Side by side
Ladybird vs Onion 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 LinuxMac
Ladybird offers an open-source browser project with its own engine, privacy-focused policies, and configurable blocking. Its early development status and limited platforms matter for everyday browser use.
Visit Ladybird
Free plan Open source iPhone
Choose Onion Browser if you use iOS and want Tor routing, .onion access, and controls for scripts, cookies, tabs, and site security at no charge. Look elsewhere if you need a built-in VPN, device-wide traffic routing, or a browser that uses its own Firefox Gecko engine.
Visit Onion BrowserThe facts
| Ladybird | Onion Browser | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac | iPhone |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 2 |
| Maker | Ladybird | Onion Browser |
| Website | ladybird.org | onionbrowser.com |
| On web browsers | #50 of 154 | #54 of 154 |
Ladybird: what it does well
- Free and open source
- Built-in ad blocking with downloadable filter lists
- Supports Linux and macOS
- Private browsing handles stored data privately
- Crash-report sending is optional
What to know first
- First alpha is targeted for 2026
- Windows support is planned for later
- Mobile platforms are not a current focus
- Project remains in active development
Onion Browser: what it does well
- Routes in-app browsing traffic through Tor
- Opens .onion sites
- Can block scripts and automatically clear cookies and tabs
- Security settings can be adjusted for each website
- Free and open source
What to know first
- Only available for iOS
- Other device traffic continues over the normal connection
- Some traffic, including audio or video embeds, may bypass Tor
- Tor browsing is much slower than a normal browser or VPN
Alternatives to Ladybird Alternatives to Onion Browser The whole list