Iridium Browser
What Iridium Browser is
Iridium Browser is a free, open-source desktop browser based on Chromium, with changes aimed at privacy and security. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. By default, it prevents partial queries, keywords, and metrics from being sent automatically to central services unless the user approves. The project says its privacy settings enforce strict security while preserving compatibility, and that its builds can be reproduced and its modifications audited. Its complete source code is available through a public Git repository.
Iridium’s downloads page offers source code tarballs and encourages maintainers to build packages. Browser updates are not installed automatically, so users must download and install the latest build themselves. Qwant is the default search engine, though users can select another. Google sign-in does not work out of the box because Iridium does not include the required Google API key, client ID, or client secret. Google Safe Browsing is enabled by default and can be disabled in settings. Extension updates are manual, the extensions panel is partly nonfunctional, and some extensions may not work with the browser’s privacy and security settings. Iridium also lacks some Chrome audio and video codecs or extensions, so services that depend on Widevine will not work.
Who it suits
Iridium suits desktop users who want a free, open-source Chromium-based browser with privacy-focused changes and access to its source code. It may also suit maintainers building packages or organizations considering MSI-based deployment.
What it does well
- Free and open source.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Blocks automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, and metrics by default.
- Offers source code through a public Git repository.
- Qwant is the default, and users can choose another search engine.
What to know first
- No Android, iOS, or other mobile versions.
- Browser updates must be downloaded and installed manually.
- Some extensions may not work, and extension updates are manual.
- Widevine-dependent services will not work.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Iridium Browser | No price stated · available as source code tarballs | Free |
As iridiumbrowser.de lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://iridiumbrowser.de/ and open the downloads page.
- Obtain a source code tarball; the project encourages maintainers to build packages.
- Build or install a package for Linux, macOS, or Windows.
- Download and install the latest build manually when updating.
Verdict
Choose Iridium if you want a free, open-source desktop browser with privacy-focused changes and public source code. Look elsewhere if you need mobile availability, automatic browser updates, Google sign-in out of the box, or Widevine-dependent media services.
Questions
Is Iridium Browser free?
Yes. Its plan is listed as free, and a free plan is available.
Which platforms does it support?
Iridium is available for desktop on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is not available for Android, iOS, or other mobile operating systems.
Is Iridium open source?
Yes. The complete source code is available in a public Git repository.
What search engine does it use?
Qwant is the default search engine, and users can choose another.
Can I use Google sign-in?
Google sign-in does not work out of the box because Iridium does not include the required Google API key, client ID, or client secret.
How are updates handled?
Iridium does not install browser updates automatically. Users must download and install the latest build manually.
Facts from Iridium Browser's own pages
- Builds
- The project says its builds are reproducible and its modifications auditable. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Data transmission
- Automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, and metrics to central services is prevented unless the user approves it. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Default search
- Qwant is the default search engine, and users can choose another search engine. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The downloads page says Iridium is available only as source code tarballs and encourages maintainers to build packages. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- Extension updates are manual, the extensions panel is partly nonfunctional, and some extensions may not work due to privacy and security settings. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · iridiumbrowser.de, 19 Sept 2026
- Google sign-in
- Google sign-in does not work out of the box because Iridium does not ship with the required Google API key, client ID, or client secret. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Cologne, Germany · iridiumbrowser.de, 28 Sept 2026
- Manual updates
- Iridium does not install updates automatically; users must download and install the latest build manually. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Media support
- Iridium does not include every Chrome audio and video codec or extension; Widevine-dependent services will not work. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Mobile availability
- Iridium is not available for Android, iOS, or other mobile operating systems. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yes · iridiumbrowser.de, 19 Sept 2026
- Organization deployment
- The project describes MSI-based installation as an example of deployment across an organization. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- desktop · iridiumbrowser.de, 19 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- Iridium is a Chromium-based browser that modifies Chromium to enhance user privacy and security. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Safe Browsing
- Google Safe Browsing is enabled by default and can be disabled in the browser settings. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Security settings
- Iridium says its privacy enhancements enforce strict security while preserving compatibility. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Source transparency
- The project provides a public Git repository and says the complete source code is available. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its GitLab bug tracker for issues and questions. · iridiumbrowser.de, 9 Oct 2026
Where Iridium Browser stands on Freedom251
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