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Browsec VPN review

A competent vpn at an excellent price.

TechRadar Verdict

Browsec’s super-competitive pricing and high download speeds, accompanied by strong unblocking capabilities, have earned this provider high marks, despite its lack of desktop clients and torrenting support.

Solid speeds

Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer

Solid server network

No desktop clients

Doesn’t support torrenting

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Browsec is a VPN provider that offers services to an 8 million-strong customer base, predominantly via mobile apps and desktop browser extensions.

When we say a VPN service is “free”, this usually includes some drawbacks. In Browsec’s case, drawbacks include a small pool of server locations and low connection speeds.

The Premium version is much better, however, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg; only $1.99/month if you choose the two-year subscription plan. 

Other subscription options are pretty affordable as well, with the monthly package costing only $3.99/month and the annual $2.49/month, which are among the lowest rates in the industry.

There’s also a risk-free money-back guarantee if you’re not entirely satisfied with the service. We tested the policy and received a refund with no issues.

Payments for the Premium version are accepted via PayPal and credit/debit cards, and you can run the VPN connection on up to 5 devices at the same time.

Alternatives

The closest competitor to Browsec VPN in terms of pricing is Surfshark , but the latter also offers user-friendly clients for all major platforms. There’s also Windscribe , which has a free plan that includes 10GB of VPN traffic per month with no restrictions on speeds.

If, however, you don’t mind paying more, then we would recommend either NordVPN or ExpressVPN , both of which are very capable platforms with gorgeous desktop apps, manual configuration options for non-mainstream platforms, torrenting support, 30-day money-back guarantees and more.

Even though this isn’t explicitly stated on the website, our experience has shown that Browsec VPN can unblock geographically restricted content on Netflix (UK and US) and BBC iPlayer. Since this is one of the reasons why many VPN users seek out a service such as this one, this gives Browsec additional points in our book.

About the company

The provider is headquartered in Russia and offers access to 1,000+ servers in 40+ countries, including Australia, Iceland, India and many others.

Privacy and encryption

To protect your online privacy, Browsec deploys IPSec/IKEv2 connection protocol with AES-256 encryption on mobile and HTTP Proxy over TLS with AES-256 encryption when using its browser extensions. Despite these strong security and privacy mechanisms, torrenting isn’t supported as Browsec currently operates via browser extensions and mobile apps only.

The Privacy Policy isn’t a long document, but it does let the reader know what type of information is logged when using the provider’s services. This includes the automatic recording of “some information from your web browser additional/or client software”, to provide the continuous delivery of its services. However, as the provider assures us, “the information does not identify the user personally. Browsec uses such information in the aggregate for various purposes, including the monitoring of the service”.

We’d still love to see an independent report published on what information is and isn’t logged, as some of competitors have already done.

Browsec is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices, for which it has mobile apps and browser extensions you can install via Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Edge.

At the time of writing, its Chrome extension had been installed by more than 4 million users and 24,993 of them have given it an average of 4.5 stars (out of 5). The Firefox extension has been installed by 341,853 users, which scored 4.1 stars. 

The Opera add-on has a rating of 4.4 stars as judged by 394 users, while the Edge add-on has a median score of 4 stars, but has been rated by only 75 users.

Browsec’s Android app had been downloaded by over a million users, socring 4.5 stars, while the iOS app has an even better score: 4.7 as judged by over 8,000 users.

If you run into any obstacles while installing or using this platform or you’re just generally inquisitive, there’s an FAQ section on the website you may be interested in, but do note that it’s rather limited.

However, if you’d rather talk to someone on the team, you can reach out to them via a contact form , online chat (not live, though), email or Facebook . Our email inquiry was answered on the first working day after we sent it.

Speed and experience

As soon as we made our payment, our account was instantly activated. We had no problems setting up the platform and were able to establish quick connections. 

We tested the service on an 83.72Mbps connection and got solid results from most server locations. The server in the Netherlands hailed a decent 23.96Mbps, while another in the UK performed even better: 35.84Mbps. The results were a bit disappointing for the US (New Jersey), which only managed to deliver 6.46Mbps, even less than India (10.19Mbps).

The upload speeds remained pretty much unchanged from the original connection.

Even though it has much work to do before it reaches the level of the industry giants, Browsec is a pretty good solution for users who either want a free or really cheap VPN service without compromising much.

The paid option provides strong privacy, solid download speeds and geo-unblocking capabilities, with the free version cutting the number of servers and download speeds. The only main attribute missing is high-quality desktop clients and support for the non-mainstream platforms.

Sead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He writes about IT (cloud, IoT, 5G, VPN) and cybersecurity (ransomware, data breaches, laws and regulations). In his career, spanning more than a decade, he’s written for numerous media outlets, including Al Jazeera Balkans. He’s also held several modules on content writing for Represent Communications.

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Browsec VPN Review 2024 — Is It Worth Your Money?

Browsec Review: Quick Expert Summary

Browsec vpn full review, browsec vpn features.

• Browsec VPN Privacy & Security
• Browsec VPN Speed & Performance
• Browsec VPN Servers & IP Addresses
• Browsec VPN Streaming & Torrenting
• Browsec VPN Plans & Pricing
• Browsec VPN Ease of Use: Mobile & Desktop Apps

Browsec VPN Customer Support

Is browsec vpn worth it, frequently asked questions.

Browsec VPN is a decent VPN — it maintains fast speeds and has industry-standard security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. The VPN also has extra features, like split-tunneling and timezone syncing.

However, Browsec VPN has some drawbacks. It lacks advanced security features, such as RAM-only servers, and its no-logs policy hasn’t been independently audited. Plus, it doesn’t work with most streaming platforms, and it lacks torrenting support. What’s more, the provider has a small server network of 600+ servers in 43 countries. It’s also missing desktop apps, and it’s based in Russia, which isn’t a privacy-friendly country.

Honestly, there are better VPNs on the market, like ExpressVPN , which has strong security features, excellent streaming and torrenting support, a large server network, apps for all major devices, and is headquartered in a privacy-friendly country.

Browsec VPN has a free plan and 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans. The paid plans come with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

I spent a couple of weeks testing Browsec VPN to see how it compares to the top VPNs on the market . I found that it has industry-standard security features, offers fast speeds, and comes with split-tunneling. Moreover, it has a decent free plan and affordable paid plans.

However, Browsec VPN lacks desktop apps and doesn’t have good streaming support. What’s more, it has a small server network and is missing P2P support. Plus, it doesn’t have some of the advanced security features I expect from a trustworthy VPN.

Browsec VPN has the following industry-standard features:

• 256-bit AES encryption — Browsec VPN protects your data with the same encryption used by governments and banks.
• No-logs policy — Browsec VPN doesn’t log your IP address, browsing history, or the files you download.
• Automatic kill switch — The VPN uses an automatic kill switch, meaning it will disable your internet access if the VPN connection drops to prevent data leaks. It’s only available on the Android app and the browser extensions.

The VPN uses different protocols for mobile apps and browser extensions. The mobile apps use the IPSec protocol, which is secure and has good speeds. Plus, it’s pretty adaptable to network changes. The browser extension uses HTTP Proxy over TLS protocol. The HTTP Proxy functions as an intermediary server between the user’s device and a web server. In addition, this protocol encrypts the whole connection.

The provider lacks advanced security features. For example, it doesn’t have RAM-only servers that only write data to the hard drive, so your data won’t get erased with each server reboot. What’s more, its no-logs policy hasn’t passed an independent audit.

I like that the VPN has WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection. Although it’s missing DNS leak protection, I experienced no leaks of any kind when I ran leak tests while connected to servers in 20+ countries. Moreover, it has perfect forward secrecy that changes the encryption key for each session to minimize the amount of data potential hackers could access.

This VPN offers extra features, including:

• Split-tunneling — Browsec VPN has a split-tunneling feature called Smart Settings available on the browser extensions and on the Android app. On the browser extensions, you can choose which websites use the VPN and which use your regular internet connection. You can also set predefined countries for sites and the VPN will always use that country’s IP address for the website. On the Android app, you can also choose which apps use or bypass the VPN.
• Timezone syncing — This feature allows you to change the browser timezone according to your VPN IP’s timezone. This will make it harder for sites that require timezone information from your browser to detect your VPN usage. This feature is only available to premium users and only on the browser extensions.

Browsec VPN Privacy & Security

Browsec VPN has a strict no-logs policy  — it doesn’t store your browsing history, IP address, or what files you download. However, the VPN collects your email address upon registration and any information provided when using the VPN’s services. Its customer support informed me that they analyze the amount of data going through their services in a specific country to understand if more servers are required or if they need to translate their app.

I would like to see Browsec VPN’s no-logs policy go through an independent audit. Top VPNs like ExpressVPN  and Private Internet Access  have had their no-logs policies independently audited and confirmed.

Browsec VPN is headquartered in Russia, which isn’t a privacy-friendly country. Even though Russia isn’t a part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, the country has strict data retention laws. However, Browsec VPN will have nothing to hand over in case a government requests data since the VPN states that it doesn’t log users’ data.

Overall, Browsec VPN has a strict no-logs policy, but it hasn’t been independently audited. Plus, it is based in Russia, which isn’t a privacy-friendly country.

Browsec VPN Speed & Performance

I ran speed tests on my Windows PC on servers in all 43 locations  where Browsec VPN has a server. I experienced the fastest speeds when connected to a nearby server (in North Macedonia), but there was a slight drop in speeds when I connected to distant servers.

First, I ran a speed test without a VPN to determine my internet speeds. Then I connected to a server near my location:

Finally, I connected to a distant server in Australia:

When I connected to a nearby VPN server, my speeds dropped by about 77%. Despite the big drop, websites loaded instantly and HD videos played in 2–3 seconds with minor buffering.

When I connected to a distant server in Australia, my speeds dropped by 85%. Sites took 4 seconds to load, and there were some interruptions when I skipped through HD videos.

Overall, Browsec VPN has fast speeds on nearby servers and decent speeds on distant servers. However, the VPN doesn’t quite match the speeds of the fastest VPNs on the market .

Browsec VPN Servers & IP Addresses

Browsec VPN has 600+ servers in 43 countries. It has servers in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia Pacific, Oceania, and South America. Plus, all of its servers are virtual. However, other top vendors have larger server networks — ExpressVPN  and CyberGhost VPN both have servers in 100+ countries, for example.

I like that the VPN displays the server load with colors —  green (low percentage), yellow (medium), or red (high). This can help you pick the fastest server, and not all VPNs share this information.

