The best secure browsers for privacy in 2026: Expert tested

The moment you launch your browser to surf the web, check your bank account, or visit social media, organizations start tracking you and collecting your information. Cookie notices, consent buttons that provide businesses permission to collect, share, and potentially sell your data with partners, service usage policies. All of this can lead to profiles being created based on what you do, say, or search for online. 

Profiling and fingerprinting users are partly why browsers have become a battleground for user privacy. If you want to retain a level of anonymity online and keep your information out of the hands of third parties, the first step is to choose a browser that actively works to prevent you from being tracked. That's where our guide comes in. In ZDNET's latest update, we conducted a thorough editorial review and changed the rankings of our top choices to better reflect new developments. We also overhauled our FAQ section.

Also: Best VPN services 2026: Expert tested and recommended