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Puffin Browser
Puffin Browser
Puffin Browser
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Puffin Browser
DevelopersCloudMosa, Inc.
Initial releaseNovember 23, 2010; 15 years ago (2010-11-23)
Stable release(s) [±]
Puffin Secure Browser(Windows)

9.0.1.757 (August 20, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-08-20)[1]) [±]

Puffin Web Browser(iOS)

5.2.6 (March 4, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-03-04)[2]) [±]

Puffin Web Browser(Android)

9.5.1.51115 (December 9, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-12-09)[3]) [±]

Puffin Incognito Browser(Android)

9.4.0.50938 (October 4, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-10-04)[4]) [±]

Puffin Cloud Store(Android)

9.4.0.50997 (October 20, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-10-20)[5]) [±]

Puffin TV Browser(Android TV)

9.2.1.50969 (October 18, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-10-18)[6]) [±]

Puffin Secure Browser(macOS)
9.0.1.617 (September 28, 2021; 4 years ago (2021-09-28)[7]) [±]
EngineBlink
Operating systemAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Android TV, Linux
LicenseProprietary
Websitewww.puffin.com
For the bird, see Puffin.

Puffin Browser is a remote browser using cloud servers for content processing.[8][9] Developed by CloudMosa, an American mobile technology company founded in 2009 by Shioupyn Shen,[10] Puffin Browser was initially released in 2010.[citation needed]

It relays the network identity of its users to the websites they visit by adding an extra XFF (X-Forwarded-For) header in each HTTP request[11] containing the user's mobile device's IP address. For websites not supporting the XFF header, Puffin Browser is treated as a proxy server.[12]

Puffin Browser was compatible with Adobe Flash Player, enabling it to play Adobe Flash content, including on mobile devices, where Flash was discontinued due to security issues.[13] Adobe Flash Player eventually cut support in 2020, resulting in Puffin Browser also shutting down support for Adobe Flash Player. The browser also features a virtual trackpad, gamepad and on-screen keyboard functions.[14]

Puffin Browser can be used on Android (and formerly iOS), Puffin Secure Browser on Windows and macOS, Puffin Internet Terminal[15] on Linux, Puffin TV Browser[16] on Android TVs and Puffin OS on mainstream smartphones. Puffin Browser is also known to run on resource-limited hardware like Raspberry Pi[15] and set-top boxes.[17]

In May 2019, CloudMosa announced that they would discontinue the Puffin Web Browser app on iOS devices due to Apple's App Store policies.[18] However, CloudMosa released Puffin Web Browser Lite for iOS devices, which does not support Adobe Flash Player.[19]

History

[edit]

In November 2010 and December 2010 respectively, Puffin Browser released its paid version, Puffin Web Browser Pro, with an increased download limit, on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

In 2013, CloudMosa introduced Puffin Academy, a free mobile browser with built-in Adobe Flash for K-12 students, teachers and parents. However, the iOS version of Puffin Academy was discontinued on July 1, 2019.[18]

In 2015, Puffin for Facebook was released.[20][21][22]

In 2017, the Puffin Browser was the top utility application in the App Store across 58 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy and South Korea.[23]

In May 2018, ad blocking features were added to the Pro version.[24]

In June 2018, CloudMosa announced the release of an independent lightweight browser app for iOS devices called Puffin Browser Lite, in response to Apple having rejected Puffin Web Browser updates. The lightweight browser app is based on iOS WebKit and does not support Adobe Flash Player.[19] CloudMosa later announced that they would discontinue the original Puffin Web Browser apps on all iOS devices on July 1, 2019, because of the block on updates citing Apple's app review guideline 2.5.6. The shutdown was later pushed back to October 1, 2019,[18] and the free version of the original browser app was finally discontinued on November 20, 2019. CloudMosa announced on Facebook that the paid version on iOS, Puffin Browser Pro would remain available but would no longer be updated.[25]

Puffin TV Browser is an edition of Puffin Browser optimized for Android TV users. It has been ranked the best browser for Android TV by MakeUseOf.[26] Thailand's largest GSM mobile phone operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS), ships a customized version of Puffin TV Browser in their set-top box—AIS Playbox.[17]

Until 2018, the Puffin Browser product family was available only on mobile devices. In June 2018, CloudMosa released a desktop version, Puffin Secure Browser, for Windows (beta in 2017[27]);[28] in May 2019, a macOS version followed.

