Private browser: Your best options for online privacy

When you browse the web, your privacy is at stake. Trackers, cookies, and fingerprinting techniques allow companies to collect your personal data for profit. Hackers also exploit browser vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information. Choosing the best browser for privacy is important to safeguard your online identity. 

In this article, we rank the best and worst browsers for privacy in 2025. Through extensive research and testing, we assess each browser’s approach to blocking trackers, preventing fingerprinting, and ensuring secure browsing. Whether you prioritize anonymity or seek a balance of privacy and usability, our recommendations will help you make an informed choice.

What is a private browser?

A private browser, often called incognito mode or private mode, is a feature in most web browsers that helps you protect your privacy on a shared device. When you use private browsing, your browser avoids storing information about your online activity. This includes:

• Your browsing history: The list of websites you’ve visited.
• Cookies: Small files that websites use to remember your preferences or track your activity.
• Site data: Things like temporary files that websites use to load faster and permissions you’ve granted.
• Information you enter in forms: Like your name, address, or login details. 

However, private browsing does not make you completely anonymous online. Your internet service provider, employer, or websites you visit can still track your activity. It primarily offers local privacy by preventing your browsing data from being stored on your device.

How private browsers protect your data

Private browsing modes share two common traits: 

• Clean slate on open: Each time you open a private window, it’s like launching a fresh browser with no saved history or stored data from previous sessions.
• Automatic wipe on close: Closing the private window deletes cookies, search history, and any credentials entered in that session, so nothing remains in the browser’s history.

The exceptions are downloads and bookmarks. Any files you download, or bookmarks you save will remain on your device. While a private browser will keep your online activity private from others who use your device, it won’t wipe any external traces of your internet activity, block web tracking, or make you anonymous online. It also won’t protect you from snoops, cybercriminals, or other online security threats. Plus, your activity can still be tracked by third parties or your ISP.

Blocking trackers and cookies

The two most significant ways you are currently being tracked on the web are with cookies and digital fingerprinting. Cookies are tiny files websites store on your browser to remember things like your preferences or items in your cart. While they help websites function smoothly, third-party tracking cookies can invade your privacy by gathering data across multiple sites for targeted ads or selling your information. 

Many private browsers block tracking cookies and malicious scripts by default. This prevents advertisers or analytics companies from following you around the web and compiling a personal profile. Many also incorporate “do not track” signals or include built-in ad-blockers, ensuring fewer pop-ups and hidden scripts run in the background.

Even with tracking cookies blocked, websites can still identify you via your IP address and other system data. That’s where a VPN makes a difference: ExpressVPN masks your IP and encrypts your connection, so trackers and data collectors can’t easily connect your browsing to your real-world identity.

Reducing fingerprinting techniques

Browser fingerprinting uses details about your device like your operating system, plugins, fonts, screen resolution, and more, to create a unique profile that can track you around the web. This helps advertisers show you personalized ads and lets sites like banks detect unusual activity. Even governments can use it to identify users hiding behind VPNs or Tor. Unlike cookies, fingerprints are hard to change or block completely.

Private browsing modes make it harder to fingerprint your device, but it doesn’t make you completely anonymous. When you close the window, private browsing modes typically discard cookies, browsing history, and temporary files. This means websites you visit in private mode have less data to work with when creating your fingerprint. 

Limiting third-party data collection

Advertisers, analytics companies, and other third parties often rely on data from cookies, fingerprints, and other tracking tools to build a profile on you. Whether or not they can effectively track you depends on your browser settings, privacy tools, and legal protections in your region.

Built-in privacy features like Google’s Privacy Sandbox, private browsers, browser extensions, and VPNs work together to shrink your digital footprint. By encrypting your connection and keeping your real IP address hidden, a VPN makes it significantly harder for third parties to build detailed user profiles.

