When it comes to cryptocurrency, privacy and security are the most important qualities to look out for. The platform you use for trading crypto carries most of the responsibility of keeping your wallet and identity safe.
But you still need a secure browser that protects your passwords and browsing history. One way to ensure security is to keep an image installed on a virtual server with your regular browser to use exclusively for crypto operations.
If that is too technical for you, then installing a highly secured browser helps.
Since privacy and security features define the ideal crypto browser, the best browsers for cryptocurrency are essentially a list of the best modern browsers, period. However, for the best browsing experience for crypto operations, you need more than that.
Qualities of a Good Crypto Browser
Most modern browsers support practically every crypto exchange. That solves the accessibility problem. If you avoid unsafe apps or extensions, you can also expect a relatively decent level of security for your credentials.
But what exact features guarantee a quality cryptocurrency trading experience? Here are a few qualities to look out for.
In-built VPN
Several crypto exchanges, including popular ones like Binance and Kucoin, already let you trade crypto anonymously. If you want to take things a step further, getting a browser with an in-built VPN is a smart choice. The VPN hides your actual IP address and encrypts the traffic from your device.
If your preferred browser doesn’t come with its own VPN, you can always install one as an extension. Just make sure to install one with a solid reputation.
In-built Wallet
For now, having a browser with an in-built wallet is more of a convenience than a necessity. You can store and keep track of your coins within the browser, saving you from sharing your data with another platform.
Do you want a browser that’s an active part of your crypto operations instead of a conduit to a crypto platform? Getting one with an in-built wallet helps.
But you should know that this is an emerging feature, and there aren’t many browsers with it yet. You will have to choose from a pool with limited options if this is important to you.
Removes Browsing History
Great browsers don’t record browsing history, which browser companies can use to collect your personal info and share with advertisers. Ads are also distracting, and it is the last thing you need when you are knee-deep doing your own research (DYOR).
There are different ways for browsers to do this. Some delete the history after every session or store it on your local device. Whichever method they use, the best crypto browsers don’t keep your browsing history.
Check Out: Best Browsers For Facebook
Fast
In trading, when the difference between profit and loss can be quick decisions during market changes, you don’t want to be stuck with an unreliable, unresponsive browser. You need something fast and dependable.
Thankfully, a lot of browsers are great at this. Several of them are built on the Chromium engine, the fastest in the world.
Tab Stacking
Another non-technical quality that serves cryptocurrency operations is tab stacking. Your research on different assets involves opening multiple tabs. It is easy to lose track of the exact website for a piece of information.
With tab stacking, you can arrange every tab according to your preference. You can open a stack that contains multiple tabs about Ethereum and another on Bitcoin. That way, if you need to find a piece of information, you know where to find it.
That covers the essential qualities you should keep an eye for in a cryptocurrency browser. Now here are some of the browsers that fit the criteria.
Best Browsers for Cryptocurrency
1. Brave
Even for non-crypto traders, Brave, released for the first time in 2019, has emerged as a solid competitor to legacy browsers.
The Chromium-based browser has a built-in ad and cookie blocker, Brave Shield, that prevents advertisers from tracking you. It also allows you to choose if you want websites to recognize your device and script blocking.
This in-built ad-blocking feature makes it secure, but it also makes it faster. Since ad scripts are not allowed, websites tend to load faster. There is also an in-built VPN if you want to take your privacy to the next level.
Aside from general security and privacy, Brave also has a crypto wallet built into the browser. You don’t have to install an extension or go to a website to access your coins. It also means you are not susceptible to phishing scams like this one that allowed fraudsters to steal $500k from wallets.
Brave Wallet is CoinGecko sourced and has support for multiple coins, NFT, and web3 DApps. Also, suppose you already have assets in other wallets, such as Metamask Ledger or Trezor. In that case, you can import them to Brave Wallet.
This way, your cryptocurrency operation is more streamlined.
Furthermore, you can earn a Basic Attention Token (BAT) for free. It is the cornerstone of Brave Rewards, a program that allows users to make money by watching ads.
The ads are privacy-focused. It tailors the ad according to your browsing history, stored locally on your browser. Because the data never leaves your computer, Brave can’t sell your data to advertisers.
Also Read: Brave vs Opera
2. Tor
Before cryptocurrency went mainstream, Tor had a bulletproof reputation as a private and secure web browser. It does not function like a typical browser. Instead, it routes your data through the Onion network (a series with random nodes), making your traffic untrackable and anonymous.
Tor also encrypts your traffic thrice during this process. So, not only are you untraceable, no one can learn your identity or track your online behavior.
It means on top of using an anonymous exchange like Binance, no one can discover you are a user using your browsing history and traffic.
The security features don’t end there. Tor also comes with HTTPS Everywhere, ensuring you always open the safer version of any website you visit. This reduces the chances of you opening a fake crypto exchange or wallet site via phishing.
There is also NoScript, a program that blocks Flash and Javascript, which hackers can use to attack you.
