The Most Secure Web Browser in 2021

Joseph Baker - 2020-04-20T21:00:00.000Z

The perfect web browser has the potential to make a massive difference when it comes to your privacy and data protection. It can help you block unwanted ads, tracking codes, and other irritating pop-ups when browsing online.

You need to consider a lot of features before downloading a browser, mainly because it will act as your gateway to the internet.

By comparing different browsers on multiple parameters, make an informed decision when selecting a browser to keep your data and privacy secure.

Google Chrome

It is the most-used browser globally, but it has a huge impact on a device’s memory. Chrome works seamlessly with all platforms and has a lot of security features.

Library of pre-verified extensions and add-ons
Active sync across devices
Autofill and password manager
Extended tools for developers
Real-time protection from unsecured websites and downloads
Automatic updates and sandboxing

Incognito mode is available on the browser and provides customizable privacy preferences.

However, Google's user tracking for ad targeting remains a pressing concern.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is fast and convenient. Moreover, it is the only popular open-source browser that has been extensively reviewed and tested by the community.

It works seamlessly across platforms and boasts of advanced features like:

Private browsing mode, phishing & malware protection
Tracker, pop-up, and adware blocking
An impressive library of security-focused extensions and a Contextual Feature Reminder (CFR)
Linux Sandboxing, Pocket®, and Telemetry

Firefox "Quantum," which provides various improvements in safety and speed and uses less memory than before, was recently released. It is a not-for-profit browser unlike most brands and accordingly, it does not track your history for ad retargeting.

Apple Safari

First released in 2003, this browser is only compatible with Mac OS and iOS platforms. Safari is known to be a secure browser, although several vulnerabilities against the framework were discovered in 3rd party tests. It offers plenty of features, such as:

Password generator and built-in sandboxing
ML-based intelligent tracking and ad prevention
Private browsing, anti-fingerprinting tools, and advanced settings
Pop-up alerts in real-time

Safari uses the open-source Webkit platform, but it only functions as a rendering engine. It is not open source and is alleged to collect user history, even in Private mode.

Microsoft Edge

Edge is the updated rebranding of Internet Explorer. This new Chromium-powered browser is faster than its predecessor, works on all platforms, and has limited security features like:

Read Aloud®, Password Manager, ad blockers, tracking protection
Media casting on other Chromecast devices
Sandbox and a library of approved extensions
Ability to download individual webpages as apps

The browser looks and works like Chrome. It also features a homepage which is similar to Opera. It does not offer additional privacy and security features which is a major problem.

Opera

Opera runs on the Chromium-engine and is backed by many security features to make your browsing experience safer. It is fast and supports all of the extensions available on the Chrome library. The browser works across platforms and is packed with handy features like:

Built-in ad and tracking protection
Fraud, Phishing, and malware protection
Proxy, VPN, Crypto Wallet®
Opera Turbo®, Battery Saver, and extended customization

Although it offers enhanced privacy, the company is known to track and share user data using third-party or owned tools.

An Ultra-Tight Race, But One Winner

Firefox wins this race because of the amazing security and privacy features. It is lightweight and extremely easy to use. Besides these attributes, multiple 3rd party tests have proved over and again that it consumes 30% less RAM compared to Google Chrome.

Furthermore, it is an open-source browser; you do not need to worry about hidden trackers within the browser itself.

The company is not-for-profit and does not rely on ad revenue. Your browsing history or other details are not tracked, unlike other browsers.

All of these and an array of advanced features make Firefox the undisputed winner in this comparison.

Bottom Line

Online security is complex as it covers various aspects. There are a lot of browsers to choose from, and each has its weaknesses and strengths.

You must select a browser based on your preferences and privacy requirements. Almost every browser can protect you from threats, but remember that no browser is perfect.