Encrypting your data 

Most private browsers use HTTPS encryption by default wherever possible, ensuring that data sent between you and the websites you visit is protected from eavesdroppers. Some browsers (like Tor) reroute traffic through multiple layers of encryption to obscure your online origin. However, the strongest layer of security comes from pairing any browser with a VPN, which encrypts all network traffic, not just your browser data. This keeps ISPs, public Wi-Fi operators, and potential attackers from seeing what you do online.

Benefits of using a private browser

Private browsers, whether they’re dedicated privacy-focused browsers or the incognito modes in mainstream browsers, give you a number of advantages over regular browsing sessions:

• Reduced local data trails: Once you close the window, a private session doesn’t store your browsing history or login credentials. This prevents anyone with access to your device from easily seeing which sites you visited.
• Protection against basic tracking: Private browsers can limit certain types of tracking cookies, preventing advertisers or analytics platforms from building a comprehensive profile based on your browsing habits.
• Convenient for quick sessions: If you need to log in to an account on a shared computer— or if you want to research something without it showing up in your main browser history—private browsing is a simple “clean slate.”
• Better privacy in public or shared spaces: By not retaining passwords or form data, private browsers reduce the risk of someone else stumbling upon your personal information if you step away from your device.

Limitations of private browsers

Despite the advantages, private browsers aren’t a one-stop privacy solution. There are some key limitations you should keep in mind:

IP address exposure

A private browser doesn’t hide your IP address. Websites, internet service providers, employers, and even government agencies can still see where your traffic is coming from unless you use a VPN. A VPN masks your IP address so the websites you visit only see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your IP address. This makes it appear as if you’re browsing from the location of the VPN server.

Unencrypted connections

Incognito mode does nothing to encrypt your traffic; any data you send to websites (and vice versa) remains visible to eavesdroppers on, for example, on public Wi-Fi networks unless you use HTTPS or a VPN for end-to-end encryption.

Vulnerable to advanced tracking

Although private browsing reduces basic tracking, it won’t protect you from more sophisticated methods like browser fingerprinting, which gathers detailed information about your device to identify you.

Limited protection against malware

A private or incognito session can’t prevent malicious websites or harmful downloads from infecting your device. Good antivirus software and caution when downloading files remain essential.

No anonymity at work or school

Your employer or school can monitor your online activities through the network itself, regardless of whether you’re using private mode. If you need to keep your browsing truly private, a reputable VPN and secure connection are crucial.

How to choose the best private browser

Not all private browsers are created equal. While some focus on blocking ads and trackers, others go further with anti-fingerprinting tools and built-in encryption. The best private browser for you depends on how much privacy you need and how you plan to use it. Here’s what to look out for:

• Blocking: Opt for browsers that block ads and trackers by default, or that easily allow add-ons like uBlock Origin to prevent data collection.
• Anti-fingerprinting: Choose a browser that actively minimizes the unique identifiers websites use to fingerprint your device, making you harder to track.
• VPN compatibility: Ensure the browser works seamlessly with robust VPN services like ExpressVPN to encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address.
• Open-source: Prioritize browsers with open-source code, like Firefox and Brave, for greater transparency and community-driven security improvements.
• Frequent updates: Look for browsers with a proactive development team that frequently releases updates and security patches to protect against emerging threats.

Comparing private browsing modes vs. private browsers 

Private browsing modes, like Chrome’s Incognito or Firefox’s Private Window, provide quick privacy by erasing your history and cookies once you close the session. However, they don’t block trackers, hide your IP address, or encrypt your traffic.

Fully private browsers are built with privacy in mind. They often come with features like tracker blockers, anti-fingerprinting tools, and stronger security settings. These features provide more protection against tracking and data collection.

Check the table below to compare the differences between private browsing modes and fully private browsers, and see which method best fits your needs. 

An incognito session may be enough if you only want to hide your browsing data from others on the same device. But if your priority is comprehensive, day-to-day protection—including against ISPs, data brokers, and advanced trackers—then a fully private browser with a VPN is the way to go. Use ExpressVPN to shield your activity from advertisers, data brokers, and anyone else trying to monitor your online footprint.

