European alternatives > Web browsers

European web browsers

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge together account for around 70% of global browser usage, giving just two large companies significant influence over your online experience.

European web browsers give you an alternative to the default Big Tech internet, with fewer trackers, stronger privacy features, and more control over how your data is handled. They also support the European tech ecosystem.

LibreWolf

Based: International (community-led)

A privacy-hardened Firefox fork with no telemetry and stronger protections

Telemetry and user data collection removed from the Firefox base code
Anti-tracking and anti-fingerprinting protections enabled by default
Fully open-source, allowing independent audits
No sponsored content

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vivaldi

Based: Oslo, Norway

A highly customizable browser built by former Opera developers

Built-in tracker, ad blocker(nova janela), and encrypted DNS(nova janela) to reduce tracking
Minimal telemetry, with no profiling or behavioral data collection
End-to-end encryption protects sync data in transit and on the sync server
Aligned with GDPR
Built-in Proton VPN(nova janela) support
Open-source status is unclear

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Waterfox

Based: London, United Kingdom

A fast and private browser based on Firefox, with no telemetry

Telemetry disabled by default
Minimal data sharing with external services
Supports privacy extensions and customization for stronger protection
Fully open-source, available for independent audits

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Pale Moon

Based: Amsterdam, Netherlands

An independent browser that focuses on user freedom

Runs on its own browser engine (Goanna, a fork of Firefox’s Gecko) rather than Chromium
Doesn’t include tracking features or telemetry
Offers a classic interface and full customization
Open-source and fully community supported

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Ecosia Browser

Based: Berlin, Germany

A Chromium-based browser that plants trees and supports environmental projects

Built-in ad and tracker blocking
Features a climate pledge rating
Tracks your impact and shows how your activity contributes to positive outcomes
Optional AI powered by renewable energy and smaller, faster models
Not open-source

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Why choose European web browsers?

Stronger data protection laws

European browser makers operate in a market shaped by GDPR, and stronger expectations around data protection. That does not make every browser private by default, but it creates a better setting for products built around user rights, transparency, and data minimization.

Reduced tracking and profiling

Big Tech browsers are connected to advertising, search, cloud, AI, and data-driven ecosystems. European alternatives tend to put privacy closer to the center, with features such as ad and tracker blocking, fingerprinting protection, and less telemetry.

Less exposure to foreign jurisdiction

Choosing European browsers means less reliance on American companies like Google (Chrome), Apple (Safari), and Microsoft (Edge). These are subject to US surveillance laws that can allow authorities to access user data without the warrant protections most people assume apply, no matter where you live.

More transparency and open standards

European browsers like LibreWolf and Waterfox use open-source code and support open web standards. This makes their behavior easier to inspect, improves accountability, and helps keep the web from being shaped entirely by a few dominant companies

Which European web browser is best for you?

Different browsers do different things well. The right choice depends on how you balance privacy, customization, and ease of use

Maximum privacy: LibreWolf offers strong protections by default, including anti-tracking and reduced fingerprinting.
Customization: Vivaldi and Waterfox give you extensive control over the interface, features, and browsing behavior.(nova janela)
Lightweight browsing: Waterfox and Pale Moon focus on simplicity and performance, with fewer background services and less overhead.
Familiar experience: Vivaldi offers a Chrome-like experience with added privacy controls and customization options.

Tips for switching to a European web browser

Small changes make a big difference when switching browsers. These tips help you get the most out of a new tool without changing how you browse.

Update your default browser settings

Set your preferred browser as the default so links and web pages open automatically in the new environment.

Use different tools for different tasks

Switch between browsers depending on your activity, like using one for work and another for personal browsing.

Keep a backup handy

A second browser helps when certain websites work better than others, or when you require specific features.

Clear your existing browser cookies

Starting fresh makes sure your new privacy settings work effectively across all the websites you visit.

Expect fewer integrations

Privacy-focused browsers may limit integrations with third-party services, which can change how some websites behave.

Test it for several days

A short trial helps you adjust to performance, compatibility, and how the browser fits your daily habits.

Not European, but still not Big Tech web browsers

If you’re looking to replace Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari but don’t really need a European option, there are several American web browsers worth considering. However, all these companies are subject to US jurisdiction.

Brave*

Based: California, United States

A fast browser that blocks trackers and ads by default

Brave Shields blocks ads and trackers automatically
Reduces fingerprinting techniques to limit unique identification
Upgrades your connections to HTTPS whenever possible
Built on the Chromium engine

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Firefox

Based: California, United States

An open-source browser focused on privacy

Tracking protection
Isolates cookies to prevent websites from tracking you across the web
Highly customizable settings for power users who want deep control
Transparent development process with a focus on user rights
Open-source

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

DuckDuckGo Browser

Based: Pennsylvania, United States

A simple browser designed for everyday privacy

Automatically blocks hidden third-party trackers
Includes a one-tap button to clear all tabs and browsing data
Forces encrypted connections where available
Simple interface focused on clarity and ease of use
Not open-source

Proton privacy score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

*In 2020, Brave was found to be inserting undisclosed affiliate codes into typed URLs; the practice was reversed within days following public criticism.

Frequently asked questions about European web browsers

What is a European web browser?: A European web browser is a browser developed by a company or organization based in Europe, often shaped by European values around privacy, data protection, competition, and user control.
It does not always mean the browser is fully built in Europe (or in the European Union) or uses a European search engine. For example, Ecosia Browser is based on Chromium, the same open-source engine behind Chrome, while others use different technology.
Are European browsers safer than Chrome?: Not automatically. Google Chrome is very strong for security because it has fast updates, strong sandboxing, site isolation, and built-in warnings against dangerous websites and downloads. But Chrome is weaker on privacy because it is closely tied to Google’s data and advertising ecosystem.
Some European browsers, like Vivaldi, can be safer than Chrome if your main concern is privacy, tracking protection, and reducing how much data is collected about your browsing. But they are not automatically safer than Chrome in every way.
Can I use Chrome extensions in European browsers?: Yes, browsers based on the Chromium engine, such as Vivaldi, support almost all Chrome Web Store extensions. Firefox-based browsers like Waterfox and LibreWolf use their own extensive library of add-ons.
Is a browser the same as a search engine?: No. A browser is the software you use to access the internet, while a search engine is a tool that helps you find information online. For example, you might use a browser like Vivaldi or LibreWolf together with a search engine like Qwant or DuckDuckGo.
What is the best European alternative to Chrome?: For most people, Vivaldi is the best European alternative to Chrome. It is based in Norway and uses Chromium, so it offers a familiar Chrome-like experience and supports most Chrome Web Store extensions.
Unlike Chrome, Vivaldi includes built-in tracker and ad blocking, encrypted DNS, minimal telemetry, no behavioral profiling, and end-to-end encrypted sync. It is also aligned with GDPR and includes built-in Proton VPN support.
If your priority is maximum privacy, LibreWolf is the stronger choice. But if you want a browser that feels close to Chrome while giving you more privacy and control, Vivaldi is the best overall option.

Explore more European alternatives

Looking beyond web browsers? Find European alternatives for email, search engines, cloud storage, maps, social media, messaging, and more.

Browse European alternatives