The Aloha Browser is one of the up-and-coming new browser apps for mobiles which targets one of the most of import aspects of modern browsing — privacy. The Aloha Browser is the just browser (to our noesis) that comes with a congenital-in VPN and encrypts user data at all levels.

Sounds great, but how does it perform? In this article, we'll introduce yous to the Aloha Browser, cover its many features, and give yous a final verdict of whether we call back information technology's worth using.

What Is the Aloha Browser?

Aloha is a web browser bachelor on the Google Play Store (for Android four.4 and upward) and on the App Store (for iPhone or iPad with iOS 9.0 and upward). So far, it'due south had over five 1000000 downloads and has a rating of four.iv stars. In that location'southward likewise a desktop PC version currently in early access.

Aloha uses the Aloha Find search engine which is based on Google, though without the data collection and tracking.

What Are the Main Features of Aloha?

Aloha is packed with features. Like a normal browser, it offers web search, bookmarks, and the typical browser features. Here, we'll take a deep dive and explicate each of Aloha'due south unique features, how they work, and how adept they are.

Elementary, Easy-to-Use Interface

The UI is essentially the same equally any browser. At that place'south a search bar and a series of quick links. As you coil down, there's a list of suggested content such as recent news and a few non-targeted advertisements (in the free version).

In the search bar, in that location's an icon to activate the VPN and some other to utilize the congenital-in QR reader.

Free Unlimited VPN

Aloha's main marketing point is the built-in costless VPN that can be turned on with the tap of a button.

The VPN provides a strong layer of security through military-strength encryption (256-bit). Information technology also lets y'all access sites that may be blocked in your region, something many users find useful.

As with all VPNs, you tin can but trust them every bit far as yous can trust the visitor creating them since they are able to actively monitor and log your activity. Aloha claims that their VPN doesn't log your activity.

To actuate the VPN:

  1. Open up Aloha.
  2. Click the shield icon at the left of the search bar.
  1. In the pop-upward, hit OK.
  1. Tap and concur the shield icon again to change VPN location or change settings.
  1. Tap the shield icon once again to turn the VPN off.

Passcode or Fingerprint Lock

An added layer of security, the passcode locks the browser and then that prying eyes tin't access it. This is helpful when it comes to preventing your kids from accessing sites that they shouldn't (such as buying themselves a brand new nowadays from Amazon).

To turn on the passcode lock:

  1. Press the Settings icon at the top-right of the main screen.
  1. Select Privacy.
  1. Toggle on Passcode.
  1. Enter your passcode and confirm it.

AdBlock

Aloha mobile has built-in AdBlock, preventing many ads from appearing, and cutting the advertising network code and trackers to forbid them from building a user contour or targeting you.

Weirdly, the gratuitous version of Aloha nonetheless features adverts, and they come by default as personalized ads which do rail yous. The premium version of Aloha offers a completely advertising-free experience.

Y'all tin enable AdBlock in Settings > AdBlock.

Tracking Protection

Aloha provides tracking protection and claims to not track your action online, dissimilar other major browsers similar Google and Safari. This includes searches, data usage, downloads, location, and websites you visit.

Aloha does ship diagnostic and error reports by default, but it's opt-out. Frustratingly, by default, Aloha also allows personalized adverts with their "trusted partners". For a browser that claims to put privacy and security in a higher place all else, this is an odd motility.

To opt-out of these tracking services:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy.
  1. Scroll downward and toggle off Personalized ads, UX comeback program, and Crash reporting.

Support for Downloading Files and Video

A welcome feature of Aloha is that it allows you to download almost whatsoever files and video to your device. In fact, it's one of the only browser apps that allow you do this.

Private File Vault

The Aloha browser comes with an integrated file and download manager. With this, all downloaded files are stored securely with the pick to lock specific folders with a password.

Media Player with Chromecast Support

Aloha'due south full-featured media player is able to play movies, music, virtual reality content, and supports Chromecast functionality.

Premium Features

The premium version of Aloha offers a few extra features which improve the overall browsing experience. These include:

  • Premium VPN — e'er on, faster servers in more countries
  • No advertisements
  • Advanced file management — parallel downloads, faster downloading, ZIP support

Aloha Premium costs $2.99/month or $24.99/year.

Downsides of the Aloha Browser

Overall, the Aloha browser is a decent choice if you desire to proceed your information private and secure. But, there are a few things that could be meliorate.

  • The browser is a little slower than many of its competitors, like Chrome or Firefox. But, the lack of speed is primarily due to the VPN connectedness.
  • Aloha isn't open source. If you're an average user, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Notwithstanding, many experts recommend open source software every bit it allows you to review exactly what the program is doing and whether it's as private and secure equally the developers claim.
  • As of version 3.10.two, Aloha actually uses 4 trackers despite claiming not to. All the same, you can opt-out of Personalized Ads under Privacy which may disable at to the lowest degree ii of these trackers.

Is Aloha Right For You?

Overall, Aloha is a decent mobile web browser if you're looking for gratis, more private, and secure browsing. Though, there are plenty of alternatives that protect your privacy like DuckDuckGo, Privacy Browser, Bromite, and the Brave Browser.

If yous've used Aloha, let us know what you recall of it in the comments below.