Get ExpressVPN

Best private browsers (ranked)

Choosing the right browser is key to protecting your online privacy. Some browsers prioritize tracker-blocking and ad-blocking, while others go even further with anti-fingerprinting tools and built-in encryption. Below, we’ve ranked the best private browsers based on features, ease of use, and overall security

Best private browser for Windows users: Microsoft Edge

• Privacy focus: Basic
• Unique feature: Improved performance and compatibility with Chromium base
• Drawback: Collects user data
• For users who: Primarily use Windows and prefer a familiar, Microsoft-supported browser

Microsoft Edge has come a long way from Internet Explorer and is now built on Chromium, making your browsing faster, more secure, and compatible with the latest web standards. With features like Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Edge protects you against phishing and malware, and it automatically blocks unwanted apps for safer surfing. Seamlessly integrated with Windows, you can also enjoy easy logins using Windows Hello and enhanced ransomware protection. Keep in mind that Edge collects some diagnostic data, so review your privacy settings to make sure your information stays secure.

Best private browser for comprehensive features: Mozilla SeaMonkey

• Privacy focus: Moderate
• Unique feature: All-in-one suite with browser, email, and IRC client
• Drawback: Possible issues detecting and blocking ransomware
• Occasionally resource-heavy
• For users who: Prefer an integrated suite of applications for communication and web browsing

SeaMonkey was established in 2005 after Mozilla started developing Firefox and Thunderbird email client. It’s a one-stop shop for browsing the internet that’s designed to be speedy and feature-rich. This includes built-in pop-up blockers and auto cookie clearing after each session. It is also generally seen as quite safe. It’s quite clunky to use. Also, security updates must be performed manually which may be quite a bit of a hassle. SeaMonkey may also have some issues detecting and blocking ransomware.

Best private browser for Apple users: Safari

• Privacy focus: Moderate
• Unique feature: Integration with Apple ecosystem and power efficiency
• Drawback: Tracking prevention could be improved
• For users who: Are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize a seamless experience

Safari has evolved to offer you a perfect blend of speed, security, and privacy. With Apple’s strong commitment to your privacy, Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) automatically blocks cross-site tracking, ensuring your browsing stays private. It also shields you from suspicious websites and provides built-in protection against phishing attacks.

Safari seamlessly integrates into the Apple ecosystem so you can use iCloud Keychain to securely store your passwords across all your devices. Additionally, features like Face ID and Touch ID add extra layers of authentication for your peace of mind. That said, Safari’s tracking prevention is not as robust as some other options.

Best private browser for Android users: Google Chrome

• Privacy focus: Basic
• Unique feature: Wide range of extensions and cross-device syncing
• Drawback: Relies heavily on data collection
• For users who: Prioritize convenience and a familiar interface over strong privacy

Google Chrome is your go-to browser, loved for its speed, easy-to-use interface, and seamless connection with Google services (web search, YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs, etc.). When it comes to security, Chrome has you covered with features like sandboxing, which keeps each tab and extension separate to prevent the spread of any issues. 

Automatic updates ensure that vulnerabilities are patched quickly, and Safe Browsing warns you about malware, phishing, and dangerous websites in real-time. Just be aware that Google collects a significant amount of user data, including browsing history, search queries, and location information. Still, its vast extension library and cross-device syncing make it a convenient option for many.

Best private browser for Firefox enthusiasts: Waterfox

• Privacy focus: Moderate
• Unique feature: Fork of Firefox with a focus on legacy extensions
• Drawback: Less frequent updates
• Owned by an advertising company
• For users who: Are Firefox enthusiasts who want to keep using older extensions

A fork of Firefox, Waterfox is highly customizable and focuses on supporting legacy extensions that are no longer compatible with the main Firefox browser. This makes it a good option for users who rely on specific older extensions. That said, Waterfox updates less frequently than Firefox, which might affect security. Additionally, it uses Google’s SafeBrowsing service for webpage data, but you have the option to disable this feature if you prefer.

