monocles browser
monocles browser is a free, open-source Android browser centered on privacy controls.
What monocles browser is
monocles browser is a free, open-source Android browser centered on privacy controls. JavaScript and cookies are deactivated by default, and trusted domains can be added when access is needed. The browser includes ad blocking, supports the Tor proxy through Orbot, and lists SSL certificate pinning as a security feature. Users can import and export bookmarks and settings. Its default configuration uses the monocles WebView, and the listing recommends keeping Android security updates current. Version 1.9.3 requires Android 8.0 or newer. The maker recommends installing through the F-Droid client; direct APK installation does not provide update notifications and is described as less secure. The app is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 only. Its metasearch engine is described as not storing users’ IP addresses or other data. The listing names Arne-Brün Vogelsang as author and provides [email protected].
Good
- JavaScript and cookies disabled by default
- Supports Tor through Orbot
- Includes ad blocking
- SSL certificate pinning listed
- Imports and exports bookmarks and settings
Watch out
- Requires Android 8.0 or newer
- Direct APK installation lacks update notifications
- Licensed under GPL-3.0-only
- Uses the monocles WebView by default
Who it suits
It suits Android users seeking open-source browsing with restrictive defaults, ad blocking, and optional Tor routing. It requires Android 8.0 or newer.
Verdict
monocles browser offers a free, open-source Android browsing option with privacy-focused defaults and Tor support. F-Droid installation is the recommended route, while Android version and licensing requirements should be checked.
Plans and prices
From monocles browser's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Android app · GPL-3.0-only |
The facts
Each one read from monocles browser's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Ad blocking
- It includes EasyList ad blocking.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Bookmarks and settings
- Users can import and export settings and bookmarks.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Certificate security
- The browser supports SSL certificate pinning.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Connection security
- The listed features include SSL certificate pinning.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Default privacy settings
- JavaScript and cookies are deactivated by default; the listing says users can add trusted domains to allow them.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Default settings
- JavaScript and cookies are deactivated by default.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The listing recommends installing the F-Droid client; it says direct APK installation does not provide update notifications and is less secure.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Import and export
- Users can import and export settings and bookmarks.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The app is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 only.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Proxy support
- The browser supports the Tor proxy through Orbot.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- monocles browser is described as a web browser that respects your privacy.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Search privacy
- The listing says the monocles metasearch engine does not store users’ IP addresses or other data.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker lists [email protected] as its contact address.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Tor integration
- It supports the Tor Orbot proxy.checked 9 Oct 2026
- WebView
- The default settings use the monocles WebView, and the listing advises using current Android security updates.checked 9 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Android requirement
- The listed version 1.9.3 requires Android 8.0 or newer.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- mobilechecked 19 Sep 2026
Money
- Free and open source
- The maker describes its Android apps as free and open source.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
The company
- Maker
- The listing names Arne-Brün Vogelsang as the author.checked 9 Oct 2026
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