I generally try and avoid Chromium-based browsers. I use Vivaldi quite a lot, because I’m keen to encourage European-based development and because (especially in its latest release) it’s super-customisable. But I’ve found something else, and it may become the Chromium-based browser of choice for me.

It’s Helium, and it’s about as stripped back as you can imagine. There’s no password manager, because you should be bringing a secure one of your own. There’s no mail client, AI integration, crazy sidebars… and of course, no Google.

But what there is is a light, clean browser which comes out of the box with support for uBlock Origin, still the best blocking software and – completely coincidentally I’m sure – an extension that can’t be run in browsers which stick to Google’s Chromium source code. Helium’s developers have said they are going to keep supporting it as long as humanly possible, and I believe them.

The only downside? There’s no way of syncing your settings across devices, and no mobile app. But given how clean and fast it is, I’m prepared to live like a barbarian and set up my own extensions.

Source: Ten Blue Links, “this one’s for you, Ian” edition

It’s validating to see people I respect start appreciating things I’ve been supporting. In this case - Helium.

Remember: the web and the browser are still fundamentally technology that you can mould to your liking.