Best private browser for free software advocates: GNU IceCat

• Privacy focus: Strong
• Unique feature: Free software with a commitment to user freedom
• Drawback: IceCat relies on volunteers and may have slower security updates compared to Firefox
• For users who: Are strong advocates of free software and prioritize ethical development

This browser is a champion for free software advocates. GNU IceCat is fully free and open-source software, which means its code can be audited by anyone to ensure there are no hidden tracking or data collection features. It’s based on Firefox, inheriting its existing privacy features, including private browsing mode, tracking protection, and more. However, it’s important to be aware of potential compatibility issues and the need to stay informed about updates.

Best private browser for enhanced security: Iridium

• Privacy focus: Strong
• Unique feature: Enhanced security with a focus on data protection
• Drawback: You have to update the browser manually
• For users who: Prioritize security and want a Chromium-based browser with stricter privacy settings

If security is your top priority, Iridium is a solid choice. You get a Chrome-like browsing experience without your metrics being shared with third parties. Iridium comes with Quant, a unique, privacy-focused search engine set as the default, so your searches remain private. Plus, the browser doesn’t use your personal information or browsing history to influence search results, keeping your online activities secure and confidential. 

One downside of Iridium is that you can’t sign into your Google account. This privacy feature helps keep your online activity from being shared with Google. Additionally, you need to install updates manually, similar to Ungoogled Chromium, which makes it a bit more difficult to maintain your browser.

Best private browser with built-in features: Opera

• Privacy focus: Moderate
• Unique feature: Built-in VPN, ad blocker, and messenger
• Drawback: Ownership raises privacy concerns
• For users who: Want a feature-rich browser with integrated privacy tools

Opera packs a punch with built-in features like a VPN, ad blocker, and messenger. However, some users may have privacy concerns due to its ownership and the VPN’s logging practices. It’s worth evaluating these factors based on your personal privacy needs.

Best private browser for customization: Vivaldi

• Privacy focus: Moderate
• Unique feature: Highly customizable interface with advanced tab management
• Drawback: Website compatibility and performance limitations
• For users who: Value a unique browsing experience tailored to their workflow

Known for its unique, highly customizable interface, Vivaldi lets you tailor your browsing experience to your exact preferences. You can choose your default search engine and set unique privacy settings for regular and private browsing modes. Vivaldi disables the Idle API by default, preventing unwanted tracking and keylogger threats. Its built-in ad blocker makes browsing faster, and you can effortlessly translate pages using the side panel translator, which supports 108 languages. Plus, you can easily recover your data by downloading a backup encryption key from the Sync Settings.

Best private browser for effortless privacy: LibreWolf

• Privacy focus: Strong
• Unique feature: Focus on security and privacy with pre-configured settings
• Drawback: Nothing comes to mind
• For users who: Want a Firefox-based browser with enhanced privacy out of the box

Built on Firefox, LibreWolf comes pre-configured with enhanced privacy settings and a focus on security. It’s a great option for users who want a more private browsing experience without manually adjusting settings. The browser doesn’t use telemetry, avoiding any user tracking or data collection. It defaults to DuckDuckGo and offers other privacy-oriented search engines like Searx and Qwant to keep your queries private. Additionally, it comes with uBlock Origin to block unwanted ads and trackers. Being open source, anyone can inspect its code and contribute to its development.

Best private browser for a ‘deGoogled’ experience: Chromium

• Privacy focus: Moderate
• Unique feature: Open-source foundation of many browsers, customizable
• Drawback: No independent audits to prove its privacy claims
• For users who: Prefer a ‘deGoogled’ experience and are comfortable with some technical setup

Chromium is the open-source foundation for many popular browsers, and it gives you control over your data. It is lightweight, minimal, and free from trackers. While Chromium has connections to Google, the tech giant does not control how others use Chromium’s open-source code, so it’s not necessarily subject to the company’s data-gathering methods. However, it requires some technical know-how to configure for optimal privacy.

