How to Pick a Private Browser for Your Computer and Phone
Most of us surf the web with Google Chrome, a browser that quietly records where we go, what we search for, and even details about our device. Those records feed personalized ads and can be shared across Google’s many services—often without us noticing. New “AI browsers” add another layer of concern by constantly listening to every click and keystroke to power chat‑style assistants. If you’d rather keep your online habits private, there are several alternatives that block tracking by default and keep your data on your own device. Below we’ll walk through the best choices for a computer and mobile.
Desktop Browsers
Vivaldi
What makes it private?
Built‑in ad blocker, optional telemetry toggle, and can force HTTPS connections.
Why you might like it
Highly customizable UI (themes, gestures, tab stacking) while still keeping tracking off when you enable the privacy settings.
What to watch out for
Requires a quick visit to the settings menu the first time to turn off telemetry.
Brave
What makes it private?
Blocks ads and trackers automatically; can open a special “Tor” window for extra anonymity.
Why you might like it
Fast, looks similar to Chrome, no extra extensions needed.
What to watch out for
Occasionally a website may look broken because an ad or tracker was blocked.
Firefox (hardened)
What makes it private?
Lets you turn on strong “tracking protection” and separate different sites into their own “containers.”
Why you might like it
Lots of add‑ons if you ever want more features; you stay in control of what’s shared.
What to watch out for
You’ll need to flip a couple of switches in the settings the first time and install a library of add-ons.
LibreWolf
What makes it private?
A version of Firefox that already has all the privacy switches turned on and removes any hidden data‑sending code.
Why you might like it
Works right out of the box—just install and browse.
What to watch out for
Smaller community, so fewer extra plug‑ins are available.
Iridium
What makes it private?
Based on Chrome but strips out the parts that send usage data back to Google.
Why you might like it
Looks and feels like Chrome, so it’s familiar.
What to watch out for
Updates come a little later than regular Chrome, and some Chrome extensions may not work perfectly.
Mobile Browsers
Vivaldi (iOS & Android)
What makes it private?
Includes an ad blocker and lets you turn off data‑sharing features.
Why you might like it
Offers lots of customization (themes, gestures) if you like to tinker.
What to watch out for
You’ll need to go into the settings once to switch off telemetry.
DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser (iOS & Android)
What makes it private?
Blocks hidden trackers and forces sites to use a secure “https” connection automatically.
Why you might like it
One‑tap privacy—no settings to fiddle with.
What to watch out for
Uses DuckDuckGo for searches only; you can’t change the search engine.
Brave (iOS & Android)
What makes it private?
Same built‑in blocker as the desktop version and offers a “private with Tor” tab for extra anonymity.
Why you might like it
Keeps your browsing fast and ad‑free on the go; syncs with Brave on your computer if you use it there.
What to watch out for
A few sites may still need you to allow a pop‑up to work correctly.
Firefox Focus (iOS & Android)
What makes it private?
Automatically erases all browsing data each time you close the app.
Why you might like it
Great for quick, disposable browsing (e.g., checking a receipt) without leaving traces.
What to watch out for
Doesn’t keep bookmarks or tabs—everything is cleared when you exit.
Choosing a privacy‑focused browser doesn’t require a computer science degree. By picking one of the options above for your computer and another for your phone, you instantly stop most companies—including Google—from building a detailed picture of your online life. Give one of these browsers a try today, and you’ll notice a cleaner, faster, and more private browsing experience without having to lift a finger beyond the initial install.