The 5 Best Incognito Alternatives in 2025

Chrome’s Incognito mode, Safari and Firefox’s private browsing, and private mode of Opera (the privacy modes of mainstream browsers) are not as private as you think. Sure, incognito stops your browser from saving cookies and your browsing history. But what you are doing is pretty much out in the open for the big players to see. Your internet provider, your boss, heck, even pretty much every site you click on, they’re all peeking over your digital shoulder.

If you want real privacy today, you need tools built for actual anonymity, not a browser window that only hides your history from the people you live with. The good news? There are better alternatives to Incognito mode that can actually protect your privacy when browsing online.

Whether you want browsers designed purely for anonymous browsing or tools that hide your activities and ensure you leave no footprints behind, we’ve got you. This article lists the best Incognito alternatives that give you real privacy online, not just an illusion of it.

Top-notch alternatives to Incognito – Quick list

Before getting into the details, check out the snapshot of the tools we are going to be discussing:

Why the incognito mode isn’t actually private

Let’s clarify this right off the bat. Just think of Incognito mode as simply closing your bedroom door. Unlike normal mode, Incognito mode gives you a little bit of privacy from those in your house, but does not make you invisible to the outside world. It’s a local privacy tool—not a magic invisible cloak.

Here’s what incognito mode actually does:

• Wipes local history: Any sites you visit won’t show in your browser history.
• Removes session cookies: When you close the window, you are logged out of everything.
• Doesn’t remember passwords or form data: Nothing you type is saved in memory.

What incognito mode doesn’t do (this is most important):

• It won’t mask (or change) your IP address. Your true location is completely visible to the site you visited.
• It won’t stop browser fingerprinting (browser tracking). Websites collect dozens of seemingly harmless data points from your browser—your screen size, installed fonts, GPU details, and more. Combined, they create a unique identifier that persists across Incognito sessions. This is how sites like Facebook can link your ‘anonymous’ activity to your real account. Even in incognito mode, the websites you visit will still identify your unique device and browser settings. 
• The mode doesn’t block ads and trackers. Websites (including Google Analytics, social media plugins, ad networks, etc.) can track you regardless of where you click.
• It doesn’t stop account bans. So if you are trying to span multiple accounts, the websites will still see you and flag you.

So, who can still see you?

• Your internet service provider (ISP) can still see what websites you are visiting. (If you want a full guide on how to get away with ISP tracking, we have a dedicated guide on that)
• Your employer or school can still see what you do on company networks. 
• Websites can still track you based on your IP footprint and browser footprint. 
• Advertisers using tracking tools can still see your activities

Even Google acknowledges that incognito mode “does not hide your activity from your employer, your school, or your internet service provider.”

So, if you are surfing the net in incognito mode, thinking you are invisible, you are mistaken; it’s a false sense of security. If you want real privacy that will hide you from the outside world, you need a much stronger tool.

Why do you need an incognito alternative?

As our world becomes more digital, the need for privacy when doing anything online has become more pressing. Data breaches now happen daily, and even companies you trust often sell your browsing data to advertisers. Some governments monitor citizens’ activity online, and unsecured connections are a treasure trove for hackers.

Just turning on incognito mode in your browser is not going to protect you from these. That’s why other strong privacy tools are becoming a go-to for people who value true online privacy and the freedom to use the internet without being monitored.

Here are some of the primary reasons why you must shift to other options than Incognito mode for your PC, Android, or any internet-connected device you are using:

The illusion of privacy is a trap

While you think you are hidden, you’re not. Your internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do. The websites you visit log your IP address. Your employer’s network, your school’s network, or your campus Wi-Fi can access your activity. Incognito mode simply resets your device. It does nothing to protect your traffic from the outside world.

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Maintaining multiple accounts is impossible

Have you ever tried to run two Facebook, Amazon, or Google Ads accounts from one computer?  Incognito mode does not care. Websites can use advanced fingerprinting techniques to recognize your device based on screen size, fonts, or plugins.

They can completely see through the Incognito window, and often, you can be banned or locked instantly. This is a serious problem for marketers, freelancers, or small business owners.

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You can’t bypass annoying bans and blocks

Whether you are a traveler trying to access your home country’s streaming service or whether you are a researcher trying to access information without censorship, Incognito is useless. Geographic restrictions or IP-based bans are not affected. You get banned, and you have nothing to work with. (We have a devoted guide on how to bypass geo-restrictions from anywhere.)

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Data tracking and leaks are still a thing

Incognito may not retain cookies, but it sure doesn’t prevent them when you are in the private window. Advertising networks and analytics scripts can still follow your activity while you are in that private window.

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You deserve true peace of mind

To be honest, in today’s digital world, wanting to browse a bit more privately doesn’t mean you are suspicious; it means you are smart. Everyone should have the right to check a bank account, research a medical condition, or simply browse the web without snoops watching their every move.