Best private browser for privacy and speed: Brave

• Privacy focus: Strong
• Unique feature: Built-in ad blocker and crypto rewards
• Drawback: Tor tab doesn’t meet Tor’s privacy standards
• For users who: Want a fast, privacy-focused browser with a built-in reward system

Built on Chromium, Brave automatically blocks ads, trackers, and third-party cookies, offering more protection than most browsers. Its Shields feature adds extra layers against fingerprinting, malware, and phishing without needing any additional extensions. Brave’s unique integration with Tor for private browsing encrypts your traffic and routes it through multiple relays, making it perfect for those seeking advanced privacy, like journalists or activists. Plus, Brave offers an optional ad model where you can view ads and earn BAT tokens without compromising your privacy.

Best private browser for beginner privacy: Mozilla Firefox

• Privacy focus: Moderate
• Unique feature: Highly customizable with a vast library of extensions
• Drawback: Needs tweaking to really harden its privacy and security features 
• For users who: Want a balance of privacy and functionality with the option to fine-tune their experience

A long-standing champion of privacy, Firefox offers a good balance of features and customization options. Firefox has adopted techniques from Tor to block browser fingerprinting, an increasingly common type of tracking, and sends DNS queries to a secure resolver service. Its extensive library of extensions allows you to tailor your privacy settings to your specific needs. Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) shields you from invasive ads while its open-source code ensures transparency and regular security reviews. You can also manage your passwords securely with Lockwise and monitor data breaches with Firefox Monitor.

Best private browser for maximum anonymity: Tor Browser

• Privacy focus: Maximum
• Unique feature: Access to the Tor network for anonymity
• Drawback: Law enforcement wary of Tor users
• For users who: Need the highest level of anonymity and are willing to sacrifice some speed for it

Tor is the gold standard for online anonymity. The Tor Browser’s privacy is aided very much by its security—no one watching your connection can track your internet activity, nor can they identify you unless you explicitly identify yourself. Additionally, Tor does not track your browsing history and clears your cookies after every session. Tor also protects users from sites that try to fingerprint browsing history with its integration of NoScript. Based on tests of unique browser fingerprinting, only Tor can reduce the uniqueness of your fingerprint. However, this comes at the cost of reduced browsing speed and functionality since its NoScript feature may break some sites. 

Many of the browsers we’ve listed here will let you browse securely and privately, but the best way to protect all of your traffic—including all the other apps on your device that use the internet—is to use a VPN. Instead of manually tweaking customized browser settings, all you need to do is hit “connect,” and ExpressVPN safeguards your privacy and security as you enjoy the internet—from any device.

Get ExpressVPN

Browser privacy showdown: A head-to-head comparison in table format

How your browser reveals your privacy to trackers

Every time you browse the web, you leave behind a trail of digital footprints that can be used to track and profile your online behavior. Websites use various methods to collect data about your activities, interests, and identity, often without your explicit consent or knowledge.

Cookies and their role in tracking

First-party cookies are set by the website you visit and can remember your preferences, login information, and browsing behavior on that particular site. However, third-party tracking cookies from advertising networks can follow you across multiple websites, collecting data on your browsing habits.

Quick fix: Regularly clear your browser’s cookies and consider using browser extensions that block third-party cookies.

IP address tracking vulnerabilities

Your IP address is automatically identified whenever you interact with a website, allowing tracking tools to record your movements across the web. IP tracking can extract information like your location, company, and contact details from public databases, even without the use of cookies.

Quick fix: Use a VPN to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic.

Browser fingerprinting explained

Websites can identify and track you based on your browser’s unique configuration settings, such as screen size, installed fonts, plugins, and more. This technique creates a distinctive profile that can follow you across different websites, making it difficult to hide or change your identity online.

Quick fix: Use a privacy-focused browser that minimizes fingerprinting or adjust your browser settings to reduce the amount of unique information shared.

Location and user-agent tracking

Websites can request access to your precise geolocation through your browser or work out your general location from your IP address. This location data is valuable for serving localized content and advertisements tailored to your area.

