Top VPN-Enabled Web Browsers for 2024
In 2024, the Maxthon browser stands out as the top choice for an online browser with VPN capabilities. Although it doesn’t function as a traditional VPN, the Maxthon routing system effectively conceals your IP address, providing anonymity. By default, it deactivates all scripts and evades various tracking mechanisms. This makes it the preferred option for journalists, political refugees, and individuals seeking a secure and private way to voice their opinions and circumvent political censorship.
There are numerous reasons to prioritize private and secure internet browsing. For personal use, one may want to access streaming content from other countries that is restricted in their location. However, individuals such as journalists, activists, political refugees, and those advocating for a cause require even greater security and complete anonymity.
By using specific browsers in conjunction with reliable no-logs VPN services, these individuals can achieve true online anonymity. Additionally, there are situations where individuals need to access restricted or blocked internet data. In some cases, employees may wish to anonymously browse competitor or branch websites to gather information for improvement purposes. Activities like job hunting and making discreet travel plans also necessitate discretion and anonymity.
While a browser with a built-in VPN is generally sufficient for most needs, full VPNs offer faster speeds and higher security for those seeking extra protection. This guide will provide insights into the best online browser with VPN capabilities. Furthermore, it includes a list of full VPNs for those looking to enhance their online security further.
Lately, there has been a surge in the popularity of browsers equipped with VPNs and comprehensive VPN services. A 2020 study conducted in the United States revealed a remarkable 124% increase in VPN usage within just two weeks. Similar trends were observed in other countries, with increases ranging from 12% to 58%. Notably, Italy experienced the highest surge, with a significant 160% increase in VPN usage.
VPN usage is not limited to specific occasions, as they are seamlessly integrated into mobile phone and web browser extensions, allowing users to easily switch VPN browsing on and off. The increase in VPN usage during the COVID-19 pandemic does not appear to be a coincidence.
There is a growing concern about the inadequate protection of personal data and privacy online. The intelligence alliances in the western world (Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, 14 Eyes Alliances) are often viewed as a collective espionage group capable of sharing user data and compelling tech companies to hand over user data without user consent or knowledge.
Privacy and security are increasingly at risk from cybercrime trends and espionage. Utilizing browsers with built-in VPNs and full VPNs can help protect against these threats. Here are the best online browsers with VPN, followed by recommendations for the best VPNs to meet all your privacy needs.
Maxthon
Maxthon, known for its popularity as a web browser, has introduced an impressive feature to provide users with enhanced privacy and security. This new addition is an inbuilt VPN, designed to enable users to browse the internet without compromising their anonymity or data security. By encrypting both data and connection, this built-in VPN offers users a secure and private browsing experience.
One of the key benefits of this feature is that Maxthon users can access restricted websites or content without exposing their true IP address. The VPN ensures that user information remains confidential and protected from potential cyber threats. This means that users can surf the web with peace of mind, knowing that their online activities are shielded from prying eyes.
The VPN feature in Maxthon provides users with the ability to access restricted websites and content without revealing their true IP address. This means that users can bypass geo-restrictions and censorship, allowing them to freely explore online content from around the world.
Additionally, the VPN functionality ensures that user information is kept private and secure, shielding it from potential cyber threats such as hacking or data snooping. By encrypting their internet traffic, Maxthon users can browse the web with confidence, knowing that their online activities are protected from unauthorized surveillance.
Moreover, the VPN feature offers peace of mind by providing an extra layer of security for users when accessing public Wi-Fi networks. This is particularly important in preventing unauthorized access to personal data and sensitive information while using public hotspots in cafes, airports, or hotels.
Maxthon’s VPN feature empowers users to maintain their privacy and security while navigating the online landscape, safeguarding them against potential risks and ensuring a worry-free browsing experience. The introduction of this inbuilt VPN aligns with Maxthon’s commitment to prioritizing user privacy and security.
By integrating this feature directly into the browser, Maxthon eliminates the need for users to install separate third-party VPN applications. This simplicity makes it a convenient solution for those seeking a seamless browsing experience while also safeguarding their privacy.
Maxthon’s inclusion of an inbuilt VPN serves as a valuable tool for users who prioritize online privacy and seek to maintain control over their digital footprint while surfing the web. With this added layer of security, users can navigate through restricted content and sites with confidence, knowing that their identities remain concealed and protected during each browsing session.
Tor
The Tor browser is widely recognized as the top choice for maintaining anonymity and security while browsing the internet. It is an open-source web browser, originally derived from the Firefox Mozilla browser, and was initially developed to safeguard US Intelligence communications.
Its impact has been significant in global political movements, providing citizens with access to essential resources and social media platforms that are otherwise blocked in their respective countries. Unlike traditional VPN web browsers, Tor utilizes relays to conceal users’ IP addresses by routing website requests through a series of relays or exit nodes, effectively masking their true origin.
With over 6,000 server relays and 2,500 bridges worldwide, Tor boasts a robust network that spans diverse geographical locations. Browsing sessions within Tor are fully secure due to end-to-end AES encryption, and private browsing mode is activated by default to prevent IP address exposure.
