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Iridium Browser

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What Iridium Browser is

Iridium Browser is a free, open-source Chromium-based desktop browser for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its changes target privacy and security while seeking compatibility with Chromium. The browser prevents automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, and metrics to central services unless you approve it. Its public Git repository contains the complete source code and project changes; the project describes builds as reproducible and modifications as auditable. Qwant is the default search engine, with an option to choose another. Google sign-in does not work because required Google API credentials are not included. Some extensions may fail under its privacy settings and require manual updates. Iridium omits some Chrome audio and video codecs or extensions, and Widevine does not work. Updates must be downloaded and installed manually. Google Safe Browsing is enabled by default.

Who it suits

It suits desktop users seeking a privacy-focused Chromium browser with public source code. It may also suit organizations considering MSI-based deployment.

What it does well

  • Free plan for desktop use
  • Open source with auditable modifications
  • Blocks automatic query and metric transmission
  • Chromium compatibility focus
  • Qwant default with search choice

What to know first

  • No Android, iOS, or mobile version
  • Google sign-in does not work
  • Some extensions may not work
  • Manual browser and extension updates

Verdict

Iridium Browser combines Chromium compatibility with stated privacy controls and publicly available source. Check its missing Google sign-in, Widevine, extension limitations, and manual updates before choosing it.

Facts from Iridium Browser's own pages

Auditable builds
The project says its builds are reproducible and its modifications auditable. · iridiumbrowser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Data transmission
Automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords and metrics to central services is prevented and occurs only with user approval. · iridiumbrowser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Deployment
The project describes an MSI-based installation mechanism for deployment across an organization. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Distribution
The site says Iridium Browser is available as source code tarballs and encourages maintainers to build packages. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Downloads
The downloads page offers source code tarballs and encourages maintainers to build their own packages. · iridiumbrowser.de, 12 Oct 2026
Extensions
Some extensions may not work because of Iridium Browser's privacy and security settings, and the project says it does not test extensions. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Google sign-in
Google sign-in does not work because Iridium does not ship with a Google API key, client ID or client secret. · iridiumbrowser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Manual updates
Iridium does not download or install updates automatically; users must download and install the latest build manually. · iridiumbrowser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Media support
The browser omits some audio and video codecs and extensions found in Chrome, including Widevine DRM support. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Mobile availability
Iridium Browser is not available for Android, iOS, or other mobile platforms. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Organization deployment
The project describes MSI-based installation as an example of deployment across an organization. · iridiumbrowser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Privacy
It prevents automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, and metrics to central services unless the user approves. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Purpose
Iridium Browser is a Chromium-based browser that modifies Chromium to enhance user privacy and security. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Reproducible builds
The project says its builds are reproducible and its modifications auditable. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Safe Browsing
Google Safe Browsing is enabled by default and can be disabled in the browser settings. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Search
Qwant is the default search engine, and users can choose another search engine. · iridiumbrowser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Security
The browser says it applies strict security enhancements while aiming to preserve compatibility. · iridiumbrowser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Source transparency
The project says its public Git repository exposes changes and makes the complete source code available. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Support
The site directs users to its GitLab bug tracker to report issues and ask questions. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026
Updates
The browser does not install updates automatically; users must download and install new builds manually. · iridiumbrowser.org, 13 Oct 2026

Where Iridium Browser stands on Freedom251

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