Epic Privacy Browser - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools
Epic Privacy Browser - Product Overview
The Epic Privacy Browser
The Epic Privacy Browser is a Chromium-based web browser that is specifically engineered to protect users’ privacy and security. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
The Epic Privacy Browser is designed to provide a secure and private browsing experience. It operates exclusively in private browsing mode, ensuring that all browsing data, including history, cookies, and cache, is deleted upon closing the browser. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who are serious about protecting their online privacy.
Target Audience
The browser is targeted at users who value privacy and security above other features. It is particularly suited for those who are concerned about being tracked by Google, ISPs, governments, and other data collectors. This includes individuals who want to ensure their online activities remain private and secure.
Key Features
- Always-On Private Browsing: Epic Browser defaults to private browsing mode, which means it automatically deletes all browsing data when the browser is closed. This includes history, cookies, cache, and other identifiers.
- Built-in Proxy and Ad Blocker: The browser comes with a built-in proxy server and ad blocker. The proxy server encrypts your data and hides your IP address, while the ad blocker prevents tracking scripts, ad networks, and cryptocurrency miners from running on your system. However, the ad blocker is not enabled by default.
- Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection: Epic blocks various tracking methods, including third-party cookies, web caches, DNS pre-fetching, and fingerprinting techniques such as accessing image canvas data. It also blocks WebRTC IP address leaking.
- Encrypted DNS Resolver: Users can opt for a secure DNS resolver, such as Cloudflare, which automatically deletes search queries after 24 hours. This adds an extra layer of protection to the browsing experience.
- Permissions Control: The browser allows users to control permissions on a per-website basis, including camera and microphone access, location data, notifications, and background syncing.
- Local Address Bar Autocomplete: Unlike other browsers, Epic’s address bar autocomplete function is done locally on the user’s system, ensuring that search queries are not sent to external servers.
- No Data Collection: Epic does not collect, share, or sell any user data. The browser’s privacy policy is clear and transparent about how it handles user data.
Overall, the Epic Privacy Browser is a solid choice for anyone looking for a secure and private browsing experience, with a focus on protecting user data from various forms of tracking and surveillance.
Epic Privacy Browser - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
The Epic Privacy Browser is built on the Chromium engine, which means its user interface is very similar to Google Chrome. This familiarity makes it easy for users to adapt quickly, as the navigation and menus are almost identical to those in Chrome. You will notice a minimalistic design with a banner at the bottom of the page that displays the number of trackers blocked, which is a unique feature highlighting the browser’s privacy focus.
Ease of Use
Installing and using the Epic Privacy Browser is simple. The installation process is straightforward, and once launched, you can start browsing immediately without the need to log in or set up multiple profiles. The browser does not support multiple user profiles, but you can import bookmarks and customize your dashboard with favorite links. The overall experience is user-friendly, with easy-to-access settings and features that do not require advanced technical knowledge.
Privacy Features Integration
One of the standout features of the Epic Privacy Browser is its always-on private mode, which automatically deletes browsing history, cookies, cache, and other identifiers upon exit. This mode is enabled by default and cannot be changed, ensuring that your browsing data is never stored. The browser also includes an ad blocker and a tracking blocker, which can be configured for each web page. These features are integrated seamlessly into the browser, enhancing the overall privacy and security of your browsing experience.
Additional Features
While the Epic Privacy Browser is light on quality-of-life features compared to other browsers, it includes some useful tools such as a reader mode, bookmark support, and a built-in video downloader (though YouTube is not supported due to Google policies). The browser also prefers encrypted connections whenever possible and blocks multiple fingerprinting techniques used by data collectors. These features contribute to a convenient and private browsing experience.
Overall User Experience
The Epic Privacy Browser is ideal for users who prioritize privacy and security. The browser performs well, and its simplicity makes it accessible to a wide range of users. However, it lacks some of the extra features that other browsers offer, such as auto-complete searches and social integrations. If you value the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is protected and deleted upon browsing session closure, the Epic Privacy Browser is a solid choice.
