Our verdict: Epic is a Chromium browser with Google's services removed and strong blocking switched on from the start: ads, third-party cookies, fingerprinting, cryptominers and ultrasound signaling. It suits people who want privacy without configuring anything. The trade-off is a browser from a small company whose code is not published in a public repository.
About Epic Privacy Browser
Epic Privacy Browser is developed by Hidden Reflex and has been around for more than ten years. It is built on Chromium like Chrome and Edge, but with Google's tracking and data collection removed. A custom ad blocker based on uBlock with extra filter lists, third-party cookie blocking and protections against many fingerprinting techniques are on by default, and Epic also blocks cryptomining scripts and ultrasound signaling.
Almost all Chrome Web Store extensions and themes work in Epic, every tab runs in a separate process, and the new tab page shows which companies try to track you. Browsing history can be deleted automatically when you quit. The developer states that Epic has no ad network, no rewards token, no AI training and no data deals; it earns money from its default search partner and paid subscriptions to its EpicSearch.in search engine. Epic's code is not kept in a public repository; the developer offers files on request.
What it does well
- Ad and tracker blocking. A uBlock-based ad blocker and third-party cookie blocking are on by default.
- Fingerprinting protection. Blocks a wide range of browser fingerprinting techniques.
- Cryptomining and ultrasound blocking. Stops in-page cryptominers and ultrasound signaling used for cross-device tracking.
- Chrome extensions. Runs almost all extensions and themes from the Chrome Web Store.
- History cleared on exit. Can delete browsing history automatically when you close the browser.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want a Chrome-compatible browser with strong privacy blocking already set up.
Look elsewhere
Users who want a browser with publicly hosted source code or fine control over every privacy setting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Ads, trackers and fingerprinting blocked by default
- Google services and data collection removed
- Works with Chrome extensions
- No ads or crypto business model
Cons
- Source code not published in a public repository
- Default search engine is set by a paid search partnership
- Strict blocking can break some websites
How to install Epic Privacy Browser
The button downloads the official Windows installer from epicbrowser.com. The download page also lists a ZIP version and an offline installer that does not update itself, so avoid that one for daily use. Some antivirus programs may flag Epic as a modified Chrome; the developer says the files are clean.
Questions about Epic Privacy Browser
Is Epic Privacy Browser free?
Yes. Epic is free to download and use. The developer earns money from its default search partner and paid EpicSearch subscriptions, and accepts donations.
Is Epic based on Chrome?
Epic is built on Chromium, the open-source base of Chrome, with Google's tracking and data collection removed.
Can I use Chrome extensions in Epic?
Yes. The developer says almost all Chrome Web Store extensions work in Epic.
