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iCab vs Helium

Side-by-side comparison for macOS

iCab

6.0
Browsers

Alternative web browser

Helium

8.0
Browsers

Chromium-based web browser

Metric iCab Helium
Category Browsers Browsers
AI Score 6.0 8.0
30-day Installs 4 1.8K
90-day Installs 9 4.0K
365-day Installs 71 8.4K
Version 6.3.7 0.11.7.1
Auto-updates No Yes
Deprecated No No
GitHub Stars 2 968
GitHub Forks 2 48
Open Issues - 16
License MIT GPL-3.0
Language Python C++
Last GitHub Commit 2y ago 1mo ago
First Seen Dec 18, 2015 Sep 26, 2025

Reviews

iCab

iCab is a privacy-focused, lightweight macOS web browser emphasizing memory efficiency and security. It appeals to users seeking a minimalistic alternative to mainstream browsers.

iCab provides a web browsing experience prioritizing privacy, security, and resource efficiency.

Pros

  • + Strong focus on privacy and security
  • + Efficient memory usage, ideal for older Macs
  • + Lightweight design without unnecessary features

Cons

  • - No auto-update feature
  • - Niche appeal with limited user base

Helium

Helium is a Chromium-based, open-source web browser built for macOS, offering a modern and customizable browsing experience. It benefits users seeking an alternative to mainstream browsers with active development and community contributions.

Helium provides a web browsing experience similar to Chrome and Edge but with open-source transparency.

Pros

  • + Open-source with GPL-3.0 license, promoting transparency and community contributions.
  • + Built on Chromium, ensuring compatibility with web standards and extensions.
  • + Active development and responsive community support.

Cons

  • - GPL-3.0 license may be less preferred by some users compared to permissive licenses.
  • - Lacks unique features beyond standard Chromium functionality.