Best Browsers Curated by Github Users

Abstract

This technical assessment provides an evidence-based analysis of web browsers. In contrast to commercial review sites that focus on features and speed, this framework prioritizes architectural privacy, verifiable transparency, and telemetry behavior. The analysis covers desktop, Android, and iOS separately to reflect platform-specific constraints and capabilities.

Privacy by architecture, not by promise.

Methodology

Evaluation Criteria

Our evaluation considers:

1. Code Transparency: Public source code and reproducible builds

2. Telemetry Behavior: Default analytics, identifiers, and opt-out mechanisms

3. Certificate Verification: OCSP/CRL lookups and user control

4. Safe Browsing Implementation: Reputation provider selection and privacy

5. Proxy Support: Full SOCKS/HTTP/PAC or specialized routing

6. Tracker Blocking: Built-in protection and default configuration

7. Fingerprint Resistance: Canvas randomization and surface uniformity

8. Organizational Transparency: Public ownership and funding disclosure

Browser privacy is determined by what the code cannot do, not what settings claim to do.

Desktop Browser Comparison

Rank	Browser	Open Source	Telemetry	OCSP Control	Safe Browsing	Proxy	Tracker Block	FP Defense
1	Mullvad Browser	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
2	Brave	Yes	Yes (opt-out)	Partial	Yes	Yes (system/flags)	Yes	Yes
3	Firefox	Yes	Yes (opt-out)	Yes	Yes	Yes (full UI)	Yes	Yes
4	Tor Browser	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
5	Waterfox	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Partial
6	Vivaldi	Partial	Yes	No	Yes	Yes (system/flags)	Yes	No
7	Safari	Partial	No	No	Yes (configurable)	No	Yes	Partial
8	Chromium	Yes	No	Partial (CRLSets)	Yes	Yes (system/flags)	No	No
9	Edge	No	Yes	No	Yes (configurable)	Yes (system/flags)	Yes (tracking prevention)	No
10	Chrome	No	Yes	Partial (CRLSets)	Yes	Yes (system/flags)	Partial	No

Android Browser Comparison

Rank	Browser	Open Source	Telemetry	Safe Browsing	Proxy	Tracker Block	FP Defense
1	Brave	Yes	Yes (opt-out)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2	Tor Browser	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
3	Firefox	Yes	Yes (opt-out)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
4	DuckDuckGo	Yes	Minimal (diagnostics only; no browsing history)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Partial
5	Vivaldi	Partial	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
6	Edge	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Partial	No
7	Chrome	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

iOS Browser Comparison

Rank	Browser	Open Source	Telemetry	Tracker Block	Safe Browsing
1	Brave	Yes	Yes (opt-out)	Yes	Yes
2	DuckDuckGo	Yes	Minimal (diagnostics only; no browsing history)	Yes	Yes
3	Firefox	Yes	Yes (opt-out)	Yes	Yes
4	Safari	No	No	Yes	Yes
5	Edge	No	Yes	Partial	Yes
6	Chrome	No	Yes	Partial	Yes

Critical Understanding: Platform Constraints vs Browser Privacy

Desktop & Android: True Engine Diversity

Desktop and Android platforms allow true browser engine diversity, enabling fundamental architectural privacy differences:

Gecko-based: Firefox, Waterfox, Tor Browser, Mullvad Browser. Independent rendering engine with decades of development.
Chromium-based: Brave, Vivaldi, Edge, Chrome. Dominant engine powering most browsers; privacy depends on distributor modifications.
WebKit-based: Safari. Apple's engine, deeply integrated with macOS/iOS.

iOS: WebKit Mandate

All browsers on iOS must use Apple's WebKit engine per App Store requirements.* This architectural constraint means:

*Since iOS 17.4 (March 2024), non-WebKit browsers are permitted in the EU via entitlements; elsewhere, WebKit remains mandatory. As of late-2025, mainstream non-WebKit iOS browsers remain scarce in the EU due to Apple's implementation hurdles.