However, I don’t like that the VPN doesn’t have dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting. Plus, it doesn’t offer dedicated IP addresses. If you’re looking for dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting and dedicated IP addresses, then I recommend trying CyberGhost VPN.

Overall, Browsec VPN’s server network is pretty small, but it’s well distributed around the world. All of the VPN’s servers are virtual and the VPN interface shows the server load. However, it doesn’t come with dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting and it lacks dedicated IP addresses.

Browsec VPN Streaming & Torrenting

Browsec VPN isn’t great for streaming. My international team and I could watch videos on Netflix while connected to servers in our respective countries, and my UK colleague watched BBC iPlayer on a local server. However, we were unable to get other popular streaming services to work. If you love to stream, I recommend purchasing ExpressVPN , as it works with 100+ streaming sites.

This VPN doesn’t support torrenting because it doesn’t have desktop apps. It’s limited to a browser extension, so it’s not a good choice for your torrenting activities. If you plan on torrenting a lot, I recommend getting one of the best VPNs for torrenting . Private Internet Access  is a top pick for torrenting, as it allows P2P support on all of its servers, works with popular P2P apps, and has port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy support.

Overall, Browsec VPN isn’t great for streaming and torrenting. It doesn’t work with most streaming sites, and it lacks torrenting support.

Browsec VPN Plans & Pricing

Browsec VPN has multiple long-term plans, starting at RUB270 / month . All plans are reasonably priced and the 2-year plan provides the most value. That said, I think ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are a better value, as they have faster speeds, bigger server networks, advanced security features, and more extras.

I like that Browsec VPN offers a free plan. It’s quite limited though — you only get access to 4 server locations in the UK, the US, Singapore, and the Netherlands. Most of the free servers are overcrowded, too, so you’ll likely experience major slowdowns. What’s more, the timezone syncing feature isn’t available on the free version, and you can only use it on 1 device at a time.

The provider has multiple payment options — credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Russian cards, but it doesn’t offer cryptocurrency payments. It allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, and all plans come with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

Browsec VPN Ease of Use: Mobile & Desktop Apps

Browsec VPN has user-friendly apps for iOS and Android. It   also has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge. It was quick and simple to download and install the mobile apps — I was all set up in a couple of minutes.

The mobile apps and browser extensions both offer an intuitive interface. They all have the same simple interface, which is very easy to navigate. I like that it displays how fast the server connection is next to every server. However, split-tunneling and the kill switch are only available on the Android app and the browser extensions. Moreover, only the browser extensions come with the timezone syncing feature.

I don’t like that the VPN doesn’t have desktop apps. This means that it can’t fully protect your computer, only the browser on which you have the extension installed. Plus, VPN desktop apps usually notify users when they’ve been disconnected, when there’s an update available, or if there’s a potential security concern. This kind of communication can be missing with browser extensions.

Overall, Browsec VPN has intuitive apps for mobile devices and offers browser extensions. That said, I would like to see the VPN include desktop apps.

Browsec VPN has multiple channels for customer support.  It offers email support, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, set-up tutorials, and live chat.

I tested the VPN’s email support to see how responsive and knowledgeable the reps were. I sent emails at different times of the day, and it took from 2 hours to 24 hours to receive a response, which is pretty good. What’s more, every response I received answered my question in detail, so I didn’t have to send follow-up emails.

The VPN also has a live chat, but it’s not available 24/7. When I used the live chat during the day, I immediately connected to a representative and they were able to answer some of my questions. However, they weren’t able to provide answers to more technical queries. ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat is more impressive, and the reps can generally answer all of your questions.

Browsec VPN also offers helpful support through FAQs, set-up tutorials, and general troubleshooting guides. Plus, it provides instructions for installing the VPN and creating an account.

Overall, Browsec VPN has really good customer support. It offers email support, set-up tutorials, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and live chat. However, the live chat isn’t very knowledgeable and isn’t available 24/7.

Browsec VPN is a good VPN, but it can’t match the best VPNs on the market . It has industry-standard security features, fast speeds, and extra features like split-tunneling and timezone syncing.

However, the VPN lacks some advanced security features. Its no-logs policy hasn’t been independently audited, and it’s missing RAM-only servers and full leak protection. What’s more, it doesn’t work with most streaming sites, and there’s no torrenting support. The provider also lacks desktop apps and is based in Russia, which has strict data retention laws.

Browsec VPN offers several long-term plans and a free trial. It allows up to 5 connected devices, and all plans have a 7-day money-back guarantee.

Is Browsec VPN safe?

Yes, Browsec VPN has strong security features , like 256-bit AES encryption, WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection, and a no-logs policy. It also has a kill switch that disables your internet connection if your VPN connection drops to prevent data leaks. However, Browsec VPN lacks advanced security features, like RAM-only servers and its no-logs policy hasn’t been independently audited, so it isn’t as secure as VPNs with those features.

Does Browsec VPN work with Netflix?

Yes, Browsec VPN reliably works with Netflix . My international team and I could always watch shows in our Netflix libraries from our home countries. My colleague in the UK also confirmed that it works with BBC iPlayer. However, it doesn’t work with other streaming sites like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu. If you’re looking for a great VPN for streaming, I recommend ExpressVPN , which works with 100+ streaming sites and has extremely fast speeds.

Is Browsec VPN free?

Yes, Browsec VPN has a basic free plan. It gives you access to 4 server locations, but these are often overcrowded so you can expect slower speeds. The free plan also lacks the timezone syncing feature, and you can only use it on 1 device at a time. Browsec VPN’s paid plans offer servers in 43 locations, faster speeds, and 5 simultaneous device connections.

Does Browsec VPN log my online activities?

No, Browsec VPN has a strict no-logs policy , meaning it doesn’t keep logs of your browsing history or online activities. That said, I would like to see the VPN’s no-logs policy undergo an independent audit since an objective third party would prove the no-logs policy true, which is important for trust.

Browsec Products & Pricing

Browsec VPN is a fast, secure VPN with affordable plans. It has industry-standard VPN security features like 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. You also get extra features like split tunneling and timezone syncing. However, it’s missing some advanced security features, torrenting support, and desktop apps. It also has a small server network and is headquartered in a country that isn’t privacy-friendly. Overall, while it’s decent, I recommend choosing one of the top VPNs on the market instead to get the best value.

About the Author

Gjurgjica is a cybersecurity writer who is driven by her passion for the written word and anything tech-related. When she is not in the role of a Safety Detective, she can be found wrapped in a comfy blanket, binge-watching her favorite shows.

VPN Comparison

*User reviews are not verified

Browsec VPN Unbiased Review 2024: Is It Worth It or Not?

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A below-average VPN service.

The Browsec VPN is a freemium VPN service headquartered in Russia. It has amassed millions of downloads and is one of the most-used freemium VPNs. Although Russia does not have the best history with VPNs, this VPN somehow thrives. So, this review aims to uncover how Browsec VPN has fared against other services today.

Our review includes a lot of independent testing, which resulted in this informative and quantitative review of Browsec VPN, containing its pros, cons, and everything else. So, if you have always wondered, “Is Browsec worth it or not?” then keep reading to find the answer.

Browsec VPN – Pros and cons

• Works with Netflix
• Leak protection
• Speedy installation
• High speeds
• Impressive server network
• Easy-to-use apps and helpful extensions
• AES-256 encryption
• Five simultaneous connections
• Supports split tunneling
• No desktop applications
• Ambiguous privacy statement
• No live chat customer care option
• Only works for Netflix
• No support for crypto payments
• Inconsistent speeds
• High cost of subscription

Because of its location, Browsec has many drawbacks, which we also discovered from our testing. What we found was that Browsec is an average VPN at best, with fair browser extensions, and has client apps for iOS and Android. Unfortunately, the VPN service does not have dedicated desktop apps .

While it currently utilizes IKEv2 and OpenVPN with industry-standard AES-256 encryption , which is excellent, it would do much better if it incorporated WireGuard. The VPN offers decent speeds , but the quality depends on the server location. The browser extensions are a fair addition but lack support for a kill switch. Fortunately, the mobile apps come with a functional kill switch.

On privacy, Browsec does not have a clear privacy policy and does not state if or not it stores private data.

While Browsec is a freemium VPN, you can also get the premium paid package with a 7-day money-back guarantee . Other services are up to 30 days , and the cost is higher than the other brands offering much better deals.

Browsec VPN speed review

Speed tests often entail checks for the minimal speed reduction and performance quality throughout. The best and fastest VPNs find a balance between online security and performance . Regarding speed, Browsec is just a smidge above average.

Before we proceed, it is essential to note that Browsec performed much better on the premium subscription ; even though it had a few moments of fluctuation, it held up well. The only hurdle it needed to scale was more speeds for gaming.

Speed tests results

For this test, we used the Browsec Firefox browser extension, established a baseline (no VPN), and then recorded the performance with VPN on different servers.

Below are the results of the tests.

From the results, Browsec is considerably fast, especially for servers closer to the Netherlands. The standout theme, however, was inconsistent speeds , but when it was stable, we enjoyed a sensible connection.

We noted high pings on servers much farther away, and for those nearby, it was not much better — but usable, at least. For this reason and the connection’s inconsistency, Browsec is unsuitable for gaming purposes, especially if the game requires healthy bandwidth .

Browsec exemplifies the failings of VPNs that opt for speed and neglect the other aspects of overall performance. From our tests, we noted that it has high latency, which leads to lagging, and server instability causes fluctuations in the connection speed.

However, note that the upsides mentioned here are for the premium users; the service for the freemium package is below average . The servers on the freemium are slow, but since it is free, the low quality is understandable — and if your connection is above decent, you can still use them to your satisfaction.

Speed for everyday use

We tested some streaming options with Browsec and got decent results. For example, YouTube was smooth, and we did not notice any lags. Browsec can also unblock the Netflix US library, but unfortunately, that is the only service it can unblock . Moreover, for torrenting, Browsec does not have support for torrents, yet .

Because of its high latency values, Browsec is not ideal for gaming but is decent for regular browsing. There were no lags or any issues we would note in gaming tests.

Browsec VPN safety review

While there is an emphasis on performance and speed, security is another important box to check regarding a VPN’s functions. You should have anonymity, and the VPN needs to hide your real IP, encrypt your online traffic, and have a transparent no-logs policy .

Here’s why Browsec does not score so high on security for our review.

• The privacy policy is too vague.
• No IP or DNS leaks.
• There is no kill switch for desktops; it is only for mobile.
• It only requires email for registration.
• Supports OpenVPN, HTTP proxy, and IKEv2/IPSec over TLS.

