Helium Browser vs Sleipnir
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.
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.
- 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
- 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
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Helium Browser
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A fast Chromium‑based browser that blocks trackers and protects your privacy by default.
Alternatives to Sleipnir
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHelium 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.
Pricing & value
Helium is completely free and crowdfunded; Sleipnir uses a freemium model that may require paid upgrades for full features.
Ease of use / learning curve
Helium’s minimal UI and default blocking require less configuration than Sleipnir’s extensive gesture and toolbar customization.
Features & depth
Sleipnir provides gesture support, tab containers, reading mode, and a built‑in ad blocker with per‑site toggling.
Integrations & ecosystem
Both use Chrome Web Store, but Helium supports the full extension catalog including Manifest V2, while Sleipnir’s ecosystem is limited.
Support
Sleipnir offers direct email support and a dedicated forum; Helium relies solely on community GitHub issues.
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.
Migration / lock‑in
Both sync bookmarks/settings only within their own desktop apps; neither offers cross‑platform cloud sync.
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.