Firefox is a convenient, fast and lightweight browser. Moreover, it is the only mainstream open-source browser, and its code has been thoroughly researched and scrutinized by the community.Thus, you can be sure that there are no dodgy widgets hidden inside.

Firefox is also quite secure. Like other major market players, it offers a private browsing mode that includes tracking, malware and phishing protection, pop-up blocking, and anti-fingerprinting protection. You can use its extensive customization possibilities pretty easily, but just be sure to disable the telemetry function, which sends your usage and performance data to Mozilla. Firefox also has an impressive collection of security-focused add-ons that can be used to make its experience safer.

Firefox contains some functions that might concern privacy-oriented users, like Pocket, Telemetry, and startup profiling. However, you can disable them by tweaking the settings.

Firefox is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Our rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Conclusion: the best browser for privacy

With privacy settings slightly tweaked and a few security add-ons installed, Firefox is the best private browser solution among mainstream browsers with greater extension compatibility and ease of use. If your anonymity needs are more advanced or you want to access the dark web, Tor is the one you're looking for.

However, please bear in mind that no safe browser is perfect – each of them has its respective strengths and weaknesses. Research your favorites on this list to see which is right for you. Use them in combination with other tools, such as tracker blockers and VPNs.

Other privacy tools

When choosing your new, more-secure browser, you may also want to consider which extensions it does or doesn't work with. There are a ton of excellent privacy tools out there, but they don't all work with every browser. To find the right browser privacy extensions for you, click here.

Another essential privacy tool is a VPN. NordVPN's encrypted VPN tunnel will hide your traffic from hackers, ISPs, and governments, and protect you from numerous attacks as well. Use it in combination with a secure browser to ensure optimal online browsing security.