The Maxthon Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Maxthon in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Maxthon
The Insider’s Guide
Chromium-based browser with notes, password manager and AI chat
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among browsers, read from Maxthon’s own pages.
Made by Maxthon · checked Nov 12, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Maxthon’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Maxthon’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 12, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.2
GPA, above 12 of the 25 other browsers we grade
Maxthon is a Chromium-based browser for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It bundles a note tool called Maxnote, a password manager called Passkeeper, split screen, reading mode, mouse gestures, cross-device sync and a built-in free VPN from Bright Data. An optional paid membership adds early access to new features and extra video download privileges.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Maxthon, taken from its own pages and our grades.
The membership price isn't shown to anyone who isn't logged in, and on desktop the ad blocker is an optional extension.
- 1
Best for a browser with notes, a password manager and a VPN built in
Maxthon is a free Chromium-based browser with split screen, notes, a password manager, a free VPN and AI chat.
- 2
There is a free plan
The browser is free to download. A paid Maxthon membership exists, but its price could not be read without logging in.
- 3
It runs on 4 platforms
Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
- 4
Privacy tools
Anti-tracking, incognito mode, automatic data cleaning on exit and a free VPN provided by Bright Data.
- 5
Maxnote and Passkeeper
Maxnote organizes notes and URLs, and Passkeeper fills passwords, addresses and payment details and syncs them across devices.
- 6
Browsing tools
Split screen, reading mode, read aloud, mouse gestures, super drag and tab search.
- 7
A 3.2 GPA, above 12 of 25
That is against the other browsers we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
To replace Maxthon you would be making a web browser. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
Maxthon at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
- Made by
- Maxthon
- Category
- Browsers
- Our grade
- 3.2 GPA, very good
- Store rating
- 4.5 on the App Store, 702 ratings
The report card
Best for a browser with notes, a password manager and a VPN built in
Maxthon is a free Chromium-based browser with split screen, notes, a password manager, a free VPN and AI chat. The membership price isn't shown to anyone who isn't logged in, and on desktop the ad blocker is an optional extension.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | The browser is free to download and use on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, with sync and the built-in VPN. A paid membership exists, but its price wasn't readable. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The browser, sync, split screen and the VPN from Bright Data are free. |
| Features | C | Privacy tools, notes, a password manager, media tools and AI chat. The ad blocker is built into the mobile versions only, and on desktop it's an optional extension. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record. You install it and browse, with the extra tools a click away. |
| Platforms and integrations | B | Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, with sync between them. The iOS version is listed through TestFlight, and there's no Linux version. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Maxthon is for
- Fits if you want notes and a password manager inside the browser itself
- Works for people who use a browser on both a computer and a phone
Who it is not for
- Watch out: the membership price isn't shown unless you log in, so we can't tell you what it costs
- Skip it if you want a built-in ad blocker on desktop, as it's an optional extension there
- Not for you if you use Linux, as the download page has no Linux version
- Watch out: the iOS version is listed through TestFlight on the download page
Good to know
Good for
- People who want notes and a password manager inside the browser
- Users who sync one browser across desktop and phone
- Those who want built-in video download tools
Worth knowing
- The membership price is not shown to visitors who are not logged in, so it is not recorded here.
- The ad blocker is built into the mobile versions; on desktop it is an optional extension.
- The iOS version is listed through TestFlight on the download page.
- There is no Linux version on the download page.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
1
plan
Maxthon has a free plan.
The browser is free to download and use on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, with sync and the built-in VPN.
Free browser
$0
The browser for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, with sync, split screen and the built-in free VPN.
The free plan
The browser is free to download. A paid Maxthon membership exists, but its price could not be read without logging in.
Read from maxthon.com on Nov 12, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
4
Places it runs: macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
Chromium-based browser with notes, password manager and AI chat. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: AI features, notes, web browser, ad and tracker blocking.
Privacy tools, notes, a password manager, media tools and AI chat.
- Privacy tools
- Anti-tracking, incognito mode, automatic data cleaning on exit and a free VPN provided by Bright Data.
- Maxnote and Passkeeper
- Maxnote organizes notes and URLs, and Passkeeper fills passwords, addresses and payment details and syncs them across devices.