By October 2018, it had reached over 50 million users on Android.[29] As of November 2018, Puffin browser has reached 100 million accumulated users worldwide.[30][31]

In 2019, CloudMosa announced a new Puffin Browser product family member, Puffin Internet Terminal, a desktop virtualization app running on Raspbian for Internet surfing designed for Raspberry Pi. Puffin Internet Terminal was selected as a CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Computer Hardware and Components product category.[32] Later in August 2021, Puffin Internet Terminal was rebranded as Puffin Cloud Learning and released as a demo version that did not require a subscription to support students learning at home during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place.[33][34]

In May 2019, CloudMosa introduced the Puffin OS, drawing skepticism from the independent review website GSM Arena.[35][36]

In 2020, the Puffin Android TV browser became a subscription service.

Products

[edit]

Puffin Web Browser

[edit]

Puffin Web Browser is the standard Puffin Browser application for Android and formerly iOS. The Android Puffin web browser supported Adobe Flash content and features such as mouse cursor emulation and a virtual gamepad before being discontinued.[37][38] Users can choose where to save a downloaded file - either to users' devices or directly to their storage drive. The web browser also allows users to reduce the amount of data from sources such as Flash games that often consume a lot of data.[39]

Puffin Web Browser Lite

[edit]

Puffin Browser Lite is the standard Puffin application for iOS devices.[19] It is similar to the Puffin Web Browser for Android devices but does not support Adobe Flash Player. It has workspaces and password protection.

Concerns

[edit]

Because web pages render through the remote browser on Puffin servers, user data is passed through them.[40] Some[which?] users have concerns regarding the risk of Puffin logging this data.[citation needed] However, Puffin's privacy policy states that they log no web page content and that they do not have access to users' passwords, and are in compliance with GDPR and CCPA.[41]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Puffin Browser

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from Grokipedia
Puffin Browser is a cloud-based web browser developed by CloudMosa, Inc., a mobile technology company founded in 2009 by Dr. Shioupyn Shen, which renders web pages on remote servers to deliver faster loading speeds, enhanced security through encryption and isolation, and significant data compression—up to 90% reduction in bandwidth usage—particularly on low-end mobile devices. Launched in 2010, Puffin has achieved over 200 million downloads across Android and platforms, with more than 10 million monthly active users, by leveraging proprietary cloud isolation technology that offloads resource-intensive tasks like execution from the user's device to CloudMosa's servers. Key features include an integrated ad blocker, on-screen for mobile gaming, adjustable image quality for data savings, incognito mode for , and support for tabbed browsing and speed dials, making it suitable for both consumer and enterprise use. In 2023, Puffin transitioned to a subscription-only model for its mobile version, requiring payment starting at $1 per month to function, while the desktop edition for Windows and macOS requires a paid plan via Puffin 365 starting at $2 per month. Notable for its focus on bridging the in regions with limited connectivity, Puffin has faced restrictions in countries like , the , , and due to its circumvention capabilities, yet it remains praised for enhancements such as blocking trackers and mitigating zero-day threats through server-side rendering. The browser also extends to specialized variants, including Puffin Secure Browser for enterprise security, Puffin TV Browser for smart TVs, and Puffin Incognito Browser for anonymous without local .

History

Founding and Early Development

CloudMosa, Inc. was founded in 2009 by Dr. Shioupyn Shen as an American mobile technology company dedicated to developing cloud-based solutions for enhanced web experiences on resource-constrained devices. The inception of Puffin Browser stemmed from the need to address key limitations in early mobile browsing, including the absence of native support on platforms like and Android, which restricted access to rich web content, as well as inefficiencies in data usage over low-bandwidth connections that hindered performance for users in emerging markets. In its pre-release phase, CloudMosa conducted prototypes and internal testing to refine the browser's core innovations, culminating in the launch of the first public beta version in , which introduced users to its novel approach for the first time. Early architectural decisions centered on a proprietary cloud rendering system, where complex web rendering and execution occur on remote servers before compressed, optimized content is delivered to the user's device, enabling faster load times and broader compatibility without taxing local hardware.

