FindAlternative
Back to Helium Browser

Helium Browser vs Sleipnir

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Compare
Helium Browser
Helium BrowserMinimal, ungoogled Chromium browser with ad blocking built in by default
Sleipnir
SleipnirA fast, customizable tab browser with powerful gestures
Overview
Description

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.

Sleipnir is a lightweight web browser for Windows and macOS that emphasizes speed, flexibility, and a highly customizable interface. It offers gesture controls, tab grouping, and a sleek rendering engine that balances performance with low resource usage. The browser includes built-in privacy features, a built-in ad blocker, and support for extensions, making it suitable for both casual browsing and power users who need advanced navigation shortcuts.

Pricing
Free
Freemium
Category
Desktop Browsers
Desktop Browsers
Best for
Privacy-conscious users who want a Chromium browser without Google services or telemetry
Power users and privacy‑focused desktop browsers
Specifications
deployment
Desktop App
Desktop App
open source
Yes
No
api available
No
No
support options
GitHub issues, community support
Email, Forum
key integrations
Chrome Web Store extensions
Chrome Web Store
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 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
  • Highly customizable interface
  • Robust gesture support
  • Built‑in ad blocker
  • Low memory footprint
Cons
  • 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/Firefox
  • Mac version lags behind Windows in feature updates
  • No native Linux support
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to Helium Browser

View all →
Epic Privacy Browser
Epic Privacy Browser

A fast Chromium‑based browser that blocks trackers and protects your privacy by default.

Compare

Alternatives to Sleipnir

View all →
Vivaldi
Vivaldi

A highly customizable and feature-rich web browser built for power users.

Compare
Arc
Arc

A browser that organizes tabs into Spaces and adapts to how you browse.

Compare
Falkon
Falkon

A lightweight KDE web browser built for privacy, security and deep customization

Compare
Qutebrowser
Qutebrowser

Keyboard‑focused, minimal web browser for power users

Compare

The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Helium Browser is the safer default for privacy‑focused users because it’s open‑source and ships with ad‑tracker blocking and no Google telemetry out of the box; the trade‑off is a beta‑stage product with fewer polish features and no native password manager.

Key differences

  • •Helium is open‑source and removes all Google services by default; Sleipnir is closed‑source and includes a toggleable ad blocker.
  • •Sleipnir offers extensive gesture controls and a highly customizable UI, while Helium focuses on minimalism and vertical/frameless layouts.
  • •Helium automatically hibernates inactive tabs to save resources; Sleipnir emphasizes low RAM usage but lacks tab hibernation.
  • •Sleipnir lacks Linux support and has a weaker extension ecosystem; Helium supports the full Chrome Web Store catalog.
  • •Support channels differ: Sleipnir provides email and forum support; Helium relies on GitHub issues and community help.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

Helium is completely free and crowdfunded; Sleipnir uses a freemium model that may require paid upgrades for full features.

Helium Browser

Ease of use / learning curve

Helium’s minimal UI and default blocking require less configuration than Sleipnir’s extensive gesture and toolbar customization.

Helium Browser

Features & depth

Sleipnir provides gesture support, tab containers, reading mode, and a built‑in ad blocker with per‑site toggling.

Sleipnir

Integrations & ecosystem

Both use Chrome Web Store, but Helium supports the full extension catalog including Manifest V2, while Sleipnir’s ecosystem is limited.

Helium Browser

Support

Sleipnir offers direct email support and a dedicated forum; Helium relies solely on community GitHub issues.

Sleipnir

Security & privacy

Helium removes Google telemetry, blocks ads/trackers by default, and is open‑source; Sleipnir’s ad blocker is toggleable and code isn’t open.

Helium Browser

Migration / lock‑in

Both sync bookmarks/settings only within their own desktop apps; neither offers cross‑platform cloud sync.

Tie

Choose Helium Browser if…

Privacy‑first users wanting a Chromium base without Google telemetry and free, open‑source software.

Choose Sleipnir if…

Power users who need deep UI customization, gesture control, and low RAM usage on Windows/macOS.

Common questions

Is there any cost to use either browser?

Helium is free; Sleipnir uses a freemium model that may require payment for advanced features.

Which browser provides stronger out‑of‑the‑box privacy?

Helium blocks ads, trackers, and removes Google services by default and is open‑source, making it the stronger privacy choice.

Can I use Chrome extensions with both browsers?

Yes, both support Chrome Web Store extensions, but Helium supports the full catalog including Manifest V2, while Sleipnir’s ecosystem is limited.