Your browser sends details about your device and software in the user-agent string with every request, which can be used to profile and identify you. Nearly every aspect of your interaction with a website can be tracked and analyzed, including your clicks, navigation patterns, location, IP address, and browser details. This data is pieced together to form a comprehensive picture of your online behavior and interests, primarily for targeted advertising purposes.

Quick fix: Disable location services in your browser settings and consider using a user-agent spoofer to modify the information shared with websites.

The best browser add-ons and tools for privacy and security

If you don’t want to give up Chrome but still want to improve your privacy and security, here are a few browser extensions that will serve you 

uBlock Origin

Though commonly used for blocking ads, uBlock Origin also blocks trackers and other content—with plenty of room to customize your own filter list—all while conserving CPU and memory efficiency.

Privacy Badger

The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Privacy Badger blocks third-party trackers. Note that Privacy Badger only blocks trackers, not ads; one of their goals is to incentivize more advertisers to prioritize your privacy.

Using password managers for secure login credentials

Password managers like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass not only generate unique, complex passwords but also store them securely. This minimizes the risk of password reuse and protects you from phishing attacks. Many password managers also detect fake or suspicious sites, further reducing your chance of accidentally handing over credentials to malicious actors.

ExpressVPN’s browser extensions

Okay, we’re obviously biased here. But not for nothing: ExpressVPN’s browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge go beyond VPN protection with location spoofing and WebRTC blocking.

Get ExpressVPN

Common myths about private browsers

Incognito mode makes you anonymous

Most browsers offer a “private browsing” (a.k.a. “incognito”) mode that doesn’t save your browsing history. This hides your activity from people who use your device, but it does NOT hide your activity from:

• Websites you visit
• Your network operator (e.g. your school or work)
• Your ISP

Even when you use private browsing mode, websites you visit will still see your IP address, and third parties like your Wi-Fi network operator and your ISP will still see what websites you visit.

If you want to hide your IP address from websites and hide your browsing activity from your ISP, you’ll need one final tool in your belt … a reputable VPN.

Private browsers protect against everything

It’s easy to assume that using a private browser will protect you from any and all online threats. Private browsers are not a magic bullet for complete security or privacy. While they may block trackers or hide your browsing history locally, they typically don’t prevent online entities from discovering your real IP address. Advertisers, social media platforms, and malicious websites still have tools – like browser fingerprinting or sophisticated scripts – that can piece together who you are and what you do online.

Additionally, private browsers generally don’t encrypt your internet traffic. Without encryption, your ISP can still monitor your activities, and any free Wi-Fi network operator can also view your browsing patterns. If you’re concerned about protecting your personal data such as login credentials or bank details in public places, a private browser alone will not suffice.

Using private browsers means I don’t need a VPN

Another myth is that private browsing alone makes a VPN unnecessary. The reality is that private browsers and VPNs serve different purposes – and work best in combination rather than as substitutes. A private browser, by default, doesn’t store your browsing history, cookies, or passwords once you close it. This can stop casual snooping from anyone who picks up your device, but it can’t mask your IP address from websites or your ISP.

ExpressVPN protects your IP address and secures your entire connection. Its encrypted tunnel makes it much harder for third parties—be it your ISP, government entities, or cybercriminals—to read or intercept your data. If you truly want to limit who sees your online activities, you can combine your private browser with a trustworthy VPN.

Get ExpressVPN

How private browsers compare to standard browsers

Privacy concerns with standard browsers

Mainstream browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge collect user data by default to personalize ads, enhance browsing features, and refine product offerings. They often store your browsing history and can share usage statistics with their developers or partners, potentially exposing details of your online activity. While these browsers offer some privacy options, they’re typically less aggressive about blocking third-party cookies, hidden trackers, or invasive scripts. As a result, advertisers and data brokers may continue compiling profiles based on your online behavior.