Below are the VPN protocols that Browsec supports:

• HTTP Proxy over TLS (Browsers) : Browsec connects to proxies over secure TLS connections, which is also often a TCP connection. 
• IKEv2/IPSec (Android, iOS) : This protocol lets you switch between WiFi and mobile network options without any considerable dips in your connection speed. 
• OpenVPN TCP (Android) : The industry standard for VPN tunneling , renowned for its security and speed. However, the TCP connection is slower than UDP but works great for bypassing censorship.

All of its protocols encrypt your online traffic with military-grade AES-256 cipher. This is the same level of encryption used by institutions charged to guard sensitive data.

While Browsec has a reasonably adequate list of VPN tunnels, it needs more flexibility to let that quality shine. They would be on the right track if they were to employ WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP.

Logging and privacy policy

Since Browsec is Russian-owned , there is understandable apprehension regarding its usage. The only way to get around this would be for Browsec to assure users of a no-logs policy.

However, this is not the case, as at the time of writing, Browsec had a vague document, 300 words long, that barely said anything about anything. The 300-word document says Browsec stores some data from your browser and their apps , but they do not specify what data or state what purpose it serves. Thus eroding any trust or confidence users would have had going into this.

We cannot recommend it for its privacy because of the insincere and vague privacy policy statement.

Kill switch

When the VPN connection fails, you can rely on the kill switch to “kill” the internet connection swiftly. This means it keeps your real IP from leaking when the encrypted tunnel suddenly fails .

On the mobile app, the kill switch is “ Always-on VPN ,” a permanent setting preventing you from going on the internet without a secure and stable VPN connection.

But, there are no fail safes or kill switch options with the browser extensions. However, as the VPN claims and what we observed during this review, Browsec VPN automatically blocks the internet connection the moment its connection is disrupted. That suggests some kind of an automatic privacy measure embedded in the Browsec browser extension. But, unfortunately, you can’t configure it accordingly.

Also, it remains unclear if this automatic disconnection works in a foolproof manner or not. Therefore, we do not recommend using this VPN’s browser extensions for long periods to avoid leaks.

Can Browsec VPN leak your IP/DNS?

We tested Browsec from the United Kingdom but connected to a USA server to check for leaks. The test showed zero leaks in multiple runs, not IP or DNS. Further proof of its leak protection is that it unblocks Netflix , which suggests it can effectively hide and replace your original IP . We cannot say why it does not work for other streaming services, but it would have improved our ratings if it did.

What private data does Browsec VPN require?

The first and only information Browsec requires from you is your email address , limiting the amount of personal information you can share. You can go even further and use a burner email address instead.

However, that is for the freemium users; if you wish to get a premium account, you must provide country and billing information . Unfortunately, there is no support for crypto payments , which would have elevated the privacy potential significantly.

Is Browsec VPN easy to use?

Browsec offers users a much more friendly experience with their client apps. With its advanced features, there remains an effort to ease users into utilizing them without needing too much technical know-how. This is important because more users will be on board if they can easily understand your product.

Below are some reasons we think Browsec does well but not excellently in the ease of use aspect:

• The apps are simple to understand and use.
• The installation is smooth and fast.
• The main website is easy to navigate but has little info to offer.
• The cost of a subscription is on the high side.
• Customer service does not have a live chat feature.

The installation process for Browsec

Registration for Browsec is simple and easy; you must click the “ Sign Up ” button and input your credentials. You must confirm your account from an email the site will send you. Once you do, click the “ My Account ” button to access your user dashboard. Here, you can do the following:

• Change your password
• View previous purchases
• Subscribe to newsletters
• Check the status of your subscription

Clicking the “ Plan ” tab lets you cancel any future payments or change your payment method.

For installation, it was quick and easy. While mobile devices get a fully fleshed-out app, desktops get privacy-focused extensions . There have been rumors of apps for Mac and Windows, but nothing has come of them.

For the Android client app installation, follow the steps below:

• Go to the Browsec official website.
• Click on “ VPN apps .”
• Select VPN for Android.
• Click “ Get it ” on Google Play.
• Choose “ Install on more devices .”
• Select a device and click “ Install .”

Browsec VPN compatibility review

Browsec browser extensions exist for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Microsoft Edge. However, there are none for Safari , which is unfortunate because it has many users. Also, since there are only apps for mobile and extensions for browsers, Browsec does not support Roku, Fire Stick, or Kodi .

Browsec VPN utility review

With Browsec VPN, the browser extensions and mobile apps were designed with one goal — simplicity. Because of this, they are beginner-friendly, which means there are only a few advanced features.

The main display page lets you see the server you got connected to, the protocol, and whether or not you are connected.

There is a hamburger menu that allows you access:

• Split tunneling toggle
• Subscription plans
• Always-On toggle
• Customer support
• Drop a review
• Read the company’s info

Note that you cannot toggle more advanced settings as Browsec does not allow customization. The Android app is plagued with constant pop-ups and does not let you opt out .

The browser extensions are not any better; with so much emphasis on minimalism, you can only connect to a predetermined server.

Split tunneling

With split tunneling , you can route trusted sites and applications outside the protection of the VPN. The tool helps increase speed since it is free of encryption. On the Android app, this feature is called “ App Protection ,” it allows you to select which apps and services you wish to protect .

The browser extension has a different type of tunneling; it lets you access only trusted sites without a VPN connection . It then enables you to designate which servers you prefer for specific websites.

Because of how Browsec’s kill switch works, you can not use the split tunneling feature alongside it. Browsec will permanently block apps protected by split tunneling.

Price and payment options

Browser does not garner any favors with its pricing range, especially with what it offers for that price. For the 2-year plan, you pay $2.99/mo , which is high compared to other services offering more value.

Below is a full breakdown of the packages and pricing:

• One month: $6.99
• One year: $3.33/mo
• Two years: $2.99/mo

Browsec also offers a relatively surprisingly short 7-day money-back guarantee for premium subscribers.

We also noticed a lot of false advertising , including stating Browsec has apps for desktops, which we know now that it does not.

Payment methods applicable to Browsec include credit cards, PayPal, and Russian credit cards. There is no support for crypto payments, even though this payment method is commonplace today among most reputable VPNs .

The only thing Browsec places any effort into that might have justified its pricing is the speed and easy-to-use apps, but sacrificing performance and customization does not feel like a fair trade.

Browsec VPN Customer support

The customer support section of Browsec’s website is reasonably decent. You can solve the basic issues you might have. The first issue we found, however, is the FAQ section, which only features four questions, and their Facebook page has not gotten any updates since 2021.

There is no live chat option ; you can only reach customer service via email. The time it takes for the message to get a response is too long, sometimes hours later.

Browsec VPN server review

With an extensive server network, VPNs can assure users a smoother experience. One that is free of bugs, lags, and crashes. Browsec does a decent job on this front. Here’s why:

• Unblocks Netflix, but only that
• Uses over 600 servers in more than 40 countries
• No dedicated IPs
• Torrenting only works on your mobile

List of servers and their locations

Browsec operates with a server network of 600+ in over 40 countries . The servers offer relatively good speeds even though there are some fluctuations. Our tests had few connection breaks.

Below is a list of the servers and locations Browsec employs:

Browsec VPN will not automatically select server locations for you. Because of this, we advise you to choose the locations nearest you for better service.

Browsec VPN and unblocking

Browser does not perform well with other streaming platforms aside from Netflix. We can assure, however, that it works 100% with Netflix, unblocking the US library as well . We tested Browsec with other platforms, and here’s how it performed:

The unblocking aspect of Browsec could be stronger, and if you need a VPN for that purpose, this is the one for you.

Browsec VPN and torrents

Torrenting is only accessible on your mobile device since the browser extensions do not offer complete protection for P2P client processes . Torrenting on your mobile may not be as convenient, but it sure works, and if you are okay with it, that’s one way to do it.

Dedicated IP address

Browser does not offer users a dedicated IP because it is expensive. Since dedicated IP addresses are yours alone and no one else gets to use them, this would strain the limited number of servers to keep it active.

Overview of using Browsec VPN

Browsec is surely a bit of a doozy, from its convincingly good features and speed to its worrying flaws. The features on display often only glisten from a distance; when you dig deeper, you find it was just a false advertisement .

Its location does not do it any favors, either. Being in Russia already makes it a privacy risk , and thanks to its very vague privacy policy, users cannot be sure if their data is safe or not .

Browsec has decent speeds , but it comes with inconsistencies . It can only unblock Netflix US and just that. You cannot use it for gaming or torrent on your desktop.

Its prices for a subscription do not warrant the offerings, and it does not even make any efforts to improve the quality . Furthermore, to make matters worse, there is a 7-day money-back guarantee when the industry standard is 30.

One of the only good takeaways from this VPN is its ease of use and lightweight apps. The customer care is modest but sluggish, and you are better off trying other options.

Browsec is not a great option if you use the freemium package. As you can deduce from this review, we do not recommend Browsec VPN as the servers are dreadfully slow, even on fast connections . The security, privacy, and overall performance need to be improved.

You can get around this with the premium plan, but because it is in Russia, we do not recommend using it if you are concerned about privacy.

Browsec VPN browser extension for Chrome is free but also limited. In comparison with other VPNs, browser extensions need to be improved. So, while free, they come at the cost of shoddy security, slow speeds, and inconsistent connection.

Browsec VPN is free and also paid. It has two packages; for new users, you can opt for the freemium, while if you want to enjoy full service, you pay for the premium. However, the freemium is heavily limited, slow, and hard to use for much of anything. You can, however, opt for the premium and use the 7-day money-back guarantee to see what you may or may not be paying for.

On the Browsec VPN dashboard, click the “

” tab, then select “

,” which lets you access your payment details. You can proceed to renew or, in this case, cancel your next subscription.

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Browsec VPN for Windows

• V  3.57.0

Security Status

A free and powerful VPN service

Browsec VPN is a proxy extension for browsers that provides security and privacy while you're online. There is a premium subscription for the service, but the baseline version is completely free  and allows for peace of mind during all your online activity. You can download Browsec VPN for PC or for mobile; the extension is compatible with Opera , Chrome , Firefox , Microsoft Edge , iOS, and Android .

Fast, secure browsing on all your devices

Like other VPN services, Browsec VPN will encrypt your Internet traffic and route it through a secure cloud network , quietly protecting your digital privacy in the background while you focus on browsing. Browsec also won't log any of your vital connection data, local content, bandwidth usage, site cookies, or pages requested. In this way Browsec stands up with other great VPN services such as PureVPN or NordVPN , adding an extra thick layer of online protection.