Epic Privacy Browser - Key Features and Functionality
Key Features of Epic Privacy Browser
The Epic Privacy Browser is packed with several key features that prioritize user privacy and security. Here are the main features and how they work:
Always-On Private Browsing
Epic Privacy Browser operates in an always-on private browsing mode, which means your browsing history, search history, cache, cookies, login data, and other identifiers are automatically deleted upon exit. This ensures that no personal data is stored on your computer.
Ad and Tracker Blocking
Epic includes a custom uBlock-based ad blocker that is highly configurable and blocks thousands of trackers. This ad blocker, although not enabled by default, can be easily turned on via the Extensions page. The browser also blocks third-party cookie tracking and various fingerprinting techniques to prevent user profiling.
Encrypted Proxy (VPN)
Epic offers a built-in encrypted proxy, essentially a VPN for the browser, which hides your IP address and encrypts all your data. This proxy is available in seven countries and can be turned on and off with a single click. It protects you from network snoops like your ISP, government, employer, and other trackers.
Secure DNS Resolver
Users can opt for a secure DNS resolver, such as Cloudflare, which automatically deletes all search queries after 24 hours. This adds an extra layer of protection to your browsing activities.
Permissions Control
Epic allows you to control permissions on a per-website basis, including camera and microphone access, location data, notifications, and background syncing. These features are easy to find and use, giving you granular control over your privacy settings.
Encrypted Data Preference
Epic prefers HTTPS connections whenever possible, ensuring that data sent and received is encrypted. This enhances the security of your browsing sessions.
Fingerprinting Protection
The browser includes protections against various fingerprinting techniques that can track and profile you across devices. This ensures that your online activities remain anonymous and untraceable.
VPN Servers and Country Selector
Epic’s VPN feature allows you to select from servers in eight different countries, enabling you to access blocked websites and maintain your privacy while browsing from different locations.
No Tracking and Profiling
Epic blocks over 600 tracking attempts in an average browsing session and prevents profiling by not storing any browsing history or personal data. This helps in avoiding filter bubbles and targeted ads.
Customization with Chrome Extensions
Despite its focus on privacy, Epic supports almost all Chrome WebStore extensions, allowing you to customize your browsing experience with themes and additional features.
Transparency and Security
Epic is open source, and its code can be audited upon request. The browser has a clear and transparent privacy policy, ensuring no personal data is collected, stored, or shared. It also passed DNS leak tests, confirming its effectiveness in protecting user privacy.
AI Integration
There is no specific information available on the integration of AI into the Epic Privacy Browser’s core features. The resources provided focus on the browser’s privacy and security tools rather than any AI-driven functionalities.
In summary, Epic Privacy Browser is a comprehensive tool for those who prioritize privacy and security, offering a range of features that protect user data and prevent tracking and profiling.
Epic Privacy Browser - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
The Epic Privacy Browser, built on the Chromium engine, has a familiar interface similar to Google Chrome, but its performance is not its strongest suit. In terms of speed, Epic ranks lower compared to other popular browsers. According to benchmarks, Epic achieved download speeds of 394 Mbps and upload speeds of 331 Mbps, which is slower than Chrome, Opera, and Firefox.
In technical performance tests, such as JetStream 2 and MotionMark, Epic secured third place, indicating it may not be the best choice for users who frequently visit animation-heavy websites or require high-speed code execution.
Privacy and Security
Where Epic truly shines is in its privacy and security features. It blocks over 600 attempts to track users online, including ads, trackers, crypto-mining scripts, and fingerprinting techniques. The browser automatically deletes search history, cache, cookies, and other identifiers upon exit when in its always-on private browsing mode.
Epic also features a built-in encrypted proxy that hides your IP address and encrypts all your data, which can be turned on and off via the address bar. Additionally, it ensures that data sent and received is encrypted by using HTTPS versions of websites whenever available.
Accuracy and Effectiveness of Privacy Tools
While Epic is highly effective in blocking many tracking methods, it does not provide complete protection against all fingerprinting techniques. Tests with the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s (EFF) Cover Your Tracks tool show that Epic’s default settings offer only partial protection from invisible tracking and tracking ads. Users need to enable additional tools like uBlock and the encrypted proxy to achieve comprehensive protection.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
One significant limitation is the lack of support for most browser add-ons due to security and privacy concerns. Although Epic has introduced a web store with a limited set of trusted add-ons, this restriction can be inconvenient for users who rely on specific extensions.