Key Releases and Milestones

Puffin Web Browser Pro was initially released on November 23, 2010, initially for with Android support following shortly thereafter. In , CloudMosa introduced Puffin Academy, a specialized version of the browser tailored for educational use among K-12 students, teachers, and parents, featuring built-in support for content. In 2015, CloudMosa secured $16.5 million in Series A to advance its cloud-based browser technologies. By 2018, Puffin Browser had achieved a significant growth milestone, reaching 100 million users worldwide through organic expansion and word-of-mouth promotion. As of 2025, the browser had surpassed 200 million downloads across Android and iOS platforms, reflecting sustained global adoption. In early 2019, CloudMosa released Puffin Secure Browser for Windows in February, followed by the macOS version in March, broadening accessibility beyond mobile devices. The company launched a subscription-based model in the early 2020s to sustain operations, introducing options including a standard $1 per month plan alongside lower-cost prepaid alternatives starting at $0.25 per session. Following Adobe's end-of-life for Flash Player in December 2020, Puffin discontinued native Flash support in its core browser to align with security standards, though specialized cloud-based extensions were offered for continued access to legacy content. In 2019, CloudMosa discontinued the version of Puffin Web Browser due to restrictive App Store policies, shifting focus to other platforms.

Challenges and Platform Changes

In 2019, Puffin Browser faced significant challenges on the platform due to Apple's policies, which restricted cloud-based browsers that rendered content on remote servers rather than using the required engine, particularly affecting features like Flash emulation. CloudMosa, the developer, announced the discontinuation of the full Puffin Web Browser and Puffin Academy apps on effective July 1, 2019, citing these policy changes as making continued service provision impossible. As a , the company pivoted to Puffin Cloud Browser, restructured as a client app that accesses cloud-rendered content without local rendering, allowing limited functionality to persist under Apple's guidelines. Post-2019 relaunch efforts under the Puffin Cloud Browser name enabled continued availability on , though with constrained updates to maintain compliance, and the app remains accessible as of 2025 despite user-reported limitations in and feature parity compared to other platforms. The end-of-life on December 31, 2020, further impacted Puffin's mobile offerings, as the browser's cloud-based Flash support—once a key differentiator for accessing legacy content on devices without native Flash—became increasingly obsolete amid the industry's shift to alternatives, prompting user base migration to standard browsers. Regulatory pressures also necessitated adaptations starting in 2018, when the European Union's (GDPR) took effect on May 25, requiring Puffin to enhance data collection transparency, user consent mechanisms, and rights to access or delete personal information across its cloud services. Similarly, the (CCPA), passed in 2018 and effective January 1, 2020, drove further compliance measures, including opt-out options for data sales and detailed privacy notices for California residents. In 2023, Puffin shifted to a subscription-only model, retiring perpetual licenses such as the one-time purchase Puffin Browser Pro effective January 1, effectively ending support for legacy paid versions and transitioning users to monthly or prepaid plans to sustain cloud infrastructure costs.

Technology and Features

Cloud Rendering Engine

The Cloud Rendering Engine is the proprietary core technology of Puffin Browser, which performs web page rendering on remote cloud servers to offload computational demands from user devices. This engine utilizes a derivative of the open-source Blink rendering engine, originally developed for , to handle the parsing and execution of , CSS, and on high-performance cloud infrastructure. By shifting these resource-intensive tasks to the cloud, the engine enables efficient browsing on low-powered devices such as smartphones, tablets, and older hardware, where local rendering might otherwise result in sluggish performance or high battery drain. Central to the engine's efficiency are its proprietary compression algorithms, which convert rendered into a compact Remote Browser Graphics Language—a vector-based format with hierarchical layers that transmits only differential updates for dynamic elements rather than full page reloads. These algorithms include advanced optimization techniques, such as adaptive resolution scaling and format conversion, achieving transfer reductions of up to 90% compared to standard web browsing. The result is minimized bandwidth usage, particularly beneficial for users on limited mobile plans or slow networks, while maintaining visual through selective compression of non-critical elements like background images. The server-side processing flow begins when a user's input—such as a request, gesture, or click—is transmitted from the client app to Puffin's servers. The then fetches the webpage, renders it fully in a sandboxed environment using the Blink-derived components, and streams the output back to the device as a compressed, video-like feed of graphics commands and interactive elements. This bidirectional streaming ensures low-latency interactions, with user inputs processed in real-time to update the display, effectively simulating a local browser experience without exposing the device to direct web execution risks. To support legacy web features and interactive content, the engine incorporates virtual input emulation, including a simulated cursor for precise on touch devices and customizable on-screen gamepads for gaming websites. These tools map touch inputs to traditional desktop controls, enabling seamless play of HTML5-based games and older Flash content (via cloud isolation) that might not adapt well to mobile interfaces. This emulation layer extends the engine's versatility, allowing compatibility with a broad range of web applications without requiring device-specific hardware.

