Helium Browser 0.9.1.1 rolls out vertical tabs along with new updates

Helium is a private, fast, and honest Chromium-based browser built for people. It offers best-in-class privacy, unbiased ad-blocking, and a clean, open-source experience with no bloat or noise.

Razvan Serea News Reporter Neowin · Feb 15, 2026 14:22 EST with 5 comments

Helium Browser

Helium is a private, fast, and honest Chromium-based web browser — built for people, with love. It offers the best privacy by default, unbiased ad-blocking, and a clean experience free from bloat and noise. Proudly based on Ungoogled-Chromium, Helium removes Google’s clutter while keeping a fast, efficient development pipeline. With thoughtful touches like native !bangs and split view, Helium is a people-first, fully open-source browser that puts control back in your hands.

Privacy, security, and control come first. Ads, trackers, and third-party cookies are blocked automatically, HTTPS is enforced everywhere, and all Chromium extensions work seamlessly — while Google can’t track your activity. Helium’s 13,000+ offline-ready !bangs let you jump straight to sites or AI tools like ChatGPT instantly. Open-source, people-first, and unbiased, Helium delivers a browsing experience that’s fast, secure, and free from noise, ads, and compromises.

Helium Browser key features:

Performance

Fast, efficient, and lightweight — built on Chromium’s optimized engine.
Energy-saving and consistent — stays fast over time without slowing down.
No bloat — stripped of unnecessary components for maximum speed.
Minimalist interface — compact, clean, and distraction-free.
Customizable toolbar — hide elements you don’t need.
Smooth and stable — no flicker, lag, or animation glitches.
Comfort-focused experience — intuitive and unobtrusive.

Privacy & Security

Best privacy by default — blocks ads, trackers, phishing, and third-party cookies.
Unbiased ad-blocking — powered by community filters and uBlock Origin.
No telemetry or analytics — zero background web requests on first launch.
Strict HTTPS enforcement — warns for insecure sites.
Passkeys supported — modern authentication made simple.
No built-in password manager or cloud sync — your data stays yours.

Extension Compatibility

Full Chromium extension support — including MV2 extensions.
Anonymized Chrome Web Store requests — Google can’t track extension installs.
Extended MV2 support — maintained for as long as possible.

Smart Features

Native !bangs — browse faster using 13,000+ offline-ready shortcuts.
AI integration — use !chatgpt and others directly from the address bar.
Offline functionality — bangs work without an Internet connection.

Philosophy

People-first design — open source, transparent, and community-driven.
No ads, no noise, no bias — privacy and honesty over profit.

Helium Browser 0.9.1.1 Update: Vertical tabs and a range of new enhancements

Helium Browser has been updated to version 0.9.1.1, bringing a series of notable changes and improvements. Among the key highlights of this release is the long-awaited vertical tabs feature, which allows users to organize tabs more efficiently on the side of their browser window.

In addition to vertical tabs, this update includes several under-the-hood improvements and fixes, as well as refinements to the browser's layout system. Here's a breakdown of what's new:

Key Changes:

Helium Windows

helium 0.9.1.1 update (#142)
Windows fixes including command ID refresh and UI enhancements
CI improvements: Migration to Azure trusted signing and update of signing process
Depots & README updates: Added shoutout and removed signpath-mandated text

Helium Chromium

Vertical tabs implementation: Introduced new layout options, including vertical tabs and layout switching
Refined UI elements: Adjustments for tab strip alignment and top container button padding
Compact layout: Unflagged compact layout mode and introduced layout state controller for better UI flexibility
Bug fixes: Addressed issues with PWA toolbar height on macOS and fixed alignment in vertical tab mode

Other Fixes and Enhancements:

Optimized the performance and drag behavior across tabs in vertical mode
Improvements to the omnibox and location bar for a cleaner and more functional interface
Chromium updates: Brought in the latest Chromium 145.0.7632.75, which improves browser stability and security

Helium Browser Update: A new stable release is out! Helium Browser has moved from version 0.9.1.1 to 0.9.2.1, bringing improved stability, bug fixes, and performance enhancements.

Helium Windows