Another area for improvement is browser fingerprinting protection. While Epic has made significant efforts to block fingerprinting scripts, it acknowledges that completely thwarting fingerprinters is challenging. The browser’s current protection is partial, and further development is needed to make fingerprinting effectively impossible.
User Experience
Epic’s interface is simple and well-designed, but the browser lacks some quality-of-life features, such as user profiles and auto-fill searches, which can make it less user-friendly compared to other browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
In summary, the Epic Privacy Browser excels in privacy and security, offering strong tools to protect user data. However, it falls short in terms of performance and lacks some convenience features. Users who prioritize privacy above all else will find Epic a solid choice, but those seeking a balance between privacy and performance might need to consider other options.
Epic Privacy Browser - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure
The Epic Privacy Browser, developed by Hidden Reflex, does not have a complex pricing structure with multiple tiers. Here are the key points regarding its pricing and features:
Free Usage
- The Epic Privacy Browser is completely free to use. There are no subscription fees or in-app purchases.
Features Included
- The browser comes with a range of privacy and security features, including:
- Built-in VPN with servers in 8 countries (though the iOS version mentions 7 countries).
- AdBlock and tracker blocking.
- Always-on private browsing mode.
- Encrypted data preference (HTTPS everywhere).
- Protection against fingerprinting, WebRTC IP address tracking, and other privacy leaks.
- Automatic deletion of browsing history, cookies, and cache upon closing the browser.
No Business Plan
- Currently, there is no dedicated business subscription plan available for Epic Privacy Browser, although the developers have mentioned that such a plan is under development.
Conclusion
In summary, Epic Privacy Browser offers all its features for free, with no additional costs or tiered plans. This makes it a highly accessible option for individuals seeking enhanced privacy and security while browsing the internet.
Epic Privacy Browser - Integration and Compatibility
The Epic Privacy Browser
The Epic Privacy Browser is a versatile and secure browsing solution that integrates well with various tools and is compatible across a range of platforms and devices.
Platform Compatibility
Epic Privacy Browser is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. For Windows and Mac, it is built on the Chromium architecture, similar to browsers like Google Chrome, Brave, and Opera.
- On iOS, Epic Privacy Browser is optimized for iPhone and iPad, requiring iOS 11.3 or later and iPadOS 11.3 or later.
- For Android, the browser is compatible with a wide range of devices, offering features similar to its desktop counterparts.
Integration with Other Tools
Epic Privacy Browser comes with several integrated tools to enhance privacy and security:
- VPN: The browser includes a free, unlimited VPN service with servers in eight countries, allowing users to mask their IP addresses and access blocked websites securely.
- AdBlocker: Epic features an AdBlocker that blocks ads, trackers, cryptomining scripts, and popups. This can be installed via the Epic Extensions store.
- File Vault: Users can encrypt files downloaded or stored on their devices, adding an extra layer of privacy protection.
- Fingerprinting Protection: The browser blocks multiple fingerprinting techniques used by data collectors, further safeguarding user privacy.
- Encrypted Connection Preference: Epic prefers encrypted connections (HTTPS) whenever possible, ensuring secure browsing.
Additional Features
The browser offers several other features that enhance its integration and usability:
- Always-On Private/Incognito Browsing: Epic operates solely in private browser mode, automatically deleting all browsing data upon closing the browser.
- Audio Queue: This feature allows users to add webpages to an audio queue, which can be read aloud using text-to-speech support, enhancing accessibility.
- Granular Privacy Settings: Users can disable ad and tracker blocking, as well as other privacy protections, on a site-by-site basis if needed.
- Tracker Count: The browser displays the number of trackers blocked during browsing sessions, providing transparency into its privacy measures.
User Experience
Epic Privacy Browser is engineered to be user-friendly and secure:
- Easy Menu-Based Options: Users can easily close all tabs and delete data with a single click, ensuring all browsing traces are removed.
