Helium Browser
imput LLC • Web Browser
Modern web browsers often feel like they work for data conglomerates, not for the user. Helium Browser changes that dynamic completely. This open-source, privacy-first application is built on an ungoogled-chromium foundation, ensuring a fast, familiar experience without the hidden tracking or telemetry found in many mainstream alternatives.
It is a lightweight and efficient tool. The browser strips away unnecessary bloat and proprietary services, delivering a clean, distraction-free interface that maximizes screen space for content. By focusing on user control and transparency, Helium Browser provides a refreshing and honest way to navigate the internet.
Privacy is the default setting here. The browser makes zero web requests on its first launch without explicit user consent, ensuring your browsing habits remain private from the very start. Users can get the Helium Browser download for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for desktop users prioritizing security.
In This Post
Quick Start & Pro Tips
Accessing Experimental Flags
- Type helium://flags into the address bar and press Enter.
- Use the search bar to find specific experimental features.
- Toggle the desired flag (e.g., Enabled or Disabled).
- Click the Relaunch button at the bottom to apply changes.
Why: This allows power users to enable advanced, experimental features from the Chromium core, such as new UI elements or rendering options, that are not yet available in the standard settings menu.
Disabling Omnibox History Suggestions
- Navigate to the experimental flags page by typing helium://flags.
- Search for the flag named Omnibox Autocomplete Filtering.
- Set the flag’s value to Disabled.
- Relaunch the browser to prevent browser history from appearing in the address bar suggestions.
Why: Disabling this specific flag provides an extra layer of privacy by preventing the browser from suggesting previously visited sites, which is a key concern for users prioritizing a zero-history browsing experience.
Download Helium Browser
Size – 105 MB
Windows
Download Helium Browser for Windows – x64
Download Helium Browser for Windows – ARM64
Download Helium Browser for Windows – x64 Portable
Download Helium Browser for Windows – ARM64 Portable
Mac
Download Helium Browser for Mac
Linux
Hardware Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10 or later
- Processor: x86-64 CPU
- Disk Space: Approx. 150 MB free space
Recommended
- OS: Windows 11
- RAM: 4 GB RAM
Technical Details
| Software Name | Helium Browser |
|---|---|
| Version | 0.8.5.1 |
| License | Free (Open Source) |
| File Size | 105 MB |
| OS Support | Windows 11, 10 (x64, ARM64); macOS (x86_x64, ARM64); Linux (x86_x64, ARM64 AppImage) |
| Language | English (multi-language support via Chromium base) |
| Developer | imput LLC |
| Homepage | https://helium.computer/ |
| Last Updated | February 2026 |
Advantages & Drawbacks
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built on ungoogled-chromium, removing Google telemetry and services. | Windows and Linux builds currently require manual updates. |
| Integrated uBlock Origin blocks ads and trackers by default. | Intentionally lacks cloud sync and a built-in password manager for privacy reasons. |
| Supports all Chromium extensions, including Manifest V2. | |
| Features a unique Split View for side-by-side multitasking. |
Key Features
- Zero Telemetry and Ungoogled Core: The browser is built on an ungoogled-chromium base, which means all proprietary Google services and background tracking are stripped out. It makes zero network requests on first launch without explicit user consent, ensuring maximum privacy.
- Integrated uBlock Origin: Unlike many browsers that offer ad-blocking as an optional feature, Helium Browser ships with uBlock Origin pre-integrated and enabled by default. This immediately blocks ads, trackers, and phishing attempts using community-maintained filter lists.
- Native !Bangs Search: Users can quickly jump to specific websites or search engines directly from the address bar using shortcuts like !w for Wikipedia or !gh for GitHub. This feature includes over 13,000 offline-ready shortcuts for rapid navigation.
- Split View Multitasking: A productivity-focused feature allows users to open two separate web pages side-by-side within a single browser window. This is ideal for researchers, developers, or anyone needing to reference multiple sources simultaneously.
- Anonymized Extension Downloads: To prevent Google from correlating extension installs with a user’s IP address, the browser anonymizes internal requests to the Chrome Web Store. This unique feature enhances privacy when expanding the browser’s functionality.
Questions & Answers
Is Helium Browser completely free to use?
Yes, Helium Browser is completely free and fully open-source, with no subscription tiers or paid features.
Does Helium Browser support Chrome extensions?
Yes, the browser supports all Chromium extensions, including those based on the older Manifest V2 standard, which it commits to supporting for as long as possible.
How does Helium Browser handle updates on Windows and Linux?
While macOS builds support automatic updates, Windows and Linux versions currently require users to manually download and install new releases to ensure they receive the latest security patches.
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