Iridium Browser
Iridium Browser is a free, open-source desktop browser based on Chromium, with modifications intended to strengthen privacy and security.
What Iridium Browser is
Iridium Browser is a free, open-source desktop browser based on Chromium, with modifications intended to strengthen privacy and security. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and its complete source code is provided through a public Git repository. The project says builds are reproducible and changes can be audited. Automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, and metrics to central services is prevented unless approved. Qwant is the default search engine, though another can be selected, and Google Safe Browsing is enabled by default but can be disabled. Iridium is distributed as source code tarballs, with maintainers encouraged to build packages. Updates are manual rather than automatic. Google sign-in does not work out of the box because required Google credentials are absent. Extension updates are manual, the extensions panel is partly nonfunctional, and some extensions may fail. Widevine-dependent services do not work, and not every Chrome codec or extension is included. Iridium has no Android or iOS version.
Good
- Free and open source
- Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Public complete source code
- Reproducible, auditable builds
- Blocks unapproved query transmission
Watch out
- Manual browser updates
- No Android or iOS version
- Google sign-in unavailable by default
- Some extensions may not work
Who it suits
It suits desktop users who want an open-source Chromium browser with privacy-focused defaults and auditable source. It is less suitable for users needing automatic updates, broad extension compatibility, mobile support, or Widevine services.
Verdict
Iridium Browser offers a free, open-source desktop Chromium base with stricter privacy settings and transparent source. Its manual maintenance and compatibility limits should be weighed before switching.
Plans and prices
From Iridium Browser's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Iridium Browser | Free | No price stated · available as source code tarballs |
The facts
Each one read from Iridium Browser's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Builds
- The project says its builds are reproducible and its modifications auditable.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Data transmission
- Automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, and metrics to central services is prevented unless the user approves it.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Default search
- Qwant is the default search engine, and users can choose another search engine.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The downloads page says Iridium is available only as source code tarballs and encourages maintainers to build packages.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- Extension updates are manual, the extensions panel is partly nonfunctional, and some extensions may not work due to privacy and security settings.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Google sign-in
- Google sign-in does not work out of the box because Iridium does not ship with the required Google API key, client ID, or client secret.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Manual updates
- Iridium does not install updates automatically; users must download and install the latest build manually.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Media support
- Iridium does not include every Chrome audio and video codec or extension; Widevine-dependent services will not work.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Mobile availability
- Iridium is not available for Android, iOS, or other mobile operating systems.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Organization deployment
- The project describes MSI-based installation as an example of deployment across an organization.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Iridium is a Chromium-based browser that modifies Chromium to enhance user privacy and security.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Safe Browsing
- Google Safe Browsing is enabled by default and can be disabled in the browser settings.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security settings
- Iridium says its privacy enhancements enforce strict security while preserving compatibility.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Source transparency
- The project provides a public Git repository and says the complete source code is available.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its GitLab bug tracker for issues and questions.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Cologne, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- desktopchecked 19 Sep 2026
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