# Beacon Web Browser — Security without authority

> Decentralized, privacy-focused web browser using peer-to-peer naming and DNSSEC. (iPhone/iPad app by Impervious Inc.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beacon-web-browser/id1599119646 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Impervious Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1593476645)
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.57/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 104 MB
- Languages: Afrikaans, Albanian, Arabic, Aragonese, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Basque, Bangla, Bosnian, Breton and 68 more
- Released: 2021-12-14
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beacon-web-browser/id1599119646/reviews.md

## What is Beacon Web Browser?

Beacon is a privacy and security-focused browser with the goal of replacing traditional certificate authorities with decentralized peer-to-peer naming systems, DNSSEC, and DNS-Based Authentication of Named Entities (DANE)!

1. We use a lightweight peer-to-peer client that connects to the Handshake network[1] and syncs block headers in a few seconds!

2. On-device DNSSEC validation, you don't need to trust external resolvers. Beacon doesn't use a centralized DNSSEC signing key either. Instead, it requests and verifies proofs from the Handshake network.

3. Enable your device to use encrypted DNS with Handshake naming support. Handshake links to other naming systems such as Ethereum using HIP-5. Beacon supports accessing those names too! Try opening humbly.eth or impervious.forever.

4. Look for "Secured by Handshake" to identify websites secured by decentralized DNS-Based Authentication. 

5. Beacon is open source! Submit feedback, contribute and report bugs or issues:

https://github.com/imperviousinc/beacon-ios

[1] https://handshake.org

## Key features

- Decentralized peer-to-peer naming systems
- On-device DNSSEC validation
- Encrypted DNS with Handshake naming
- Access to Ethereum names
- Open source development

## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beacon-web-browser/id1599119646/reviews.md

### 4/5 — decent

*2024-01-03, version 1.0.1*

By all means it's not the best browser but it's not bad neither

### 5/5 — Unique web browser

*2024-01-01*

Faster, lighter and Dns over https supported only browser for ios
 but the browser has to focus on update cycle
Because the update cycle is to slow

### 5/5 — This is the easiest way to browse Handshake domains

*2022-11-01*

And it's secure too!

### 5/5 — Web2 and web3 searches under one bonnet!? Heck yeah

*2022-11-01*

Initially a little sceptical, I downloaded this browser. Having heard of web3 and blockchain domain names, I installed it.. No difference except it retrieves more results (web2 and web3 combined) no regrets!!!

### 5/5 — Very nice

*2022-03-04, version 1.0.1*

Thanks for the good browser

### 5/5 — Finally a web3 browser w native VPN

*2022-01-06*

Seems to work just like Chrome but includes support for web3 including Handshake names and top level domains. 

Only note is that the VPN is always on, so I try to turn it off when not using the browser

### 5/5 — Handshake domains secured with HTTPS

*2021-12-15*

Finally!

## Frequently asked questions about Beacon Web Browser

### What is Beacon Web Browser?

Beacon is a free, open-source web browser focused on privacy and security. It utilizes decentralized peer-to-peer naming systems and DNSSEC for enhanced user protection.

### Does Beacon Web Browser have ads?

No, Beacon Web Browser does not contain advertisements. It is a free application with no ads to ensure an uninterrupted browsing experience.

### What devices does Beacon Web Browser support?

Beacon Web Browser is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It is designed for Apple's mobile operating system.

### What is the age rating for Beacon Web Browser?

Beacon Web Browser has an age rating of 17+. This is due to the nature of web browsing and the potential for mature content accessible online.

### How often is Beacon Web Browser updated?

The latest version of Beacon Web Browser is 1.0.1, which was last updated on January 6, 2022. Further updates will be released as development progresses.

### What makes Beacon Web Browser different from other browsers?

Beacon replaces traditional certificate authorities with decentralized systems like Handshake and DNSSEC. This means you don't need to trust external resolvers for DNS validation.

### Can I access decentralized applications with Beacon Web Browser?

Yes, Beacon Web Browser supports accessing decentralized naming systems like Ethereum names. You can try opening addresses like humbly.eth or impervious.forever.

### How secure is Beacon Web Browser?

Beacon Web Browser prioritizes security with on-device DNSSEC validation and support for encrypted DNS. It aims to provide a more secure browsing experience by reducing reliance on centralized authorities.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.0.1 — 2022-01-06

Small stability update:
- Use split-tunnel mode for the VPN to improve reliability.
- Fix connection issues on M1 macs
- Update seed nodes

### 1.0 — 2021-12-14

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Beacon Web Browser

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Brave Navegador e Pesquisa](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brave-navegador-e-pesquisa/id1052879175) | 4.9 (38,535) | Free | Utilities |
| [Snap VPN - VPN & VPN Proxy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snap-vpn-vpn-and-vpn-proxy/id1411774007) | 4.5 (4,865) | Free | Utilities |
| [Vivaldi Powerful Web Browser](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vivaldi-powerful-web-browser/id1633234600) | 4.7 (3,886) | Free | Utilities |
| [Private Web Browser Incognito](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-web-browser-incognito/id1406553615) | 4.6 (5,212) | Free | Utilities |
| [Safe Page – Web Browser](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/safe-page-web-browser/id1565217090) | 4.6 (157) | Free | Utilities |
| [Private Full Screen Browser](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-full-screen-browser/id501940809) | 4.1 (181) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Impervious Inc

- [Nacho Wallet](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nacho-wallet/id6755894049)

All apps by Impervious Inc: https://appshunter.io/developer/1593476645

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*