Top 10: Secure browsers for Android

Updated: August 01, 2023

Secure browsers for Android are specialized mobile applications that prioritize user privacy and data security while browsing the internet on Android devices. These browsers often include features like built-in ad blockers, enhanced tracking protection, and secure HTTPS connections to protect user data from potential threats and malicious websites. Secure browsers for Android typically implement strict data encryption measures and do not store user browsing history or cache, ensuring that sensitive information remains private and secure. Moreover, these browsers often provide options for users to control cookie settings and block unwanted scripts, providing an additional layer of security against potential online tracking and data collection. With a focus on user security and privacy, secure browsers for Android offer peace of mind to users while browsing the internet, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a more secure and private online experience on their Android devices. Some of the most popular secure browsers for Android are listed below.

See also: Top 10 Web Browsers

2019. Opera for Android added built-in VPN



In 2016, Opera introduced a free VPN app for Android, which was later discontinued. However, Opera is now bringing back the free VPN service as part of its Opera browser for Android. The feature is currently in the testing phase and is gradually being rolled out to Opera beta users. Once activated, users can select their desired virtual location, although the options may not be as extensive as those offered by commercial VPN services. Users can choose to appear virtually located in Europe, America, or Asia. Opera assures users that it does not retain any usage logs. Additionally, Opera already provides a free and unlimited VPN within its desktop web browser. Similarly, the mobile browser allows users to bypass the VPN when accessing search engines.


2018. Tor Browser comes to Android



The Tor browser, known for its anonymity features, has now been officially launched for Android users. However, in order to use the app, users will also need to download the Tor Project proxy app called Orbot. Tor Project's browser ensures anonymity by employing a decentralized network of relays that bounce a user's data, effectively anonymizing their internet activity. As a result, it becomes exceedingly difficult for advertisements, location trackers, and even government surveillance to track an individual's online movements. Following the introduction of the Tor browser for Android, Orfox, a long-standing Tor Project-approved browsing app, has announced its plan to phase out by 2019.


2017. Microsoft Edge comes to Android and iPhone



Microsoft has officially launched its Edge Browser for iOS and Android, serving as a successor to Internet Explorer. The mobile version encompasses numerous familiar features from its desktop and tablet counterpart, such as Favorites, Reading Lists, and New Tab Pages. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced some new tools to enhance the user experience. One notable addition is Roaming Passwords, enabling users to synchronize passwords seamlessly across mobile and desktop platforms. Another noteworthy feature is the dark theme, which provides a black desktop interface as an alternative to the default white/gray design, offering a more eye-friendly experience for certain users. The inclusion of Edge represents a significant element of Microsoft's new mobile strategy. Notably, the integration of Edge and Cortana into iOS and Android aims to facilitate smoother interactions between existing smartphones and Windows 10 PCs, benefiting Windows 10 users.


2015. Opera redesigned Opera Mini for Android



Opera Mini, the sibling of Opera's standard mobile browser, has received a significant revamp on Android. The new design aligns closely with the appearance and functionality of the regular Opera mobile browser, providing a more native and familiar browsing experience. It's important to note that Opera offers both its regular mobile browser and Opera Mini for Android. The key distinction between the two lies in Opera Mini's always-on data saving mode, which aggressively compresses data. While Opera Mini manages to maintain the layout of most websites, some design elements and web fonts are stripped out by Opera's proxies to conserve bandwidth. As a result, websites may appear slightly more minimalistic compared to the regular Opera browser for Android, which also features a similar "turbo" mode but takes a more conservative approach to data compression.


2012. Chrome hits Android



As you may be aware, Google has been developing two distinct operating systems with differing philosophies: Android, which focuses on native apps, and Chrome OS, which emphasizes web apps and browser functionality. Interestingly, even Google's own management has struggled to clearly articulate how these philosophies align with their overall strategy. Adding to the complexity, the Android and Chrome teams within the company have operated independently and often competed against each other rather than collaborating. In recent news, it appears that the Chrome team has achieved a significant milestone by making the Chrome browser available on Android devices. However, this compatibility is limited to devices running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Initial reviews suggest that the mobile version of Chrome offers impressive speed and usability. It is worth noting, though, that it does not support Flash, indicating a shift towards a future OS landscape that favors web-based apps built on HTML5. Overall, the integration of Chrome on Android demonstrates an intriguing convergence between the two operating systems, hinting at the ongoing evolution of Google's mobile strategy.