Block trackers with this free web browser
Epic Privacy Browser is a fast, Chromium-based web browser built from the ground up to offer users a private online experience. Developed by Hidden Reflex, this free browser aggressively blocks the usual suspects like ads, third-party trackers, and fingerprinting scripts, but goes further by disabling many default tracking features found in its Chromium base.
Epic Privacy Browser concentrates on maintaining a stripped-down, default-private environment by employing an always-on encrypted proxy (VPN) and blocking virtually all common tracking methods. For users interested in similar highly private browsing experiences, worthy alternatives include the Tor Browser or the privacy-focused Brave.
The core strength of Epic Privacy Browser lies in its aggressive, default-on privacy features. Upon launch, every session is treated as private: browsing history is protected, cookies are deleted on exit, and an integrated, custom uBlock-based ad blocker is active to prevent invasive, creepy advertisements from following you around. The new tab page itself serves as an auditing tool, displaying the tracking attempts blocked during your session.
Active defense against digital spies
The browser is also incredibly secure, leveraging the Chromium foundation for speed and stability, while maximizing data isolation by running every tab as a separate process. It employs an encrypted data preference, making a secure HTTPS connection whenever a website supports it. It’s also designed to bypass paywalls and unblock content via its built-in encrypted proxy, so you can access restricted content all over the globe.
In addition, the browser provides strong defenses against modern tracking techniques, including cryptomining scripts and the novel use of ultrasound signaling for cross-device tracking. Its robust suite of features includes granular protections against a plethora of fingerprinting methods. However, one key limitation is that while it supports nearly all Chrome Web Store extensions, installing too many of these extensions can potentially slow down the browser's performance.
Robust protection
Epic Privacy Browser is an exceptional choice for anyone prioritizing security and anonymity above all else. Its combination of the Chromium engine's speed, an always-on encrypted proxy, and comprehensive, default-activated tracker blocking makes it one of the most private browsing experiences available today. While overcustomizing the browser with third-party extensions can impact its performance, its out-of-the-box configuration is arguably the best-in-class for digital self-defense.
Pros
- Built on the fast and stable Chromium engine
- Integrated, always-on encrypted proxy
- Aggressive, default-on ad and tracker blocking
- Transparently shows blocked tracking attempts
Cons
- Performance can suffer with too many extensions