- Browsing tools
- Split screen, reading mode, read aloud, mouse gestures, super drag and tab search.
- Media tools
- A video float bar, video download, screen capture and a resource sniffer.
- AI chat
- The homepage describes a multi-model AI chat built into the browser.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- iOS
- Android
What it works with
- Bright Data
Maxthon is made by Maxthon.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
12/25
Other browsers it is graded above
Maxthon's GPA of 3.2 is higher than 12 of the 25 other browsers we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 10 of 25) and worst on features (C, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 26 browsers we grade, cut by the letter each got. Maxthon’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 10 of 25
- AFree plan and trialAbove 8 of 25
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 25
- BEase of useAbove 8 of 25
- BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 13 of 25
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace Maxthon you would be making a web browser. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
What you could make
- Ad and tracker blocking and notes: an app builder makes these well.
What you could not
- A web browser.
- Apps for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android that stay in step with each other.
- AI features, unless you pay a model provider for each request yourself.
What this rests on. Maxthon’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Google Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, Microsoft Edge and Brave
The 5 tools Maxthon is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 3.6GPA
Google Chrome
Free
Google's free browser for desktop and mobile, with Gemini built in.
- Only Google Chrome lists a Linux app.
- Maxthon also covers notes and ad and tracker blocking.
- Google Chrome also covers password manager and passkeys.
- 3.6GPA
Opera
Free plan · from $4/mo
Browser with a built-in ad blocker, free VPN and sidebar messengers.
- Only Opera lists a Linux app.
- Maxthon also covers notes and ad and tracker blocking.
- Opera also covers screenshots.
- 3.8GPA
Vivaldi
Free
Customizable browser with built-in mail, calendar and feed reader.
- Only Vivaldi lists a Linux app.
- Vivaldi is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- Maxthon also covers ad and tracker blocking.
- 3.6GPA
Microsoft Edge
Free
Microsoft's browser with the Copilot assistant built in.
- Only Microsoft Edge lists a Linux app.
- Maxthon also covers notes and ad and tracker blocking.
- Microsoft Edge also covers password manager and passkeys.
- 3.8GPA
Brave
Free plan · from $3.00/mo
Open-source browser that blocks ads and trackers by default.
- Only Brave lists a Linux app.
- Brave is open source, according to its own site.
- Maxthon also covers notes and ad and tracker blocking.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Maxthon free?
Maxthon has a free plan. The browser is free to download.
How much does Maxthon cost?
Maxthon lists one plan. Free browser: $0.
What platforms does Maxthon work on?
Maxthon is available on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
How is Maxthon rated?
Maxthon's iPhone and iPad app averages 4.5 out of 5 from 702 ratings on the App Store in the United States, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
Does Maxthon have a Linux app?
No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Maxthon is listed for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
Is Maxthon open source?
Maxthon is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 12, 2026.
What does Maxthon integrate with?
Maxthon's listing names Bright Data. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Maxthon?
Maxthon is made by a company of the same name.
What are the alternatives to Maxthon?
The closest alternatives to Maxthon in our directory are Google Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, Microsoft Edge and Brave.
How does Maxthon compare with other browsers?
Maxthon's GPA of 3.2 is higher than 12 of the 25 other browsers we grade, and level with 5.
Could I make my own version of Maxthon?
To replace Maxthon you would be making a web browser. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Maxthon’s own pages on Nov 12, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 12, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Maxthon's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Maxthon. Prices change, so check maxthon.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
5,038
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
5,038
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Maxthon, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/maxthon
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Maxthon: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 12, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/maxthon
Know someone choosing between browsers?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/maxthon/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded browsers after Maxthon, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Browsers Insider's GuideEvery one of the 26 browsers we grade, compared
- Brave Insider's GuideOpen-source browser that blocks ads and trackers by default3.8 GPA
- Firefox Insider's GuideFree, open-source browser from Mozilla with tracker blocking built in3.8 GPA
- Vivaldi Insider's GuideCustomizable browser with built-in mail, calendar and feed reader3.8 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Maxthon’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Maxthon is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Maxthon. Prices and plans change: check maxthon.com before you buy.