Tor has additional security features that make it worthy of this list. One, it doesn’t save your browsing data because it deletes them after every session. Two, every window acts as a separate private browser, so no data is shared between different windows.
All of these make Tor a great option as a crypto browser, if not the outright best. That’s because it is slower than most browsers since it routes your traffic through multiple network nodes. It can take up to 30-40 seconds for a page to load. Not unusable, but not excellent either.
Still, the tradeoff is worth it. You get the peace of mind that your coin assets are safe, and everything about your online behavior is safe, down to your searches. Tor uses DuckDuckGo, a privacy-focused search engine that doesn’t collect or share your data.
Check Out: Brave vs DuckDuckGo
3. Mozilla Firefox
If you’re wondering what browser is best for trading cryptocurrency, chances are you’ve written off dominant names like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. You might be right about the first two, but not the third.
Firefox is one of the most secure private browsers out there and one of the few with mainstream recognition and support.
It has HTTPS Everywhere, so you never have to worry about visiting an insecure version of an exchange or wallet. There is also NoScript, which protects you from hackers. You also get sandboxing techniques and fingerprinting protection.
All of these are great for regular web browsing folk. Crypto enthusiasts also get to enjoy crypto-jacking protection. It is a security feature that prevents cryptocurrency miners from using Javascript to hijack and mine with your computer.
None of these are marketing gimmicks either. Firefox is an open-source browser, so users can inspect its code and make sure it does what it says it does. And if you are a programmer with time to spare, you can make adjustments of your own.
While it may have crypto-focused features like an in-built wallet, it has a massive library of extensions. You can confidently install a wallet extension because they are inspected and safe.
The cool thing about Firefox is there is a mobile version too, for Android and iOS users. Firefox Focus is specially built for each platform, offering the same level of security and privacy. Unlike the regular mobile Firefox, it efficiently blocks pop-up ads and tracking cookies.
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4. Osiris
Osiris Browser is one of the best browsers for cryptocurrencies that is relatively new. It is not just about having useful features for crypto browsing, but the developer, Ascent, specially built it for cryptocurrency.
China’s largest blockchain media outlet, Golden Finance, is the big name behind the browser, and it is the third-largest blockchain browser behind Opera and Brave. The blockchain-friendly web browser supports web3.0 technology with several crypto-focused features.
One, it has an in-built wallet called Metawallet. It supports various cryptocurrencies, freeing you from installing a possibly compromised extension for this purpose. The wallet supports ETH, ACE, and TRX networks, and there are plans to add others like BSC and DOT.
There is also special attention paid to dApps. Osiris Browser supports dAppstore, a dApp marketplace for decentralized applications. The blockchain platform is quickly growing into the global market, especially with the rising popularity of De-Fi and NFT.
For the expert cryptohead, these features deliver an embedded experience without compromising on basic functionalities and an intuitive UI.
You still get the standard stuff like the option to choose your search engine, including the privacy-focused DuckDuckGo. Osiris Armor, the browser’s ad and tracking shield, blocks intrusive ads and prevents cookies that collect your data for personalized ads.
There is even a way to see how many ads and scripts have been blocked with the browser.
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5. Waterfox
Waterfox is one of the relative unknowns on this list. If you are a developer with browser interest, you probably already know it as the Firefox fork. Much of its codebase is from Firefox, with additional tweaks designed to make it more secure and private.
Without using addons, it removes telemetry, data collection, startup profiling, and sponsored tiles.
You also don’t have to worry about your online activities getting tracked. Waterfox only reads your browser version and operating system to send your updates. Additionally, it deletes our browsing history regularly, thus limiting your vulnerability by installing an extension.
You are getting a browser that feels like Firefox but with stronger privacy qualities. It supports most Firefox extensions, even legacy addons that no longer work on Firefox.
It is not just Firefox either. Waterfox also supports extensions from the Chrome Web Store and Opera Extensions. If you have extensions that enhance your browsing experience, you don’t have to lose them if you make the switch from your former browser.
Another thing, it has a private tab. You don’t have to open a new window to switch to incognito mode, streaming your flow state in deep research mode. Something you can’t get with the new Windows system.
Also, it works across different operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and Mac. There is also an Android version that enables trading on the go.
6. LibreWolf
Another Firefox fork that aims to push its privacy and security limits. LibreWolf does not come with many bells and whistles, but like Waterfox, it succeeds at pushing those limits.
LibreWolf is one of the best browsers for crypto if high security and privacy are your number one priorities in a browser.
It doesn’t collect any of your data. What you do inside your browser is entirely your business. You don’t have to worry about your wallet address getting leaked or hacked passwords. This also means no adware or cookie tracking.
On top of this, it comes with uBlock Origin, giving you double the protection from disruptive ads. The side benefit is that website pages load faster and you save more data due to the absence of running ad scripts.
The web browser also comes with several privacy-conscious search engines like Quant, DuckDuckGo, and Searx.
LibreWolf also releases fast updates, usually from the latest stable Firefox version, guaranteeing up-to-date security and stability.
