For years, I relied on Chrome alternatives like Brave, but this year, I found myself frustrated with its crypto integration, AI features, and RAM-hungry nature. Seeking a change, I explored Zen Browser and then discovered Helium, an open-source browser that’s still based on Chromium but has managed to excel where Brave fell short – simplicity, speed, and privacy.
We’re witnessing a wave of private browsers, with users increasingly seeking genuine alternatives to Chrome’s data harvesting practices. Brave launched promisingly, but failed to deliver on its claims. In contrast, Helium is genuinely walking the talk, de-Googleing itself to refuse tracking your online behavior. It blocks ads by default using uBlock Origin and protects your digital footprint from Google.
Helium doesn’t have a password manager or include Google’s search engine, instead recommending DuckDuckGo as the default. The browser also features an interesting “!bangs” feature with over 10,000 shortcuts for faster browsing. While lacking some modern features like DRM support, Helium is simple, beautiful, and snappy.
I’m glad to see the developer team taking a minimalist approach to UI design, focusing on performance and privacy without going overboard. The “New Tab” page is uncluttered, and customizations are limited but still accessible through extensions. Performance-wise, searches using DuckDuckGo feel snappy, and I’ve experienced no sluggishness while browsing.
Compared to Brave, Helium feels like a breath of fresh air – no crypto integration or sponsored ads. With its focus on your digital life, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a clean and dedicated browser. While it may take time to challenge the dominance of Chrome, I’m hopeful about Helium’s potential and its commitment to creating a private browsing experience that keeps users’ data free from Google’s clutches.
Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/helium-better-chrome-alternative-than-brave