Browser & search
Chrome is an advertising tracker. Google Search profiles every query. Replace both.
What it's for
The Tor Browser’s browser, but without the Tor network: use it with your VPN for a hard-to-track
desktop.
Why it matters
Built with the Tor Project, it’s designed so all its users present the
same digital fingerprint. The result: instead of being unique and thus trackable, you
blend into the crowd. It’s the best privacy choice on desktop.
For whom & when
Those who want to go beyond simple ad-blocking, especially pseudonymous accounts and exposed
profiles.
Install & use
Download it from mullvad.net/browser (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Use it as-is, without customising: every added extension or setting makes you identifiable
again.
- Pair it with your VPN to also mask your IP address.
What it's for The reference free browser for privacy-respecting daily use.
Why it matters
Unlike Chrome (a Google advertising tracker), Firefox is built by a foundation with no interest
in profiling you. With a few tweaks (the arkenfox guide) and the uBlock Origin
extension, it becomes very solid.
For whom & when Everyone, as a main daily browser.
Install & use
Install Firefox from mozilla.org/firefox.
Add the uBlock Origin extension (ad and tracker blocking).
In privacy settings, choose “Strict,” disable telemetry, and clear cookies on close. To go
further, apply the arkenfox guide.
What it's for
A Chromium-based browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, with a bonus private window
connected to Tor.
Why it matters
It’s the simplest option for someone coming from Chrome: same feel, but without the tracking. It
blocks YouTube ads natively, offers encrypted video (Brave Talk, based on Jitsi) and one-click
Tor access, handy to reach a blocked site.
For whom & when
Beginners who want a painless switch from Chrome. (Ignore the crypto/rewarded-ads features if
they don’t interest you.)
Install & use
Install Brave from brave.com.
- Set “Shields” to “aggressive,” and turn off Brave Rewards if you don’t want ads.
- For Tor: menu > “New private window with Tor,” then wait for “Tor connected”.
What it's for
The browser extension that blocks ads, trackers and spy scripts. The highest-return move, in ten
seconds.
Why it matters
Online advertising is the main vector of surveillance and profiling. Blocking it cuts most
tracking, speeds up pages and reduces malware risk.
For whom & when Everyone, on Firefox as well as Chromium browsers.
Install & use
Open your browser’s extension store and search “uBlock Origin” (the original, by Raymond
Hill).
- Install it. It works right away, no setup needed.
What it's for Search engines that don’t profile every query, unlike Google.
Why it matters
DuckDuckGo and Brave Search keep no history tied to your identity. Startpage serves Google
results without the tracking. SearXNG goes further: a self-hostable metasearch engine,
sovereignty down to your search bar.
For whom & when Everyone. SearXNG targets those who want to host their own engine.
Install & use
In your browser settings, change the default engine to DuckDuckGo, Brave Search or Startpage.
For SearXNG: use a public instance (directory at searx.space) or host your own (see section
10).