The lack of crypto functionalities means there is no in-built crypto wallet, but you can build one if you have the expertise. LibreWolf is open source. Anyone can join the development on GitLab, Gitter, and element.io.
Also Read: Best Browsers For Smart TV
7. Vivaldi
Vivaldi Browser doesn’t stand out much from the other browsers on this list in terms of privacy and security.
There is an in-built ad and tracker blocker, and it blocks tracking cookies with a feature it calls Cookie Crumbler. It prevents the accept cookies dialog from popping up when you visit a page.
Vivaldi also comes with privacy-friendly search engines like Startpage, DuckDuckGo, and others. If you don’t want Google or Bing collecting your search history, you can use them.
Functionality is where Vivaldi thrives as one of the best browsers for crypto. It has tab grouping (stacking) that enables you to group multiple tabs under one tab.
No need to use one window for crypto research and another for normal browsing. Group every tab according to its purpose for a better experience.
Also, you can create notes on websites, view multiple pages at once, and add any website as a web panel to view in split-screen mode.
For cryptoheads who want maximum control over how their browser looks and behaves, Vivaldi is arguably the most customizable browser on the market, aside from open source projects.
You can set everything from the theme, tab position, and mouse gestures to how images and animations load on every page.
Finally, there is an Android version for the browser, so you can enjoy all the same benefits on your mobile device.
Interesting Comparison: Vivaldi vs Opera
8. Opera
Say you are not comfortable with the standard ad and tracker blocker and want an additional layer of security with VPN, Opera offers that for free. It comes with a built-in VPN that hides your IP address.
You get the extra page loading speed from blocking ad scripts and also get to browse anonymously, free from online tracking. This feature is available on its desktop and mobile versions, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
The day-to-day experience is pretty great too. There are personalization features like themes and workspaces to group tabs according to their focus—no more multiple windows with unlimited tabs.
Opera Browser also comes with Messenger and Player. You don’t have to leave the browser to reply to messages or change your music. Messaging apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, and Telegram are accessible from the sidebar, as are Apple Music and Deezer.
A Flow feature also allows you to share notes, files, and websites between your phone and computer. You continue your research across your devices without missing a beat.
The mobile version also has a built-in crypto wallet that supports ERC20 compliant tokens and ERC721 collectibles like NFTs. You can make payments to merchants, other users, and apps directly from the wallet.
The wallet is currently only available on desktop in the Developer Edition, but regular users should get it soon.
Explore the best alternatives to Opera.
9. Google Chrome
Google Chrome is not renowned for its commitment to privacy. Still, if the safety of your wallet is your primary concern, fewer browsers are as secure as Chrome.
As the leading web browser with over 65% market share, Chrome is a prime target for malicious attacks. However, thanks to regular updates and a global team defending the browser against hackers, user data has largely remained secure.
Google automatically updates the browser every six to eight weeks, and parts of the code are open-source. You can scrutinize and modify it as you please.
The company is also regularly removing harmful extensions from its extension store. It might still belong to big tech, but Chrome is one of the safest browsers for cryptocurrency.
Beyond security, Chrome has an extensive extension library, including crypto wallet addons to buy, store, and trade assets. And even though there is no in-built ad and tracker blocker, it is still one of the fastest browsers you can install.
Chrome is also decent as a daily driver. It has a tab grouping feature, and you can find a specific tab from the haystack with a search button.
Overall, Google Chrome may not be an ideal choice if privacy is your main concern, but it holds well for security.
Explore some of the best alternatives to Chrome.
10. Microsoft Edge
Last but not least is Microsoft Edge, the Chrome rival from the Redmond tech giant. It is available across multiple platforms, on Android, iOS, and Mac. So you can share and access your browsing data across different devices.
It won’t be the average crypto enthusiast’s first choice. Still, Edge is built on the secure Chromium engine that powers Chrome. It also receives timely updates. As far as data security for your crypto assets goes, Edge is safe.
The company designed the browser (and switched to Chromium) to take advantage of its speed, and it delivers. Edge is faster than Chrome, even though the difference is tiny and not apparent to the average eye.
Microsoft Edge also comes with productivity features like Collections, Vertical Tabs, and Immersive Readers. All three enable you to sort important tabs, read two website pages simultaneously, and consume website content without distractions.
Yes, like Chrome, Microsoft is still collecting your data, even though it claims it is for product improvement. If that is not a significant concern for you, Edge’s security and browser functionality makes it one of the best cryptocurrency browsers to install.
Explore how good Edge is when compared to Brave browser.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrencies are rising in relevance as a store of value and mode of payment. Since they are entirely digital, holders need trustworthy, safe, and convenient web browsers that allow users to access them easily.
Of the ten browsers discussed above, we recommend Brave as the overall best browser for cryptocurrency.
It checks the standard boxes of privacy and security like others, but its in-built wallet, support for web3.0 and ability to earn tokens put it above the rest.
Regardless, the other nine browsers are good enough for your cryptocurrency operations if Brave is not your jam.
