Helium Browser vs Pale Moon
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.
Pale Moon is an independent, open-source web browser derived from the Mozilla codebase, designed to offer a streamlined and efficient browsing experience. It prioritizes customization, user privacy, and traditional browser interfaces over heavy resource consumption or forced design overhauls. By maintaining its own optimized layout engine (Goanna), Pale Moon supports legacy extensions and classic browser features that modern mainstream browsers have dropped. It aims to put control back into the hands of the user, making it a reliable alternative for those who prefer a lightweight and highly configurable desktop browser.
- 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
- Completely free and open source
- Supports legacy add-ons and themes
- Lightweight on system resources
- Highly customizable interface and settings
- Still in beta with occasional rough edges
- No built-in password manager or sync yet
- No mobile version available
- Incompatible with standard WebExtensions
- Smaller developer and extension ecosystem
- May occasionally struggle with heavily optimized modern web frameworks
More alternatives & similar tools
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A fast Chromium‑based browser that blocks trackers and protects your privacy by default.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHelium Browser offers out‑of‑the‑box ad‑blocking and full Chrome extension compatibility, while Pale Moon provides legacy XUL/XPCOM add‑on support and lower resource usage.
Key differences
- •Ad‑blocking & anti‑tracking are built in for Helium; Pale Moon has no such default protection.
- •Helium uses the ungoogled Chromium engine and runs all Chrome Web Store extensions; Pale Moon uses the Goanna engine and only supports legacy XUL/XPCOM add‑ons.
- •Helium automatically hibernates inactive tabs to save memory; Pale Moon is designed to be lightweight but lacks tab‑hibernation.
- •Helium has no mobile version and is still in beta; Pale Moon is a mature desktop‑only product.
- •Extension ecosystem size: Helium can access the massive Chrome Web Store catalog, whereas Pale Moon’s ecosystem is much smaller.
Pricing & value
Both are free and open source, offering comparable monetary cost.
Ease of use / learning curve
Helium works like standard Chrome with familiar UI and built‑in ad blocking, requiring less configuration.
Features & depth
Helium includes automatic HTTPS, tab hibernation, and built‑in ad/tracker blocking; Pale Moon lacks these features.
Integrations & ecosystem
Helium supports the full Chrome Web Store extension catalog; Pale Moon only supports legacy XUL/XPCOM add‑ons.
Support
Pale Moon lists community forums and documentation; Helium relies solely on GitHub issues and community support.
Security & privacy
Helium removes Google telemetry, enforces HTTPS, and blocks trackers by default; Pale Moon’s privacy claims are not detailed.
Scalability / resource usage
Pale Moon is described as lightweight and consumes fewer system resources than Chromium‑based Helium.
Choose Helium Browser if…
Privacy‑focused users who want Chrome compatibility and built‑in ad blocking.
Choose Pale Moon if…
Users needing low‑resource consumption and legacy XUL/XPCOM add‑on support.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either browser?
Both Helium Browser and Pale Moon are free and open source.
Can I use modern Chrome extensions with these browsers?
Helium Browser supports the full Chrome Web Store catalog; Pale Moon does not support standard WebExtensions.
Which browser offers stronger built‑in privacy protections?
Helium Browser blocks ads, trackers, and enforces HTTPS by default, while Pale Moon’s privacy features are not specified.