Choosing privacy without sacrificing usability

Private browsers minimize data sharing by default, offering more robust protection against fingerprinting and widespread tracking. However, you can still enjoy modern browsing conveniences like extensions, synced bookmarks, and auto-fill forms in many of these options. By fine-tuning privacy settings or installing trusted add-ons – plus pairing your browser with a VPN – you’ll maintain everyday 

usability and performance while significantly reducing your digital footprint. In short, you don’t have to give up familiarity or speed to prioritize your online privacy.

How to stay safe while browsing

Staying safe while browsing requires more than just using a private browser. From optimizing your browser settings to avoiding phishing risks and maintaining secure connections, these tips will help you protect your data and enhance your online privacy.

Browser settings to optimize privacy

Disabling third-party cookies

Third-party cookies let advertisers and data brokers track your browsing behavior across multiple sites. By turning them off in your browser’s privacy or settings menu, you’ll reduce cross-site tracking and limit data collection. (Note that Google plans to phase out third-party cookies in Chrome, but these changes are ongoing and may shift over time.)

Enabling HTTPS-only mode

Some private browsers and extensions (like HTTPS Everywhere, now integrated into Firefox and Brave) force websites to use encrypted HTTPS connections. This prevents attackers from intercepting sensitive data on unsecured (HTTP) pages. Check your browser’s “Privacy & Security” or “Advanced” settings for an HTTPS-Only Mode option to ensure safe, encrypted connections whenever possible.

Customizing tracker-blocking features

Several privacy-focused browsers like Brave and Firefox with Enhanced Tracking Protection let you adjust tracker-blocking levels. Options range from “Standard” to “Strict,” balancing functionality with stronger privacy. Experiment with these settings to find what works best – just be prepared that some websites might break if you opt for more aggressive blocking.

Avoid phishing and malware risks

Avoid clicking on suspicious links

Cybercriminals often disguise harmful URLs in emails, messages, or ads – sometimes using shortened or look-alike links. Even if a link appears genuine, think twice before clicking. If in doubt, hover over the link to check the actual destination, and only proceed if it’s a trusted source.

Do not download files from untrusted sources

Malware frequently hides in seemingly harmless files. Stick to reputable websites, official app stores, or well-known publishers for downloads. If an unsolicited email or message prompts you to download something, treat it as a red flag. Scan all files with antivirus or antimalware software before opening.

Safe internet practices

Use secure Wi-Fi networks or a VPN

Public Wi-Fi networks – such as those in cafes or airports – can expose your personal information to potential snoopers. Whenever possible, use password-protected networks or connect through a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN. This ensures your data is encrypted and inaccessible to prying eyes.

Avoid sharing personal information on public networks

Even with a VPN, it’s wise to minimize what you share when using public Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (for example, online banking) or giving out personal details in chats or forms. If you must, verify the network’s legitimacy first – some hackers create fake hotspots to steal user information.

Maintain your browser and devices

Regularly update browsers to avoid vulnerabilities

Browser updates often include crucial security fixes that address newly discovered flaws. Staying on the latest version of your browser – be it Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or any other—is one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of cyber threats. Enable automatic updates if available.

Install security patches for your operating system

Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) also release security patches to fix vulnerabilities. These updates are designed to protect against the newest exploits and malware strains. Consider enabling automatic OS updates or regularly checking for them manually to keep your devices secure.

Final thoughts

Private browsers are a great first step to stopping casual data collection and limiting who can see what you do online. They help reduce the digital breadcrumbs you leave behind, particularly on shared or public devices. But even with strong anti-tracking and anti-fingerprinting measures, a private browser on its own can’t completely shield you from sophisticated surveillance or prying eyes—especially those of your ISP or public Wi-Fi network operators.

Pairing a private browser with a VPN like ExpressVPN is the most effective way to encrypt all your internet traffic and hide your real IP address. With an extra layer of security protecting every app on your device—not just your browser—you’ll be better equipped to dodge advertisers, bypass censorship, and ensure your sensitive data stays hidden from cybercriminals. When combined with a reputable VPN, even the most privacy-conscious browsers gain the ironclad protection you need to explore the internet with greater confidence.