This is why there is such an incredible demand for true Incogni competitors and quality private browsers. Enough with the half-measures. People want tools that don’t just clear history, but actually put control back in their hands.

So if you’ve asked yourself at any point, “Is there an alternative that actually works”? You’re definitely not alone. The good news is that there are some really good options out there, and we are about to discuss some of the best ones in detail.

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Best incognito alternatives – Detailed list

Now, let’s dive into the tools that actually work. Each of these options goes far beyond clearing your history as they’re built to protect your identity and activity from the outside world.

1. Tor Browser

In terms of privacy, Tor is one of the most robust tools. This free, open-source browser directs your internet activity through three random servers (or nodes) before it reaches its ultimate destination. The additional layers of encryption make it nearly impossible for anyone to associate your activity with you. 

How Tor protects you

Tor’s onion routing works well for privacy protection. Your request is bounced through an entry node, a middle relay, and then an exit node.

Each node will only know what the next hop is and never the complete trail of hops to your request. Once your request bounces out of the network, boom—nobody’s tying it back to your real IP.

Tor’s not just about hiding your location, either. It’s got built-in armor: deletes cookies the second you close a window, shuts down sketchy trackers, and basically flips the bird to sites trying to fingerprint your device.

The whole vibe with Tor? Everyone’s supposed to look the same, like a digital army of clones. Makes tracking you almost impossible.

Trade-offs:

• It hides your activity but does not keep malware or phishing away.
• Some websites block Tor exit nodes because they are flagged as “suspicious”.
• Due to the many layers of routing, it can be slow, not suitable for streaming, downloading large files, or gaming.
• Your ISP may notice that you are using Tor, but if you combine it with a VPN (Onion over VPN), it looks like regular browsing. ‘Onion over VPN’ (VPN first) hides your Tor use from your ISP. ‘VPN over Tor’ is more complex and is generally not recommended unless you have specific threat models.
• It’s best to download Tor from official sources (torproject.org), not from third-party sources, as these may put your security at risk. If you’re ready to get started, our step-by-step guide on installing Tor on Windows and other OS walks you through the installation process for all major operating systems.

Who should use Tor?

Tor is a good choice for anyone handling sensitive information or using the internet in heavily censored countries. It is made for the expressed purpose of accessing sites on the onion routing network (.onion sites). Once you’re set up, you might wonder where to go. For a curated list of starting points, check out our guide to the most popular dark web sites, which highlights working and noteworthy .onion services.

If you are a whistleblower or journalist, or just someone who needs to be exceptionally anonymous, Tor has no equals. When privacy is a priority, it stands alone as the best incognito alternative for PC and mobile devices. Some users wonder if the Tor browser is legal to use.

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2. Private Browsers

Private browsers are designed specifically to secure your data. They automatically prevent trackers and ads by default; you don’t have to download any extensions or change the settings. We have curated a list of the top-most secure and private browsers to save your time.

Brave Browser

Brave is more like Chrome, but without the spying. It removes all of Google’s tracking capabilities while intuitively keeping its familiar interface and speed. Brave has built-in ad blocking that saves bandwidth and page load time. It also has optional Tor integration for one-click anonymous browsing.

Brave has a built-in crypto wallet and rewards you with BAT tokens for viewing privacy-respecting ads. Though the Brave reward system can be a turn-off or confusing to some, it is still one of the best private browsers for PC, if you don’t want to sacrifice speed for privacy.

Firefox with hardening privacy tweaks

Firefox is the most customizable browser if you like to adjust things. As an open-source browser, you can dig around under the hood and customize whatever you like.

Sure, Firefox doesn’t block every ad or tracker by default. However, if you install a couple of add-ons and adjust your preferences in settings, you’re practically invisible online. Well, not totally invisible, but way better than the default.

You need to turn on “Enhanced Tracking Protection” at the strict level. You should also install uBlock Origin to block ads. Use containers to isolate Google, Facebook, or other apps that track your activity. You can use Firefox’s anti-fingerprinting to make it harder for internet sites to identify you.

For maximum privacy, consider the mobile Firefox Focus. It works similarly to incogni, and will erase your entire session with just one tap.

The only reality check for Firefox is that you have to work hard to tweak the settings yourself since it’s not private by default.

Vivaldi and other options

Vivaldi provides significant personalization and does not compromise your privacy. It prevents trackers and does not save user data. For new users, it can feel overwhelming, but power users enjoy the browser. 

Epic Privacy Browser (it has a built-in VPN) and Waterfox (which is a Firefox fork, but more focused on privacy) are very good private browsers. Each browser includes its own awesome features.

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3. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is a valuable tool when it comes to online privacy; it obfuscates your data, hides your IP address, and your online activity from snoops.

