FREE Browser vs Maxthon

FREE Browser is a free, open-source Android web browser focused on privacy controls. The project describes it as having no trackers and no unnecessary permissions. Its built-in blocker uses the StevenBlack host list; users can choose a list and add domains. Fingerprinting protection can be switched on or off. A cookie-banner blocker applies Mozilla Cookie Banner Rules, requiring JavaScript and not handling rules in child windows. Site controls let users set JavaScript, cookies, and DOM storage by domain or bookmark, and change ad blocking, fingerprinting protection, and desktop mode per tab. The browser supports simple Greasemonkey-style scripts, with @match required; @run-at and @name work, while @include, @exclude, and @grant do not. Navigation includes unlimited tabs, in-page search, selected-text web search, PDF saving, and opening links in other apps. It can back up and restore databases, bookmarks, and preferences to Documents/browser_backup. F-Droid lists version 3.5.0.159 for Android 10 or newer.

Maxthon is a free Chromium-based browser with built-in notes, password management and an AI chat assistant. Signing in syncs bookmarks, settings, Maxnote, password-manager data and quick-access URLs across devices. Maxnote can record, organize, clip and share URLs, text, images and links. Maxthon 7 supports Chrome extensions, and its desktop versions can sync extensions between Windows and macOS. Reading mode removes ads and other page elements, Read Aloud converts webpages to speech, and split-screen browsing shows multiple pages in one window. Listed privacy tools include ad blocking, anti-tracking, incognito mode and a free VPN provided by Bright Data. Maxthon's privacy policy says searches through its default MaxAsk engine, which uses Google as its search content provider, involve collecting search queries, IP addresses and browser details. Maxthon says it encrypts account information and sensitive data stored locally or in the cloud, as well as data during account synchronization. Super Bookmarks requires a VIP subscription, and video downloads are limited for logged-in users.