- Bookmark and Password Support: The browser supports bookmarking and optional password saving for selected sites.
Overall, the Epic Privacy Browser is a comprehensive solution that integrates various privacy and security tools, making it a reliable choice across different platforms and devices.
Epic Privacy Browser - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
The Epic Privacy Browser offers several, though limited, avenues for customer support. You can reach out to the developers through social media channels, which can be a convenient option for many users. Additionally, you can email Alok Bhardwaj, the creator of Epic Privacy Browser, directly.
However, there are some notable gaps in the support system. There is no phone support or a ticket-based email system, which might be a drawback for users who prefer more traditional support methods. Despite this, users have reported receiving timely responses to their questions.
Additional Resources
Epic Privacy Browser provides a few resources to help users:
FAQ and Privacy Policy
While the FAQ section on the Epic website is somewhat limited and more promotional in nature, it does cover some basic questions about the browser’s features and security. You can also find the privacy policy on the website.
Forum
There is a link to a forum where users can request help and report bugs. This can be a useful resource for community-driven support and troubleshooting.
Settings and Controls
The browser itself includes several features that help users manage their privacy settings. For example, the Unified Umbrella Button provides granular controls to adjust settings for specific websites if they do not load correctly. This can help users troubleshoot common issues without needing to contact support.
Documentation
Although there are no extensive help articles or a knowledgebase, the Epic Privacy Browser website does offer a brief introduction to key features such as the Encrypted Proxy, ad and tracker blocking, and always-on private browsing. This information can help users understand how to use the browser’s privacy tools effectively.
In summary, while Epic Privacy Browser’s customer support is somewhat limited, it does provide some essential resources and direct communication channels to help users address their concerns and use the browser’s features efficiently.
Epic Privacy Browser - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Epic Privacy Browser
The Epic Privacy Browser offers several significant advantages for users prioritizing privacy and security:
Strong Privacy Features
Epic Browser is built with privacy as its default setting. It blocks over 600 attempts to track you online, including ads, trackers, crypto-mining scripts, and fingerprinting techniques. This ensures your online activity remains private and secure.
Encrypted Browsing and Proxy
The browser uses SSL encryption for all browsing activity and includes a built-in encrypted proxy that helps protect your online identity and activity. This proxy also provides VPN-like functionality, hiding your IP address and encrypting your traffic.
No Data Collection
Epic Browser does not collect, share, or sell any user data. It does not store your search history, track your online activities, or create user profiles. This ensures that your personal information remains safe.
Automatic Private Mode
Unlike other browsers, Epic’s private mode is always on and cannot be changed. This means your browsing history, cookies, and other data are automatically deleted upon exit.
Tracker and Ad Blocking
Epic includes a built-in ad blocker and tracker blocker that are highly effective in preventing third-party tracking and profiling. These tools are easily configurable and work out of the box.
Secure DNS Resolver
Users can opt for a secure DNS resolver, such as Cloudflare, which automatically deletes all search queries after 24 hours, adding another layer of protection.
Open Source and Transparent
Epic Browser is open source, allowing its code to be audited for security and privacy. The development team is committed to transparency, although the code must be requested from them.
Disadvantages of Epic Privacy Browser
While the Epic Privacy Browser offers strong privacy and security features, it also has some notable drawbacks:
Limited Features
Compared to other browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox, Epic lacks many quality-of-life features such as user profiles, auto-fill searches, and enhanced search results. This can make it less user-friendly for some users.
Performance
Epic Browser is not the fastest browser available. It can be slower than other browsers, especially when the built-in proxy is enabled.
No Support for All Plugins
Initially, Epic did not support add-ons due to privacy concerns. Although it now allows a limited set of trusted add-ons, this can still limit functionality for some users.
Partial Protection from Tracking
While Epic blocks many tracking scripts, its default settings only provide partial protection. Users need to enable additional features like uBlock and the encrypted proxy to get comprehensive protection.
Security Steps and CAPTCHAs
To maintain high security, Epic may require users to enter CAPTCHAs and go through other security steps before accessing certain websites, which can be inconvenient.
