Side by side
Brave Browser vs Helium Browser
Both stand on web browsers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Brave combines a free browser with ad and tracker blocking, fingerprint protection, and cross-device availability. Search without ads and additional services such as VPN, Talk, and Leo require paid plans.
Visit Brave Browser
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
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.
Visit Helium BrowserThe facts
| Brave Browser | Helium Browser | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Maker | Brave Browser | Not published |
| Website | brave.com | helium.computer |
| On web browsers | #2 of 154 | #6 of 154 |
Brave Browser: what it does well
- Free browser with built-in third-party ad blocking.
- Blocks tracking scripts and protects against fingerprinting.
- Available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Rewards users who opt into privacy-protecting ads.
- VPN subscription covers up to five devices.
What to know first
- Brave browser ads can be toggled off, not removed by default.
- Disabling Brave Search ads requires Search Premium.
- Paid services have separate prices and subscriptions.
Helium Browser: 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.
Alternatives to Brave Browser Alternatives to Helium Browser The whole list