The protection of your Browsec VPN account can cover up to five devices simultaneously , whether wi-fi or data, desktop or mobile. If you choose to purchase the Premium membership (which offers access to servers from more locations) this subscription also covers all your devices at once. You'll never have to re-purchase a Premium account just to use it on your mobile device, for instance.

As a mobile application, Browsec offers an elegant, intuitive design that makes the most of a simpler interface. Keeping the app free and user-friendly was the priority for Browsec, and as such customizing it is a minimal fuss. The process is as simple as selecting a server and toggling on the secure connection. Any traffic from that point forward is monitored through an IPSec protocol, keeping your online activity anonymous.

How to install Browsec on Opera

Browsec VPN is a popular choice for Opera users , as it works well in tandem with the browser's built-in adblocker . Since Browsec is light on processing power, using wi-fi with Opera's Turbo Mode and Browsec VPN makes for very fast browsing while keeping your data private and secure. Installing Browsec on Opera is simple. Open Settings (or Preferences if you're using Mac), then open Privacy & Security. Toggle on Browsec, choose a location, and you're ready to go.

Opera is also a great pick because users can set the browser to select an optimal server location . It considers factors such as location, server capacity, network speed, and latency, finding the best balance of speed and security. Opera's automatic location mode keeps online activity supported by Browsec at the maximum available speed.

Data privacy with Browsec

While Browsec is safe and has no leaks, is itself virus-free, and offers military-grade encryption (IPsec with AES256), the service does collect personal user information . Browec uses the typical disclaimer of taking no responsibility in the event that your personal content does get leaked, and the fact that the company (based out of Russia) is free, begs the question of how they benefit from the transaction.

There is always some level of data collection when a user subscribes to a VPN service - typically an email address, transaction details (such as the credit card with which you purchased the service), and the location of the user. Browsec is not specific when relaying what personal information it takes from the user , but it could be anything from passwords to Internet activity when the VPN is running in the background. It's an uncomfortable omission.

Browsec offers minimal customer support

Browsec's website offers both customer support and an FAQ, both of which are equally minimal. The FAQ page consists of only three questions , and offers vague information about the product itself. The lack of details may raise eyebrows, and Browsec's customer support is slow . Product descriptions on the App Store and Play Store are similarly irrelevant, to the detriment of those on the fence about installing the VPN.

Browsec vs other VPNs

Compared to paid services like NordVPN or PureVPN, Browsec falls short. NordVPN has far more servers (5,700 compared to Browsec's 41) from more countries (60 compared to Browsec's 40) and that's only if you use Browsec's premium plan. The free Browsec experience offers a meager four servers . NordVPN also allows for 6 connected devices, which is one more than Browsec, and implements a Kill Switch as a last line of defense.

PureVPN is also a preferred alternative to Browsec, offering over 750 VPN servers in over 140 countries globally, including popular regions like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Europe. PureVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and owns a self-managed global network . PureVPN also has the same level of readable, intuitive UI as Browsec, while still maintaining a more trustworthy relationship with the user.

A free VPN with strings attached

Browsec provides a wide variety of promising features: A solid number of servers, military-grade encryption, access to Netflix , and an easy set-up. For a free VPN, Browsec is an excellent service , but is it worth spending some money in order to keep your data private? This is the crux of the argument for and against Browsec, as at the time of writing this article the user base for Browsec is 3 million strong.

Data logging is the biggest concern with Browsec, as there's little reason to trust them with your passwords or any other information , and the FAQ and customer support do little to assuage skepticism. The terms of service on their website make it clear that Browsec is not responsible for any failures to maintain confidentiality, security, accuracy or quality of your data content - including passwords - and that's enough to scare us away from using the VPN. It feels like asking a wolf to guard your sheep, and that’s not the kind of protection we’re looking for.

Keeping up with the competition

If you're willing to overlook the privacy concerns pertaining to Browsec, the product does have much to offer. The new IPsec encryption is a strong line of defense, and browsing speeds (particularly on mobile) are to be commended. Browsec regularly achieves speeds of around 95% the original speed of the geographically closest server. If you choose to download Browsec, however, take the time to look through the various permissions that the app requests. If there are risks involved in using this VPN, you should be aware of them before installing.

• No registration needed
• Fast speed on mobile
• Supports multiple devices
• Collects unspecified user data
• Fewer servers and countries than the competition
• Bad customer support

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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws. The regulation about the use of VPN services varies per country; If the Law of your country forbids or limits its usage, don’t download. Any unlawful behaviour of this software is not permitted. You are solely responsible for any use of the service.

In Softonic we scan all the files hosted on our platform to assess and avoid any potential harm for your device. Our team performs checks each time a new file is uploaded and periodically reviews files to confirm or update their status. This comprehensive process allows us to set a status for any downloadable file as follows:

It’s extremely likely that this software program is clean.

What does this mean?

We have scanned the file and URLs associated with this software program in more than 50 of the world's leading antivirus services; no possible threat has been detected.

This software program is potentially malicious or may contain unwanted bundled software.

Why is the software program still available?

Based on our scan system, we have determined that these flags are possibly false positives .

What is a false positive?

It means a benign program is wrongfully flagged as malicious due to an overly broad detection signature or algorithm used in an antivirus program.

It’s highly probable this software program is malicious or contains unwanted bundled software.

Why is this software program no longer available in our Catalog?

Based on our scan system, we have determined that these flags are likely to be real positives.

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Browsec VPN - Free VPN for Edge

Description.

Browsec VPN - Free VPN for Chrome

27.2K ratings

Browsec VPN is a Chrome VPN extension that protects your IP from Internet threats and lets you browse privately for free.

Access any site and unblock any content with Browsec free VPN. Browsec VPN extension is a guaranteed way to protect your Google Chrome browser and to get unrestricted access to any website on the Net. With Browsec VPN Chrome extension, you get: A secure IP changer Free virtual locations Unlimited access to music, video, books, and games ☆ Traffic encryption Browsec encrypts your traffic so that no one knows what you’re doing online. With this VPN for Chrome, you don’t have to worry about information leaks and data sniffers. ☆ No limitations Browsec erases geographical restrictions and unblocks any content you want. Use Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, and other services even if they are not accessible in your area. Mask your IP, change the country, and you’re all set! ☆ Remote servers Browsec has proxy servers all around the world. They ensure a stable Internet connection and access to the sites you need. You can choose the one that suits you best: the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Singapore, and more. ☆ Safety and privacy Browsec values your right to remain unknown. We don’t reveal any of your personal data and don’t let others steal it. You can use public Wi-Fi without worrying about malicious ISPs. ☆ Premium features Want more? Browsec has got you covered! You can surf the Internet at the speed of up to 100 Mbit thanks to dedicated remote servers. Choose a virtual location from 40+ countries and even match your browser timezone accordingly – and websites will not detect the difference! Select particular servers for different sites and take advantage of other smart settings. SETUP INSTRUCTIONS Get Browsec from the Chrome Store by clicking ‘Add to Chrome.’ Download and install the addon. Open the extension in your browser. Click ‘Protect me’ and choose a virtual location from the list. Now, you can browse anonymously. Browsec Chrome VPN is an easy way to stay safe on the Internet and get the content you want.

4.5 out of 5 27.2K ratings Google doesn't verify reviews. Learn more about results and reviews.

Rehan Muhammad Jun 8, 2024

more than I think

Anas Ali jutt Jun 8, 2024

Browsec VPN - Free VPN for Chrome handles the following:

This developer declares that your data is.

• Not being sold to third parties, outside of the approved use cases
• Not being used or transferred for purposes that are unrelated to the item's core functionality
• Not being used or transferred to determine creditworthiness or for lending purposes

Browsec VPN Unlimited Security 4+

Mobile guardian: fast proxy id, browsec inc.

• #138 in Productivity
• 4.8 • 3.6K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Browsec free VPN - the best way to stay safe while accessing the Internet. Browsec is trusted by over 7 million users. Join now, it’s free! - Browsec free VPN service protects your public Wi-Fi connections from anyone trying to steal your personal data, passwords and other information transferred over the network. Your data will be encrypted and safe. - Improve your online privacy. Malicious ISPs won’t able to track and sell your personal information. - Our service hides your IP and location from hackers. Get maximum protection you ever wanted from VPN services. - Browsec provides truly free, unlimited and protected surfing. Get any content you want. - Easily switch between multiple virtual locations. We have endpoints in US, Netherlands, UK and Singapore. More to come. Check out Browsec Premium features! - Premium locations. You can access the Internet via additional Premium locations: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States and United States West. - Turbo speed, our Premium users enjoy dedicated traffic lanes. - Premium servers. Our best-in-class servers guarantee top performance. - Priority support. When something goes wrong, helping you is our priority. - China VPN The following rules applies to the subscriptions: - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase Check our privacy policy: https://browsec.com/en/privacypolicy and terms of use: https://browsec.com/en/terms_of_service

Version 3.31.0

Minor bugfixes.

Ratings and Reviews

3.6K Ratings

Very like, cause the singapore location are include for free user. Singapore location the best for asia user 😁

Developer Response ,

Hey! Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it.

Best bpn for free user 👍🏻

App Privacy

The developer, Browsec Inc , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Russian

• Browsec Premium VPN Yearly Rp 699ribu
• Secure VPN & Anonymous proxy Rp 89ribu
• Browsec Premium VPN Yearly Rp 999ribu
• Browsec Premium Discount Month Rp 59ribu
• Browsec Premium VPN Monthly Rp 119ribu
• Browsec Premium Sale Month Rp 55ribu
• Premium Discount - 1 Month Rp 89ribu
• 1 month Premium VPN Rp 89ribu
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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Browsec VPN Review

Browsec VPN promises the world to its users. However, the reality is that there are multiple flaws in it. Browsec VPN comes with poor connection speeds on the free servers, inefficient security, and continuously monitors users' online activities, making it a bad choice for VPN users. Read more in this Browsec VPN review to know the details!

• Last updated April 17, 2024

Browsec is a lightweight VPN that works through an extension on your desktop’s browser. Around 8 million people use this free VPN worldwide, and it has had over 4 million downloads and 25,000 ratings on Chrome . It features mobile apps for Android and iOS devices that are accessible on the Google Play Store or App Store , and you can also add it to Firefox, Opera , and Microsoft Edge .

The VPN is based in Russia , a country that has strict data retention laws . It has a network of 600+ virtual servers with its premium version in 42 locations and only 4 servers with its free version covering the US , UK , Netherlands , and Singapore .

