What Is 360 Browser

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 360 Browser is a web browser developed by Chinese internet security company Qihoo 360, first released in 2008. It integrates antivirus features and parental controls, and by 2013 had captured over 20% of China's browser market.

Key Facts

Launched in 2008 by Qihoo 360, a Beijing-based cybersecurity firm
Reached over 20% market share in China by 2013
Built on the Chromium open-source project for compatibility
Includes built-in malware scanning and ad-blocking tools
Discontinued active development by 2020 due to market shifts

Overview

360 Browser, developed by Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd., is a web browser that combines browsing functionality with integrated security tools. Originally launched in 2008, it targeted Chinese internet users concerned about online threats such as phishing, malware, and intrusive ads.

The browser gained rapid adoption in China due to its dual focus on speed and security, leveraging Qihoo 360’s reputation in antivirus software. It offered both a 'speed mode' powered by the WebKit engine and a 'compatibility mode' using Trident for legacy websites.

Released in 2008: 360 Browser debuted during a period of rising internet usage in China, capitalizing on growing concerns about online safety and malware exposure.
Hybrid rendering engine: It used both WebKit and Trident engines, allowing faster page loads while maintaining compatibility with older Chinese government and banking websites.
Integrated antivirus features: The browser included real-time malware scanning, URL filtering, and phishing protection powered by Qihoo 360’s security database.
Market penetration: By 2013, 360 Browser held over 20% market share in China, ranking it among the top three browsers in the country.
Parental controls: It featured content filtering and time-limit settings, appealing to families seeking safer browsing environments for children.

How It Works

360 Browser combined Chromium-based architecture with proprietary security layers, enabling fast performance and real-time threat detection. Its dual-engine design allowed seamless switching between modern and legacy web standards.

Chromium Foundation: Based on Google’s open-source Chromium project, ensuring compatibility with most modern websites and extensions available in the Chrome Web Store.
Security Sandbox: Employed a sandboxing technique that isolated browser processes to prevent malware from affecting the host system during web navigation.
Download Protection: Scanned all downloaded files in real time using Qihoo 360’s antivirus engine, flagging or blocking potentially harmful executables.
Ad Blocker: Included a built-in ad-blocking feature that reduced page clutter and improved loading speeds by blocking banners and pop-up ads.
Privacy Mode: Offered incognito browsing with automatic deletion of history, cookies, and cache after each session to enhance user anonymity.
One-Click Cleanup: Allowed users to clear browsing data, temporary files, and tracking cookies with a single click, improving system performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 360 Browser with other major browsers during its peak usage period (2012–2015):

Browser	Developer	Engine	Security Features	Market Focus
360 Browser	Qihoo 360	WebKit/Trident	Integrated antivirus, ad-blocker, download scanner	China
Google Chrome	Google	Blink	Sandboxing, Safe Browsing API	Global
Mozilla Firefox	Mozilla Foundation	Gecko	Tracking protection, open-source transparency	Global
Internet Explorer	Microsoft	Trident	SmartScreen Filter, Windows Defender integration	Enterprise/Windows users
Sogou Browser	Sogou Inc.	WebKit/Trident	Ad-blocker, speed dial, malware detection	China

This table highlights how 360 Browser differentiated itself through deep integration of security tools tailored to Chinese users. While Chrome and Firefox emphasized speed and privacy, 360 Browser prioritized threat prevention, making it a preferred choice in a high-risk online environment. However, its reliance on localized features limited global expansion.

Why It Matters

360 Browser played a significant role in shaping browser security standards in China and demonstrated how integrated protection could influence user behavior. Its success illustrated the demand for all-in-one digital safety solutions in emerging internet markets.

Security integration: Set a precedent for combining antivirus tools directly into browsers, influencing later versions of Avast and AVG Secure Browser.
Local market dominance: At its peak, it challenged international browsers like Chrome in China, showcasing the power of localized software adaptations.
User education: Introduced millions of Chinese users to concepts like phishing, malware, and safe browsing through in-app alerts and tutorials.
Privacy debates: Faced criticism for data collection practices, sparking discussions about user consent and data transparency in Chinese tech.
Decline due to competition: Lost relevance after 2015 as Chrome and mobile browsers like UC Browser gained traction, leading to reduced updates and eventual discontinuation.
Legacy in cybersecurity: Paved the way for Qihoo 360’s expansion into enterprise security and IoT protection platforms.

Though no longer actively developed, 360 Browser remains a notable example of how regional needs can drive innovation in web technology. Its blend of security and usability influenced subsequent generations of privacy-focused browsers.