Best browser for online banking/shopping?

[Super Real]

Brave vs Firefox vs Tor vs Opera vs…
Which do you think is the best desktop browser for online banking/shopping?

Please forget about antivirus softwares for now, just let me know which browser(s) you think best or better for online banking/shopping.

Thank you in advance.

Some recommend:

Brave (guards you by blocking attempts to track or collect your information)

Find the Best Browser for Online Banking: Top 7 Recommendations | Data Overhaulers

In 2 minutes, reading 1 article, you'll instantly know more than 90% of other users on a subject. Data Overhaulers gives you the technology knowledge you need.

dataoverhaulers.com

Firefox (light and fast with great basic protection, doesn’t gather your data)

The Most Secure Web Browser [2022]: Best Browser for Privacy

Even the smallest bit of personal data can be used against the person. Therefore, you should choose the most secure web browser possible to be safe online.

bestantiviruspro.org

Tor (slow but with onion-like multi security layers)

Which is the Best, Most Private and Most Secure Browser for Mac?

Privacy and security have never been more important. Here we review the best, most secure browsers for Mac that keep your personal data safe while you browse.

www.macupdate.com

Opera (with more frequent security updates, offers a built-in VPN)

6 Best Browsers for Banking [Ranked by Safety & Security]

Are you looking for the best browser for online banking? Check out these ones that have built-in VPNs or tools for extra protection.

windowsreport.com

Or do I need a paid VPN app for more security?

VPNs

5 Best VPNs for Online Banking: Stay Secure in 2025

The best VPN for online banking protects you against cyber threats. Check out the best VPNs for online banking to keep your funds safe, even on public WiFi.

www.vpnmentor.com

 

[KaliYoni]

I have a 2-browser setup. I use Firefox with privacy and security add-ons for general browsing. I use Safari in its default configuration for a very small number of trusted websites I visit regularly. This compartmentalizes my browsing and helps keep sensitive browsing separate from daily browsing.

I don't think it matters much which browsers you choose. I went with Firefox because it is widely used and open source, which means there are lots of eyes watching how it works, and because it is free. I continue using Safari because it is highly integrated with macOS and Apple consistently provides updates for it.

I've looked at VPNs several times and for the way I use my computers, tablets, and phones, I don't think using one would add much security. But if I used public Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi, or did sensitive tasks on my iOS devices, I definitely would subscribe to a VPN service.

Firefox add-ons I use:

• Adblock Plus
• Disconnect
• Ghostery
• Google Analytics Opt-out
• NoScript
• Privacy Badger

A good article on VPNs:

The Best VPN Service

You might not need a VPN, but if you want to add an extra layer of security to your web browsing, Mullvad has been our pick for years.

www.nytimes.com

 

[Super Real]

I have a 2-browser setup. I use Firefox with privacy and security add-ons for general browsing. I use Safari in its default configuration for a very small number of trusted websites I visit regularly. This compartmentalizes my browsing and helps keep sensitive browsing separate from daily browsing.

I don't think it matters much which browsers you choose. I went with Firefox because it is widely used and open source, which means there are lots of eyes watching how it works, and because it is free. I continue using Safari because it is highly integrated with macOS and Apple consistently provides updates for it.

I've looked at VPNs several times and for the way I use my computers, tablets, and phones, I don't think using one would add much security. But if I used public Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi, or did sensitive tasks on my iOS devices, I definitely would subscribe to a VPN service.

Firefox add-ons I use:

• Adblock Plus
• Disconnect
• Ghostery
• Google Analytics Opt-out
• NoScript
• Privacy Badger

A good article on VPNs:

The Best VPN Service

You might not need a VPN, but if you want to add an extra layer of security to your web browsing, Mullvad has been our pick for years.

www.nytimes.com

Thank you very much for your time, KaliYoni.
I have currently used Brave for online payment and Chrome for general use (it seems that Chrome is the only browser to allow us non native English speakers the whole web page translation system which I need lately), but I'm still interested in FireFox.
You said you don't think which browser you choose doesn't matter though, still I would like to ask you if FireFox is better than Brave.
And also I'd appreciate much if you could tell me what is the advantage of Mullvad compared to ExpressVPN (please take the last link on my OP).
Thank you and have a great day,
SR

 

[vs40]

Opera (with more frequent security updates, offers a built-in VPN)

I don't trust Opera in terms of privacy, because by default they silently put referral links to amazon/ebay/booking/etc in to your recommendations.
And worst part is, they watching your activity on those sites and can put some link on item, which you put in cart, but didn't ordered.

 

[firedept]

I don't do any banking except from the banks own app. I tend to do my banking in person as my bank is only a five minute walk from home. Maybe I like the old school feel.

 

[AppleSmack]

Re: online banking over Tor...

https://www.reddit.com/r/TOR/comments/7j8lyz

Tldr: don't do it!

