# Chromium vs Gecko Browser **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/chromium-vs-gecko-browser/14544 **Category:** General **Created:** 2023-10-19T09:22:26Z **Posts:** 14 ## Post 1 by @FlipSid — 2023-10-19T09:22:26Z Stock user here, Android 14. The topic started after Google Chrome showing too much adds and c…ap. Been through a few Browsers now, and honestly the more I ready about the topic the more brain f.kt I am haha. What I have tried; Brave MS Edge Firefox (+ublock) Soul Browser Chrome Kiwi Vivaldi Yandex Mull … So thing is Mull kinda runs laggy on my Phone. The Rest is somewhat ok, gets uninstalled because of missing AdBlock or not passing this (If it has meaning, but as a Noob i have to use some Kind of criteria) > **[Chromium Checker](https://chromiumchecker.com/)** So here is the thing: Left over is MS Edge and Firefox with ublock and DivestOS setting. (Brave in “()”) So MS Edge has a huge privacy issue according to: > **[Microsoft Edge: Datensendeverhalten Desktop-Version – Browser-Check Teil4](https://www.kuketz-blog.de/microsoft-edge-datensendeverhalten-desktop-version-browser-check-teil4/)** > > Der Browser Microsoft Edge ist ein schwerer Datenschutzunfall. Selbst im privaten Modus wird die komplette URL in die Microsoft-Cloud übermittelt. and Firefox is Gecko :roll_eyes: And to be honest I somewhat want to stay a Noob haha. Cause Im tired of feeling like a hamster in rod lol Any sugguestions? Like I said stock Android 14. Will stay like that aswell. Is it a issue with Gecko for every day useres of the net? J. --- ## Post 2 by @You_will_own_nothing — 2023-10-19T09:34:33Z I’m no Android user (except for my work phone), but I think your best choices are: - **Brave** browser (if you want a Chromium-based one). - **Firefox with uBlock Origin** add-on installed (if you want a non-Chromium alternative). Even though the add-ons availability is lacking in Android, its still good enough. --- ## Post 3 by @anon39565454 — 2023-10-19T09:39:29Z > [@You_will_own_nothing](#): > > Even though the add-ons availability is lacking in Android, its still good enough. You technically could use any addon on android, but it requires a mozilla account and is a bit of a pain in the ass to setup --- ## Post 4 by @Register3435 — 2023-10-19T09:40:06Z Just use Brave or Firefox, honestly. Those are the main recommendations on this site. --- ## Post 5 by @FlipSid — 2023-10-19T09:57:23Z Ok, I’ll give Firefox a shot with ublock Origin. Set Up the wifes Phone with Brave.. Any settings/recommendations for MS Edge? I suppose no, but ask anyway :sweat_smile:. I like how it feels while browsing… --- ## Post 6 by @You_will_own_nothing — 2023-10-19T10:20:06Z > [@FlipSid](#): > > Any settings/recommendations for MS Edge? Yes, just remove it. :laughing: I’m (partially) joking. On mobile, I don’t see a single reason to use it, otherwise from bookmarks sync (and Bing chat?). So I think uninstalling is the best option. On the desktop, things are not that simple because **if you exclude the tracking, AI thing, the cluttered UI and Microsoft nagging you every time it can** , it’s a good browser beneath the surface, especially on macOS, given that the sleeping tabs things helps a lot with battery usage (if you’re using a laptop). I guess the best option for Edge if you still want to use it, it to go through every single option and disable a lot of the telemetry options (you have a lot to disable, since they are scattered through plenty of tabs), and use some add-ons like uBlock Origin, CleanURLs and Privacy Badger. But unless you are using it in a corporate environment (where the Microsoft services really work well with Edge), maybe it’s now worth the effort… --- ## Post 7 by @FlipSid — 2023-10-19T10:51:51Z MS Edge is (or feels) the most smooth. Really fast and well balanced aswell. Somewhat close or on par with chrome It lacks force https though… But I guess MS Defender Smart Screen makes up for that. It has AdBlock Plus as Extension. But what telemetry do you mean ? And I’m not sure if can Add more Extensions. Brave feels good on some days, laggy and slow on otheres. Kinda like a womans mood :sweat_smile: --- ## Post 8 by @sha123 — 2023-10-19T16:42:29Z Before using Edge, do yourself a favor and read Edge’s privacy white paper. You will be surprised how much functionality is implemented in a privacy invasive way and not clear from the setting’s description in the browser’s menu. Smart Screen is one of them. And you will need to check each update for a new invasive on-by-default feature. --- ## Post 9 by @FlipSid — 2023-10-20T13:31:57Z Reading into it. Found that MS was saving my searches, not only WHAT I search but also