Our Verdict

We tested the provider in 10 categories, including pricing, servers, security, leak test, speed, streaming, torrenting, installation, compatibility, and trustworthiness to help you make a considerate decision on whether you should use this VPN or not. In this Browsec VPN review, after testing the provider in 10 categories, we would give this VPN an overall rating of 2.5/5.

The VPN offers reasonable subscription plans and decent speed on the Premium servers with the power to unblock US/UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer. However, it struggles to unblock other popular streaming sites like Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. It is also not compatible with Windows or Mac as it only offers apps for browsers and smartphones. The privacy policy clearly states that it collects information about its users and stores a cookie in your browser. Additionally, it is also not a good VPN for torrenting.

Overall, Browsec VPN is not what you’re looking for if you use a VPN for streaming support, and torrenting activities while keeping your online identity secure. Instead, sign up for one of the top-tier free VPNs tested by us. To read more VPN reviews , discover our dedicated page that provides all the required information about various VPNs in one place.

Browsec VPN Review: Key findings

Below you will find a list of 10 factors that we have used to perform this Browsec VPN review:

• Pricing : How Much Does Browsec VPN Cost?
• Servers and Locations : How Many Servers Does Browsec VPN Have?
• Security : What Encryption Method Does Browsec VPN Offer?
• Leak Test : Does Browsec VPN Leak IP, DNS, & WebRTC?
• Speed and Performance : How Fast is Browsec VPN?
• Streaming : Does Browsec VPN Work with Netflix?
• Torrenting : Is Browsec VPN Good for Torrenting?
• Installation Apps and Easy to Use : Is Browsec VPN Easy to Use?
• Compatibility : What Devices are Compatible with Browsec VPN?
• Trustworthiness : Does Browsec VPN Collect Logs?

Browsec VPN Review: Pros & Cons

• Excellent speed on the Premium servers
• Unblocks US/UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer
• Affordable subscription plans
• 600+ virtual servers in 42 locations
• Doesn’t offer desktop clients
• Not suitable for torrenting
• Cannot unblock Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus

Pricing – How Much Does Browsec VPN Cost? [Rating: 8/10]

Browsec is a free VPN service, but it also offers a premium version with better speed and a greater number of servers.

Here is a list of premium options:

• $6.99/mo (1-Month Plan)
• $3.33/mo (1-Year Plan)
• $2.99/mo (2-Year Plan)

If you aren’t satisfied with the free version, you can always count on their annual plan. It gives you a 7-day money-back guarantee .

Additionally, you can also opt for cheap VPN services that offer money-back guarantees of up to 30 and 45 days .

Payment Methods

The Browsec VPN review discloses that the service accepts more than 80 types of online payment methods.

On the contrary, the service has not added an anonymous payment option like Bitcoin in its armory.

However, if you want to save money on VPNs, check out our handpicked list of VPN deals right now!

Servers and Locations [Rating: 6/10]

Browsec VPN has a decent network of 600+ servers in 42 countries with the Premium version. However, you can only use 4 locations with the free version including the Netherlands , Singapore , the United Kingdom , and the United States .

The premium version offers servers in major countries like Australia, France, Ireland, Serbia, South Africa, Switzerland, New Zealand, Spain, Turkey, and more.

But even with a paid membership, some areas are completely excluded, such as South America, and just a portion of Asia is covered. Also, you might encounter slower speeds because the majority of these servers are virtual.

Security – Encryption & Features [Rating: 6.5/10]

Is Browsec VPN safe? Yes, Browsec VPN provides solid security and offers the AES 256-bit encryption method. The mobile versions of Browsec VPN use the IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN protocol and the browser extensions use the HTTP Proxy over TLS .

However, the VPN doesn’t provide any propriety protocol like ExpressVPN’s Lightway. To make sure you have access to the high-end protocols, sign up for one of the secure VPNs of 2022 .

Leaks – Does it leak IP, DNS & WebRTC?

We connected to the Netherlands server and Browsec VPN managed to clearly pass all the leak tests.

Here are the test results:

WebRTC Test:

Speed and Performance [Rating: 7.5/10]

Browsec VPN claims to deliver speeds of up to 100 Mbps using the Premium servers and upon testing the VPN, the results were satisfactory. However, the same cannot be said for free servers as they were immensely slow.

We conducted the speed test without connecting to the VPN first and achieved a download speed of 74.94 Mbps , an upload speed of 71.17 Mbps , and a ping of 6 ms , which we considered as our base connection .

We connected to 2 servers (UK & US) and observed that there is a major difference between free and premium servers. The free servers faced massive number of drops. Upon conducting the speed test on the free servers, we got the following results:

We could only achieve a download speed of 24.09 Mbps and an upload speed of 19.58 Mbps on the free US server , which is a massive decrease of 67.85% in downloads and 72.49% in uploads .

Coming on to the free UK server , Browsec VPN could only secure a download speed of 20.24 Mbps and an upload speed of 15.05 Mbps , which is a decrease of 72.22% in downloads and 78.85% in uploads .

Additionally, we conducted the speed test on the same servers, only this time on the premium ones and we witnessed a positive change in the results:

The VPN achieved an impressive download speed of 68.45 Mbps and an upload speed of 65.92 Mbps on the Premium US server , which is a minor decrease of 8.66% in downloads and 7.38% in uploads .

On the Premium UK server , we achieved a download speed of 66.36 Mbps and an upload speed of 64.97 Mbps , which is a decrease of 11.45% in downloads and 8.71% in uploads .

Overall , the speed on the Premium servers is impressive and you can carry out your daily browsing activities with ease with no connection issues. However, we don’t recommend using Browsec VPN’s free servers because of the major speed loss percentage, as evident in the above-conducted speed test.

Instead, we recommend you sign up for one of the fastest VPNs for 2022.

Streaming – Does It Work with Netflix? [Rating: 6.5/10]

Yes! To our surprise, Browsec VPN easily managed to unblock UK and US Netflix libraries.

The VPN has not mentioned anything related to video streaming on the official website. However, upon conducting the streaming test, Browsec VPN was successful in unblocking Netflix US/UK and BBC iPlayer, even with the free servers!

This earns Browsec extra points in our books because it’s one of the factors VPN customers look for in a service. Also, if you want to unblock more than 15+ Netflix libraries.

Other Streaming Services

We used the free UK server to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch “ His Dark Materials ” with Browsec VPN using the Google Chrome extension . However, it took 5 – 6 minutes to achieve a stable connection. Once the connection was stable, we didn’t face any buffering issues.

Unfortunately, Browsec VPN couldn’t unblock other popular streaming sites such as Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. We couldn’t get pass the geo-restriction error on these platforms using both, the free and premium servers in the US.

So if you’re looking for a VPN that can unblock these platforms along with amazing performance on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, sign up for one of the best streaming VPNs.

Torrenting [Rating: 0/10]

Browsec’s limitation to a browser extension and absence of dedicated desktop apps make it unsuitable for torrenting. If P2P file sharing is crucial, consider signing up for one of the best VPN for torrenting .

Installation Apps and Easy to Use [Rating: 5.5/10]

Browsec VPN extensions are easy to install. You can easily get the extension on all widely-used browsers from their respective stores including Google Chrome , Mozilla Firefox , Opera Browser , and Microsoft Edge .

As soon as you install the VPN extension, click on the toggle button to turn on the VPN and the same can be used for turning it off.

The browser UI for the VPN extension is old-fashioned but the iOS and Android apps have a better-looking interface with smooth performance. You can get the Browsec VPN download files from the official website or you can directly get the app from the respective app stores.

The hamburger option on the top left corner gives you access to more options like signing in with your account, signing up for the premium version, Apps protection, Always-on VPN, and more.

Compatibility – Apps and Supported Devices [Rating: 6.5/10]

Browsec VPN only offers browser extensions for Google Chrome , Opera Browser , Mozilla Firefox , and Microsoft Edge .

The Browsec VPN extension is not available on Safari , which eliminates a huge number of users. Also, since this VPN is only available on browsers and smartphones, you cannot use it on streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, or Firestick.

Additionally, Browser VPN offers decent apps for Android and iOS . You can get the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store .

However, the VPN is not compatible with desktops. While the provider has a tab for Windows and Mac on its official website, the tagline says “ Browsec VPN is coming soon! “.

Trustworthiness – Logs and Customer Support

Unfortunately, you cannot place Browsec VPN in the list of VPNs that do not keep logs of their users’ information because they do collect information. Browsec VPN logs data like cookies of your browser and they will hand over your information to legal authorities if they demand it sometime in the future. According to their privacy policy, they state:

“Browsec does not disclose your Personal Information unless it is required by the legal law enforcement requests.”

This personal data includes any information that recognizes you while using Browsec VPN. If you want to know which VPNs don’t keep logs, you may read the logging policies of numerous VPNs .

Customer Support

Browsec VPN’s customer support is admirable. You can contact them through Live Chat, Ticketing, or through email at [email protected] .

There is no other way to contact except the ones we mentioned above. However, you can use its FAQs section to get answers to frequently asked questions.

Alternatives to Browsec VPN

You have abundant options when it comes to using VPNs to your liking. Here is the list of other VPNs you can use in place of Browsec VPN:

• Urban VPN Review
• SurfEasy Free VPN Review
• Hotspot Shield Free VPN Review
• Newshosting VPN
• Hide All IP
• FlashVPN review
• Latern VPN Review
• Opera VPN review
• Digibit VPN Review
• My Expat Network review

Best VPNs Guides from VPNRanks:

• Best VPN for Netflix : Our Ticket to Netflix Paradise with these top VPNs
• Best VPN for Amazon Prime : Your Amazon Prime Gateway, Access Granted with these VPNs.

FAQs: Browsec VPN Review

Is browsec vpn free.

Yes, Browsec VPN is free. It provides unlimited and protected surfing for you to get any content you want. It allows you to switch between multiple virtual locations on your internet browser or smartphone without any hassles.

Is Browsec VPN fast?

Yes, Browsec VPN offers good speed on its premium servers. The free servers of Browsec, however, were super slow. Upon conducting the speed test on one of the Premium US servers, we only experienced a decrease of 8.66% in downloads and 7.38% in uploads. Upon testing the free US server, we experienced a major speed decrease of 67.85% in downloads and 72.49% in uploads.

How do I cancel my Browsec subscription?

You can cancel your Browsec subscription by following these steps:

• Navigate to the Browsec VPN website.
• Log in with your account.
• Go to “My Account”.
• Under “Subscriptions”, click on “Manage” next to your subscription plan.
• Click on “Cancel next payments”
• Click on “Complete Cancellation” when the canceling subscription message pops up.