Security and Encryption Mechanisms

Puffin Browser employs robust to protect user data during transmission. All network traffic between the user's device and Puffin's cloud servers is securely encrypted, utilizing protocols alongside proprietary data compression and transfer mechanisms to ensure in transit. This in transit between the device and Puffin servers safeguards browsing activities from interception, with additional measures such as patching SSL vulnerabilities and accepting only trusted server certificates. However, the cloud-based requires Puffin servers to access and process all and user inputs to render pages, allowing the company to potentially monitor browsing activity, which has raised concerns among users and reviewers. The browser minimizes local to enhance . In its cloud-based architecture, Puffin processes web content remotely, avoiding the storage of browsing history, , or cache on the user's device in standard sessions; any temporary local files are automatically deleted upon session closure. For shared or public devices, Puffin Secure Browser explicitly refrains from storing user credentials, website , or local storage data on the endpoint device. Puffin demonstrates compliance with major privacy regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) since 2018 and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The service logs only anonymized activity data, such as IP addresses, request timestamps, and URLs, without recording contents, and purges logs after 180 days. Users can exercise rights under these frameworks, such as data access and deletion requests, with no sale of personal information. Puffin Incognito mode provides an enhanced layer for . This dedicated feature or separate app ensures no , site data, or tracking elements are saved, blocks permissions for camera, , and geolocation, and terminates sessions after inactivity to leave no traces on the device. It maintains full for all interactions, preventing IP and location tracking while rendering pages without ads or persistent identifiers. To mitigate malware risks, Puffin isolates browsing sessions through its remote browser isolation technology. Each session executes in a secure environment, preventing threats from compromised websites from reaching the user's device via a Zero Trust Architecture that guarantees 100% separation. This cloud isolation acts as a protective barrier, containing potential exploits without the need for local virtual containers on the endpoint.

Performance and Data Optimization

Puffin Browser enhances performance and data efficiency primarily through its cloud-based architecture, which offloads intensive web processing to remote servers, allowing users on resource-constrained devices or slow networks to experience faster page loads and reduced consumption. This approach minimizes latency for resource-heavy sites, such as those with complex or high-resolution media, by rendering content server-side and streaming optimized visuals to the device. A key feature for data optimization is the adjustable streaming quality, offering low, medium, and high settings, along with customizable , which enables users to tailor bandwidth usage based on connection speed and limits. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for mobile users on metered plans, as it compresses transmitted without significantly compromising visual fidelity on faster connections. The browser includes built-in bandwidth statistics tracking, displaying savings per session to help users monitor and manage their consumption effectively. Through its proprietary compression , Puffin achieves up to 90% bandwidth reduction on regular web browsing, making it ideal for environments with limited or expensive access. By avoiding local rendering of heavy web elements, Puffin significantly lowers device resource demands, reducing CPU load and memory usage by more than 50% compared to traditional browsers that process content on-device. This offloading preserves battery life and enables smooth operation on older or low-spec hardware, such as budget smartphones or tablets. For mobile gaming, Puffin incorporates a virtual on-screen with controls, optimized to eliminate input lag by processing interactions server-side, providing a responsive experience even on devices with limited processing power. Integration with Puffin 365, a subscription service, further boosts performance by granting access to premium high-speed servers, ensuring consistent low-latency browsing without daily quotas or ads interrupting the session.

Products

Puffin Web Browser

The Puffin Web Browser serves as the flagship mobile application developed by CloudMosa, Inc., primarily designed for Android and devices under the name Puffin Cloud Browser on the latter platform. Initially released in 2010, it pioneered cloud-based browsing to enhance performance on resource-constrained mobile hardware. As of October 2025, the latest version is 10.5.1.70541, which includes fixes for reported issues and maintains core cloud isolation capabilities. Key mobile-specific features emphasize usability on touch-enabled devices, including intuitive navigation optimized for gestures and screen interactions, such as for reloading pages or adding tabs. The browser supports workspaces for organizing tabs and speed dials, allowing users to switch between customized sets of open websites for efficient multitasking. Additionally, it integrates options for file management, enabling direct downloads to services like or , with support for files up to 1GB in size. These elements, powered briefly by cloud rendering for offloading heavy computations, cater to mobile users seeking seamless web access without local bottlenecks. The free tier of the Puffin Web Browser imposes limitations, such as data quotas and sponsored ads displayed at the bottom of the screen, requiring users to subscribe for full functionality. The pro subscription unlocks ad-free , unlimited tab creation without restrictions, and removal of daily caps, typically priced at $1 per month or equivalent prepaid options. This model ensures sustained access to premium features like enhanced data compression and unrestricted cloud processing. A discontinued variant, Puffin Browser Lite, was available exclusively on iOS after 2019, offering basic browsing capabilities without the advanced cloud rendering of the main app, focusing instead on lightweight page loading and essential navigation. It was phased out amid broader iOS service changes, with the free version retiring on October 1, 2019, due to platform policy constraints. User reception varies by platform; as of 2025, it holds a 1.7 out of 5 rating on Google Play based on over 882,000 reviews, citing subscription requirements as a common complaint, while earning a 4.0 out of 5 on the App Store from approximately 6,700 reviews, praised for its speed and data savings.

