Helium Browser
Helium Browser: A free Chromium browser with strong built-in blocking and desktop-only limits. Ranked #28 of 145 in Web Browsers by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source privacy desktop browsing.
At a glance
- Editor score6.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source privacy desktop browsing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Browser engineChromium
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Built-in ad, tracker, cookie-banner, and third-party-cookie blocking
- Chromium extension support through the Chrome Web Store
- Vertical tabs, split view, web apps, and tab hibernation
Where it doesn't
- Currently in beta
- No mobile apps or cross-device data synchronization
- Does not support Widevine DRM
Our verdict on Helium Browser
Helium Browser is a free, open-source Chromium-based browser for desktop users who want built-in blocking and minimal data collection. It is available on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with support for Chromium extensions through the Chrome Web Store. The feature set also includes fingerprinting protections, vertical tabs, split view, web app installation, tab groups, tab hibernation, and locally processed !bang shortcuts. Its focus is privacy-oriented desktop browsing rather than a cross-device browser experience.
The free plan covers the browser itself and includes built-in ad blocking, tracker blocking, cookie-banner blocking, and third-party-cookie blocking. Fingerprinting protections add another privacy-focused control, while Chromium compatibility preserves access to the Chrome Web Store extension ecosystem. For organization, Helium combines vertical tabs, tab groups, tab hibernation, and split view. Web app installation and locally processed !bang shortcuts extend the browser beyond basic page viewing. Automatic updates are available on macOS and Windows.
Helium’s main trade-off is its desktop-only scope. It has no mobile apps or cross-device data synchronization, so users who move between devices will not get a shared browser state. The browser is also currently in beta and does not support Widevine DRM, which may affect compatibility with some protected media services. Helium suits users who prioritize open-source software, built-in blocking, Chromium extensions, and desktop tab management. Those who need mobile browsing, synchronized data, or Widevine support should choose a browser that provides those capabilities.
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Helium Browser fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Both |
| Browser engine | Chromium |
| Built-in ad blocking | Yes |
| Tracking protection | Not verified |
| Extension support | Chrome_store |
| Cross-device sync | No |
| Open source | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | helium.computer |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Helium Browser
- Google ChromeA complete free browser with broad platform coverage, sync, extensions, and built-in security.9.3
- Microsoft EdgeA free, cross-platform browser suited to Microsoft users who want broad compatibility.9.2
- Mozilla FirefoxA mature, privacy-focused browser for everyday browsing across desktop and mobile.9.1
See all Helium Browser alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Helium Browser is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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