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Add to SafariWhen comparing Torch Browser vs GNU IceCat, 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 Torch Browser is ranked 48th.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Enables streaming media while it's downloading
Torch supports sequential downloading that allows users to download files in sequential order. That means that media such as video or audio can be streamed a the same way it can be with any other streaming service.
Pro Combines a social media obsessed web browser with a BitTorrent client
Torch is a Chromium-based web browser designed for heavy consumers of social media. It includes a features such as a media grabber that is capable of downloading videos from video sharing sites such as YouTube or Vimeo, a built-in player that's capable of streaming media while it's still downloading and of course a download manager that's capable of handling torrents. And since it has the same backbone as Google's Chrome, Opera, Safari or Vivaldi browsers it safe to say that it's reliable and fast. It's also compatible with all Chrome add-ons.
Pro Built-in search
Built-in search engine allows finding torrents to download right from withing the torrent client.
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.
Cons
Con More memory usage since there is a browser running with it
Con Unknown underlying technology
It is unclear what BitTorrent protocol features or extensions are supported by the browser.
Con Ads
The development of Torch Browser is supported by ads placed within the browser.
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.