Puffin Secure Browser

Puffin Secure Browser is an enterprise-focused variant of the Puffin product line, designed to deliver secure remote browsing through complete cloud isolation of web sessions. By executing all browsing activity in sandboxed environments on remote servers, it prevents , , and other web threats from reaching endpoint devices, leveraging a proprietary Blink-derived engine to handle , CSS, , and multimedia content. Available for desktop platforms including Windows (compatible with SP1 and 10) and macOS (version 12 and newer), it was introduced in as part of CloudMosa's push into enterprise solutions. Key features tailored for businesses include robust admin controls via the Puffin Enterprise Cloud Portal, which enables tracking of license usage, configuration of policies such as web filtering, and enforcement of restrictions on and file operations. Administrators can monitor service status and audit user access logs without accessing the actual content of browsing sessions, ensuring while maintaining oversight. Integration with corporate networks is facilitated through compatibility with third-party cloud storage providers like and , along with built-in virus scanning for downloaded files, allowing seamless incorporation into existing IT infrastructures. Pricing for team deployments under the Puffin 365 subscription bundles begins at higher tiers than individual consumer plans, with the option accommodating 5 or more users and the Enterprise tier supporting 20 or more, both providing access to the admin console and advanced security tools like full web isolation. These bundles consolidate Puffin Secure Browser with other applications, eliminating ads and usage quotas for organizational use, though exact costs require direct inquiry for customized enterprise quotes. Primary use cases include enabling secure access to high-risk websites by containing potential exploits in the , ensuring compliance with corporate IT through granular enforcement, and implementing zero-trust architecture to minimize lateral movement of threats across networks. In enterprise settings, it supports remote workforces by isolating sessions from device vulnerabilities, reducing the without compromising browsing functionality. As of 2025, Puffin Secure Browser holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating on based on user reviews, reflecting its appeal to enterprises seeking endpoint protection and browser management, with adoption centered on sectors requiring stringent security like and .

Puffin TV Browser and Other Variants

Puffin TV Browser is a specialized variant of the Puffin ecosystem designed specifically for devices, smart TVs, and set-top boxes, providing an optimized web browsing experience on large screens. Launched in May 2016, it features an intuitive, TV-friendly that eliminates traditional browser elements for a fully immersive viewing mode, supporting navigation through the companion Puffin TV Remote app available on mobile devices. This variant emphasizes big-screen optimizations, such as quick sharing from smartphones to the TV and customizable channels for frequently accessed web pages, enabling seamless video streaming, surfing, and music playback without the performance limitations of native TV apps. The browser integrates with Puffin 365, a subscription-based package that bundles multiple Puffin apps for cross-device access, allowing users to extend their browsing sessions from mobile or desktop to environments without ads or daily data quotas. However, it has notable platform limitations, including no support for iOS-based TV systems like , restricting its availability to Android ecosystems. As of November 2025, the version holds a 1.7 out of 5 rating on , based on over 5,000 reviews, reflecting mixed user feedback on usability and subscription dependencies. Puffin Cloud Learning (formerly the Puffin Internet Terminal) targets embedded systems like the , offering lightweight cloud-based browsing to transform low-cost hardware into a solution. Released on December 5, 2018, and rebranded in August 2021 as a free demo version that does not require a subscription, it leverages Puffin's remote rendering technology to deliver up to three times faster performance than on comparable devices, with built-in security against viruses and , making it suitable for educational and hobbyist applications on resource-constrained setups. Puffin also provides niche products such as the Incognito Browser, which operates exclusively in private mode to ensure user anonymity by blocking ads, , site , and permissions like camera or geolocation access, with sessions automatically ending after inactivity. Complementing this, the Puffin Cloud Store serves as a repository for lightweight apps—essentially web shortcuts under 100KB—that enable efficient access to services on budget devices, saving up to 75% of mobile through processing and supporting file syncing via integrated functionalities. These variants require a paid subscription to operate fully, aligning with Puffin's cloud-dependent model.