 

[Audit13]

I have always used Safari and have never had any issues with my banks, online brokers, Amazon, eBay, etc.

 

[KALLT]

I do not really see a point in using different browsers for different activities, at least not for security purposes. Any of the mainstream browsers provide ample security and to a varying degree privacy by blocking trackers. Any of these browsers can be figured to block ads/trackers and discard cookies. The links given by the OP are not persuasive let alone particularly credible and the reasons for the recommendations there are barely explained.

I would instead focus on the sites you are visiting and verify whether they are trustworthy, e.g. by checking if they use HTTPS, secure payment methods, have a privacy policy, have decent customer service and so forth.

A VPN is not as beneficial anymore since HTTPS became the norm, it potentially adds needless risk (cf. the problems with Tor linked above). I would avoid them, unless you have a reason to distrust your own network provider more than a remote VPN provider.

 

[KaliYoni]

You said you don't think which browser you choose doesn't matter though, still I would like to ask you if FireFox is better than Brave.
And also I'd appreciate much if you could tell me what is the advantage of Mullvad compared to ExpressVPN (please take the last link on my OP).

If Brave is based on Chrome, I would prefer Firefox. Most Chrome-based browsers maintain some links to Google. I try to minimize how much I use Google products and how much data I send to Google. Also, I like diversification for risk management (yeah, I'm a finance freak) so in your case, Firefox would probably keep you to one Chrome-based browser.

The link in my post above has an extensive discussion and comparison of many VPNs, including Mullvad and ExpressVPN.

us non native English speakers

If you are posting here without using a translation site or app, your writing in English is clear and easy to understand.

(what is your first language, if you don't mind my asking?)

 

[Apple_Robert]

I would stick to Safari or Firefox.

 

[Super Real]

Re: online banking over Tor...

https://www.reddit.com/r/TOR/comments/7j8lyz

Tldr: don't do it!

Thanks for the great link.

 

[Super Real]

The link in my post above has an extensive discussion and comparison of many VPNs, including Mullvad and ExpressVPN.

Oh I didn't see ExpressVPN in your link.
I asked about ExpressVPN, because it has earned a better reputation than others.

ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN 2025

Should you choose ExpressVPN or Mullvad VPN? Which one is better? Is it worth the price? I tested them both to find the winner. See the results here.

www.vpnmentor.com

 

[Super Real]

If you are posting here without using a translation site or app, your writing in English is clear and easy to understand.

(what is your first language, if you don't mind my asking?)

I'm from Japan, and don't use any translation system to write a comment here because it's almost useless (there is a big grammatical wall between the two languages). Still I need Google Chrome's whole page translation system which helps me know if it's an error or a valid phrase worth learning when I happen to meet an article or a post which uses lots of unique/unknown wordings. The page translation system on Chrome is the best for the purpose for me. If FireFox had the function, I would have taken it as my #1.

 

[KaliYoni]

I asked about ExpressVPN, because it has earned a better reputation than others.

You are correct: ExpressVPN isn't rated in that article. My mistake, I'm sorry.

The article does mention something that sounds good:
"ExpressVPN was unable to provide logs to Turkish authorities, who raided the data center and took the company’s Turkey server but found no logs or customer data."

But the reason ExpressVPN wasn't rated is:
"We dismissed ExpressVPN and Surfshark for not being public about their ownership or leadership."

So if you agree with the criteria Wirecutter uses to evaluate VPNs, it looks like ExpressVPN might not be the best choice.

there is a big grammatical wall between the two languages

I watch NHK World and it has a show called "Easy Japanese". The funny thing to me is that as a native English speaker, the way the show tries to teach Japanese is anything but easy! And yes, the differences in grammar between Japanese and English do seem to be pretty significant. So your skill in writing in English is impressive to me.

 

[Super Real]

You are correct: ExpressVPN isn't rated in that article. My mistake, I'm sorry.

The article does mention something that sounds good:
"ExpressVPN was unable to provide logs to Turkish authorities, who raided the data center and took the company’s Turkey server but found no logs or customer data."

But the reason ExpressVPN wasn't rated is:
"We dismissed ExpressVPN and Surfshark for not being public about their ownership or leadership."

So if you agree with the criteria Wirecutter uses to evaluate VPNs, it looks like ExpressVPN might not be the best choice.


I watch NHK World and it has a show called "Easy Japanese". The funny thing to me is that as a native English speaker, the way the show tries to teach Japanese is anything but easy! And yes, the differences in grammar between Japanese and English do seem to be pretty significant. So your skill in writing in English is impressive to me.

Thank you very much for the info and tips for choosing the VPN.
As for the language barrier between English and Japanese, you can see it by using Google Translate. You seldom get good results on it. It would be acceptable at times when done from easy Japanese into easy English, but almost no chance in the opposite way. Still Chrome's page translating system is helpful in differentiating between errors and the English words/phrases/slangs which I have to learn.

