Is Helium Browser free?

Yes. Helium Browser is completely free to download and use, with no paid plans or subscriptions. It is released as open-source software under the GPL-3.0 license.

Is Helium Browser safe to use?

Helium is designed with safety and privacy in mind. Its source code is public, it blocks many malicious ads and trackers, and it follows Chromium security updates closely. For the best protection, keep it updated and download it only from a trusted source.

Is Helium Browser better than Chrome?

It depends on what you need. Helium offers stronger privacy defaults and built-in ad blocking, while Chrome offers deep Google account integration and sync across devices. Many people prefer Helium for cleaner, more private everyday browsing.

Does Helium Browser block ads?

Yes. uBlock Origin comes preinstalled and enabled, so ads, pop-ups and many trackers are blocked automatically without any extra setup.

Is Helium Browser open-source?

Yes. The browser and its Windows, macOS and Linux builds are developed publicly on GitHub by the imput team, and the project's own code is licensed under GPL-3.0.

Does Helium Browser support Chrome extensions?

Yes. Because it is Chromium-based, Helium works with extensions from the Chrome Web Store, and it handles extension downloads and updates in a more privacy-friendly way.

Who develops Helium Browser?

Helium Browser is developed by imput, a small team that builds open-source software. All development happens openly on GitHub, where anyone can follow the changes.

Does Helium Browser collect my data?

Helium is built without browser telemetry, so it does not send usage analytics back to its developers. It also removes the Google background services that standard Chromium builds include.

What engine does Helium Browser use?

Helium uses Chromium's Blink rendering engine and V8 JavaScript engine, the same core technology found in Chrome, so websites display and behave as expected.

Is Helium Browser available for Windows?

Yes. A 64-bit installer is available for Windows 10 and Windows 11, and you can download it directly from the download section on this page.

Can I use Helium Browser on Mac?

Yes. Helium offers native macOS builds for both Apple Silicon (M-series) Macs and Intel Macs, provided as .dmg disk images.

How do I download Helium Browser?

Go to the download section on this page, choose your operating system and click the download button. The file downloads directly to your device with no sign-up required.

Is Helium Browser available for Linux?

Yes. Helium provides AppImage builds for x86_64 and ARM64 systems. An AppImage runs on most Linux distributions without a traditional installation.

Is there a Helium Browser APK for Android?

No. Helium Browser is currently a desktop browser only. There is no official Android app or APK, so avoid any APK file that claims to be Helium Browser.

Can I install Helium Browser on Arch Linux?

Yes. You can run the AppImage on Arch Linux, and many Arch users install a community-maintained AUR package, commonly named helium-browser-bin.

How do I update Helium Browser?

Helium releases updates frequently. On macOS it can update automatically; on other platforms, download the latest build from this page and install it over your current version. Your profile data stays in place.

Can I import bookmarks from Chrome into Helium?

Yes. Helium includes an import option that lets you bring bookmarks and other browsing data over from browsers such as Chrome.

Can I set Helium Browser as my default browser?

Yes. Like any desktop browser, you can make Helium your default from its settings or from your operating system's default apps settings.

Why does Windows show a warning when I run the installer?

Windows SmartScreen sometimes shows a notice for newer applications. If you downloaded the installer from this page, select More info and then Run anyway to continue the installation.

The Next-Gen Browser

Helium BrowserFast, Private & Distraction-Free Browsing

Name: Helium Browser
Author: imput

Helium Browser is a Chromium-based browser built for people who want speed without the clutter. Ad and tracker blocking is switched on from the first launch and unnecessary background services are removed, so pages load quickly and your browsing stays more private.

High-speed performanceBuilt-in privacyA cleaner, smarter web experience

Download Helium Browser Explore Features

Blazing FastLoads pages in a flash

Private by DefaultBrowse with confidence

LightweightPowerful yet efficient

Modern & CleanA focused, distraction-free experience

Illustration of the Helium Browser window with a private search bar

WindowsmacOSLinux

What Is Helium Browser?

Helium Browser is a free, open-source web browser for Windows, macOS and Linux. It is built on Chromium, the open engine behind many popular browsers, so websites look and work the way you expect. More specifically, Helium starts from ungoogled-chromium, a version of Chromium with Google's background services and connections removed. On top of that, the Helium team adds a privacy-first setup: uBlock Origin is included and active from the start, telemetry is left out and the browser avoids network requests you did not ask for. The result feels familiar to anyone who has used Chrome, but quieter and cleaner, with less to configure and more of your attention on the page you actually opened.

Key Features of Helium Browser

Everything that makes Helium feel faster, cleaner and more private than a standard browser, built in and ready from the first launch.

Built-In Ad Blocker

uBlock Origin comes preinstalled and enabled, so ads, pop-ups and many annoying banners are filtered automatically. You get cleaner pages from the first launch without hunting for an extension.

Advanced Privacy Protection

Helium removes the Google services and telemetry found in standard Chromium and blocks common trackers by default, with extra measures that make browser fingerprinting harder.

Fast & Smooth Performance

With fewer ads, scripts and background services loading, pages feel lighter and more responsive. Chromium keeps scrolling, video and modern web apps running smoothly.

Clean & Minimal Interface

The interface strips away promotional clutter and keeps the toolbar focused. Handy touches like split view and native !bangs shortcuts help you move faster.

Chromium-Based Browser

Built on Chromium, Helium uses the same Blink engine as Chrome. Most websites, web apps and Chrome Web Store extensions work as expected, so switching feels natural.

