DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser for Android
DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser for Android
Editors' Review
by
Clifford Colby
/ January 26, 2018
From the company that brings you the DuckDuckGo browser extension comes the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser, which expands the company's focus on privacy and security to an Android web browser.
Pros
Provides basic browsing tools: DuckDuckGo's mobile browser covers browser basics, such as bookmarks and autocomplete. You can set your region, change your language, and customize the browser's theme and appearance. The browser also offers a Fire Button that allows you to erase your tabs and browsing data with a tap.
Private search and no tracking: The app doesn't track your search history and blocks trackers on websites, so others can't track you, either.
Defaults to HTTPS connections when available: To keep your communication encrypted, the browser requests the HTTPS version of a site, if available, to create a secure connection between you and the site.
Privacy Grade: The browser assigns an A to F letter grade to the sites you visit, based on trackers it detects on the site.
Ranked by terms of service: DuckDuckGo works with the Terms of Service Didn't Read service to include scores and labels of website terms of service and privacy policies, when they are available.
Cons
Barebones: The browser lacks a few useful browser items, including tabs and the ability to sync settings across platforms. Getting to settings is also a bit confusing, with "Settings" in two different menus, taking you to different windows.
Bottom Line
The DuckDuckGo browser for Android offers a welcome collection of privacy tools that helps keep your mobile browsing secure. You might miss some features you like in other browsers, but you'll appreciate the focus on your privacy.
How can you tell if an Android app is safe?
Editors' Review
by
Clifford Colby
/ January 26, 2018
From the company that brings you the DuckDuckGo browser extension comes the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser, which expands the company's focus on privacy and security to an Android web browser.
Pros
Provides basic browsing tools: DuckDuckGo's mobile browser covers browser basics, such as bookmarks and autocomplete. You can set your region, change your language, and customize the browser's theme and appearance. The browser also offers a Fire Button that allows you to erase your tabs and browsing data with a tap.
Private search and no tracking: The app doesn't track your search history and blocks trackers on websites, so others can't track you, either.
Defaults to HTTPS connections when available: To keep your communication encrypted, the browser requests the HTTPS version of a site, if available, to create a secure connection between you and the site.
Privacy Grade: The browser assigns an A to F letter grade to the sites you visit, based on trackers it detects on the site.
Ranked by terms of service: DuckDuckGo works with the Terms of Service Didn't Read service to include scores and labels of website terms of service and privacy policies, when they are available.
Cons
Barebones: The browser lacks a few useful browser items, including tabs and the ability to sync settings across platforms. Getting to settings is also a bit confusing, with "Settings" in two different menus, taking you to different windows.
Bottom Line
The DuckDuckGo browser for Android offers a welcome collection of privacy tools that helps keep your mobile browsing secure. You might miss some features you like in other browsers, but you'll appreciate the focus on your privacy.