Extension capabilities are severely limited: compared to desktop counterparts
True browser engine diversity is impossible: on iOS
Rankings reflect configuration quality: on top of the mandatory WebKit foundation

Detailed Browser Analysis

1. Mullvad Browser

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Joint Mullvad–Tor Project; reproducible builds
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (privacy-preserving analytics, crash logs, and usage pings; all can be disabled) (compile-time removal)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Makes OCSP connections (soft-fail mode); phishing/malware protection disabled
Safe Browsing: None (no external reputation services)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC configuration
Tracker blocking: Built-in blocklists identical to Tor Browser
Fingerprint defense: Uniform fingerprint across all users (letterboxing, canvas protection)
What's logged (by design): Nothing
Demonstrated correlation capability: Architecturally prevented
Operational history: Launched 2023 as Mullvad–Tor collaboration

2. Brave

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Regular third-party audits
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (privacy-preserving P3A anonymized metrics)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Partial user control
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing, using a privacy-preserving implementation that only sends partial URL hashes instead of full URLs
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC; Tor windows available
Tracker blocking: Shields enabled by default (ads, trackers, scripts, fingerprinting)
Fingerprint defense: Brave randomizes some fingerprintable values ("farbling") instead of trying to make all users look identical; includes canvas randomization, ephemeral storage, aggressive blocking
What's logged (by policy): Aggregated anonymous metrics if not opted out
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: ~7 years; continuous security audits; Chromium-based

3. Firefox

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Mozilla Foundation oversight
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (usage statistics, crash reports)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Full user control
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (integrated)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC configuration in native UI
Tracker blocking: Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) enabled by default
Fingerprint defense: Resist Fingerprinting mode available (letterboxing, canvas protection); not enabled by default
What's logged (by policy): Optional telemetry for product improvement
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: 20+ years; independent Gecko engine

4. Tor Browser

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: The Tor Project; reproducible builds
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: None (compile-time removal)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Makes OCSP connections (soft-fail mode); phishing/malware protection disabled
Safe Browsing: None (no external reputation services)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC configuration; routes all connections through Tor network
Tracker blocking: Built-in blocklists (NoScript, HTTPS-Everywhere equivalent)
Fingerprint defense: Uniform fingerprint across all users (letterboxing, canvas protection, timezone spoofing)
What's logged (by design): Nothing
Demonstrated correlation capability: Architecturally prevented by Tor network
Operational history: 15+ years; gold standard for anonymity

5. Waterfox

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Open source; community can audit
Org transparency: Waterfox Ltd
Telemetry: None (completely removed)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Full user control
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (configurable)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC configuration in native UI
Tracker blocking: Built-in tracker blocking enabled by default
Fingerprint defense: Partial (some Firefox fingerprinting mitigations)
What's logged (by policy): None
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: Firefox fork focused on privacy and legacy extension support

6. Vivaldi

Code transparency: Partially open (Chromium base open; UI proprietary)
Verification: Closed UI source; Chromium base verifiable
Org transparency: Vivaldi Technologies
Telemetry: Yes (anonymized usage statistics, opt-out available)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Chromium default (no user control)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (integrated)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC (system proxy or command-line flags)
Tracker blocking: Built-in ad/tracker blocking enabled
Fingerprint defense: None (standard Chromium fingerprint)
What's logged (by policy): Anonymized feature usage if not opted out
Demonstrated correlation capability: Minimal (Vivaldi account optional)
Operational history: Feature-rich browser emphasizing customization; EU-based company

7. Safari

Code transparency: Partially open (WebKit engine only)
Verification: Closed UI source; WebKit engine verifiable
Org transparency: Apple Inc.
Telemetry: Minimal (non-configurable; Apple privacy claims)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Automatic (no user control over OCSP)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing / Tencent Safe Browsing (region-dependent; configurable in Settings)
Proxy support: None (system proxy only; no per-browser proxy configuration)
Tracker blocking: Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) enabled by default
Fingerprint defense: Partial (ITP provides some fingerprinting protection)
What's logged (by policy): Opaque; Apple claims minimal
Demonstrated correlation capability: Unknown (closed source)
Operational history: Default macOS browser; tightly integrated with Apple ecosystem

8. Chromium

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Open source; Google-led development
Org transparency: Google LLC (primary developer)
Telemetry: None in pure Chromium builds
OCSP/Certificate checking: Partial (uses CRLSets instead of OCSP by default)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (integrated)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC (system proxy or command-line flags)
Tracker blocking: None (requires extensions)
Fingerprint defense: None
What's logged (by policy): None in pure Chromium (distributors vary)
Demonstrated correlation capability: Depends on distributor
Operational history: Open-source base for Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, and many others