Open-Source Transparency

All of Helium's code is published on GitHub under the GPL-3.0 license, so anyone can review how the browser works and check what each release changes.

How Does Helium Browser Work?

Helium does not reinvent the web. It keeps a proven engine and changes what happens around it, so every page arrives with less noise.

1. Blocks Unwanted Ads and Trackers
Built-in filtering stops many ad and tracking requests before they load, keeping pages lighter.
2. Loads Websites Using Chromium Technology
The Chromium engine renders every page, so modern sites, web apps and video work reliably.
3. Provides a Clean Browsing Experience
Promotional prompts and extra interface elements are removed, keeping your focus on content.
4. Gives You More Control Over Your Privacy
Privacy-friendly defaults come pre-set, and settings stay easy to adjust whenever you like.

Why Choose Helium Browser?

Most people do not switch browsers for a feature list. They switch because everyday browsing starts to feel heavy, and Helium is designed to fix that feeling.

Privacy-Focused Browsing
No telemetry is sent back, and your activity is not used to build an advertising profile.
Fewer Distractions
No ad clutter competing for attention, so reading and research feel calmer.
Ad & Tracker Blocking Included
Protection works out of the box, with no extensions to find or set up.
Simple, Lightweight Design
A focused toolbar and fewer background services keep everything light.
Greater Control
You decide what to allow or block, without being nudged toward services you did not choose.

Download Helium Browser for Windows, Mac & Linux

Helium Browser is available for all three major desktop platforms. Pick your operating system and the file downloads directly to your device, with no sign-up and no extra steps. Every build is free and comes from the same open-source project.

Helium Browser for Windows

A 64-bit installer for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Run it, follow the setup wizard and start browsing.

Installer (.exe) · x64 · v0.20.3.1

Download for Windows

Helium Browser for Mac

Native disk images for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Open the file and drag Helium into Applications.

Disk image (.dmg) · v0.20.3.1

Download (Apple Silicon) Download (Intel)

Helium Browser for Linux

A portable AppImage that runs on most distributions. Make it executable and launch it.

AppImage · v0.20.3.1

Download (x86_64) Download (ARM64)

Not sure which file to choose?The button picks the right build for your computer automatically.
Download Source Code (ZIP)

Download Helium Browser

How to Download and Install Helium Browser

Install Helium Browser with a build that matches your operating system and processor. Complete the setup for your platform, then bring your bookmarks and browsing preferences with you.

1
Check Your System Compatibility
Confirm your operating system and processor before downloading Helium Browser. On macOS, check whether your Mac uses Apple Silicon or Intel; on Linux, identify whether your system uses x86_64 or ARM64.
2
Choose the Right Helium Browser Build
Choose an .exe installer for Windows, a .dmg disk image for macOS or an AppImage for Linux. Match the processor architecture to your device and obtain the file from the project release source.
3
Install Helium Browser on Your Device
On Windows, run the installer and follow the setup prompts. On macOS, open the disk image and move Helium to Applications. On Linux, give the AppImage permission to run before launching it.
4
Set Up Your Browsing Preferences
Open Helium Browser, import bookmarks if needed and review your privacy and extension settings. Set it as your default browser when you are ready, and keep your installation updated.

Helium Browser vs Google Chrome: What's the Difference?

Helium Browser and Google Chrome share the same Chromium foundation, so websites behave almost identically in both. The real difference is in the defaults and in what runs quietly in the background.

Comparison of Helium Browser and Google Chrome
Features	Helium Browser	Google Chrome
Privacy-first approach	Yes	Different approach
Built-in ad blocking	Yes	Limited native options
Chromium-based	Yes	Yes
Minimal design	Yes	Yes
Open-source browser project	Yes	Chrome includes proprietary components
Tracker blocking	Built-in	Depends on settings and extensions

Chrome is a capable browser closely tied to Google's account, sync and services. Helium keeps the Chromium engine but removes those integrations and turns on ad and tracker blocking from day one. If you rely heavily on Google sync across devices, Chrome may suit you better. If you want a familiar browser with stronger privacy defaults and less clutter, Helium is well worth trying.

Shield illustration with the Helium Browser symbol

Is Helium Browser Safe and Secure?

Helium Browser is designed with safety and privacy in mind, though no browser can promise complete anonymity or perfect security. What Helium offers is transparency: its full source code is public, so its behavior can be reviewed by anyone. Built-in uBlock Origin reduces exposure to malicious ads and tracking scripts, and Helium follows Chromium security fixes with frequent releases. To stay protected, keep the browser updated, download installers only from a trusted source such as the download section on this page, and use the same good habits you would in any browser.

Open Source Code
Tracker Blocking
Frequent Updates

Who Is Helium Browser Best For?

Helium Browser suits anyone who wants a faster, cleaner and more private web experience.

Privacy-Conscious Users

Ad and tracker blocking working from day one, without stacking extensions or digging through settings.

Students & Everyday Users

A calm, distraction-free browser for research, study sessions, shopping and everyday reading.

Developers & Tech Enthusiasts

Chromium DevTools, open-source code and a lean setup that is easy to inspect, test and customize.

People Looking for a Chrome Alternative

Familiar Chromium behavior and extension support, minus the Google integrations and promotional clutter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Helium Browser

Helium Browser is a free, open-source, Chromium-based web browser for desktop computers. It is built on ungoogled-chromium and focuses on privacy, speed and a clean interface, with ad and tracker blocking included from the start.