Business Model and Availability

Subscription and Pricing Structure

Puffin Browser underwent a significant shift in its monetization model in early 2023, transitioning from a one-time purchase option for its Pro version to a mandatory subscription-based system for full access. Prior to this change, the Pro edition was available as a paid with a decreasing price schedule—starting at $4 in January 2022 and dropping to $0 by January 1, 2023—after which the app was retired entirely. The free tier, previously offering limited daily data usage such as 100 MB, was curtailed to basic access only, with no ongoing quota for unrestricted browsing post-transition. Current consumer pricing options, as of November 2025, include a postpaid monthly subscription at $1 per month with auto-renewal, alongside flexible prepaid plans introduced to provide short-term access without long-term commitment. These prepaid tiers consist of $0.25 per week or $0.05 per day, allowing users to pay only for active usage periods. Annual plans are available on certain platforms, such as $4.99 per year via the or $12 per year for desktop versions. Puffin 365 serves as a premium bundle subscription, granting unlimited access to multiple Puffin products across platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and browsers such as Chrome and Edge, with no ads or usage limits; pricing starts at $2 per month or $20 per year for individual users and $5 per month or $50 per year for family plans. For enterprise users, particularly those adopting the Puffin Secure Browser, involves custom quotes tailored to organizational needs, with plans starting at $5 per user per month and higher tiers offering advanced features like admin consoles and web filtering. A 7-day free trial is provided for the monthly postpaid subscription on Android devices, enabling testing of pro features before commitment. Refund policies are strict, with no refunds offered after the trial period if the subscription continues, aligning with standard terms. In , the addition of low-cost prepaid tiers has been highlighted as a response to user feedback regarding the rigidity of full subscription requirements, offering more accessible entry points while maintaining the core subscription model for sustained use.

Platform Support and Accessibility

Puffin Browser offers full support across a range of major operating systems and devices, enabling users to access its cloud-based rendering on diverse hardware. On mobile platforms, it is compatible with Android devices running version 4.4 (KitKat) or later, providing optimized performance for resource-constrained smartphones and tablets. For iOS users, the browser is available through the Apple App Store on devices supporting iOS 8.0 or higher, marking its continued presence following a relaunch amid past platform policy challenges. Desktop environments are also fully supported via the Puffin Secure Browser, which runs on Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 10 and later versions, as well as macOS 12 and newer. Additionally, Linux desktops receive support through the Puffin Internet Terminal, facilitating cloud-accelerated browsing on compatible distributions. Partial or limited support extends to select embedded and specialized devices, broadening accessibility for niche use cases while highlighting areas of constraint. The Puffin TV Browser variant enables functionality on platforms, allowing seamless web navigation on streaming devices and smart televisions. users benefit from dedicated compatibility, with the browser optimized for low-power ARM-based systems to deliver enhanced page loading speeds compared to native options. However, there is no native application for Chrome OS, though it can be accessed indirectly via containers or Android subsystems on compatible Chromebooks. Similarly, Puffin does not offer native integration as a extension on , operating instead as a standalone cloud client app. In terms of accessibility, Puffin Browser's mobile applications integrate with underlying operating system features to support users with disabilities, including compatibility with screen readers on Android and for non-visual navigation. While specific built-in options like voice commands and high-contrast modes are not explicitly detailed by the developer, the apps adhere to platform standards that enable such functionalities through device settings. By November 2025, Puffin Browser has achieved over 200 million downloads collectively on Android and platforms, reflecting widespread adoption driven by its efficiency on varied devices. On alone, it maintains a substantial user base, with more than 10 million monthly active users across platforms, as of 2023.