Limited VPN Functionality
The built-in encrypted proxy provides VPN-like functionality but cannot replace a premium VPN service. It may slow down your connection and does not offer the same level of protection as a dedicated VPN.
Overall, the Epic Privacy Browser is an excellent choice for those who prioritize privacy and security but may not be the best fit for users who need a wide range of features and faster performance.
Epic Privacy Browser - Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the Epic Privacy Browser with other privacy-focused tools and browsers, several key points stand out:
Unique Features of Epic Privacy Browser
- Always-On Private Browsing: Epic Privacy Browser is distinguished by its default and non-changeable private browsing mode, which automatically deletes browsing history, cache, cookies, and other identifiers upon exit.
- Built-in Proxy and Ad Blocker: Epic includes a built-in proxy server and an ad blocker, which is based on uBlock, providing additional filter lists for maximum protection. Although the ad blocker is not enabled by default, it is easily configurable.
- Fingerprinting Protection: Epic blocks third-party cookie tracking and includes granular protections against various fingerprinting techniques, enhancing user privacy.
- Encrypted Proxy and VPN: The browser offers a free encrypted proxy (acting as a VPN for the browser) with nodes in several countries, protecting users from network snoops like ISPs, governments, and employers.
- Compatibility with Chrome Extensions: Despite its focus on privacy, Epic allows users to customize it with themes and extensions from the Chrome WebStore, making it versatile.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Other Privacy-Focused Browsers
- Mozilla Firefox: While Firefox is not as privacy-centric by default as Epic, it offers strong privacy features through its various settings and extensions. However, it does not have the same level of built-in privacy protections as Epic.
- Avast Secure Browser: This browser also focuses on security and privacy but may not match Epic’s level of built-in privacy features like the always-on private browsing mode and fingerprinting protection.
Data Privacy Management Software
For those looking for more comprehensive data privacy management solutions beyond just browsers, tools like Securiti AI and DataGrail are noteworthy:
- Securiti AI: This platform combines privacy and security management, automating compliance tasks and providing AI-driven insights into data usage patterns. It is more suited for businesses seeking a unified solution for data privacy, security, and compliance rather than individual users.
- DataGrail: This platform offers real-time data mapping, automated DSR management, and privacy risk assessments, which are more geared towards enterprise-level data privacy needs rather than individual browser privacy.
Key Differences
- Scope of Protection: Epic Privacy Browser is specifically designed for individual users looking to protect their browsing data, whereas tools like Securiti AI and DataGrail are more focused on enterprise-level data privacy and compliance.
- Implementation Complexity: Epic is relatively straightforward to use, with its privacy features built-in and easy to configure. In contrast, enterprise solutions like Securiti AI and DataGrail can be complex to implement, especially for large enterprises.
In summary, Epic Privacy Browser stands out for its strong focus on individual user privacy with its always-on private browsing mode, built-in proxy, and ad blocker. For those needing more comprehensive data privacy solutions, especially at an enterprise level, tools like Securiti AI and DataGrail might be more appropriate.
Epic Privacy Browser - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Epic Privacy Browser
What are the key privacy features of Epic Privacy Browser?
Epic Privacy Browser is packed with several key privacy features. It includes an optional always-on private browsing mode, which deletes all browsing data upon closure, such as history, cookies, and caches. It blocks ads, trackers, fingerprinters, and third-party cookies, preventing websites from tracking your online activity. Epic also features a one-click encrypted proxy that hides your IP address and encrypts your data, and it uses HTTPS Everywhere to ensure secure and encrypted connections to websites.How does Epic Browser protect against tracking?
Epic Browser has a built-in tracker blocker that stops third parties from aggregating data that can be used to sell targeted ads. It blocks thousands of tracking scripts and widgets, ensuring your online activity remains private. Additionally, Epic sends a “do-not-track me” signal to websites.Does Epic Browser collect any user data?
Epic Browser does not collect any personally identifiable information. It does not track user activity or sell user data to third-party advertisers. The browser only keeps basic data tallies such as bandwidth usage and the numerical count of searches performed in a day.How does the encrypted proxy in Epic Browser work?