What VPNs do

When you connect to a VPN, your internet goes through the VPN’s server to get to the internet. To anyone watching, it looks like you’re browsing from the location of the VPN server you’re connected to. Your Internet Service Provider sees only “encrypted gibberish.” They have no idea what websites you visit or what you’re doing on the internet.

A reputable VPN like NordVPN uses military grade encryption (AES-256), has a secure protocol like WireGuard or OpenVPN, and no logging. That means they have no data about your internet activity or the websites you visited, even if the authorities come knocking.

Choosing the best VPN

This is where things get tricky when you’re surrounded by several VPNs and don’t know how to choose the right one. Not all VPNs are equal. Also, you can’t rely on free servers, as they usually sell your data to advertisers, and many other VPNs still keep logs even though they claim not to. Some other VPNs may just be too slow to be usable. 

When choosing a VPN, you should look for:

• Verified no-logs policies (third-party audited)
• Fast connection speeds (with unlimited bandwidth)
• Strong encryption and secure protocols
• Kill switch: yanks you off the internet the second your VPN bails on you. No awkward leaks, just boom, offline.
• There’s a ton of servers everywhere—basically, you can sidestep those ridiculous geo-blocks and actually stream the stuff you’re dying to see.

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are examples of premium VPNs that check all the boxes listed above, and they are affordable too. They’re fast enough for all your streaming and torrenting marathons, work on pretty much every device you own, and they don’t mess with your privacy. (To save you from hassle, we put together a list of the top VPN services overall for every task you do online)

VPNs vs. Incognito mode

A VPN does things an Incognito mode can’t. Not only does a VPN shield you from your ISPs, but it also protects you from government surveillance and hackers (if you are on a public connection, for instance). You can use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. Plus, it can be as easy as simply connecting to a server in another country if you want to access something not available in your country.

Pair a VPN with your browser (privacy-oriented one), and peace of mind is a sure thing. It works with any browser and protects all of your internet traffic, not just your web browsing.

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4. Virtual Machines (VMs)

Virtual machines take privacy to a whole new level. They create their own separate, self-contained operating system inside your own main one. Anything you do in a virtual machine stays in the virtual machine.

How VMs protect your privacy

One can consider a Virtual Machine (VM) as a computer inside a computer. Within a VM, there is its own file system, network connection, and applications installed. Therefore, if you obtain some type of malware in a VM, it cannot spread to the host machine (your computer). Tracking cookies and fingerprints are reset every time you delete the virtual machine.

This makes them an excellent choice when you want to test sketchy software, visit sites that seem a little off, or work with sensitive information. When you’re done, just delete the virtual machine, and every trace vanishes with no evidence left behind.

Setting up a VM

Some popular VM software includes VirtualBox (which is free and open-source), VMware, and Parallels. You’ll need:

1. Have your preferred VM software installed on the main machine. If it’s VirtualBox you want to use, you can get the free version from the official Oracle website.
2. The operating system’s ISO file that you want to run.
3. Enough RAM and storage (VMs are resource-hungry). We recommend you have at least 8GB of RAM (4GB for the VM and 4GB for the host machine)

The steps:

Download and install the VM (VirtualBox) from the official download page. Then run the installer and follow the instructions on-screen (you know, the usual click next through the setup process that appears). Then, create a new VM.

1. Open the software you installed and click on the blue “New” button.

2. Name and operating system:

• Name: give your VM a name (maybe “Windows 10 Test” or any name you like). 
• Folder: Leave the folder as it is by default.
• Type – choose the OS type (whether MS Windows, Mac, or Linux)
• Version – choose the exact version of your operating system ( like Windows 10 (64-bit))
• Hit Next

3. Assign RAM – This is the amount of your computer’s RAM you will be allocating to the VM. 

• Select or type in the RAM size you want. If you’re using anything from Windows 10 or 11 up, 4GB would suffice. (Pro tip: Overfeeding your VM with RAM is a really bad move. It’ll just leave your main system gasping for air. Leave enough RAM for your host computer to work properly.)
• Click Next.

4. Set up a virtual hard disk – This is your VM’s “hard drive”—one single file on your actual hard drive.

• Select the option ‘Create a virtual hard disk now.’ 
• Click ‘Create.’

5. Choose hard disk file type

• To keep it simple, choose ‘VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).’
• Click ‘Next.’

6. Choose storage type

• Select Dynamically allocated. This means the file will start small but grow as the VM needed for the VM, leaving enough room for the host PC. Then click Next.

7. Choose hard disk size

• The default size is almost always fine (e.g., 25-32GB for Windows 10). You may increase it if you have enough memory available. This size is the maximum the VM’s drive can reach.
• Click ‘Create.’

