclosures.
- Speed vs. security: Some browsers route your traffic through several servers to reduce the likelihood of you being tracked. You may have to decide how much speed reduction you will accept. For example, the Tor network provides excellent anonymity, but for many, their speeds will be drastically reduced.
- VPN: If you want to use a VPN, consider whether the browser works well with one, or if the browser already offers a built-in solution or supports extensions. Check out our recommendations for the best VPNs in 2025.
- Mobile support: Not every secure browser has a mobile app version, which you should consider if you want to use just one browser across all your devices, including your PC and smartphone.
How did I choose these secure browsers for privacy?
While investigating the best secure browsers for privacy in 2025, I compared each of these browsers and extensions to determine what makes them different and which is best for a variety of use cases.
- Balance: It can be tricky for companies to balance user privacy and funding a business. However, many developers are willing to embrace user security over opportunities to generate more revenue. This mindset sets some browser developers apart.
- User experience: I reviewed customer feedback to ensure that most users find the browsers easy to install and use, and I prioritized options with a long track record of positive user feedback.
- Features: I want to see additional privacy-enhancing features, like onion routing and VPN support. I've chosen providers who offer more than standard web browsing experiences and give users extensive control over their browsing sessions.
- Targeted advertising: I prefer browsers that do not adopt this practice, as it can lead to shadow profiles being generated on their users' behalf and potentially uncontrolled user data sharing between third parties. At the very least, I want users to have a choice in these programs, such as through opt-out mechanisms.
- Tracking defense: At a minimum, I want privacy-based browsers to have a level of defense against user tracking and fingerprinting. Preferably, there will also be ad-blocking software working in the background.
- Platform support: I selected browsers offering a range of support for different operating systems and platforms.
- Mobile: I prefer secure browsers to have mobile apps for Android and iOS, as it's more convenient to use the same browser across your devices.
Latest news
- Starting with version 1.81, Brave for Windows will block Recall from taking screenshots of your browsing activity. Recall is a controversial AI-backed Windows feature touted as a way to improve search based on what you've seen or the tasks you have completed.
- OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, might be building a web browser. We think it will likely be based on Chromium.
- DuckDuckGo launched a new tool to remove AI-generated images from search results.
- LayerX launched ExtensionPedia, a resource for you to check the security and potential risk of popular browser extensions.
- Meta and Yandex were reportedly caught de-anonymizing Android web browser identifiers, creating persistent identifiers that could then be sent to native apps.
- Google patched a zero-day vulnerability impacting the security of the Chrome browser.
FAQs on secure browsers
Do I need a privacy browser?
If you are concerned about your online privacy, you should install a privacy browser or at least an extension. We have to take responsibility for our own privacy online these days. You can't rely on companies to do the job for you.
Also: 5 reasons why Zen is my new favorite browser (RIP, Opera)
A few basics: Download one of the privacy-first browsers listed above that doesn't log your queries and activities, install a VPN, and use messaging apps with end-to-end encryption.
Does using a private browsing window hide my IP address?
Private browsing sessions do not tend to mask your internet protocol (IP) address, just like how an incognito window doesn't hide your IP address if you're using Chrome. These sessions simply don't store your browser history, the information you've entered into forms, or what permissions you've given to sites you've visited.
Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Opera all use a similar form of "anonymous" web window for browsing, but they aren't truly hiding your online identity.
If you want to block your IP address from being viewed or tracked, you can download a VPN, which masks your IP address so your service provider, or anyone else, can't see what you're doing.
Also: Why I'm done with Firefox for good - and which browser I'm using instead
What is Chromium?
The Chromium project is focused on developing a privacy-first and stable browser framework. It's used by many other browser providers, including Brave. In addition, it is open source, so anyone can examine its code for privacy flaws or vulnerabilities. Google engineers launched the project.
What is the most common personal web security risk?
Oversharing and posting your personal or contact information on social media. If your full name, phone number, address, or place of work is anywhere on your social media, someone can use it to wreak havoc on your personal accounts.
