Helium browser is the new kid on the block, claiming to be the “Best privacy and unbiased ad-blocking by default“. Helium is an open-source, lightweight, fast, Chromium-based browser. So, let’s check whether the blurb is accurate.
Helium Browser Review
Privacy-Partial Fail: Helium comes with the uBlock Origin extension installed by default. uBlock Origin is an excellent broad-content blocker, so ads and tracking are automatically blocked. However, browser fingerprinting is a different matter.
Helium claims that it “does its best to prevent fingerprinting“, but apparently, its best is not good enough. I passed Helium through Cover Your Tracks and received the following report:
As you can see, Helium passed the ad-blocking and tracking tests but failed to eliminate fingerprinting. A “unique” fingerprint is not good, meaning the fingerprint can be used to track the users’ online activity.
Speed-Pass: Helium is a lightweight browser with no customization options or fancy bells and whistles, consequently it is very fast.
Lightweight-Pass: It sure is. I cannot even show you a screenshot because Helium’s interface is so basic, with just a search bar; there really is nothing to show.
NOTE: Helium is still in the Alpha stage of development, so there is a potential for bugs. That said, it behaved perfectly during my short-term testing.
BOTTOM LINE:
I would question Helium’s claim to be the “best private” browser, and until the developers implement effective anti-fingerprinting measures, in my opinion, the Brave browser still retains that title.
That said, Helium does have a lot going for it. If you prefer a basic, lightweight browser that’s fast and offers more in the way of privacy than most, Helium is well worth checking out.
One Final Note: Because Helium is still in Alpha stage, there is currently no auto-update feature, and the user needs to visit Helium’s home page to download each latest version manually.
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