Basilisk vs Helium Browser
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Basilisk is a desktop web browser that continues the legacy of the classic Firefox engine while avoiding Chromium dependencies. It targets users who need long‑term compatibility, extensive customization, and reliable performance across platforms. The browser offers a familiar XUL‑based interface, support for legacy extensions, and a portable mode that lets you run it from a USB stick without installation. Its focus on stability makes it a solid choice for developers, power users, and anyone who prefers a non‑Chromium browsing experience.
Helium is an open-source, Chromium-based desktop browser built by imput that strips out Google services and telemetry while keeping full compatibility with Chrome extensions. Ad, tracker, and cookie-banner blocking are on by default using community filter lists, so users get uBlock-style protection without any setup.
- Free and open source
- Supports legacy extensions
- Portable version available
- Low system resource usage
- Ad and tracker blocking enabled out of the box
- No Google services or telemetry baked in
- Full compatibility with Chrome extensions
- Completely free, crowdfunded development
- Limited extension ecosystem compared to Chrome/Firefox
- Occasional compatibility issues with very new web standards
- No official mobile versions
- Still in beta with occasional rough edges
- No built-in password manager or sync yet
- No mobile version available
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A fast Chromium‑based browser that blocks trackers and protects your privacy by default.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHelium Browser offers stronger out‑of‑the‑box privacy and Chrome extension compatibility, while Basilisk provides legacy extension support and a lightweight, developer‑focused environment.
Key differences
- •Extension ecosystem: Helium works with the full Chrome Web Store; Basilisk only supports legacy XUL/XPCOM extensions.
- •Privacy defaults: Helium blocks ads, trackers and removes Google telemetry; Basilisk only mentions built‑in tracking protection.
- •Resource footprint: Basilisk is designed for low‑end hardware; Helium adds features like tab hibernation but is a full Chromium build.
- •Developer tools: Basilisk includes an integrated developer console and UI customization via CSS; Helium does not highlight such tools.
Pricing & value
Both browsers are free to download and use.
Ease of use / learning curve
Helium works like a standard Chromium browser with built‑in ad blocking, requiring less configuration than Basilisk’s legacy UI.
Features & depth
Basilisk offers a developer console, multi‑process architecture, portable mode, and extensive UI CSS customization.
Integrations & ecosystem
Helium supports the full Chrome Web Store catalog, while Basilisk’s extension ecosystem is limited to legacy XUL/XPCOM add‑ons.
Support
Both provide community‑based support (Basilisk via email/forum; Helium via GitHub issues/community).
Security & privacy
Helium blocks ads, trackers, fingerprinting scripts and removes Google telemetry by default; Basilisk only mentions tracking protection.
Choose Basilisk if…
Power users or developers needing legacy XUL/XPCOM extensions and a lightweight browser for older hardware.
Choose Helium Browser if…
Privacy‑focused users who want Chromium compatibility, built‑in ad blocking, and access to modern Chrome extensions.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either browser?
Both Basilisk and Helium are free to download and use.
Can I use modern Chrome extensions with these browsers?
Helium supports the full Chrome Web Store catalog; Basilisk only supports legacy XUL/XPCOM extensions.
Which browser offers stronger privacy protections out of the box?
Helium blocks ads, trackers, cookie banners and removes Google telemetry by default, providing stronger built‑in privacy.