Helium Browser
What Helium Browser is
Helium Browser is a free desktop web browser built on Chromium. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and includes built-in ad and tracker blocking in its free plan. The browser supports extensions from the Chrome Web Store, giving users a way to add Chromium extensions to their desktop browsing setup. Helium is open source and is offered through a single free plan at no cost. Its listed capabilities center on desktop browsing, extension support, and blocking ads and trackers. Cross-device sync is not included, so Helium does not provide a synced browser experience across devices. For people choosing a browser, its main appeal is the combination of no-cost desktop access, extension support, and built-in blocking across three operating systems. The key consideration is whether the absence of cross-device sync fits the way they use a browser.
Who it suits
Helium suits people looking for a free, open-source desktop browser for Windows, macOS, or Linux, especially those who want built-in ad and tracker blocking. It also fits users who want to use extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
What it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Open-source browser built on Chromium.
- Built-in ad and tracker blocking.
- Chrome Web Store extension support.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What to know first
- Cross-device sync is not available.
Limits
The free plan includes ad and tracker blocking, Chromium extension support, and desktop versions for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Cross-device sync is not available.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Ad and tracker blocking · Chromium extension support · Desktop browser for macOS, Windows, and Linux | Free |
| Helium Browser | Desktop browser in beta · macOS, Windows, Linux · no mobile version yet · no Widevine DRM · no data sync yet | Free |
As helium.computer lists them, read 21 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://helium.computer/.
- Choose the version for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Install and open Helium Browser.
- Add extensions from the Chrome Web Store if needed.
Verdict
Choose Helium if you want a free, open-source Chromium browser with built-in ad and tracker blocking and Chrome Web Store extension support. Look elsewhere if syncing browser data across devices is important to you.
Questions
How much does Helium Browser cost?
Its Free plan costs nothing.
Is Helium Browser open source?
Yes. Helium Browser is open source.
Which platforms does Helium Browser support?
It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Does Helium Browser support extensions?
Yes. It supports extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Does Helium Browser sync across devices?
No. Cross-device sync is not available.
Facts from Helium Browser's own pages
- Beta availability
- The download page says Helium is in beta and offers builds for macOS 13 Ventura or newer, Windows 10 or newer, and several Linux formats. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Browser engine
- chromium · helium.computer, 21 Sept 2026
- Browser features
- Features include vertical tabs, split view, web app installs, tab groups, customizable keyboard shortcuts, and tab hibernation. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Built-in ad blocking
- Yes · helium.computer, 21 Sept 2026
- Cross-device sync
- No · helium.computer, 21 Sept 2026
- Customization
- It offers four layout options, toolbar customization, color themes, and a Frameless mode. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Extensions and shortcuts
- Helium supports Chromium extensions and includes locally processed !bang shortcuts for navigating directly to websites. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- chrome_store · helium.computer, 21 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · helium.computer, 21 Sept 2026
- Funding and audience
- Helium is free for everyone, funded by user contributions, and described as being built for people who want a calmer, more private web. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- More limits
- Helium does not yet support data sync or mobile devices, and it has no built-in password manager. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Notable limits
- Helium does not support Widevine DRM, so some streaming services and protected media may not play. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Helium is licensed under GPL-3.0, with some imported content under BSD-3-Clause. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- both · helium.computer, 21 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The browser makes no network requests unless they result from user actions or features explicitly enabled or configured during setup, and browsing data stays on the device. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- The maker says Helium ships Chromium security updates as soon as possible, enforces HTTPS, supports passkeys, and updates automatically. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Helium services can be self-hosted, and users can replace the default service endpoints before any web requests are made. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can report issues on GitHub, and the maker asks them to check for duplicate issues first. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Helium is a privacy-first browser that blocks ads, trackers, cookie banners, and third-party cookies by default. · helium.computer, 9 Oct 2026
Where Helium Browser stands on Freedom251
- Web browsers#6 of 154