Top recommendations to replace Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is an open source browser by non-profit Mozilla which focuses on private browsing and tracking protection by default. It also has an extensive range of add-ons. Its default search engine is set to Google so be careful to change it after you install. Google pay Mozilla $450 million a year to have their search engine as the Firefox default, which is estimated to be up to 90% of their entire budget.
Other options
Here are some smaller browsers which in some cases have been put together by teams of volunteers without any funding. They aim to provide a more respectful and private web experience than Google will ever offer.
Basilisk
Basilisk is a fork of Firefox and was originally developed by the Pale Moon team but is now fully independent. The UMA Technology website produced a detailed review of Basilisk (2025) including its key features and limitations, commenting: “Whether you’re backtracking to the past or simply looking for a proficient tool to navigate today’s web, Basilisk proves itself both relevant and indispensable.” Available for Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
Pale Moon
Pale Moon is a Goanna-based browser available for Windows and Linux.
Seamonkey
Seamonkey is an all in one application suite including browser, e-mail client and chat tool.
Tor
Tor uses an overlay network to conceal usage information and make electronic communication private and can be used to protect anonymity. You can use Tor to view the regular web and also ‘hidden’ pages which are only viewable through the browser. Because of how these privacy functions work browsing using Tor can often be slower than a more conventional browser but for many people this is a small price to pay.
Zen
Zen uses workspaces for more efficient tab management similar to Opera, Zen is another Firefox fork. Zen Mods are add-ins which allow users to make changes to the browser UI making it look pretty.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a free browser from Sweden from the company which sells a popular VPN and has been developed in partnership with the Tor Project and so it’s very secure. Available for Linux, MacOS, Windows, and as a Firefox browser extension. A 2025 Pixelscan review commented “Mullvad Browser is a thoughtful tool for privacy-focused users who want anonymity without the complexity or speed limitations of the Tor network.”
Floorp
Is a Firefox based browser from Japan. It disables Mozilla telemetry while still maintaining other anti-tracking features.
Firefox Focus
Firefox Focus is a stripped down and more basic but faster version of Firefox.
LibreFox
Similar to many other independent versions of Firefox, LibreWolf includes enhanced tracking and fingerprinting technology and includes search default search engines including DuckDuckDusckGo , Searx and Qwant. A review from Windscribe commented: “Librewolf is a safe and privacy-respecting browser ideal for users seeking a secure alternative to mainstream options.” The Kelson reviews site says the experience of using LibreWolf is very similar to Firefox but more secure including the removal of “generative AI features that Firefox has started building directly into the browser”, unpopular with some users. The same review says the privacy compares favourably with Brave without the crypto ads and AI bloat. Available for Windows and Linux.
Waterfox
Like LibreWolf a Firefox fork with an increased emphasis on privacy. Unlike LibreWolf it’s also available for Android and iOs making it a good bet across all devices especially if you want to sync your settings. A review by Roger Fingas on Pocket Lint suggests you “may be sacrificing some conveniences to maximize your privacy. The Avoid the Hack (2023) website review was quite positive describing WaterFox as “one of the better maintained Firefox forks available out there.”
Coming soon
Ladybird
Ladybird is currently in development with an Alpha version ready summer 2026 according to its website. It claims to be independent of other browser engines including Blink, WebKit and Gecko. Watch this space!
Apple is far from perfect. Read Against the Cult of Apple by Cory Doctorow
Never leave home without an Ad blocker
Although there are loads of browsers now that say they protect your privacy – it’s always worth adding on an ad blocker or two.
Privacy Badger
Privacy Badger is an open source browser extension built by Electronic Frontier Foundation and available for Firefox and many Chromium-based browsers. It’s designed to transparently block unwanted cookies and ads.
uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is a browser extension designed to allow people to make their own privacy choices through content filtering and ad blocking. It’s available for Firefox, Safari and Chromium-based browsers.
Criteria for inclusion
Any list of browsers provokes debate and we don’t claim perfection.
All browsers must be entirely Google free – this includes privacy focused Chromium browsers you may have heard of. We will not include any Chromium based browsers.
Other sites for browser recommendations
- Choose your browser carefully – Unixshiekh
- Web browsers – PrivacyTools
- Browser comparisons – PrivacyTests.org
Why Chrome must go
Find out more about Google Chrome and its range of privacy issues and how it forces you to view the web only on Google’s terms.
What’s the problem with Google?
We explain why we started this site and how the Google business model is a threat to our human rights and communities.