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Browsers

Alternatives to

Google Chrome

A dominant browser tied to Google's account, sync, and extension ecosystem.

Why people switch

Chrome is fast and familiar, but it is built to keep you inside Google's identity graph. The goal is not to relearn the web - it is to pick a browser that does not treat your tabs as ad inventory.

Switching in practice

Bookmarks and passwords export in minutes. Ecosia offers a standalone browser, a browser extension, and a search engine - each works independently; pick one or combine them with another browser.

Vetted alternatives

  • Firefox

    Straightforward switchOpen source

    Independent browser engine with strong extension support.

    Firefox is the practical base many people use when leaving Chrome. Sync across laptop and phone, then set your search engine separately - or add the Ecosia extension if you want Ecosia search without switching browsers.

    How it is funded: Open-source browser; primarily funded by default search partnerships (historically Google), plus subscriptions and privacy-preserving in-browser ads.

    Pairs well with Ecosia Search, the Ecosia Extension, or the standalone Ecosia Browser - all independent products.

    Visit Firefox

  • Vivaldi Browser

    Straightforward switch

    Feature-rich browser from an independent team, not ad-first.

    Vivaldi is built by a small company spun out of Opera. It offers strong tab management, built-in tools, and optional sync without behavioural ad profiles.

    How it is funded: Independent company; revenue from search-engine partnerships, bookmark affiliates, and optional service referrals - not surveillance ads.

    Chromium-based; sync is optional. Backend code is open source; the browser UI layer is proprietary.

    Visit Vivaldi Browser

  • Waterfox

    Straightforward switchOpen source

    Firefox-derived browser focused on privacy defaults.

    Waterfox targets users who want Mozilla's engine with a smaller telemetry footprint. Useful if you prefer Gecko over Chromium.

    How it is funded: Independent maintainer (BrowserWorks Ltd); subscription-free browser funded partly through search partnerships.

    Independent again since 2023 after a prior System1 ownership period.

    Visit Waterfox

  • Ecosia Browser

    Straightforward switch

    Standalone browser with Ecosia search and climate-impact tracking built in.

    Ecosia's own browser bundles their search engine, privacy panel, and impact profile in one install. Use it on its own or alongside other Ecosia products - none of them require the others.

    How it is funded: Steward-owned social enterprise; search ads fund tree planting and climate projects.

    Independent from Ecosia Search and the Ecosia Extension. Search queries are forwarded to Microsoft Bing and/or Google under their privacy policies.

    Visit Ecosia BrowserEcosia Search ↗