 

[theMarble]

Brave vs Firefox vs Tor vs Opera vs…
Which do you think is the best desktop browser for online banking/shopping?

Please forget about antivirus softwares for now, just let me know which browser(s) you think best or better for online banking/shopping.

Thank you in advance.

Some recommend:

Brave (guards you by blocking attempts to track or collect your information)

Find the Best Browser for Online Banking: Top 7 Recommendations | Data Overhaulers

In 2 minutes, reading 1 article, you'll instantly know more than 90% of other users on a subject. Data Overhaulers gives you the technology knowledge you need.

dataoverhaulers.com

Firefox (light and fast with great basic protection, doesn’t gather your data)

The Most Secure Web Browser [2022]: Best Browser for Privacy

Even the smallest bit of personal data can be used against the person. Therefore, you should choose the most secure web browser possible to be safe online.

bestantiviruspro.org

Tor (slow but with onion-like multi security layers)

Which is the Best, Most Private and Most Secure Browser for Mac?

Privacy and security have never been more important. Here we review the best, most secure browsers for Mac that keep your personal data safe while you browse.

www.macupdate.com

Opera (with more frequent security updates, offers a built-in VPN)

6 Best Browsers for Banking [Ranked by Safety & Security]

Are you looking for the best browser for online banking? Check out these ones that have built-in VPNs or tools for extra protection.

windowsreport.com

Or do I need a paid VPN app for more security?

VPNs

5 Best VPNs for Online Banking: Stay Secure in 2025

The best VPN for online banking protects you against cyber threats. Check out the best VPNs for online banking to keep your funds safe, even on public WiFi.

www.vpnmentor.com

I personally use Firefox (Firefox Stable for secure sites and Nightly for main-use) as my main browser on all of my modern machines (Mac, PC and Linux) as I find it to be more stable and secure overall than all of the Chromium based browsers (Chrome, Vivaldi, Opera, Brave) and there are good extensions that you can use (KaliYoni mentioned some of those higher up in this thread) however I still do use a VPN if I need more privacy or security than what Firefox can offer to me.

 

[killhippie]

Firefox with uBlock Origin, better I think than adblock plus as it has many more filters but uses less memory and slips past sites that notice most adblockers and you can use it for so much more than ad blocking and Privacy Badger, disconnect is built in anyway, then Firefox Containers and the browser in strict mode, that works well for me. Safari rarely gets used but that's just using what I feel works for my needs we all like different things for different reasons.

 

[theSeb]

Get virtualisation software such as virtual box or vmware fusion. Create a virtual machine on your Mac and install Linux on it. Then install virtualisation software on the Linux virtual machine and install Chrome OS on this virtual machine. Now power all of the virtual machines down and take a snapshot of the first virtual machine that you created (Linux).

Power up your Chrome OS virtual machine after you have powered up your Linux virtual machine. Now you are ready to do internet banking safely, but ensure that you are using multiple VPNs to connect to the internet and that your computer is connected to the router via an Ethernet cable. Do not use wifi to be 100% safe.

Once you have finished your internet banking power everything down and restore VM1 from snapshot. This way you will always have a completely clean and safe environment for internet banking.

A much simpler good rule to follow is to use one browser for the important stuff like internet banking. Do not use that browser for general browsing. The other option is to just use your bank's app on your iPhone and enable biometric log on.

 

[Super Real]

A much simpler good rule to follow is to use one browser for the important stuff like internet banking. Do not use that browser for general browsing.

Yes, I created this thread on that condition (sorry, I should have wrote that clearly).
Which browser could you recommend me for that purpose?

 

[Super Real]

The other option is to just use your bank's app on your iPhone and enable biometric log on.

My new SE2020 will be delivered this week, so I'd consider this as a great option though I'm not very good at using smartphone (and am worried about losing it...).

Thank you very much for the great lecture, theSeb.

 

[theSeb]

Yes, I created this thread on that condition (sorry, I should have wrote that clearly).
Which browser could you recommend me for that purpose?

I use Safari for the important stuff and I use Brave with Duckduckgo as the search engine for general online shenanigans.

 

[Super Real]

I use Safari for the important stuff and I use Brave with Duckduckgo as the search engine for general online shenanigans.

Thank you for the quick reply, may I ask you if you use Safari (exclusively) for online banking/shopping?

 

[Super Real]

Does anybody know about CyberGhost (VPN)?
I'm now interested in it because it has so many base stations in my home country (Japan, but live here in the states).
I don't know if it should be a priority condition in choosing a VPN, though, I often online-shop with web stores over there.
Thank you in advance, have a great day.

 

[iHorseHead]

I'd say WorldWideWeb is very secure and a nice browser for such things.

 

[theSeb]

Thank you for the quick reply, may I ask you if you use Safari (exclusively) for online banking/shopping?

Yes, I do. I am browsing the forum using Brave browser right now.