Additionally, to request a refund, send an email to [email protected] with the email that is registered to your Browsec Premium account.

Do We Recommend Browsec VPN?

No, we do not recommend Browsec VPN.

The service may qualify as the cheapest option among many but Browsec is not a VPN that’s worth using.

For starters, the VPN does not offer apps for desktops (Windows/Mac) or routers. You can only get the app on your browser or smartphone. Secondly, the privacy policy clearly states that it collects your personal information, which is a major red flag.

It’s a decent VPN for Netflix US/UK and BBC iPlayer but you will not be able to unblock other popular streaming sites like Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus.

The VPN provides good speeds on the Premium servers but the free servers transform your internet connection into a snail that is handicapped.

Overall, after weighing all the pros and cons of this Browsec VPN review, we wouldn’t recommend it to our readers. Instead, sign up for one of the best VPN services tested by us.

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Safari User Guide

• Get started
• Go to a website
• Bookmark webpages to revisit
• See your favorite websites
• Use tabs for webpages
• Import bookmarks and passwords
• Pay with Apple Pay
• Autofill credit card info
• View links from friends
• Keep a Reading List
• Hide ads when reading
• Translate a webpage
• Download items from the web
• Add passes to Wallet
• Save part or all of a webpage
• Print or create a PDF of a webpage
• Interact with text in a picture
• Change your homepage
• Customize a start page
• Create a profile
• Block pop-ups
• Make Safari your default web browser
• Hide your email address
• Manage cookies
• Clear your browsing history
• Browse privately
• Prevent cross-site tracking
• See who tried to track you
• Change Safari settings
• Keyboard and other shortcuts

Browse privately in Safari on Mac

When you browse privately , the details of your browsing aren’t saved, and the websites you visit aren’t shared with your other Apple devices.

Open Safari for me

Browse privately one time

A private browsing window has a dark Smart Search field with white text.

Browse as you normally would.

When you use Private Browsing:

Browsing initiated in one tab is isolated from browsing initiated in another tab, so websites you visit can’t track your browsing across multiple sessions.

Webpages you visit and your AutoFill information aren’t saved.

Your open webpages aren’t stored in iCloud , so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other Apple devices.

Your recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.

Items you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer.)

If you use Handoff , private browsing windows aren’t handed off to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or other Mac computers.

Changes to your cookies and website data aren’t saved.

Websites can’t modify information stored on your Mac, so services normally available at such sites may work differently until you use a non-private window.

Note: None of the above applies in non-private Safari windows you may have open.

Always browse privately

Click the “Safari opens with” pop-up menu, then choose “A new private window.”

Open Desktop & Dock settings for me

Stop browsing privately

Do any of the following to further enhance privacy:

Delete any items you downloaded while using private windows.

When you use Private Browsing, “Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection” is turned on by default. This setting blocks connections to data collection companies that use advanced fingerprinting techniques (a way of identifying your device based on data gathered while you browse), and known tracking parameters are removed from all URLs. You can turn this setting on for all browsing; see Change Advanced settings in Safari . Some website features may be affected when advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection is turned on. If the website you’re viewing is affected, choose View > Reload Reducing Privacy Protections.

Besides using private windows, you can manage cookies and data stored by all websites and prevent cross-site tracking .

If you forget to use a private window, you can clear your browsing history .

• VPN & Privacy

Ultimate guide to browser security: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari

As your main point of access to the World Wide Web, your browser is exposed to potential online attacks every time you use it. The browser is a great channel for hackers to get access to your personal data, to manipulate your connections, to get tracking software onto your computer, and even to access your computer directly.

Contents [ hide ]

Browser security overview

Network settings, security weaknesses in browsers, browser privacy mode, malicious extensions, security extensions, online protection, stay safe on the web.

As an entry point to your computer, your browser is constantly vulnerable to hacker attack. Hackers and the producers of malware pay close attention to the code that creates browser programs, and they also examine ways to manipulate the various programming languages that run in browsers in order to sneak malware onto your computer.

The producers of browsers are aware of these threats and research security weaknesses, trying to spot them before hackers do. In many cases, they only discover an exploit once a hacker has already launched a worm that uses it. However, browser producers regularly produce updates to their products that close off these loopholes.

The main security procedure that you can implement in your browser is to allow automatic updates. This will keep you ahead in the cat and mouse game against hackers.

Browser security falls into two main areas:

• Protection against browser weaknesses that can let in malware
• Protection against snoopers that covertly collect information about you and your online activity

In order to address the issue of browser weaknesses, you can easily close off the entry points that hackers use by altering the settings of your browser.

Snooper attacks are harder to deal with because these can be implemented outside of your browser, either on the internet or through the network procedures of your computer. With just a few network settings adjustments, a hacker can hijack all of the traffic that passes in and out of your browser and control all of your web access.

To reduce the amount of information stored in your browser, we’ll show you how to remove browser history, cached data, and cookies. Each browser contains a settings menu that allows you to clean out this information. However, you can prevent this data from accumulating in your browser by using its privacy mode.

The next sections of this guide will show you:

• How to use the privacy modes of your browser
• How to remove data stored in your browser.
• How to check your network settings to make sure that your internet traffic is not being hijacked,
• How to remove the capabilities of your browser to play JavaScript programs, Flash files, or display PDFs — both Flash and PDF files have become conduits used by hackers to sneak worms onto your computer.

Although the network settings on your device do not pertain directly to browser security, some browser behavior is set by routing preferences that are dictated in the network settings of your operating system. These settings can sometimes be altered by viruses, Trojans, and worms. Even if your antimalware system detects the operation of this malware, once the network settings of your device have been altered the damage those viruses can do to your computer will still continue to operate.

Traffic redirection gives hackers the option of sending fake copies of well-known websites that exist to harvest your login credentials, force advertising on you, or sneak extra programming code onto your computer.

The two key settings that you need to address here are the proxy settings and the DNS settings.

Proxy settings

A proxy server mediates all of your internet traffic. Ordinarily, you should not have a proxy nominated in your network settings. If one is there, then all of your traffic on the web is being channeled through that server. The owner of the proxy server can block requests for web pages, or send back altered pages that look like the pages that you want but actually are fakes controlled by a hacker. If your proxy settings have been altered, your internet actions will be monitored and manipulated until you remove this setting.

DNS settings

A DNS server translates website names to the actual internet address of the server that hosts that website. When you enter the address for a web page in your browser, the first step in accessing that page is to lookup the internet address for that site. The root of a web address is called a “domain.” For example, “comparitech.com” is the domain of this web page. “DNS” stands both for “domain name system,” which is the network that provides internet address for given domains, and for “domain name server,” which is the computer that your browser will refer to when looking for the IP address of the page you want to see.

Ordinarily, the DNS server that you access is dictated by your internet service provider.

However, that preference can be overridden in the network settings of your computer. If a virus alters the DNS settings of your computer, a hacker-owned DNS server can return a different address. So, you may type in yahoo.com, but instead of getting the real Yahoo home page, the hacker DNS returns the address of a copy of that page held on the hacker’s server. If you then log into that fake page, you will just be passing your login credentials to the hacker. When you are looking at the fake page, your browser will show the web address of the real page, so it is very difficult to spot DNS hijacking.

Check network settings on Windows

In order to prevent both proxy and DNS hijacking, you need to make a point of visiting the network settings of your device to check that you haven’t been hit. If you have, all you need to do to restore your browser privacy is delete the values in your proxy and DNS settings.

The DNS settings and proxy settings on Windows are set in two different places. Firefox has its own proxy settings system.

• Click on the network symbol in the system tray. Select Network and Internet settings .

• In the Network Settings screen, click on Proxy in the left-hand menu.
• Scroll down to the Manual proxy setup section. Make sure that the Address and Port fields are blank and that the Use a proxy server slider is set to Off .

• Click on Status in the left-hand menu and then select Change Adapter Options . This will open a folder with a list of all the connection types available to you.
• Click on the connection you use the most. For example, Wi-Fi . If you use several different connection types you will have to perform the following sets for each.
• Right-click on the connection definition and select Properties from the context menu.
• In the Properties screen, select the Internet Protocol Version 4 item and click on the Properties button.

• In the next screen, make sure that the two DNS address fields at the bottom of the window are blank. The Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button should be active.
• Click OK to close down the Internet Properties window and then press OK in the WiFi Properties window to close it.

If you use Firefox, you need to go into the settings of that browser to make sure than there hasn’t been a proxy server address entered there.

• Open Firefox and click on the Hamburger menu symbol at the end of the address bar. Select Options from the drop-down menu.
• Scroll to the bottom of the Options page to the Network Proxy section. Click on the Settings button.
• In the Connection Settings window, make sure that the No proxy radio button is active.
• Click on OK to close the Connection Settings window.

Check network settings on macOS

In macOS the DNS and proxy settings are organized per connection type, so if you use both a cable connection and wifi, you will have to follow these instructions for each type.

• Select System Preferences from the dock and click on the Network pane.
• Select the network type and click on the Advanced button to get the Advance Network window.
• Click on the DNS tab. Make sure all of the DNS entries are blank. Highlight each entry and press the minus sign at the bottom left of the window.
• Click on the Proxies tab in the network type screen. Uncheck all protocols in the left-hand list. Click Apply at the bottom right of the Network settings window to save your changes.

Check network settings on routers

Unfortunately, there are many router manufacturers and they all have different user interfaces for their software, so here I will show you an example of one router’s console and you will need to explore the user manual of your own router to find the same screens.

If you can’t find the manual, there are some basic tricks that you can try to get into your router’s settings. Open the Task Manager on your computer and click on the Performance tab. Scroll down to the WiFi section in the left-hand menu. Note down the IPv4 address shown in the main screen beneath the performance monitor.

Enter that address in your browser. However, change the last number to 1. So if your address is shown as 192.168.0.12, enter 192.168.0.1 in the address field of your browser. This should get you into the router’s console.

If you don’t know the username and password for your router, try user/user, system/admin admin/password, admin/admin, or system/password. In some cases you can even leave the password field blank.

If you don’t have the manual, you will need to explore the menu system of your router to get to the right screen. However, you need to look for the Network Configuration page.

If your router has been hijacked by a virus, that malware could also report back to a hacker when you modify the router’s settings. Before making any changes, reset the router to its factory settings to wipe out any malware.

The DNS configuration is not available for DHCP settings. You have to switch to Static IP to change the DNS settings. So, if you arrive at the network settings and see that it is classified as DHCP, then you are safe. If your settings say Static IP, you need to look at the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields. If these have values, you need to set them to 0.0.0.0.

