monocles browser
What monocles browser is
monocles browser is a free, open-source Android browser with privacy-oriented defaults and tools. JavaScript and cookies are off initially; users can add trusted domains to allow them. The browser also includes ad blocking, supports the Tor proxy through Orbot, and lists SSL certificate pinning among its connection security features. Its default configuration uses the monocles WebView, and the listing recommends keeping Android security updates current.
Users can import and export bookmarks and settings. The monocles metasearch engine is described as not storing users’ IP addresses or other data. Version 1.9.3 requires Android 8.0 or newer. The app is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 only, and the maker describes its Android apps as free and open source. Installation through the F-Droid client is recommended; direct APK installation does not provide update notifications and is described as less secure. Arne-Brün Vogelsang is named as the author, and support is available at [email protected].
Who it suits
It suits Android users seeking a browser with JavaScript and cookies disabled by default, ad blocking, and an option to use the Tor proxy through Orbot. It may also fit users who want to import and export bookmarks and settings and prefer free, open-source software.
What it does well
- JavaScript and cookies are deactivated by default.
- Includes ad blocking and SSL certificate pinning.
- Supports the Tor proxy through Orbot.
- Users can import and export bookmarks and settings.
- Free and open source under GPL v3.0 only.
What to know first
- Requires Android 8.0 or newer for version 1.9.3.
- Direct APK installation provides no update notifications and is described as less secure.
- The default configuration uses monocles WebView.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Android app · GPL-3.0-only | Free |
As monocles.de lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open https://monocles.de/more/.
- Use an Android device running Android 8.0 or newer for version 1.9.3.
- Install through the F-Droid client, as recommended.
- Add trusted domains if you want JavaScript or cookies enabled for them.
Verdict
Choose monocles browser if you want a free, open-source Android browser with privacy-oriented defaults, ad blocking, and Tor proxy support through Orbot. Look elsewhere if you need a version for a platform other than Android or want to install directly by APK with update notifications.
Questions
How much does monocles browser cost?
The Free plan costs nothing.
Is monocles browser open source?
Yes. It is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 only.
Which platforms does it support?
The listed platform is Android. Version 1.9.3 requires Android 8.0 or newer.
Does it support Tor?
It supports the Tor proxy through Orbot.
Who makes monocles browser?
Arne-Brün Vogelsang is named as the author. The maker lists [email protected] as its contact address.
Facts from monocles browser's own pages
- Ad blocking
- It includes EasyList ad blocking. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Android requirement
- The listed version 1.9.3 requires Android 8.0 or newer. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Bookmarks and settings
- Users can import and export settings and bookmarks. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Certificate security
- The browser supports SSL certificate pinning. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Connection security
- The listed features include SSL certificate pinning. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Default privacy settings
- JavaScript and cookies are deactivated by default; the listing says users can add trusted domains to allow them. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Default settings
- JavaScript and cookies are deactivated by default. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The listing recommends installing the F-Droid client; it says direct APK installation does not provide update notifications and is less secure. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Free and open source
- The maker describes its Android apps as free and open source. · monocles.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · f-droid.org, 19 Sept 2026
- Import and export
- Users can import and export settings and bookmarks. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The app is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 only. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The listing names Arne-Brün Vogelsang as the author. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yes · f-droid.org, 19 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- mobile · f-droid.org, 19 Sept 2026
- Proxy support
- The browser supports the Tor proxy through Orbot. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- monocles browser is described as a web browser that respects your privacy. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Search privacy
- The listing says the monocles metasearch engine does not store users’ IP addresses or other data. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker lists [email protected] as its contact address. · monocles.de, 9 Oct 2026
- Tor integration
- It supports the Tor Orbot proxy. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
- WebView
- The default settings use the monocles WebView, and the listing advises using current Android security updates. · f-droid.org, 9 Oct 2026
Where monocles browser stands on Freedom251
- Web browsers#63 of 154
- Privacy browsers#18 of 32