IronFox vs Maxthon
IronFox
ironfoxoss.org
Maxthon
maxthon.comSide by side
| Figure | IronFox | Maxthon |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Web browsers | 8.5 (#36) | 9.0 (#12) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | mobile | The download page offers versions for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, including Windows desktop and portable builds. |
| Product | IronFox describes itself as a private, secure, user-first web browser for Android. | Maxthon is a Chromium-based web browser with built-in cloud sync, notes, a password manager, ad blocking, and media tools. |
| Support | The documentation directs users needing help to relevant documentation sections or to contact project maintainers through the listed communication channels. | The site directs users to its help center, troubleshooting and bug-report page, community forum, and customer service contact information for support. |
Plans
In their own words
IronFox
IronFox is a free, open-source web browser for Android, with privacy controls that clear browsing history, cache, download history and open tabs when the app closes. It blocks ads and trackers, enables DNS over HTTPS with Quad9 by default, and turns on HTTPS-Only Mode, proxied Google Safe Browsing and basic per-site process isolation. The project says it does not collect, store or sell user data. Based on the latest Firefox release, IronFox removes tracking and proprietary libraries, replaces Google Mobile Services with open alternatives including microG, and adds UnifiedPush support. It also supports end-to-end encrypted Firefox Sync. Installation requires Android 5 or newer, supported ARM or x86_64 architecture, and 512 MB of free disk space. IronFox warns that it cannot defeat sophisticated fingerprinting and recommends Tor Browser for some threat models. It also notes Firefox-based browsers have security deficiencies compared with Chromium, especially on Android, and that disabled Encrypted Media Extensions can prevent some DRM-protected streaming playback.
Maxthon
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.