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Add to SafariWhen comparing GNU IceCat vs Cake web browser, the Slant community recommends GNU IceCat for most people. In the question“What are the best desktop web browsers?” GNU IceCat is ranked 8th while Cake web browser is ranked 54th.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro All the benefits of Firefox, but with 100% free software
Pro LibreJS
LibreJS blocks proprietary JavaScript code, ensuring your user freedom.
Pro Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF
Pro Extra security and privacy features
Pro Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
Pro No spyware
Pro Https-Everywhere by default
Pro SpyBlock
Blocks privacy trackers.
Pro Less bloated than Google
Ad settings are removed.
Pro Adblock
Blocks ads.
Pro Fast
Even faster than Google Chrome.
Pro Always secure 24/7
Cons
Con Too much bloat
The browser comes with 15 addons installed by default, most of which are useless or ruin one's browsing experience.
Con Mainly just an old Firefox
It is mainly a renamend older version of Firefox that comes preinstalled with some extensions.
Con Not up to date
Latest binary is still version 60.7 ESR and was last updated over a year ago
Con Requires too much unnecessary configuration to use
You have to manually delete all the bloated addons from your files (only for them to show up again when the browser is updated) and manually install some addons and themes that the browser labels as "corrupt".
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Can't install some Firefox themes/addons
"Installation aborted because the addon appears to be corrupt".
Con Includes LibreJS by default with no way to remove it
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Dependent on Mozilla
Since IceCat is based off Firefox, it's dependent on all of Mozilla's decisions.
Con Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
Con Unable to block Verizon media trackers
Con Lags and freezes
Something needs to be done about it.
Con Has Yahoo as its default search engine
Which is quite ironic for this "privacy" browser with Verizon Media.
Con Lacks tracker blocking features on websites you visit
Con Same security holes as Yahoo
Cake uses the same browser as Yahoo, meaning that it has the same security holes as Yahoo. Yahoo is also a big target for hackers, and a web page that will hack Yahoo also will hack cake.
Con Dumbed down its latest versions
Before, Cake almost felt like DuckDuckGo. Now it's dumbed down, it almost feels like Chrome/Chromium. For example, it's still not secure on websites you visit.
Con Has odd behavior
When you leave the app and go back in, it lets you go back to the top of the page, rather than where you are.
Con Mobile-only
Cake is currently available on mobile only. Due to the screen size, cake is not available on windows, linux, etc.
Con Depends on Yahoo
Since it's based on Yahoo.
