FREE Browser

Overview

FREE Browser is a free, open-source browser for Android, built for people who want to manage privacy settings site by site.

Key features

The built-in ad blocker uses the StevenBlack host list and lets users choose a list and add domains to block. That flexibility is useful if a fixed blocking setup misses something you want to filter; the absence of extension support limits how far you can extend the browser beyond its built-in tools.

Users can toggle fingerprinting protection, configure JavaScript, cookies and DOM storage by domain or bookmark, and change ad blocking, fingerprinting protection and desktop mode per tab. These controls help when a site needs an exception without changing settings everywhere. They also suit people willing to manage those exceptions themselves.

The cookie-banner blocker uses Mozilla Cookie Banner Rules to opt out of unnecessary cookies and attempt to dismiss banners. It requires JavaScript and does not work with rules in child windows, which makes it a helpful aid rather than a reliable way to clear every banner.

Simple Greasemonkey-style scripts offer a limited way to customize pages. Scripts must use @match; @run-at and @name are supported, while @include, @exclude and @grant are not. That will suit basic site-specific scripts, but not users who depend on broader userscript support.

For everyday browsing, the browser includes a bottom toolbar for one-hand use, unlimited tabs, in-page search, web search from selected text, PDF saving and the option to open links in other apps. It can also back up and restore databases, bookmarks and preferences to Documents/browser_backup.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and provides a GPLv3 open-source Android browser. There is no free trial, but no paid plan is needed to use the browser.

Platforms

FREE Browser is an Android mobile app. F-Droid lists version 3.5.0.159, which requires Android 10 or newer. The project warns that the app will stop working on certified Android devices after Google begins requiring developers to submit personal identity details in 2026/2027. That warning is a serious consideration for anyone choosing a browser for long-term use on a certified device.

Who it's for

Choose FREE Browser if you use Android and want granular control over blocking and site data without paying or relying on extensions. It is a weaker fit if you need a browser across several platforms, broad userscript support or dependable cookie-banner handling on sites that use child windows.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Domain, bookmark and per-tab settings let users tailor privacy controls to particular sites and browsing sessions.
• Pro: The ad blocker accepts a chosen list and user-added domains, giving more control than a fixed built-in list.
• Pro: Unlimited tabs and backup and restore for databases, bookmarks and preferences support regular personal use.
• Con: No extension support leaves users with only the browser's built-in tools and limited script support.
• Con: Cookie-banner rules require JavaScript and do not work in child windows, so banner handling has clear gaps.
• Con: The project's warning about future operation on certified Android devices complicates long-term reliance.

Alternatives

If you are choosing a tool for photo metadata rather than browsing, Photo Metadata Editors and Web browsers cover the adjacent categories. ExifTool is a free option for API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted and Windows environments; pick it if you need a metadata tool across those platforms instead of an Android browser. EXIF Magic is a free download for Android, iOS and macOS with no in-app purchases, subscription or account, so it fits someone seeking a cross-platform metadata app. ExifCleaner is a free desktop app for Linux, macOS and Windows; Metadata Stripper is a free, open-source desktop app for JPEG, PNG and WebP images. Photini is free GPL-3.0-or-later software for Linux, macOS and Windows, while Simple Photo Meta is a free GPLv3 alpha desktop app for Linux and macOS. Exif Lens is an iOS option with a free plan for viewing metadata and browsing, filtering and sorting a photo library, plus a $0.99 a month Pro plan for editing dates and times. Exif Pilot is a free Windows basic EXIF editor.

Verdict

FREE Browser is a sound choice for Android users who want a free, open-source browser with adjustable ad and fingerprinting protection and fine-grained site controls. Its built-in privacy features are the main reason to choose it; limited scripting, no extensions and the certified-device warning are strong reasons to look elsewhere.