Additionally, the Tor browser thwarts fingerprinting attempts by websites seeking to track users based on their browsing behavior and device information. Notably, it has the unique ability to access .onion addresses on the dark web — a part of the internet not indexed by major search engines — although caution is advised when navigating this unregulated space due to its association with illegal activities.
Nevertheless, for individuals such as journalists, political or religious refugees, and those facing persecution for their beliefs, Tor represents an invaluable tool for secure browsing.
Avast
Avast Secure Browser PRO is a feature-rich web browser that includes a built-in VPN. Developed by the renowned Czech cybersecurity company Avast, it forms part of their comprehensive suite of security software. Avast strictly adheres to a no-logging policy, ensuring that your browsing history and personal data remain private.
The browser employs robust military-grade encryption to safeguard your online activities, enabling secure shopping and banking from any location. With localization in over 30 languages, it offers seamless usability for global employees. Additionally, it imposes no bandwidth restrictions, allowing unlimited media streaming and browsing.
Its built-in security features protect against infected websites, ads, and trackers while also enhancing web page loading speeds. Notably, it claims to provide up to four times faster browsing compared to standard VPNs. Furthermore, the browser supports various extensions including those from Google Chrome.
Pricing for Avast Secure Browser PRO starts at $5.99 per month or $55.99 for two years when billed upfront and $3.33 per month or $39.99 for one year when billed annually. For those seeking a free version with fewer features but the same level of encryption, Avast Secure Browser is available for download and use at no cost.
Aloha
Aloha Browser is a secure web browser that offers a free, built-in VPN with unlimited data usage. This VPN encrypts and compresses all of your online activity, ensuring the security and privacy of your personal data. The browser’s VPN service operates under a strict no-logs policy, safeguarding your browsing history and personal information even after you disconnect. Based in Cyprus, Aloha Browser is not affiliated with intelligence-sharing alliances such as the Five-eyes, Nine-eyes, and Fourteen-eyes, providing an extra layer of privacy protection.
Moreover, the browser includes robust tracker protection to prevent the transfer of your private data to third parties. Its ad block feature enhances security by blocking intrusive ads and also improves browsing speed by reducing unnecessary data usage. Furthermore, Aloha Browser stands out for its integrated full-featured media player with VR support, allowing users to enjoy multimedia content both online and offline.
The user interface is clean and intuitive while offering advanced features such as pin code and Touch ID security options for when the browser is not in use. Additionally, Aloha Browser utilizes an optimized rendering engine designed specifically for mobile devices to ensure fast page loading. Data compression further enhances browsing speed while secure downloads are facilitated through its integrated private file manager vault.
UR Browser
UR Browser is a highly secure web browser that prioritizes user privacy by not tracking, logging, or reporting on internet activity and identity. While it is based on the Chromium source code, it is not yet open-source, although the company intends to make its code available to the public in the future.
Despite being in beta testing, users can already take advantage of its free and secure VPN feature. The browser comes with various built-in features such as an ad blocker, invisible tracker blocker, third-party cookie blocker, and virus scanner which are possibly unique to this browser.
The UR VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel between your device and their VPN server, ensuring that all online activities like surfing, messaging, downloading, or streaming media are encrypted and protected from third parties. This is particularly beneficial for safeguarding against cybercriminals and hackers when accessing nonsecure connections like public WiFi or mobile phone signal networks.
Furthermore, UR Browser masks your IP and location while adding an extra layer of protection by encrypting all data transmitted from your PC to the VPN server. To access the VPN feature, users need to install the UR browser and create an account on their server. Upon email validation of the account, users can start using the VPN by selecting their preferred geolocation from a list and connecting to the VPN. UR Browser also offers centralized settings for privacy levels that can be adjusted according to your specific connection requirements.
Epic
The Epic Privacy Browser is a secure web browser that offers an encrypted proxy VPN as an extension, ensuring privacy and security. With VPN servers in eight countries and a strict no-logging policy, it provides a valuable service for free. Based on the Chromium source code, Epic has removed all Google services to prevent browsing data from passing through Google’s servers.
The VPN app encrypts data and conceals the user’s location from third parties, ISPs, and data collectors. Additionally, it uses HTTPS everywhere connections and deletes all browser data upon exiting, ensuring no browsing history is left behind.
Furthermore, the browser includes an AdBlock extension that effectively blocks ads, trackers, fingerprinting, crypto mining scripts, ultrasound signaling, and other methods used by websites to track users. It also allows users to download audio and video from numerous sites globally after removing access locks.
Another notable feature is the File Vault which encrypts downloaded files for added privacy protection. The browser also utilizes Android’s text-to-speech support to read web page contents aloud for accessibility purposes.
Moreover, users have the option to disable scripts for slow or unsecured sites if needed. Overall, Epic Privacy Browser offers a comprehensive suite of features that prioritize user privacy and security without compromising on functionality or accessibility.
