I Tried the Internet’s Most Hyped Browser

Summary

The video reviews Helium, a lightweight Chromium-based browser, and compares it with Brave to see whether it could become the creator’s regular browser.

Installation and setup

Helium’s setup includes feature customization, browser data import, and DuckDuckGo as the default search engine. It does not include its own password manager, so users who want one will need an extension.

Interface and customization

Helium starts with a deliberately minimal interface. Users can add wallpapers and themes, customize toolbar buttons, and choose from several layouts:

• Dynamic: Hides the tab bar when only one tab is open.
• Compact: Moves the address bar to the side.
• Vertical: Displays tabs vertically.

Additional options include centering or minimizing the URL, showing download progress in the address bar, and minimizing tabs.

Search shortcuts (“bangs”)

Helium can load commands that let users search specific sites from the address bar using an exclamation mark and a shortcut. The creator finds this convenient and expects to use it.

Ad blocking

Helium uses uBlock Origin. The creator prefers it to Brave Shields, which they say can sometimes cause website issues.

Speed comparison

In one browser-speed test, Helium scored 24.9, compared with Brave’s 23.5. Helium won this test, though the creator cautions that a single test is not conclusive.

Privacy comparison

On Cover Your Tracks, both browsers blocked tracking ads and invisible trackers. Helium reported a unique browser fingerprint, while Brave reported a randomized fingerprint. The creator explains that fingerprint randomization can make tracking harder, giving Brave an advantage on this measure. Helium still performed well at blocking trackers.

RAM usage

With both browsers idle, Helium used noticeably less RAM. With YouTube, ChatGPT, and several other tabs open, their usage became much closer, with Brave possibly using slightly less. The creator concludes that Helium competes with Brave on memory use, especially when idle.

Overall verdict

The creator likes Helium’s clean interface, customization, and uBlock Origin integration, and plans to keep using it. They do not plan to uninstall Brave, but appreciate Helium as a simpler browser without features they do not use, such as Brave Rewards or its wallet.

Main speaker/source

Allysun, the video’s presenter and reviewer.