Look for the Hotspot Portal section of your router’s control panel. You need to disable HTTP redirects. If there is no Enable/Disable option, set the Destination IP to 0.0.0.0 and delete the port number. Press the Save button once you have finished.

Check network settings on Android

On Android, the proxy setting relates to each network that you connect to, so you have to follow these instructions for each.

• Swipe down from the top of the screen to expand the Settings menu. Click on WiFi . Tap on More Settings at the bottom of the list of available networks.
• Long press on the network that you want to check the settings for. Select Modify Network in the popup that appears.
• Tap on Advanced options in the next screen and then tap on Proxy . Click on Manual to see whether any proxy server has been set up for that connection.
• Check the Proxy hostname and Proxy port fields. If they have proxy.example.com and 8080 in them, you don’t need to do anything. If there are any other values in these fields, delete them.
• Check the IP settings field. This should be DHCP . You cannot specify a DNS server with this setting. If this field says Static , scroll down to the fields DNS1 and DNS2 . If these fields have the values 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 you don’t need to worry. If there are any other values in those fields, delete them. Change the IP settings back from Static to DHCP .
• Tap Save at the bottom of the Advanced Options screen.

Check network settings on iOS

As with Android, the iOS network settings for proxy and DNS servers apply to the network, so the network you want to check needs to be in range and you have to repeat these instructions for every network that you connect to.

• From the Home screen, tap on Settings . Select Wi-Fi from the Settings screen.
• In the Wi-Fi screen click on the right-arrow next to the name of the network that you want to check.
• In the network settings screen, look for the DNS field. This should read 8.8.8.8 . If there is any other value in that field, tap on it and delete it.
• Scroll down in the network settings screen to the section. Make sure that the Off button is active.

There are four basic problems with browsers that you can fix very easily by changing your browser settings:

• SSL security weaknesses
• Flash video cloaking for viruses
• PDF cloaking for viruses
• Malicious popups

In this section of the browser security guide, we’ll first explain those weaknesses and then show you how to secure your browser.

De-list SSL compatibility to use TLS

SSL was invented by Netscape Corporation as part of HTTPS. HTTPS is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure and you know that it is in operation on your web transfers when you see “https://” in front of a web page’s address. This system has been very successful on the internet. It includes server authentication procedures and encrypts all contents of internet communications. SSL stands for the Secure Socket Layer. This created ways to check whether the server that a browser connects to really is that computer and it makes it difficult for interceptors of internet traffic to pose as the intended destination of a connection.

The Secure Socket Layer was discovered to have a security flaw and so it was replaced with Transport Layer Security. This was because it was possible with SSL to provide a fake authentication certificate that changed the encryption key that the browser should use to secure all data sent over the connection. If a hacker can dictate the security key, he will know how to decrypt all subsequent communications.

Unfortunately, TLS was created with backwards compatibility to SSL. So if you use TLS and contact a site that is still using SSL, your browser will rollback to SSL and the old security exploit will be exposed. You can close down that weakness by de-listing SSL compatibility from your browser. You also need to prevent your browser from using the first version of TLS to block off the rollback to SSL.

Block Flash and PDF files from loading in your browser

The Flash video standard and the PDF file format are both products of Adobe Systems. Unfortunately, both encoding formats include programming constructs that can provide cover for virus invasion. So, you need to block both Flash and PDF files from loading in your browser.

Block popups

Popups are more of an annoyance than a security weakness. However, they can be used to trap you into a site, add malware to your computer, and can even be deployed recursively to overload your computer. It is better to block popups .

So, let’s tighten up the security of your browser by preventing SSL backwards compatibility, blocking Flash and popups, stopping PDFs from opening in your browser, and stripping out JavaScript.

The menus for closing off some of the security weaknesses are exactly the same for Internet Explorer and Chrome, you just arrive at that screen by a different route in each case. However, if you have closed off these weaknesses in Chrome, then you already have done all the work to protect Internet Explorer and vice versa.

How to secure Chrome

• Click on the three dots symbol at the end of the address bar. In the drop-down menu select Settings . This will open a new tab.
• Scroll down in the Settings screen to the bottom and click on Advanced . The screen will extend. Scroll down to find the System section and click on Open proxy settings . This will open the Internet Properties window.
• Click on the Advanced tab and scroll down in the Settings window. Make sure that Use SSL 3.0 and Use TLS 1.0 are de-selected.

• Click on OK in the Internet Properties window to save the changes.
• Return to the Advanced Settings screen in Google Chrome and look for the Privacy and security section. Click on the arrow next to Content settings .
• Click on the arrow next to JavaScript and in the next screen, click on the slider to turn it to Blocked . Click on the back arrow at the top of the JavaScript screen to return to Content Settings.
• Click on the arrow next to Flash — this is the next entry down from the JavaScript setting. In the next screen, click on the slider so the message next to it reads Block sites from running Flash . Click on the back arrow at the top of the screen to get back to the Content Settings list.
• Scroll down to Popups and click on the arrow in that line. Click on the slider so that you see that popups are blocked. Click on the back arrow at the top of the screen.
• Scroll down to PDF documents , which is the next to last entry in the Content Settings list. Click on the arrow on that line. Click on the slider so that the message next to it reads Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome .

RELATED : Best VPNs for Chrome

How to secure Firefox

Make sure that you have Firefox version 57 or above. This newer version of Firefox automatically blocks PDFs from opening in the browser. In order to prevent Flash from running in the web pages that you visit with Firefox, you should install the Flashblock add-on.  

To block of the SSL backwards compatibility exploit, follow these steps.

• Enter about:config in the address field of the browser. You will be shown a warning about proceeding. Click on I accept the risk .
• In the Configuration screen, enter security.tls in the Search field. Look for the entry for security.tls.version.min .

• Double click on the line and enter 2 in the popup box for the value in this field. Click OK to close the popup.

You can block popups through the browser options system:

• Click on the Hamburger menu at the end of the address bar. Select Options from the drop-down menu.
• Select Privacy & Security in the left-hand menu. Scroll down to the Permissions section and check the box for Block pop-up windows .

How to secure Internet Explorer

You remove backwards compatibility for SSL in Internet Explorer with the same screen as that used for Chrome. So, if you have already closed off this exploit for Chrome, you don’t have to do it again. If you don’t have Chrome, follow these instructions.

• In Internet Explorer, click on the cog symbol at the end of the address bar. Click on Internet Options in the drop-down menu. This will open a settings window.
• Click on the Advanced tab and scroll down through the list of settings.
• Uncheck Use TLS 1.0 and Use SSL 3.0 . Click OK to close the window.

To block Flash in Internet Explorer you need to control the ActiveX settings.

• Click on the cog symbol at the end of the address bar in the Internet Explorer browser.
• Click on Safety in the drop-down menu. If there is a check mark next to ActiveX Filtering in the Safety submenu, this setting is already blocked. If not, click on this line in the menu to activate it.

To prevent PDF files from loading in the browser, follow these steps.

• In Internet Explorer, open the cog menu and select Manage Add-ons . This will open the Add-ons Manager screen.
• Select Toolbars and Extensions for the Add-on Type and pick All add-ons from the Show drop-down list.
• Click on then entry for Adobe PDF reader in the main panel of the screen.

• Click on the Disable button at the bottom of the screen. Click on Close to get out of the Add-ons Manager.

To block popups, you need to look for the Tools menu.

• Click on Tools in the utilities menu at the top of the open tab in Internet Explorer.   
• Select Pop-up Blocker in the drop-down menu and then click on Turn on Pop-up blocker .    

How to secure Microsoft Edge

You don’t need to worry about SSL backward compatibility in Microsoft Edge, because that option does not exist in this new browser. There is also no option to prevent PDFs from opening in the Microsoft Edge browser.

To stop pop-ups and block Flash in Edge, follow these instructions:

• Click on the three dots symbol at the end of the address bar. Scroll to the bottom of the drop-down menu and click on Advanced Settings .
• In the Advanced Settings menu, set the Block pop-ups slider to On and the Use Adobe Flash Player slider to Off .

How to secure Safari

Safari doesn’t include backwards compatibility for SSL, so you don’t need to do anything about that security weakness. However, here are some actions you can take to make your Safari browser more secure.

• Click on Safari in the top menu bar and select Preferences .
• Select Security and then click on Manage Website Settings .
• Select Adobe Flash Player and choose Block from the When visiting other websites drop-down list.
• Click on the General tab in Preferences. Uncheck Open “safe” files after downloading .
• Click on the Advanced tab in Preferences. Under Proxies , click on Change Settings . This will open a new window.
• Uncheck all the protocol entries. Click OK to exit the Proxies window.

RELATED : Best VPNs for Safari

Each browser type has a different name for its privacy mode. However, in each case, this mode performs the same functions. It will delete your private data from storage together with passwords, cached page information, cookies, and browser history once you close the browser window. However, in order to take full advantage of this feature, you must remember to periodically quit the browser.

Here is how to invoke each browser type in privacy mode:

Microsoft Edge privacy mode

Right-click on the program icon and select New InPrivate window from the context menu.

If you already have Microsoft Edge open, click on the three dots symbol at the end of the address bar to get the browser menu. Click on New InPrivate window . You can also open an InPrivate window by pressing Control-Shift-P together.

Internet Explorer privacy mode

Right-click on the program icon and select Start InPrivate browsing from the context menu.

If you already have an IE browser wind open, Press Control-Shift-P together to open an InPrivate browser windows. Alternatively, click on the cog symbol at the end of the address bar to get the browser menu. Select Safety and then click on InPrivate Browsing from the Safety submenu.

Google Chrome privacy mode

The privacy mode of Chrome is called Incognito. If you have Chrome pinned to your taskbar, right-click on the icon and select New incognito window from the context menu.

If you already have a regular Chrome window open, press Control-Shift-N together to open a new incognito window. You can open an incognito window through the menu system: click on the three dots menu symbol and select New incognito window from the menu.

Mozilla Firefox privacy mode

The privacy mode in Firefox is termed a “private window.” If you have Firefox pinned to your taskbar, right-click on the icon and select New private window from the context menu.

If you have a regular Firefox session open already, you can open a private window by pressing Control-Shift-P together. You can also open a private session through the browser menu. Click on the hamburger symbol at the end of the address bar and select New Private Window from the menu.

Safari privacy mode

You can set the preferences of Safari so that it always opens in Private Browsing mode. To do this, click on Safari in the top menu bar and select Preferences . Under the General tab, click on Safari opens with and select A new private window .

If you already have a Safari session open, Click on Safari in the top menu bar and then select Private Browsing from the drop-down menu.