Reception and Impact

User Adoption and Metrics

Puffin Browser achieved significant user growth in its early years, reaching 100 million accumulated users worldwide by November 2018, primarily through organic word-of-mouth adoption on mobile platforms. By 2025, the browser had surpassed 200 million downloads across Android and devices, reflecting sustained expansion driven by its cloud-based architecture that appeals to users seeking efficient web access. The browser has seen peak adoption in regions with limited connectivity, such as parts of and , where its data compression features enable substantial bandwidth savings—up to 90% in some cases—making it viable for users on slower networks or low-end hardware. This regional appeal contributed to a 17.2% surge in usage in African nations in recent years, positioning Puffin as a practical tool for emerging markets. On , the Android app garnered over 882,000 reviews by 2025, underscoring broad user engagement. User feedback highlights Puffin's strengths in delivering enhanced speed on older devices, where cloud rendering offloads processing from local hardware, allowing smooth performance on resource-constrained phones. Prior to 2020, its legacy support for was particularly praised for enabling access to interactive content and games that other mobile browsers could not handle, extending the browser's utility for gaming enthusiasts. These performance optimizations, including rapid page loading and JavaScript execution, have been key drivers of positive reception. In the broader market, Puffin occupies a niche as a cloud-rendered browser, distinguishing itself from competitors like , which relies on proxy-based compression rather than full server-side execution. While holds about 1.9% of the global share, Puffin's specialized approach has carved out a smaller but dedicated segment, estimated at around 0.2% in mobile usage, focused on high-data-efficiency scenarios. This subscription-driven loyalty has helped maintain a steady user base amid evolving web standards.

Criticisms and Privacy Concerns

Puffin Browser's cloud-based rendering model, which processes on remote servers operated by CloudMosa, has raised significant concerns among users and experts, particularly regarding the potential for during transmission to and from these servers. Despite the company's claims of for all traffic, reviews from 2019 to 2025 have highlighted trust issues, noting that sensitive browsing —such as URLs and IP addresses—must pass through third-party infrastructure, potentially exposing users to risks if servers are compromised or if logging practices are not fully transparent. For instance, Puffin's acknowledges collecting anonymous logs including IP addresses, URLs, and request timestamps, which are retained for up to 180 days before purging, though aggregated reports may persist longer, fueling skepticism about "no-logging" assurances. Performance inconsistencies have also drawn , with users reporting lag during high-bandwidth tasks like video streaming or on overloaded servers, often exacerbated by the reliance on remote processing. These issues are reflected in low user ratings, such as the 1.7 out of 5 score on the Store for the Android app, where backlash against the subscription model for premium features has contributed to complaints about unreliable speeds and frequent buffering. Expert benchmarks in reviews noted particularly poor results in speed tests, with Puffin scoring 49.5 runs per minute on and 80.519 on JetStream 2, far below competitors, leading to descriptions of it as "slow" for desktop use. The browser's dependence on CloudMosa's proprietary servers has sparked monopoly concerns, as users have no alternative infrastructure, making the service vulnerable to outages and regional restrictions. For example, a global outage in September 2025 affected the Puffin Cloud Learning Installer and broader services, disrupting access for users worldwide with no estimated resolution time provided initially. Additionally, the proxy-like nature of its cloud model has led to blocks in regions like and the , where servers are flagged, resulting in inconsistent availability and heightened user frustration over single-point failures. Expert critiques have emphasized Puffin's limited extensibility compared to established browsers like Chrome and , citing the absence of extension support and customization options as major drawbacks for power users. In a 2024 Cloudwards review, it received a 2.7 out of 5 overall rating, with only 20% for features due to no sync capabilities, restricted tab management, and incompatibility with certain sites that detect it as a proxy. Other analyses from 2024 noted that while is a strength, the trade-offs in functionality make it less viable for advanced workflows, with reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5 but docking points for "fewer features" and performance lags. In response to these concerns, CloudMosa has updated its multiple times, most recently in 2023, to affirm GDPR compliance since 2018, including provisions for data minimization and user rights to access or delete information. The policy outlines safeguards like PCI DSS compliance for payments and to mitigate interception risks, though no independent audits have been publicly detailed, leaving some user skepticism unaddressed.