To prevent this, avoid using your real name online where possible, turn off location tracking, and don't post about your place of work if you can help it. All it takes is a single piece of personal information for a cybercriminal to get a hold of your entire online presence. If you're posting photos of yourself out of town on holiday, for example, you're letting people know your home is vulnerable.
Those innocent-looking name generator memes are another big issue -- the ones that have you type out your first pet's name and your childhood street name to tell you your fortune or personality type. These are answers to common password recovery questions, so by letting the world know that your pet was called Fluffy, you could be handing over all of your personal accounts to internet criminals.
Do all search engines track you?
No. Privacy-focused search engines, including DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Ghostery do not log your search queries. If you're wondering how they make money, ads may be shown, but they are not necessarily targeted based on your information. Other search engines may collect information to tailor their results and show you ads.
How do I remove private information from search engines?
It can be difficult to remove private information from online search engines, but depending on the nature of the information, it may be possible.
You can use a service like DeleteMe to remove generic data and online accounts, but you may also need to contact website owners directly in some circumstances. You can also send a request to Google, and the company will consider requests on a case-by-case basis.
Is DuckDuckGo actually private?
DuckDuckGo started out as a search engine that did not log your queries or allow advertisers to track you. The search engine is still there, but it is now bolstered by a browser, a feature that fans have been requesting for years.
DuckDuckGo isn't perfect, but the company behind the service has been an advocate for consumer rights and privacy since its inception and offers one of the most private browsing experiences out there.
How do I enable Safe Browsing in Chrome?
If you're going to stick with Chrome, enable the browser's Safe Browsing for a layer of protection against malicious websites and online threats. Open Chrome, head to Settings, Privacy & Security, the Security tab, and then Safe Browsing.
You have three options: Enhanced protection, which offers Google's highest level of protection; Standard, which protects from "known dangers;" or you can turn Safe Browsing off.
Another security setting you should consider is enabling secure connections, which will warn you if you visit a website that doesn't support secure connections.
Should private browsing be on or off?
Private browsing ensures that the logs of your website visits aren't recorded in the browser's history. This doesn't mean that it is private, safe, or kept away from advertisers and trackers. Instead, these functions are device-based and stop logs from being linked to accounts.
For example, if you are Christmas shopping, and you don't want a loved one to catch wind of their present, a private browsing session is useful. You should also enable it if you're using someone else's device.
Is Safe Browsing and Incognito the same?
No. Safe Browsing and Incognito browsing are not quite the same. Safe Browsing will alert you to potentially malicious websites and will warn you if you encounter an online threat, whereas Incognito will hide your website visits on your browser and your device.
Also: Too many tabs? Try these browsers with better tab management than Chrome
Latest updates
- August 2025: In ZDNET's August update, we performed editorial changes, layout updates, and included news related to our top picks. We also increased the rank of the Tor Browser.
- July 2025: In ZDNET's July update, we performed various editorial updates and changes.
- June 2025: In ZDNET's June update, we performed editorial and structural changes. We have also added a new section tracking the latest news in the browser space.
Other browsers for privacy I've tested
Epic blocks ads, trackers, fingerprinting attempts, crypto mining scripts, and more. Developers say an average of at least 600 tracking attempts are blocked in a typical session. Many Chrome extensions are available, alongside a proxy.
Based on Firefox code, Waterfox has a transparent privacy policy, telemetry disabled, and numerous privacy settings. Waterfox recently joined the Browser Choice Alliance and a private search function is now in beta.
Librewolf is an open source, custom version of Firefox with ad-blocking, private search functionality, and no telemetry. This browser is focused on preventing tracking and blocking fingerprinting techniques, and includes privacy-based search engine functionality.
Vivaldi is a well-respected, Chromium-based browser that blocks activity tracking and ads. It also shows you how many trackers and ads have been blocked over time. It's also great for mobile, and a recent update has improved its speed and reliability.
If you're interested in improving your personal and device security, consider checking out our guides on the best antivirus solutions and password managers around.