Are lesser known browsers more secure?

Advantages of lesser known browsers

Built-in ad and tracker blocking

One big advantage that some of these lesser-known browsers offer is a focus on privacy from the start. Brave, for example, has a built-in ad and tracker blocker. This not only speeds up your browsing experience, but also reduces the amount of data advertisers can collect about you. With Brave, your privacy is enhanced without having to install additional extensions, as it automatically blocks third-party cookies and tracking scripts.

Advanced security features

Another standout browser is Avast Secure Browser, which offers solid security features like anti-phishing protection and a special 'Bank Mode.' It creates a dedicated secure environment for online transactions, protecting you from things like keyloggers and screenshot attempts. Plus, if you're used to Chrome, switching to Avast Secure Browser is easy because it looks and works very similarly to Chrome, making it a user-friendly option for those looking for extra security.

Privacy-focused design

Some browsers, like LibreWolf, take privacy to the next level by removing all telemetry data. This means no one can track your browsing habits, making it a great choice if you want to keep your online activities private. LibreWolf also enforces HTTPS connections as much as possible, ensuring data is encrypted between you and the websites you visit.

For those who prioritize anonymity, Mullvad Browser, built in partnership with Mullvad VPN, is another strong option. It blocks third-party trackers and fingerprinting attempts without relying on the Tor network, meaning you get anonymity without the slower browsing speeds that sometimes come with using Tor.

Potential Disadvantages of Lesser-Known Browsers

While these alternative browsers have some great security features, they also have some drawbacks.

Update frequency

One major concern is how often these browsers release updates. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox release regular updates to fix security vulnerabilities, sometimes multiple times a month. However, some lesser-known browsers take longer to roll out critical updates, which can leave you at risk for security over a longer period of time. For example, the default version of Epiphany (Web) can become outdated if not manually updated, which can create security vulnerabilities.

Smaller user base and bug reports

Another issue is their smaller user base. Since fewer people use these browsers, security flaws can go unnoticed for longer periods of time. In contrast, mainstream browsers have large communities that help identify and report bugs quickly. While browsers like Brave have large followings, lesser-known browsers may not have the same level of support, meaning any vulnerabilities that arise can take longer to fix.

Privacy concerns

Even privacy-first browsers aren't immune to issues. In June 2020, for example, Brave got into trouble for automatically adding affiliate links to searches for cryptocurrency companies like Binance and Coinbase. While they quickly fixed the issue, it's a reminder that no browser is perfect when it comes to privacy.

Similarly, DuckDuckGo, which bills itself as a privacy-first browser, has faced criticism for allowing Microsoft trackers on third-party sites while blocking trackers from Google and Facebook. This is due to a search agreement with Microsoft, and while DuckDuckGo's founder has acknowledged the problem and promised to change, it shows that even privacy-first browsers sometimes fall short.

Finally, the Tor Browser, known for its ability to provide anonymity by routing traffic through multiple relays, can still be risky. In early 2021, a hacker took control of more than 27% of the Tor network's exit nodes, giving them the ability to spy on traffic or downgrade HTTPS connections on certain cryptocurrency sites. This incident highlights the potential dangers of malicious exit nodes in the Tor network.