The encrypted proxy in Epic Browser is a built-in feature that can be turned on with a single click. When enabled, it hides your IP address and encrypts all your internet traffic, providing an additional layer of privacy. You can turn the encrypted proxy on or off via the icon at the far right of the address bar.Can I control permissions for specific websites in Epic Browser?
Yes, you can control various permissions on a per-website basis in Epic Browser. This includes managing camera and microphone access, location data, notifications, and background syncing. These settings are easily accessible and configurable.How does Epic Browser protect against browser fingerprinting?
Epic Browser has strong, built-in anti-fingerprinting protections. It blocks prevalent fingerprinting methods such as image canvas data, font canvas data, ultrasound signals, audiocontext, and battery status. These protections can be granularly controlled via the Epic umbrella button.What is the difference between Epic Browser’s private mode and other browsers’ incognito mode?
Unlike other browsers’ incognito mode, Epic Browser’s always-on private mode ensures that no browsing history is saved, and all data is deleted upon closure. Incognito mode in other browsers does not protect against tracking by third parties, ISPs, or other entities, whereas Epic Browser’s private mode does.How does Epic Browser ensure secure connections?
Epic Browser ensures secure connections by using HTTPS Everywhere, which forces websites to use the secure HTTPS protocol whenever possible. Additionally, it includes a secure DNS resolver option, such as Cloudflare, which automatically deletes search queries after 24 hours.How does Epic Browser sustain itself financially?
Epic Browser earns revenue through its default search partner and from paid subscribers to its private, ad-free search engine, EpicSearch.in. This model allows Epic to maintain its privacy-focused features without relying on user data collection.What if some websites do not work properly with Epic Browser’s privacy settings?
If a website does not work properly due to Epic’s privacy settings, you can adjust the settings for that particular website using the unified umbrella button. This allows you to turn off specific privacy features temporarily to ensure the website loads correctly. Epic Privacy Browser - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Epic Privacy Browser
The Epic Privacy Browser is a strong contender in the privacy tools category, particularly for individuals who prioritize their online privacy and security.
Key Features and Benefits
- Privacy-Focused: Epic Browser is built on the Chromium engine but is optimized for extreme privacy. It blocks over 600 tracking attempts, including third-party trackers, cookies, fingerprinting scripts, and other invasive tracking methods.
- Encrypted Browsing: The browser encrypts all browsing activity using SSL encryption and forces HTTPS connections to ensure secure website interactions.
- Built-in Proxy and VPN: Epic features a one-click encrypted proxy that hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic, allowing anonymous browsing and access to geo-restricted content.
- Ad and Tracker Blocking: Epic includes a comprehensive ad and tracker blocker that is highly effective, though it is not enabled by default for all settings.
- No User Data Collection: The browser does not collect or store any user data, ensuring that your browsing habits and personal information remain private.
User Experience
- Familiar Interface: Epic looks and operates very similarly to Google Chrome, making it easy for users to transition. However, it lacks some quality-of-life features like user profiles and auto-fill searches.
- Ease of Use: The browser is user-friendly, with simple installation and a straightforward interface. It automatically deletes all browsing data upon exit, ensuring privacy.
Who Would Benefit Most
Epic Privacy Browser is ideal for:
- Security-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize their online privacy and security will appreciate the browser’s default privacy settings and comprehensive tracking and ad blocking.
- Users Seeking Anonymity: Individuals who need to browse the web anonymously, such as those accessing geo-restricted content or protecting their identity, will find the built-in proxy and VPN-like functionality very useful.
- Privacy Advocates: Anyone concerned about data collection and tracking by third parties will benefit from Epic’s strict privacy policies and lack of user data collection.
Overall Recommendation
If you value privacy and security above other features, the Epic Privacy Browser is an excellent choice. It offers a high level of protection against tracking and data collection, and its encrypted proxy and ad blocking features make it a secure option for browsing the web.
However, if you also need features like user profiles, auto-fill searches, and social integrations, you might find Epic lacking in comparison to other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. For complete protection, using a premium VPN alongside Epic is also recommended.
In summary, Epic Privacy Browser is a solid option for those who prioritize privacy and security, offering a secure and private browsing experience with minimal compromise on user experience.