Helium Browser vs Maxthon
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Maxthon is a Chromium‑based web browser that combines speed with privacy features, including a built‑in ad blocker and privacy mode. It offers cloud synchronization of bookmarks, passwords, and settings across devices. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, Maxthon provides a customizable UI and resource‑saving technologies to improve browsing performance on both desktop and mobile platforms.
- 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
- Fast Chromium engine
- Robust built‑in ad blocker
- Cross‑platform cloud sync
- Highly customizable interface
- Still in beta with occasional rough edges
- No built-in password manager or sync yet
- No mobile version available
- Limited extension ecosystem compared to Chrome
- Occasional compatibility quirks with some websites
- No official open‑source code
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Helium Browser
View all →
A fast Chromium‑based browser that blocks trackers and protects your privacy by default.
Alternatives to Maxthon
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHelium Browser is the safer default for privacy‑focused users who need full Chrome extension compatibility and no data‑selling model, while Maxthon offers convenience features like cloud sync and a built‑in ad blocker at the cost of less openness and a freemium model.
Key differences
- •Helium is fully open‑source and funded by user sponsorship; Maxthon is closed‑source and uses a freemium model.
- •Helium blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinting out of the box with no extensions; Maxthon’s ad blocker is built‑in but less comprehensive.
- •Maxthon provides cloud sync for bookmarks, passwords, and tabs across devices; Helium has no sync or mobile version.
- •Helium supports the entire Chrome Web Store extension catalog; Maxthon’s extension ecosystem is limited compared to Chrome.
- •Support for Helium is community‑driven via GitHub; Maxthon offers email, FAQ, and a community forum.
Pricing & value
Helium is completely free and crowdfunded; Maxthon is freemium, implying possible paid features.
Ease of use / learning curve
Maxthon includes UI customization, cloud sync, and built‑in tools that simplify setup for everyday users.
Features & depth
Helium offers automatic ad/tracker/fingerprint blocking, HTTPS enforcement, and Chrome extension compatibility out of the box.
Integrations & ecosystem
Helium can run any Chrome Web Store extension, including Manifest V2, whereas Maxthon has a limited extension ecosystem.
Support
Maxthon provides email and a community forum; Helium relies only on GitHub issues and community support.
Security & privacy
Helium removes Google services, telemetry, and enforces HTTPS; Maxthon’s privacy mode blocks third‑party cookies but is closed source.
Migration / lock‑in
Maxthon’s cloud sync eases migration across devices; Helium has no sync, making cross‑device migration harder.
Choose Helium Browser if…
Privacy‑first users who need full Chrome extension support and prefer a free, open‑source browser.
Choose Maxthon if…
Users who value cross‑device sync, built‑in UI tools, and are comfortable with a closed‑source, freemium model.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either browser?
Helium Browser is free; Maxthon offers a freemium model that may require payment for premium features.
Can I use Chrome extensions with both browsers?
Helium supports the full Chrome Web Store catalog; Maxthon has a limited extension ecosystem compared to Chrome.
Which browser provides built‑in sync across devices?
Maxthon includes cloud sync for bookmarks, passwords, and tabs; Helium has no built‑in sync or mobile version.