References

  1. https://www.cloudmosa.com/about
  2. https://www.cloudwards.net/puffin-review/
  3. https://www.puffin.com/web-browser
  4. https://support.puffin.com/topic/3
  5. https://www.puffin.com/365
  6. https://www.puffin.com/white-papers/Puffin-Cloud-Isolation-Future-proof-Browser-Security-Against-Zero-day.pdf
  7. https://www.puffin.com/
  8. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/cloudmosa
  9. https://venturebeat.com/ai/cloudmosa-the-company-behind-puffins-wicked-fast-mobile-browser-just-raised-18m
  10. https://www.puffin.com/solution
  11. https://medium.com/cloudmosa-en/puffin-web-browser-and-puffin-academy-will-be-discontinued-on-the-ios-platform-on-july-1-2019-ad73b51d91e4
  12. https://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2013/03/the-puffin-wicked-fast-ipad-browser.html
  13. https://www.puffin.com/press-release/series-a-round
  14. https://medium.com/cloudmosa-en/1f2c4e0190e2
  15. https://www.cloudmosa.com/news
  16. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cloudmosa.puffinFree&hl=en_US
  17. https://www.facebook.com/puffinbrowser/posts/puffin-cloud-flash-is-officially-launched-today-on-windowsmac-platforms-puffin-o/5273567466002837/
  18. https://reclaimthenet.org/puffin-browser-ios-gone/
  19. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/puffin-cloud-browser/id472937654
  20. https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/end-of-life-alternative.html
  21. https://www.puffin.com/flash-store
  22. https://www.puffin.com/privacy
  23. https://www.puffin.com/browser-pro-has-retired
  24. https://medium.com/coding-neutrino-blog/how-the-puffin-browser-works-440c91cece8f
  25. https://support.puffin.com/topic/5
  26. https://support.puffin.com/topic/174
  27. https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/7bkkaa/puffin_browser_is_it_safe/
  28. https://www.puffinbrowser.com/help/guide/
  29. https://www.puffin.com/incognito-browser
  30. https://www.puffin.com/secure-browser
  31. https://www.puffin.com/cloud-isolation
  32. https://www.puffinbrowser.com/windows/explain_cloud_server/
  33. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cloudmosa.puffinFree
  34. https://www.puffinbrowser.com/mobile/lite/tutorial/workspace.html
  35. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-puffin-web-browser-pro-and-puffin-web-browser-free
  36. https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-Puffin-Browser-Is-it-a-good-enough-replacement-for-your-default-Android-browser
  37. https://www.facebook.com/puffinbrowser/posts/puffin-browser-pro-is-officially-retired-now-puffin-also-removed-yearly-subscrip/9315086608517549/
  38. https://www.facebook.com/puffinbrowser/posts/puffin-web-browser-the-free-version-on-ios-will-retire-on-october-1-2019-puffin-/3605375696155364/
  39. https://medium.com/cloudmosa-en/puffin-secure-browser-a-browser-that-protect-endpoints-from-current-and-future-web-threats-aaa50e40682d
  40. https://www.facebook.com/puffinbrowser/posts/puffin-secure-browser-is-launched-on-windows-and-will-launch-on-mac-imminently-h/3022499914442948/
  41. https://www.puffinbrowser.com/help/guide/?device=Windows&type=team
  42. https://www.capterra.com/p/235913/Puffin-Secure-Browser/reviews/
  43. https://appstorespy.com/android-google-play/com.cloudmosa.puffinTV-trends-revenue-statistics-downloads-ratings
  44. https://www.puffin.com/tv-browser
  45. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cloudmosa.puffinTV&hl=en_US
  46. https://www.reddit.com/r/appletv/comments/thmjvm/is_there_a_web_browser_for_apple_tv_devices/
  47. https://medium.com/cloudmosa-en/introducing-the-puffin-internet-terminal-turn-a-raspberry-pi-into-a-high-end-pc-b99f4a22e5c8
  48. https://www.puffin.com/cloud-store
  49. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=6870715826287985&id=199500686742899&set=a.219755598050741
  50. https://www.reddit.com/r/AQW/comments/13xzb41/puffin_is_officially_dead_take_away_the_one_time/
  51. https://mac.filehorse.com/download-puffin-browser/
  52. https://www.trustradius.com/products/puffin-browser/pricing
  53. https://www.puffin.com/terms
  54. https://www.facebook.com/puffinbrowser/posts/puffin-web-browser-and-puffin-tv-browser-are-now-subscription-based-there-is-no-/619770700182300/
  55. https://support.puffin.com/topic/94
  56. https://support.puffin.com/topic/52
  57. https://www.puffin.com/cloud-learning
  58. https://sqmagazine.co.uk/web-browser-usage-statistics/
  59. https://puffin-web-browser-free.en.uptodown.com/android
  60. https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/use-puffin-browser-play-flash-games-android-without-wasting-data-0177049/
  61. https://sqmagazine.co.uk/browser-statistics/
  62. https://app.sensortower.com/overview/com.cloudmosa.puffinFree?country=IN
  63. https://www.g2.com/products/puffin-secure-browser/reviews
  64. https://www.saashub.com/compare-google-chrome-vs-puffin-web-browser
  65. https://securitytoolsatlas.com/updates/outage/2068
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