# Helium

> A privacy-first, open-source Chromium-based desktop browser that blocks ads and trackers by default and supports bangs, split view, and all Chromium extensions.

Helium is a privacy-first, open-source web browser built on Chromium that blocks ads, trackers, and third-party cookies by default. It aims to provide a fast, minimal, and non-invasive browsing experience with features like native !bangs, split view, and support for all Chromium extensions. The project publishes builds and source code on GitHub and provides self-hostable services so users can control data and updates.

- **Default privacy protections** — Blocks ads, trackers, phishing sites, and third-party cookies out of the box so no extra configuration is required to get basic privacy.
- **uBlock Origin and community filters** — Uses community filters and ships with uBlock Origin integration to extend blocking capabilities; enable or adjust filters from the extension or settings panel.
- **Native !bangs** — Type bangs (for example, !w for Wikipedia or !gh for GitHub) directly in the address bar to jump to sites or start AI chats without sending prompts externally; use the bangs list in the UI to browse available shortcuts.
- **Split view and productivity shortcuts** — Open pages side-by-side with split view and use quick-copy shortcuts (e.g., ⌘+Shift+C) to speed up workflows; enable split view from the window menu or toolbar actions.
- **Chromium extension compatibility** — Supports all Chromium extensions (including MV2) and anonymizes extension store requests to protect privacy; install extensions from the browser and manage them in the extensions page.
- **Open source with self-hosting** — All parts of the browser and online services are open source and can be self-hosted; obtain builds or source from the project repository and follow platform packaging instructions.

Get started by downloading a build for your platform, importing data from another browser in one click, and reviewing the bangs list to customize quick navigation and AI integrations.

## Features
- Blocks ads, trackers, and third-party cookies by default
- Native !bangs for fast site navigation and AI chat initiation
- Supports all Chromium extensions including MV2
- Split view for side-by-side browsing
- Open source with self-hostable services
- Anonymizes internal requests to the Chrome Web Store

## Integrations
uBlock Origin, Chromium extensions (MV2 and MV3), GitHub (project repository)

## Platforms
WINDOWS, MACOS, LINUX, WEB, API

## Pricing
Open Source

## Links
- Website: https://helium.computer/
- Repository: https://github.com/imputnet/helium
- EveryDev.ai: https://www.everydev.ai/tools/helium-browser