Malicious browser extensions are very difficult to spot. As we grow accustomed to smartphone apps telling us that they want access to data sources such as phone contact lists, we become desensitized to all the requests to access the operating system and data held in other apps. This has become a common occurrence in bona fide browser extensions and, as Zach Miller of online security firm, Cyberpoint explains , people tend to continue with the installation of a browser extension even when the browser points out the security risks.

Browser extensions have a surprising amount of power and control over a browser and the content that is displayed. An extension can inject scripts into rendered pages, create, redirect, or block web requests, or steal information that is entered into online forms.

-Zach Miller, Cyberpoint.

The system and services access that many legitimate browser extensions require really should make you stop and think before adding any extra functionality to your browser, no matter how useful and respectable it may seem.

Some malware uses browser extension functionality to hijack browsers. In January 2018, antimalware company, Malwarebytes reported on a clickjacking worm that directs victims to YouTube pages against their will. This malware extension is called Rogue.ForcedExtension and the Chrome and Firefox extension that it operates through is called Tiempo en Colombia en Vivo. You may think that you would be safe from this malware simply by choosing not to install that extension. However, none of the victims of this malware knowingly chose the extension. To this date, it is not known which action gets this extension installed.

Worse still, malicious extensions are able to defend themselves from removal. They can block access to the extensions and add-on management pages and redirect you away from searches in how to combat these forms of malware. Basically, once malware extensions get onto your browser, they are not going to let go.

Some malware extensions advertise themselves with the same name as legitimate utilities. Many of these fake extensions even manage to make it onto the Google Chrome Web Store.

Regular and recommended extensions can get hijacked. You might read good reviews of an extension and decide to install it. However, on installation you will be warned that the extension will be able to read and change your data on the web, read and change your browser history, modify text in your clipboard, and change the settings of your browser.

Although you may have trusted that company at that point, that trust should not be ongoing.

Chrome and other browsers will automatically update the extensions you have installed and they remain active without you knowing that the program has changed.

If the permissions required by the extension have changed with the new update, then the browser will disable that extension until you have approved the permission changes. The default requirements for system access that extensions regularly ask from you are more than enough for a hacker to get malware onto your system.

This makes extension updates a really easy route for hackers — not only do they piggyback on the large user base of popular extensions, but they only require one file to be uploaded to a server in order to proliferate millions of computers and phones. An example of this phenomenon occurred with an update to the Web Developer extension in August 2017 . A hacker managed to get his own version with malware onto the update server, thus downloading his malicious software onto more than a million computers.

Another danger with useful browser extensions is that they are often developed by small companies or individuals that make no money out of them. Ask yourself, how often do you pay for a browser extension? The low income that developers derive from these facilities makes them vulnerable to offers to purchase the system.

Hackers and darkside marketers generate a lot of income from ransomware, DDoS-for-hire attacks, and pay-per-click marketing scams. It makes sense for them to reinvest some of that revenue into buying access to millions of computers for very little money. They only need to update that excellent utility by inserting a little bit of extra code, and their scam is installed automatically as a legitimate browser extension update. This is exactly what happened when the browser extension Particle for YouTube was sold off in July 2017.

Given that extensions are ongoing security weaknesses in your browser, it is better to practice caution and try to avoid adding them.

After you just read advice not to install browser extensions, it may seem odd that this next section gives recommendations on extensions you should install. However, these extensions will help you improve the security of your browser, rather than impair it.

Although it is possible to block tracking software in your browser settings, these options are not very comprehensive. It is better to install extensions in order to fully block tracking codes. Many tracker blocking extensions also block adverts. Standalone ad blockers are also popular with web surfers.

Blocking JavaScript is also a good idea. Although there is the option to prevent JavaScript from running in Chrome, the implementation of JavaScript blockers as extensions generally works better.

Other security extensions listed in this section include systems to generate passwords for you so you don’t make the mistake of using the same password for all of the sites that you visit. You can also read here about extensions that will check the security of the pages that you visit .

HTTPS enforcement

As explained above, the HTTPS schema protects your data during transfer. However, not all sites use HTTPS and those that still use HTTP don’t offer very good security.

Browser Cleaners

It is possible to delete all cookies and temporary storage from all browser types. If you use the privacy modes that the browsers offer, then you don’t need to delve into the settings of your browser to clean out all of that data. If you are not that keen on the idea of using privacy mode, you can install a browser cleaner to get rid of all of that hidden information for you. Even if you do use privacy modes, not all records of your site visits are deleted when you close the browser.

Here is a selection of data cleaners.

JavaScript Blockers

Web pages are written in a code that is called the Hypertext Markup Language, or HTML for short. HTML only contains instructions for formatting text. It is not a programming language. However, it is possible to embed scripts in HTML code, and scripts include programming constructs. JavaScript was invented to enable small programs in web pages .

Those little bits of programming code are all that a hacker needs in order to download a gateway program on your computer or manipulate the operating system in such a way that rootkit programs can get in and control the functions of your operating system. You need to block JavaScript from running in your browser.

Password protection

One of the easiest ways that hackers can get into your email account or other online services is to just try some of the standard weak passwords, which include “1234567890,” qwerty,” and “password.” You not only stand to compromise your privacy to hackers through weak passwords, but these are also a gift to stalkers and former friends.

You need to use more complex passwords for each of the sites that you visit and you need to make the password for each site unique . This task can be difficult to manage. You will find it difficult to remember the password for each site and keeping all of your passwords on a piece of paper in your computer or phone case is another bad idea.

Password vaults (also called password managers ) solve the problem of knowing what constitutes a strong password and they also enable you to generate a different password for each site that you use. A password vault browser extension will store all of your passwords , so you only need to remember the master password for the vault. When you go to a site that has a password stored in the vault, the extension will fill in that field for you. Here are some of the best password vaults available right now.

There is a free version of Blur that doesn’t include the above two services, but it still creates a very comprehensive online privacy service. There is a password manager module in blur that is every bit as complete as the service offered by LastPass. The utility also includes a browser fingerprinting prevention system. Tracking by social media buttons is blocked by Blur and the system also includes a tracker and ad blocker.

You can get an email address from blur to use when you sign up for online services. The mail sent through to that account is forwarded on to your regular email address. This ensures that you are very difficult to trace online.

Blur is available in both free and paid version for Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

Tracker blockers

Retargeting has become a major marketing tool on the web. This method puts a little marker on your computer in the form of a cookie when you visit a website. Trackers usually go hand in hand with targeted advertising.

If you visit a website that participates in retargeting, you will notice that many of the subsequent sites that you visit display ads for that site or service. This is enabled by the website checking for one of its advertising service’s cookies on your computer before it loads content into the advertising panels on the page. Google is one of the biggest operators of retargeting advertising and it has developed the method into a very lucrative income stream.

Social media buttons and website analytics tools also practice tracking.

Although some argue that trackers enable people to see ads that they will find useful, rather than just promotions for random services, this method creates a privacy issue and the secretive way that retargeting is implemented angers many. Although businesses may claim that the method is only used for targeting adverts and no information about visitors is collated, marketers are notorious for monitoring the performance of ad campaigns and use trackers to gather data on your internet activities as much as they use them to deliver adverts.

The technology behind retargeting provides an excellent avenue for snoopers and data gatherers. The selective delivery of ads can be hijacked by browser viruses to earn hackers money and they can even be used to redirect your browser to show substitute pages rather than the sites that you thought you were visiting. All in all, it is better to block tracking libraries.

All the major browsers now include settings to allow you to enable tracker blocking or to send a “do not track me” request. However, knowing that retargeting is a major source of revenue for very large corporations, those browser developers didn’t really make their blocking systems completely foolproof. For example, Apple made its tracker blocker in Safari so that it allowed the trackers, but deletes them after 24 hours if you don’t visit any page on the same domain within that period. Rather than blocking tracking, this methodology gives a supreme advantage to the two biggest retargeting systems that are run by Google and Facebook.

Tracker blocking is better when it is implemented by extensions rather than by relying on the settings in your browser.  

Ad blockers

As explained above, retargeting, with the use of trackers, has become a major technique for advertisement management used on the web. The tracker blockers will prevent retargeting agencies from loading the adverts of their clients in your browser because the delivery processes won’t find any of those essential tracking cookies on your computer.

Tracker blockers are often advertised as tracker and ad blockers. However, they usually focus on blocking ads that use tracker codes and that doesn’t cover all online advertising. It is better to use both a tracker blocker and an ad blocker.

Security checkers

If you can live without all of the above extensions then just focus your attention on this category.

The extensions in this category will examine the contents of the web pages that you visit and give you reports on the trackers and other privacy and security weaknesses that each page includes. In the case of CyberSec and Secure.link, the extension will prevent your browser from encountering dangerous web pages.

If you are not a web programming or networking expert, you may find these details a little overwhelming. However, once you become familiar with the report format that is displayed in the extension’s drop-down panel, you will learn to graze the information made available to focus on the important bits.

The extension also monitors for botnet activity. Even if your computer has already been infected, CyberSec will block your communications with the Command and Control mechanism that launches attacks on other computers. This extension will also block trackers, pop-ups, ads and videos. The NordVPN browser extension is available for Chrome and Firefox.

The secure.link system is also integrated into the Windscribe VPN browser extension where it give you the option to generate a safety report on every page that you visit on the web.

This extension also includes an ad blocker, a cookie cleaner, and a tracker blocker. Another feature will scramble your browser’s user agent information to prevent browser fingerprinting and you can also elect to let the extension strip out social media buttons. The Windscribe browser extension is available for Chrome and Firefox.

As an entry point to the computer from the internet, your browser is one of the most vulnerable pieces of software that you have on your computer.You canblock off the avenue of attack into your computer by using an online service called a VPN . You will probably remember that there have already been three VPN services mentioned in this guide: TunnelBear, Windscribe, and NordVPN. All three services can be operated through an app or through a browser extension.

A VPN establishes an encrypted link between your computer and the VPN server. Going out from the VPN, all of your traffic has that server’s internet address on it and not yours. The VPN software on your device takes control of your network card, so no internet communication can get into your computer unless it first passes through the VPN server. This adds massive security to your browser as well as other apps that use the internet.

Being very selective about the extensions you install is probably the best way to keep your browser secure. Make regular checks on the proxy and DNS server settings of your browser to ensure that your internet traffic is not being hijacked. Also, make sure that your browser updates automatically to keep up with the latest version and install a good antivirus program .

Now you are aware of the potential threats to your browser, you will be better equipped to prevent intrusion and modification. Enjoy the web, but be cautious about what you download and what you install.

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