The Magic World of Browser's Privacy

30 May 2025 - Wildeng

While researching for a guide on how to properly write RSpec tests and avoid flaky specs, I once again ran into the growing frustration of modern web searches — cluttered with SEO spam, AI junk, and irrelevant results. That experience led me to reflect not just on search engines, but also on the browsers we rely on daily. I realized how many of the popular ones are no longer user-friendly — especially when it comes to respecting our privacy and security. Curious, I dove into the world of alternative browsers. Beyond the better-known options like Brave, DuckDuckGo, and Vivaldi, I discovered lesser-known but powerful tools like the Mullvad Browser — each with its own strengths and trade-offs.
In the link section you will find some of the source I’ve used for this. Here’s a comparison of these privacy-focused browsers to help you choose the one that fits your needs:

🥇 1. Mullvad Browser

Pros: Maximal privacy — no telemetry or fingerprinting. Based on Tor Browser (without the Tor network). Comes with uBlock Origin preinstalled. Built for anonymity and security.

Cons: Not beginner-friendly. Lacks sync, bookmarks, and convenience features.

🥈 2. Brave

Pros: Built-in tracker and ad blocker. Fingerprinting protection. Supports Tor in private windows. Fast and easy to use.

Cons Controversy on its founder Brendan Eich Promotes its own crypto features. Past controversy: affiliate link injections (2019).

🥉 3. Firefox

Pros: Open source and independent. Strong Enhanced Tracking Protection. Supports uBlock Origin and privacy extensions.

Cons: Needs some customization for maximum privacy. Slightly heavier on system resources.

4. Vivaldi

Pros: Built-in ad/tracker blocker. Highly customizable interface. No telemetry without consent.

Cons: Not fully open source. Based on Chromium.

5. Safari

Pros: Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP). Optimized for battery and performance on Apple devices. Good privacy defaults.

Cons: Limited extension ecosystem. Locked into Apple ecosystem.

6. Arc

Pros: Innovative UI with useful features. Ad/tracker blocking supported via extensions. Clean, distraction-free design.

Cons: Closed source and cloud-based account required. Limited transparency on privacy practices.

7. Opera

Pros: Built-in ad blocker and free VPN (proxy). Feature-rich and user-friendly.

Cons: Owned by a Chinese consortium (privacy concerns). VPN is not truly private. Previous involvement in shady Android loan apps.

8. Microsoft Edge

Pros: Integration with Windows security features. Defender SmartScreen protects against phishing/malware.

Cons: Heavy telemetry and data collection. Aggressively pushes Microsoft services. Can override user settings.

9. Chromium (Vanilla)

Pros: Open source, no proprietary Google code. More private than Chrome by default. Customizable for developers.

Cons: No auto updates or media codecs by default. Still leaks some data to Google domains (unless patched).

10. Google Chrome

Pros: Fast, stable, and widely supported. Excellent extension ecosystem.

Cons: Heavy telemetry and user tracking. No built-in tracker or ad blocking. Designed around Google’s ad business.

Things I like - in random order

A Monochrome picture I’ve taken in Bologna at the Certosa, the monumental cemetery.
The photograph is a black and white image depicting a long, covered colonnade, similar to a hallway with columns on either side. The colonnade is quite long, extending into the distance where it appears to darken and become less distinct. The columns are tall and slender, classical in style, with bases and capitals. Between the columns, there are walls with what appear to be stone or marble plaques or memorials, possibly tombstones, set into them. Small floral arrangements are visible in some of these niches. The floor of the colonnade is paved, and the shadows of the columns are cast long and distinctly on the ground, indicating a strong light source from one side. A small, rectangular object, possibly a drain cover, is visible in the center of the foreground. A person is visible in the far distance, adding a sense of scale and depth to the image. The overall impression is one of quiet solemnity and architectural grandeur.

The last intact cementation furnace in Britain it’s in Sheffield
A large, conical brick tower stands prominently in a sunny urban landscape. The tower, once used for cementation in steel production, is dark reddish-brown with weathered bricks and a faded, patchy surface. A modern white metal structure is mounted at its top. Behind it are several mid-rise buildings with red, grey, and white facades, reflecting contemporary architecture. In the foreground lies a rough, dusty area with rubble, overgrown weeds, and metal fencing. The sky is clear and deep blue, casting strong, sharp shadows. The scene contrasts industrial heritage with urban development.

All the pictures I usually post here are also available in my Pixelfed Ptofile