Is Chrome the most private way to browse the web?

Google is synonymous with searching the web, and its Chrome browser is estimated to have over 3 billion users. That makes it by far the most popular browser, but is it the best way to surf the internet away from prying eyes?

Sadly, the answer to that question is no. Just using a standard Chrome session isn't truly private, worse still, neither is a so-called "Incognito Session". It turns out the icon's fedora and glasses are no match for the trackers (known as cookies) that are everywhere online. Google (and the sites you visit) use them to collect information on you and that's the price you pay to use the service.

How to browse the internet privately 

To put privacy first you'll want to find an alternative browser to Chrome. The most secure is the Tor browser, but it doesn't play nice with many plugins that we use every day. If you want a balance between privacy and functionality then some of the most popular mainstream privacy-focused browsers represent excellent options. We'll outline some of them below:

Note: You might be wondering where Safari comes into this equation. While it's a good option for iOS and Mac users, the Windows version has been left outdated for years and we would not recommend it for secure browsing. 

Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is one of the world's best-known browsers, but it's also one of the safest. Mozilla has long had a commitment to data protection and unlike Chrome, your browser history stays on-device instead of falling into the hands of advertisers. 

DuckDuckGo
One of the most popular privacy browsers, DuckDuckGo is super easy to use. Unlike Chrome it doesn't track your browsing history and even features a "fire" button that deletes all tabs, data, and browsing history – wiping the slate clean. 

Brave
An open-source browser that also puts users' privacy first. Brave offers an anonymous search without collecting data on those using it and even restricts many ads automatically. 

Ecosia
While it may not quite have the reputation of Duckduckgo and Brave, Ecosia is far more private than Chrome with an opt-in attitude to data sharing rather than an opt-out approach. It's also great for the environment with over 200 million trees being planted by the power of search. 

Opera
Opera is another browser you've probably heard of, and it's also a good pick for privacy. It features a built-in ad-blocker, blocks many trackers, and even comes with a choice of free or paid VPN add-ons. Gamers should check out Opera GX. 

Protection with a VPN

As well as installing one of the browsers above, you should also consider downloading and installing one of the best VPNs. Using a VPN spoofs your IP address and stops you from revealing your location online. The top providers also feature so-called "no-logs" policies, meaning they don't keep any records of the sites you visit. This is a fantastic way to remain anonymous online, making many trackers and targeted ads redundant. Some have even had their credentials proven in court. 

Of course, you should also keep an eye out for scams and phishing attempts to prevent your private data from being distributed online. Fraudulent emails, websites, and malware can trick you out of your confidential information while posing as trustworthy sources. This is another area where VPNs can help. NordVPN for example offers its Threat Protection Pro service that automatically detects phishing scams, malware, and suspicious links.

Another VPN provider, Surfshark can be bundled with a service called Incogni. This is a personal information removal service that can help you claim back some privacy even after the horse has bolted. Incogni will work to remove your data from data brokers and online databases to help you keep a low profile online.