9. Edge

Code transparency: Closed (based on Chromium)
Verification: Closed source; no independent privacy audits
Org transparency: Microsoft Corporation
Telemetry: Required diagnostic data
OCSP/Certificate checking: Chromium default (no additional user control)
Safe Browsing: Microsoft SmartScreen (configurable)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC (system proxy or command-line flags)
Tracker blocking: Tracking prevention with configurable levels (basic/balanced/strict)
Fingerprint defense: Minimal
What's logged (by policy): Diagnostic data, browsing history synced to Microsoft account
Demonstrated correlation capability: Microsoft account integration enables full correlation
Operational history: Chromium-based since 2019; Microsoft ecosystem integration

10. Chrome

Code transparency: Closed (based on Chromium)
Verification: Closed source; no independent privacy audits
Org transparency: Google LLC
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (usage statistics, crash reports, browsing data)
OCSP/Certificate checking: Partial (uses CRLSets instead of OCSP by default)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (integrated)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC (system proxy or command-line flags)
Tracker blocking: Limited (focuses on Safe Browsing and cookie controls rather than robust tracker blocklists; far less aggressive than Brave or Firefox)
Fingerprint defense: None
What's logged (by policy): Extensive: search queries, visited URLs, account data, sync data
Demonstrated correlation capability: Full correlation via Google account
Operational history: Launched 2008; dominant desktop browser; extensive Google integration

1. Brave for Android

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Regular third-party audits
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (privacy-preserving P3A anonymized metrics)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing, using a privacy-preserving implementation that only sends partial URL hashes instead of full URLs
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC
Tracker blocking: Shields enabled by default (ads, trackers, scripts, fingerprinting)
Fingerprint defense: Brave randomizes some fingerprintable values ("farbling")
What's logged (by policy): Aggregated anonymous metrics if not opted out
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: Full-featured Android browser; Chromium-based

2. Tor Browser for Android

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: The Tor Project; reproducible builds
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: None
Safe Browsing: None (no external reputation services)
Proxy support: Routes all connections through Tor network
Tracker blocking: Built-in blocklists (NoScript equivalent)
Fingerprint defense: Uniform fingerprint across all users
What's logged (by design): Nothing
Demonstrated correlation capability: Architecturally prevented
Operational history: Mobile version of Tor Browser; maximum anonymity

3. Firefox for Android

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Mozilla Foundation oversight
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (usage statistics, crash reports)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (integrated)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC configuration
Tracker blocking: Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) enabled by default
Fingerprint defense: Partial (some anti-fingerprinting measures)
What's logged (by policy): Optional telemetry for product improvement
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: Full-featured Android browser; GeckoView engine; extension support

4. DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Open source; community can audit
Org transparency: DuckDuckGo Inc.
Telemetry: Minimal (diagnostics only, opt-in; no browsing history tracking)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (via Android WebView)
Proxy support: System proxy support
Tracker blocking: Built-in tracker blocking enabled by default
Fingerprint defense: Partial (some anti-fingerprinting measures)
What's logged (by policy): None by default
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: Lightweight privacy browser with automatic tracker blocking

5. Vivaldi for Android

Code transparency: Partially open (Chromium base; UI proprietary)
Verification: Closed UI source; Chromium base verifiable
Org transparency: Vivaldi Technologies
Telemetry: Yes (anonymized usage statistics; opt-out available)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (integrated)
Proxy support: System proxy support
Tracker blocking: Built-in ad/tracker blocking enabled
Fingerprint defense: None
What's logged (by policy): Anonymized feature usage if not opted out
Demonstrated correlation capability: Minimal
Operational history: Feature-rich Android browser; Chromium-based

6. Edge for Android

Code transparency: Closed (based on Chromium)
Verification: Closed source; no independent audits
Org transparency: Microsoft Corporation
Telemetry: Required diagnostic data
Safe Browsing: Microsoft SmartScreen (configurable)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC
Tracker blocking: Tracking prevention (partial effectiveness)
Fingerprint defense: Minimal
What's logged (by policy): Diagnostic data, browsing history synced to Microsoft account
Demonstrated correlation capability: Microsoft account integration enables full correlation
Operational history: Mobile extension of desktop Edge; Microsoft ecosystem integration

