Dillo vs Helium Browser
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Dillo is a minimalistic graphical web browser designed for speed and low memory consumption, making it ideal for older hardware and embedded devices. It supports basic HTML, CSS, and image formats while keeping the codebase small and efficient. The browser is open source, runs primarily on Linux and other Unix‑like systems, and offers a simple interface without the bloat of modern browsers. Dillo is often used in environments where resources are limited or where a fast, no‑frills browsing experience is required.
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.
- Extremely low memory usage
- Fast page rendering for simple sites
- Open source and freely modifiable
- Runs on very old hardware
- 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
- No modern JavaScript support
- Limited CSS capabilities
- Sparse documentation and community support
- 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 a privacy‑focused Chromium experience with built‑in ad blocking, while Dillo is an ultra‑lightweight browser that sacrifices modern web features for minimal memory use.
Key differences
- •Helium blocks ads, trackers and enforces HTTPS out of the box; Dillo lacks any ad‑blocking or privacy filters.
- •Helium supports the full Chrome Web Store extension catalog; Dillo has no extension ecosystem.
- •Helium runs only on modern desktop environments with Chromium dependencies; Dillo runs on very low‑resource or legacy hardware.
- •Helium includes automatic tab hibernation to save resources; Dillo achieves low memory use by omitting JavaScript and advanced CSS.
- •Helium provides community support via GitHub; Dillo’s documentation and community support are described as sparse.
Pricing & value
Both are free and open source, offering no licensing cost.
Ease of use / learning curve
Helium offers familiar Chromium UI and shortcuts; Dillo’s minimalist UI may require adjustment for modern users.
Features & depth
Helium includes ad/tracker blocking, HTTPS enforcement, tab hibernation, and full Chrome extension support; Dillo lacks these.
Integrations & ecosystem
Helium integrates with Chrome Web Store extensions; Dillo has no extension or API ecosystem.
Support
Helium provides GitHub issue tracking and community support; Dillo’s support is noted as sparse.
Security & privacy
Helium enforces HTTPS and removes Google telemetry; Dillo offers no built‑in privacy features.
Scalability / resource usage
Dillo runs on <5 MB RAM and legacy hardware; Helium requires typical Chromium resources.
Choose Dillo if…
Users with very low‑spec or legacy machines who only need basic HTML/CSS browsing.
Choose Helium Browser if…
Privacy‑focused users needing modern web compatibility on standard desktops.
Common questions
Is either browser paid?
Both Helium Browser and Dillo are free to use.
Can I use Chrome extensions with these browsers?
Helium supports the full Chrome Web Store extensions; Dillo does not support extensions.
Which browser works on old hardware with limited RAM?
Dillo is designed for low‑resource systems, typically using under 5 MB RAM, while Helium requires standard desktop resources.