Jack Wallen
Follow : Add us as a preferred source on Google.
'key takeaways
- Aloha delivers strong privacy tools while keeping a Chrome-like experience.
- The built-in VPN shines on both Android and MacOS beta.
- Aloha is a solid Chrome alternative on Android, with room to improve.
I've been saying for some time that people need to migrate away from Chrome. Not only is it less flexible than other browsers, but it also seems that high and critical vulnerabilities are found within the browser's code regularly.
But many do not like change. After using Chrome for years, people are familiar with how the browser works and how compatible it is with sites all over the web. What if there were a browser that looked and acted very much like Chrome, yet offered features geared toward privacy and security that Chrome lacks?
Also: My top 4 browsers after testing nearly every one (spoiler: Chrome fans may be upset)
Guess what? There is such a beast, and it's called Aloha.
The Aloha browser, according to its site, stands for the freedom of users to be online privately. How does it achieve this? The list of features geared toward privacy and security makes it clear:
- Built-in, full-device VPN
- Private mode + VPN combo
- HTTPS lock
- Real-time privacy report
- Zero data collection
- Redirect blocker
- Ad blocker
- Tracking protection is on by default
- Private AI
All of these features come together to bolster the browser's privacy and security, all the while keeping with Chrome's traditional UI and layout. The second you start using Aloha, you'll know exactly how it works because it is essentially Chrome with a bit of extra security under the hood.
Also: Looking for a Chrome alternative? My top 5 free open-source browsers
Aloha is a free web browser, but there is a paid version. The paid version adds the following:
- More VPN locations
- VPN automatically connects to the fastest server
- VPN autostart
- Phone-wide VPN connection
- Auto kill switch to keep you protected
- More customizations and exclusive color themes
- Advanced file management with private, locked folders
The premium version of Aloha is $7.99 per month. Aloha is available for MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
The big question? Is Aloha worth the switch? The answer depends on the platform you use. I tested Aloha on both MacOS and Android, and the experience was considerably different. Let me explain.
It's all about the VPN
Yes, it's great to have all of those other privacy features added and enabled by default. But one of the more important privacy features is the built-in VPN. It's always a major bonus when a browser offers a free, easy-to-use VPN solution, but with Aloha, it wasn't exactly the smoothest experience on MacOS, at least during version 3.x.
My Aloha installation on Android worked perfectly. Tap the Shield/Lightning Bolt icon to the left of the search bar, and the VPN automatically searches for the best VPN location. Long-press the icon, and you can choose the location you need.
Also: Best VPN services 2025: Our top picks for speed and security
On the 3.x version of MacOS, I clicked the VPN icon, and it blinked and blinked and blinked and never connected. I reinstalled Aloha on my MacBook Pro, only to find the same behavior. In a nod to irony, the Aloha browser automatically blocked the download of the Aloha browser, which shows the browser does take security seriously. And, in defense of Aloha, the MacOS version is in beta, so problems are to be expected.
The good news is that, after updating to 4.x (which is still considered beta), the VPN worked exactly as expected.
Also: 5 reasons why Opera is my favorite browser (and you should check it out too)
On Android, I tapped the VPN button and was connected almost immediately. Once connected, I went to What Is My IP Address to find the location was in the Netherlands.
Long press the VPN icon and you can then select the location you want.
Jack WallenHuzzah.
The experience is quite good
Overall, the experience with Android was quite good. Not only did the VPN work flawlessly, but the private AI did as well. Fortunately, the MacOS version has come a long way since the earlier iterations.
In fact, as a whole, the Aloha browser feels complete on Android and even on MacOS. I always expect issues with beta releases, and it's nice to see that the developers are busy fixing things that were broken in previous releases.
My conclusion of Aloha is simple: This browser is a vast improvement over Chrome on both Android and MacOS.
Also: Sick of AI in your search results? Try these 8 Google alternatives
One really nice feature I discovered was the ability to set a passcode and then decide which features you'd like to apply it to. I set a passcode, applied it to the applications, and closed Aloha. When I went to reopen the browser, I was asked for my passcode.
Nice.
You can apply the passcode to the application, private tabs, downloads, or private tabs and downloads. I really appreciate this feature and can imagine it would come in handy for those who need to have a browser dedicated to work that requires a bit of extra security.
Is it a Chrome replacement?
If the constant worrying about Chrome has you frustrated, Aloha is a worthy successor on Android. As far as MacOS is concerned, you'll want to hold out until the full version is released to see if the features work as expected. Hopefully, Aloha will look into the passcode feature on Android.
You can install the Aloha browser for Android from the Google Play Store. For both MacOS and Windows, head over to the Aloha download page and grab the installer for your chosen OS.
Also: I replaced Chrome with a local AI browser on my Pixel and it's almost too good to be free
When I was first made aware of Aloha, I was excited to finally have a Chrome replacement that took privacy and security seriously. After experiencing the browser, that excitement remained, and I'm happy to call Aloha the Chrome browser I've been looking for.
Featured
-
The 11 Microsoft apps I ditch on every new Windows install - and the 11 I keep
-
LG G5 vs. LG G4: I spent hours testing both OLED TVs, and this model was the surprise winner
-
The internet in 2025: Bigger, more fragile than ever - and 'fundamentally rewired' by AI
-
I test AI for a living: These are the 3 free tools I'm taking with me into 2026