HOW offen I search it… Wow. Changed search engine, and some more stuff. But using FF with ublock more now. Any thoughts on Dark Reader? Or to risky? --- ## Post 10 by @xe3 — 2023-10-20T18:04:41Z > [@FlipSid](#): > > Any thoughts on Dark Reader? Or to risky? Risky in what sense? Some basic info: Dark Reader is one of Mozilla’s _recommended extensions_, the [recommended extensions](https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/recommended-extensions-program) category are vetted by Mozilla. Dark Reader is [open source](https://prod.outgoing.prod.webservices.mozgcp.net/v1/2a8020ee7fe5fea69148ed86ae4a26da4fc907d75110066fa5b5d0416670e666/https%3A//github.com/darkreader/darkreader) and their [privacy policy](http://www.opensource.org/license/mit) looks pretty harmless and clear, last update was this month. In terms of permissions it does require the “Access your data for all websites permission” which is obviously a fairly sensitive (but commonly requested/required) permission. --- ## Post 11 by @FlipSid — 2023-10-20T18:35:01Z Somewhere around it was suggested to just have ublock. More Extensions, more vurnerabel Browser.:thinking: And then I found this: > **[Reddit - The heart of the internet](https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/g20e83/wondering_if_i_am_at_risk_from_dark_reader_chrome/)** :thinking: --- ## Post 12 by @xe3 — 2023-10-20T18:46:23Z > [@FlipSid](#): > > Somewhere around it was suggested to just have ublock. > More Extensions, more vurnerabel Browser. As a general rule of thumb, yeah, less extensions means less attack surface, less 3rd parties to trust, and in some cases a less unique/fingerprintable browser configuration. But people get too extreme black/white about this. Instead of looking at this as a black and white rule, I suggest you focus on the kernel of truth in the rule: there is a cost/benefit to each additional extension you install, take the costs/risks seriously, but also consider the benefits, and decide if an extension is worth it to you on a case by case basis. --- ## Post 13 by @redoomed1 — 2023-10-20T19:00:32Z > [@FlipSid](#): > > Any thoughts on Dark Reader? Or to risky? Here are some links for you to peruse that give differing answers to your question: > > > previous threads #492 #294 #211 #12 > > --- > > Use this issue for extension ann…ouncements: new, gone-to-sh*t, recommendations for adding or dropping in the wiki list [4.1: Extensions](https://github.com/ghacksuserjs/ghacks-user.js/wiki/4.1-Extensions). Stick to privacy and security related items > > ### :small_orange_diamond: possible additions > > - [Site Bleacher](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/site-bleacher/) | [GitHub](https://github.com/wooque/site-bleacher) > > ### :small_orange_diamond: nah You might need to click on ‘Load more…’ in GitHub to view the full exchange. > > > Hello, I would like to start by saying thank you for the time and energy put int…o making this guide. I have a few questions concerning using some extensions. > > 1. Free Download Manager: As we know, FF's native download manager is not the best. I have been using Free Download Manager for stable/faster DLs, but I am sure that this is a no-no with running an arkenfox setup. If it's a no, do I have any ways of optimizing FF's downloads or using another method? > > 2. DarkReader: Yes or no? If no, what options do I have? I know how to change the color of the about:blank background but that's about it. > > 3. Qwant search extension: I use Qwant and have no issues with the search engine, however, any vulnerabilities from using the extension? Should I just bookmark the SE and go about it that way? > > Thanks in advance > > > Hello, I would like to start by saying thank you for the time and energy put int…o making this guide. I have a few questions concerning using some extensions. > > 1. Free Download Manager: As we know, FF's native download manager is not the best. I have been using Free Download Manager for stable/faster DLs, but I am sure that this is a no-no with running an arkenfox setup. If it's a no, do I have any ways of optimizing FF's downloads or using another method? > > 2. DarkReader: Yes or no? If no, what options do I have? I know how to change the color of the about:blank background but that's about it. > > 3. Qwant search extension: I use Qwant and have no issues with the search engine, however, any vulnerabilities from using the extension? Should I just bookmark the SE and go about it that way? > > Thanks in advance The latter two responses are from the owner of Arkenfox. --- ## Post 14 by @FlipSid — 2023-10-20T20:10:54Z Thanks guys. I’ll just call it a day with ublock origin.