Helium Browser vs Vivaldi
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.
Vivaldi is a feature-rich web browser designed to give users unprecedented control over their browsing experience. It offers deep customization options for the user interface, keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, and tab management. Focused heavily on user privacy and productivity, Vivaldi includes built-in tools like a customizable ad and tracker blocker, a translation tool, a mail client, a calendar, and a note-taking app. It is available across desktop, mobile devices, and automotive systems.
- 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
- Extremely high level of customization
- Built-in productivity tools like mail and notes
- Strong focus on user privacy and no tracking
- Innovative tab management features
- Still in beta with occasional rough edges
- No built-in password manager or sync yet
- No mobile version available
- Steeper learning curve for casual users
- Can consume significant system resources with heavy usage
- Smaller user market share compared to mainstream browsers
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 dataBoth browsers are free, but Vivaldi offers extensive built‑in productivity tools and UI customization at the cost of higher resource use, while Helium provides a lean, privacy‑focused Chromium experience with out‑of‑the‑box ad blocking but fewer native features.
Key differences
- •Vivaldi includes built‑in mail, calendar, notes and advanced tab stacking; Helium does not.
- •Helium removes all Google services and telemetry by default; Vivaldi still uses Chromium base with optional extensions.
- •Vivaldi is closed source; Helium is open source.
- •Helium auto‑hibernates inactive tabs to save memory; Vivaldi can be more resource‑heavy.
- •Vivaldi offers community forum and email support; Helium relies on GitHub issues community support.
Pricing & value
Both are free; value differs by feature set, not price.
Ease of use / learning curve
Helium is minimal with default ad blocking, while Vivaldi’s deep customization creates a steeper learning curve.
Features & depth
Vivaldi provides built‑in mail, calendar, notes, advanced tab stacks, and screenshot tools; Helium offers only core browsing features.
Integrations & ecosystem
Both support Chrome Web Store extensions, including Manifest V2.
Collaboration
Vivaldi syncs bookmarks, passwords, and settings end‑to‑end across devices; Helium has no sync feature.
Scalability
Helium’s tab hibernation reduces memory/CPU usage, making it more scalable on limited hardware.
Support
Vivaldi offers community forum and email support; Helium only provides GitHub issues community support.
Security & privacy
Helium strips all Google telemetry and enforces HTTPS; Vivaldi blocks trackers but still runs Chromium base.
Migration / lock‑in
Both use Chromium and Chrome extensions, making migration between them straightforward.
Choose Helium Browser if…
Privacy‑focused users wanting a lightweight Chromium browser without Google services.
Choose Vivaldi if…
Power users who need built‑in productivity tools and deep UI customization.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either browser?
Both Vivaldi and Helium are free to download and use.
Which browser offers built‑in sync across devices?
Vivaldi provides end‑to‑end sync of bookmarks, passwords, and settings; Helium does not have sync.
Do both browsers support Chrome extensions?
Yes, both support the full Chrome Web Store extension catalog.