7. Chrome for Android

Code transparency: Closed (based on Chromium)
Verification: Closed source; no independent privacy audits
Org transparency: Google LLC
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (usage statistics, crash reports, browsing data)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing (integrated)
Proxy support: Full SOCKS5/HTTP/PAC
Tracker blocking: None (Google's business model relies on tracking)
Fingerprint defense: None
What's logged (by policy): Extensive: search queries, visited URLs, account data, sync data
Demonstrated correlation capability: Full correlation via Google account
Operational history: Default browser on most Android devices; tight Google integration

1. Brave iOS

Code transparency: Fully published (iOS code in brave-core)
Verification: Regular third-party audits
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: None
Safe Browsing: Apple/Google Safe Browsing (WebKit default)
Tracker blocking: Shields enabled by default (best-effort within WebKit constraints)
What's logged (by policy): None
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: Telemetry-free UI; best privacy configuration on iOS

2. DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser iOS

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Open source; community can audit
Org transparency: DuckDuckGo Inc.
Telemetry: Minimal (diagnostics only, opt-in; no browsing history tracking)
Safe Browsing: Apple/Google Safe Browsing (WebKit default)
Tracker blocking: Built-in tracker blocking enabled by default
What's logged (by policy): None by default
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: Lightweight privacy browser; simple interface

3. Firefox iOS

Code transparency: Fully published
Verification: Mozilla Foundation oversight
Org transparency: Fully disclosed
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (usage statistics, crash reports)
Safe Browsing: Apple/Google Safe Browsing (WebKit default)
Tracker blocking: Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) enabled
What's logged (by policy): Optional telemetry for product improvement
Demonstrated correlation capability: None
Operational history: WebKit-based version of Firefox; Firefox Sync available

4. Safari

Code transparency: Partially open (WebKit engine only)
Verification: Closed source; independent audits unavailable
Org transparency: Apple Inc.
Telemetry: Minimal (non-configurable; Apple privacy claims)
Safe Browsing: Google Safe Browsing / Tencent Safe Browsing (region-dependent; configurable in Settings)
Tracker blocking: Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) enabled
What's logged (by policy): Opaque; Apple claims minimal
Demonstrated correlation capability: Unknown (closed source)
Operational history: Default iOS browser; tightly integrated with iOS

5. Edge iOS

Code transparency: Closed (WebKit-based)
Verification: Closed source; no independent audits
Org transparency: Microsoft Corporation
Telemetry: Required diagnostic data
Safe Browsing: Apple/Google Safe Browsing (WebKit default)
Tracker blocking: Tracking prevention (partial)
What's logged (by policy): Diagnostic data, browsing history synced to Microsoft account
Demonstrated correlation capability: Microsoft account integration enables full correlation
Operational history: Mobile extension of desktop Edge; Microsoft ecosystem

6. Chrome iOS

Code transparency: Closed (WebKit-based)
Verification: Closed source; no independent privacy audits
Org transparency: Google LLC
Telemetry: Yes, opt-out (usage statistics, crash reports, browsing data)
Safe Browsing: Apple/Google Safe Browsing (WebKit default)
Tracker blocking: None (partial integration with WebKit ITP)
What's logged (by policy): Extensive: search queries, visited URLs, account data, sync data
Demonstrated correlation capability: Full correlation via Google account
Operational history: WebKit-based version; Google account integration

Conclusion

Desktop browser privacy is determined by architectural design, not marketing claims. Mullvad Browser provides the strongest privacy through compile-time telemetry removal and uniform fingerprinting, while Brave offers the best balance of privacy and usability with its Shields technology and opt-out telemetry.

On Android, Brave leads with comprehensive blocking and minimal telemetry, followed by Tor Browser for maximum anonymity. On iOS, architectural constraints limit all browsers to WebKit, making Brave's low-telemetry UI layer (with optional diagnostics you can disable) the best available option for most users.

For users prioritizing absolute privacy: Mullvad Browser (desktop) and Tor Browser (mobile). For privacy with usability: Brave across all platforms. For maximum configurability: Firefox.