8. Attach the OS installer ISO

• Select the virtual machine you just created in the new Virtual Machine window, then click the yellow gear icon, “Settings.”
• On the left, select Storage.
• Under “Controller: SATA,” you will see an icon for “Optical Drive.” This is probably empty; click on it.
• After “Optical Drive,” click the small CD/DVD disc icon to the right and select “Choose a disk file…”
• Now browse to and select the OS ISO that you downloaded earlier (Win10_22H2_English_x64.iso file, for example).
• Click OK.

9. Begin the installation process

• Return to the main VirtualBox window and select your VM. Click the green “Start” arrow.
• This will boot your VM, and the installer will be loaded automatically from the ISO file that was selected.
• Follow the normal installer process for the operating system you chose. It should be nearly identical to building a new physical computer.
• Choose your language and region.
• Provide a product key (if applicable; in many cases, you can skip this step).
• Set a user account and password.

10. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (highly recommended)

This is the final and most significant step to ensuring that your VM experience is smooth. Guest Additions gives you a much better experience, including full screen, shared clipboard, drag for files, and much better mouse integration

• Once the OS is up and running in the VM window, click on the Devices menu in the VirtualBox menu bar.
• Then select “Insert Guest Additions CD image.”
• This will open a virtual CD in your VM, and you will then follow the prompts to install the software.  This installation will also require a reboot. 

To make the most from the virtual machine experience, install a lightweight Linux OS distribution (such as Ubuntu or Tails). Tails is a privacy-focused operating system that routes all of your traffic through Tor, and it doesn’t leave any traces of use on your devices

When to consider virtual machines

VMs are too much for just casual browsing. However, you will want to use a VM if you are searching for sensitive topics (or accessing the darker side of the internet), handling sensitive information, or would like a clean environment for security testing. They are very useful for these purposes, and one of the best alternatives to Incognito mode for professionals who can’t tolerate slips in privacy.

There is a steep learning curve, and VMs will slow down an older computer. But you can’t beat the isolation they provide.

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5. Private search engines

Your search queries reveal a lot about you. Google saves every search you conduct and fills out an extensive profile, which they use for targeted ads. Private search engines end the madness and make sure you get the privacy you deserve.

Startpage

Startpage returns Google results without exposing you. It acts as a middleman; when you search on Startpage anonymously, it then submits your search to Google and gets the results without tracking. This anonymous view lets you visit websites using Startpage’s proxy so your IP address remains hidden. It’s not as fast as when you visited the site directly, but it works for a quick check.

DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo never tracks your searches. No history, no personalized results, and no filter bubbles to worry about. You get the same results as everyone else searching for the same term.

It assembles results from hundreds of sources (including Bing) while stripping out tracking. The interface is clean and snappy. You can use the built-in bangs to search other sites directly (type “!w” before a term to search Wikipedia).

Brave search and others

Brave browser is based on its own index (and not Google or Bing) and does not track users or personalize or target search results. It also provides the option to review AI-generated summaries, which will hasten your research.

Other privacy-focused search engines are Qwant (European-based and does not track users) and Searx (an open-source metasearch engine that you can self-host).

Switching search engines is the easiest win for privacy. Change your default to DuckDuckGo or Startpage, and immediately stop Google from gathering data on your searches.

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Combining tools for maximum privacy

Here’s where the really interesting part is: using more than one tool together.

Want to hide your whole connection and your real IP address, too? Get your hands on a VPN. Sick of those annoying trackers following you around like a lost puppy? Switch to private browsers (Brave or Firefox, take your pick).

And if you’re tired of Google peeking over your shoulder while you search for weird stuff at 2 AM, DuckDuckGo’s your friend. Totally fine? Fire up Tor or run everything in a virtual machine.

By layering all these tools, it becomes much harder to track you because if one fails, there are others in place to protect you.

Practical privacy setup

For normal browsing:

• VPN running in the background
• Private browser with ad blocker
• Privacy-focused search engine

For sensitive research or activities:

• Everything above, plus Tor Browser
• a VM to completely isolate yourself if needed.

You may not use all of these at the same time, so feel free to pick the ones that make the most sense to you, depending on your privacy needs and as well as internal or external threats to your privacy.

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Common privacy mistakes to watch out for 

• Refrain from mixing regular and private browsing in the same session. Using Tor to log into your Google account, for example, defeats the entire purpose, which is to hide your data, because Google will know the Tor user is you.
• Free VPNs are often worse than using no VPN at all. They will log your data, inject ads, or sell bandwidth. If you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product.
• Never fall into the trap of thinking one tool makes you invincible. A single tool will never keep you completely private. You should always use a combination of tools and think more about what you are doing online and what you share.
• Keep your software up to date. Security patches exist to fix vulnerabilities that would expose you. Older browsers and old operating systems are easy targets for hackers.

FAQs