12 best browsers for privacy 2016: What's the most private web browser?

Built with 'hidden' relay servers, Tor is an advanced privacy browser. Tor blocks all plug-in and only uses HTTPS connections, meaning its user experience is more demanding than others but you do get more privacy.

Run by volunteers working across the globe, Tor claims to protect your online profile by 'bouncing your communications around a distributed network of relays', this should prevent website admins from seeing the location of your site visit. 

Epic removes all frills to maximise security and all cookies and trackers are eliminated after each session so no data is collected. Epic claims to protect users from 'over six hundred tracking attempts in an average browsing session', while also making your PC 25 percent faster by blocking page tracking.

However, it should be notes that maximising privacy can slow down browsing.

Dooble is an open source browser aimed at providing absolute privacy for its users and is available on FreeBSD, Linux, OS X, OS/2, and Windows. Dooble uses authenticated encryption on most of its stored data and allows security passphrases to be created for each browser for added security. Dooble also has a security tab with numerous settings to control privacy preferences. 

Maxthon offers a URL checker to find and block malicious websites and like Chrome and Microsoft Edge Maxthon uses sandboxing to separate browser activity.

What's more, like Opera, Maxthon comes with a built-in blocker and similar to most if not all browsers listed it comes with a private browsing mode and a do not track function.

Maxthon also offers a password manager, inbox protector and a document manager.

Most will argue that Microsoft Edge is a better alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer, and when it comes to privacy, this is definitely the case. Similar to Chrome, Microsoft Edge runs in a sandbox, this means browser function is isolated. Edge also offers a SmartScreen Filter which claims to block sites containing malicious sites which should prevent corrupted downloads.

Sadly, unlike other browsers such as Firefox, Edge does not offer tracking protection on incognito mode or offer a VPN like Opera's built-in VPN. However, Edge should not be overlooked, Microsoft offers plenty of privacy and security support which can be controlled from its in-browser settings.

This Chrome based browser aims to provide optimised security and privacy and is available on Windows Vista, 7,8 and 10. Comodo Dragon blocks download trackers to ensure privacy and added security. Plus, Comodo Dragon is available with Comodo's antivirus and PC security software or as a standalone browser.

Comodo Dragon is also available based on Mozilla Firefox, it's called Comodo IceDragon.  

Opera works on a semi-open source basis and cuts straight to the point with its privacy policy. Unlike Firefox and Chrome, Opera don't collect mass information on users which for some is a big thumbs up.

What's more, since April 2016, Opera has comes with a free built-in VPN which means users can browse privately and securely. 

This browser uses various features from some of the leading browsers.

Based on the Chromium open source project, the Yandex browser uses the Blink engine and checks downloads through Kaspersky antivirus. What's more, the browser uses Opera's Turbo technology to optimise webpages that are using a slow or disrupted connection.

Yandex offers DNS spoofing protection, which claims to block malicious webpages and protects passwords and bank card details.

Another Chrome-based browser, the SRWare Iron browser provides customisable developer tools, privacy settings and extensions.

While this browser is modeled on Chrome and does share some features, it makes a point about being a 'real alternative' to the Chrome people are used to.

Aviator’s goal is to maximise privacy allowing users to browse the web without being tracked. The interface is relatively simple so when a page contains cookies a red X will appear to indicate the page did not set those cookies.

What's more, the browser launches in private mode by default so privacy is clearly its mission.

With Google Chrome's integrated approach, passwords and bookmarks along with emails and G+ are all synced, making it easy to feel vulnerable. However, Chrome's privacy failings seem to be third party problems, not Chrome browser issues.

Chrome's collected user data is encrypted and their privacy settings are easy to use allowing users to disable settings they wish to protect their privacy.

Firefox definitely puts privacy first and like Chrome, its data is encrypted for security. For added peace of mind Firefox review all add-ons before realise or highlights that they are 'experimental'. This is something Chrome does not do and could lead to adware trouble.