Browser market share in France

In France, Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge together make up 86.48% of all web traffic, according to StatCounter data from September 2026. Chrome is the most used, with 59.45%, followed by Safari at 20.03% and Edge at 7%. These numbers are based on over three billion monthly page views globally and reflect how often browsers are used, not the number of users.

EU regulation and browser choice

The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which began in 2024, aims to give users more choice in digital services, but its impact has been limited so far. Many users do not actively seek out alternatives to their default browser, even when given the option. This concentration of web traffic among a few large companies raises concerns about privacy and digital independence, as these companies control many aspects of user experience and data handling.

Alternatives for privacy and choice

Switching to a different browser can improve privacy, as some alternatives include built-in protections against online tracking and ads. Researchers suggest Firefox and Brave as strong options. Firefox, developed by Mozilla Corporation, uses its own Gecko engine and blocks third-party cookies and trackers. However, much of its funding comes from partnerships, including with Google.

Brave browser features and controversies

Brave, launched in 2016, automatically blocks ads, trackers, and fingerprinting techniques. While its source code is open, Brave relies on Chromium, which ties it to Google's technology. Brave's co-founder and CEO, Brendan Eich, has been involved in controversies, including funding a campaign against same-sex marriage and making controversial comments during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vivaldi and Ecosia browsers

Vivaldi, a Norwegian browser, blocks ads and trackers without collecting user data. Its data is stored in Iceland, and it is funded through partnerships, search engine deals, and donations. However, it also uses Chromium as its base. Ecosia Browser, launched in 2024 by a German company, focuses on climate action by using its profits for reforestation and renewable energy projects. It blocks ads and trackers but relies on Chromium and partnerships with Google and Microsoft.

Mullvad Browser and its controversies

Mullvad Browser, launched in 2023 by the Swedish company Mullvad VPN and the Tor Project, emphasizes strong protection against fingerprinting. Built on the Gecko engine, it is free and open source, funded through Mullvad's VPN subscriptions. However, a controversy arose in 2025 when one of its co-founders donated to a nationalist political party, prompting Mullvad to publicly distance itself from the donation in July 2026.