Web browsers are an integral part of the internet. If you imagine the IP (Internet Protocol) address as a postal address, browsers are your postmen. One needs a web browser to access the internet—it functions as the client software to the public network. Now the web browser is necessary for internet use. However, are you safe while using one? You don’t have a choice when accessing the internet—you must rely on one. However, the internet itself is pretty scary today. Thus, the tool that can secure your access to such a place requires proper security. This is where VPNs, proxies, and their combination, VPN proxy, enter the picture regarding PC browsers.
Both are technologies geared towards ensuring privacy and anonymity on the internet. Though they differ, they can get the job done via several software implementations. They have desktop clients, access network servers, and even cloud services. Both are still in an advancement. Proxy has the latest SOCKS5, while VPNs come out with the latest security protocols, and both can cover numerous devices. One such implementation is when we use a standard VPN or proxy embedded within a web browser. Using VPN proxy web browsers increases your security and provides additional privacy/anonymity. That’s why we brought you the list of leading VPN proxy browsers for PC.
Best VPN browsers for PC
VPN likely needs no introduction. It is a virtual private network that facilitates communication over a public one. VPNs utilize security protocols (PPTP, IKEv2, L2TP, IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, SSTP) to initiate tunneling. The tunnel connects a client to a VPN server and keeps data traffic safe from privy eyes. It is the tunnel where encryption and encapsulation of data packets take place. Today, VPNs have integrated our daily lives seamlessly. Even networking has seen a noticeable impact on the tech as many devices have become paramount to its development, such as routers, gateways, and concentrators.
That is why we have put together a list of the top VPN browsers for PC:
1. Opera browser
Amongst the oldest browsers for PC, Opera came out with a built-in VPN in the early 2010s. However, the expected win didn’t come until the advent of smartphones. Opera has been around for a while, but with giants like Chrome, Internet Explorer and Firefox fighting for the throne, it didn’t receive the attention it was due. Luckily, when VPNs started gaining traction, Opera finally caught up. The VPN on Opera works seamlessly. Although it is not a complete VPN per se, it pretty much does the same thing. Furthermore, it has no apparent data limit/cap.
It is a bona fide free VPN with unlimited use. The only thing that disappoints us is the lack of encryption. But if you want privacy, Opera browser is the way to go.
2. Tor browser
Let me remind you Tor or The Onion Project is neither a VPN nor a proxy service. Although, it works on the same modules and principles. The difference exists in the way it relays the traffic. A VPN uses a single relay with end-to-end encryption. Tor routes data multiple times through various nodes and each with distinct encryption. Yes, it is more secure than VPN and offers better anonymity. But the misuse of Tor has led to stigmatization. The chances of it getting blocked are always high. If you’re curious, we already talked in-depth about The Onion Router.
3. Tenta browser
Tenta is an Android-only browser. However, it works more like a browser built on a VPN, more specifically, a VPN embedded in a browser. From the moment you run the app, it connects to the VPN and ensures the safety of your browsing experience. The sad part about Tenta is the limited amount of servers it offers and its inability to bypass certain geo-blocks. But for privacy-centric and light users, it is a very well-made Android browser.
4. Epic Privacy browser
This Chromium-powered VPN browser is the last addition on the list. Epic claims to be the best PC VPN browser for the Indian subcontinent. It also proclaims to block over 600 trackers. The browser works decently enough and has both a VPN and a proxy setting. The VPN is a true one with encryption capabilities. However, it is not available for smartphones. Furthermore, it is exhausting to use, which a new user might not appreciate.
VPN browser extensions for PC
While they are not computer browsers, extensions work best with most popular browsers. If you love Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge and don’t want to change it yet still want a VPN, extensions with a VPN might be the answer. Most leading VPN vendors provide dedicated browser extensions. Some offer them as a standalone solution, while others permit their use paired with computer software. If you are not limited to a browser and can try them, we recommend using one. Our lists of the best VPN extensions for Safari and top Firefox VPN extensions will help.
Best PC proxy browsers
A proxy is when someone stands in your place, which works on the same concept in networking. We already put VPN versus proxy. VPNs cater to privacy, while proxies focus on providing users anonymity on the internet. A proxy is an external server that sits between you and the website you are communicating with. When you employ it, the service provider sends your data traffic to a server and then re-routes it to the website in question. Now it will look like that server wants to communicate with the website. In reality, it will be working at your behest as an agent.
Here are the leading proxy browsers for PC:
1. Polarity browser
Polarity browser is a proxy software that has an inbuilt tab-based browser. The browser gets powered by Chromium and Trident engines. It ensures the HTML5 web standards and CSS3 programming language. The unique thing about the browser is that it has an automated proxy connection pre-defined. Separate from the inbuilt proxy, it has a private browsing mode, built-in ad blocker, web filter, and a translator. Other miscellaneous features include URL predication, hardware acceleration, voice recognition, extensions, and more.
2. Ultrasurf
Ultrasurf is a RUN-only service that functions in the background. All you need to do is turn it on and access the internet as is. Afterward, it will automatically block cookies and spoof your IP address. Technically it is not a browser but a freeware Internet censorship circumvention product created by UltraReach Internet Corporation. It bypasses Internet censorship and firewalls using an HTTP proxy server and employs encryption protocols for privacy.
3. Freegate
Similar to Ultrasurf, Freegate also aims to de-censor the internet. It is software to provide free internet to highly restrictive regions. It is anti-censorship freeware with a clean and beginner-friendly interface. The service auto scan for proxy servers and connects to the fastest one. However, you can change it manually.
4. Any popular browser with proxy settings
Many browsers offer manual settings that allow you to set up a proxy client. All you need is access to a proxy server, and you can set up your proxy network. There are not many browsers with inbuilt automated proxy network access. Mostly, a proxy is a service instead of a product, unlike VPNs. Accessing these services is even easier, and they are not browser-dependent.