FREE Browser

FREE Browser is a free, open-source web browser for Android focused on privacy controls. The project describes it as having no trackers or unnecessary permissions. Its ad blocker uses the StevenBlack host list; users can choose a list and add domains. Fingerprinting protections can be toggled, and JavaScript, cookies, and DOM storage can be configured by domain or bookmark. Per-tab controls include ad blocking, fingerprinting protection, and desktop mode.

A cookie banner blocker uses Mozilla Cookie Banner Rules to opt out of unnecessary cookies and attempt to dismiss banners. It requires JavaScript and does not work with rules in child windows. The browser supports simple Greasemonkey-style scripts: @match is required, while @run-at and @name are supported; @include, @exclude, and @grant are not. Navigation tools include unlimited tabs, in-page search, searching the web from selected text, 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, requiring Android 10 or newer. The project warns it will stop working on certified Android devices after Google begins requiring developer personal identity details in 2026/2027.

FREE Browser offers granular privacy and site controls alongside everyday navigation tools. Its Android requirement, cookie-banner limitation, and stated future device warning are important to consider.

It suits Android users who want browser-level controls for ads, fingerprinting, cookies, and site storage. Users should check the stated Android requirement and the project's warning about certified devices.

FREE Browser is a free, open-source browser for Android with adjustable blocking and site-by-site controls. It best suits people who want to tune privacy settings as they browse and are comfortable managing exceptions themselves. The lack of extensions and the maker’s warning about future support on certified Android devices may outweigh those strengths for some users.

Overview

The browser brings privacy controls into ordinary navigation: users can adjust how individual sites handle JavaScript, cookies and DOM storage, and choose settings such as ad blocking or desktop mode for each tab. That flexibility is useful when a site needs an exception, though it asks users to make and maintain those choices. There is no extension support, so people who rely on add-ons should look elsewhere.

Key features

Ad blocking uses the StevenBlack host list, with options to choose a list and add domains to block. This gives users more say than a fixed blocker, but it does not provide the range of add-ons available in browsers with extension support. Fingerprinting protections are also included and can be toggled.

The cookie-banner blocker uses Mozilla Cookie Banner Rules to opt out of unnecessary cookies and attempt to dismiss banners. It requires JavaScript and does not handle rules in child windows, which limits its reach. Simple Greasemonkey-style scripts are supported, with @match required and @run-at and @name supported; @include, @exclude and @grant are unsupported. This is a modest scripting option for users with specific needs, not a replacement for extensions.

For day-to-day browsing, FREE Browser offers a bottom toolbar for one-handed use, unlimited tabs, in-page search, web search from selected text, PDF saving and the option to open links in other apps such as YouTube. It can also back up and restore databases, bookmarks and preferences in Documents/browser_backup. These tools cover common navigation and backup tasks without changing the browser’s focus on configurable controls.

Pricing

FREE Browser costs nothing plan. The GPLv3 open-source Android browser has no free trial because the plan is free. There is no paid plan described; this suits anyone seeking a no-cost browser, while the absence of extension support remains a functional trade-off rather than a pricing one.

Platforms

FREE Browser is for Android. F-Droid lists version 3.5.0.159, which requires Android 10 or newer. The project warns that the app will stop working on certified Android devices after Google begins requiring developers to submit personal identity details in 2026/2027. That stated device warning makes its longer-term suitability uncertain for people who need a dependable browser on certified devices.

Who it's for

Choose FREE Browser if you use Android, want granular control over site behavior, and prefer a free, open-source app with configurable blocking. It is a weaker fit if you need extensions, use another mobile platform, or want confidence that it will continue working on certified Android devices under the maker’s stated warning.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Per-domain and per-bookmark controls for JavaScript, cookies and DOM storage, plus per-tab options, let users handle site-specific needs.
• Pro: Users can choose an ad-blocking list and add domains, while fingerprinting protection can be toggled.
• Pro: Unlimited tabs, PDF saving and backup and restore add useful everyday tools.
• Con: No extension support rules out add-ons for users who depend on them.
• Con: Cookie-banner handling requires JavaScript and does not cover rules in child windows.
• Con: Android 10 or newer is required, and the maker warns of a future issue on certified Android devices.

Alternatives

For a broader browser comparison, see Web browsers. Readers comparing metadata tools can browse Photo Metadata Editors, or consider these specific options:

• Exif Lens is an iOS freemium option for browsing and filtering photo metadata, with date and time editing in its $0.99 a month Pro plan.
• MetaFix: EXIF Editor is an Android freemium alternative for basic single-photo editing; its free plan has banner ads and a daily edit limit, while Pro adds unlimited and batch editing.
• MetaX is a free iOS alternative with optional in-app tips.
• EXIF Magic is a free download for Android, iOS and macOS, with no in-app purchases, subscription or account.
• BlankFile is an iOS freemium option whose €6.99 one-time Pro purchase includes editing any metadata field, batch editing up to 50 photos and reusable templates.
• Photo Exifer is a paid iOS and macOS option with a free trial.
• QromaTag is a paid iOS and macOS option with a free trial; its iOS app costs $4.99 once and its macOS app costs $49.99 once.
• Geotag is a paid iOS and macOS option for location data in the Photos.app Photo Library.

Verdict

FREE Browser is a strong match for Android users who want free, open-source browsing with fine-grained site controls and adjustable blocking. Its main reason to choose it is the control over individual sites and tabs; its main reason to look elsewhere is the lack of extensions, alongside the maker’s warning about future operation on certified Android devices.