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Browser comparison: How the five leaders stack up in speed, ease of use and more

The best browser for your desktop could be one you’re not using. Whether Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, or Safari is your current choice, our tests found distinct differences in speed and ease of use. We also compared how each browser uses system resources, a near-invisible trait that could be discreetly bogging down your PC. For the online lifestyle, the right browser could save you time and frustration.

See how they run

Browsers largely look and act the same: They render HTML in multiple tabs or separate windows, let you bookmark pages, support HTTP and FTP file transfer, or offer private browsing (no data is stored). Deep inside each one, however, are operational differences that may or may not fulfill your needs.

Opera had a long-standing and well-deserved reputation for being fast, but not rendering all pages correctly. A switch from a proprietary HTML layout engine to free and widely-used WebKit (currently version 537 as with Chrome) has made that a thing of the past.

Internet Explorer has a history of being exploited by bad guys, both because of its immense popularity and its ActiveX technology. Give Microsoft credit: It’s doggedly improved the Trident layout engine, adopted standards, and improved security. IE is no longer something I advise users to avoid.

Firefox is a longtime worthy IE competitor, and Chrome’s a strong newcomer. As Safari was installed with iTunes for years, many Windows users have it, but have never tried it—possibly because Apple has never given it a truly Windows-like look.

I’ll be comparing browser performance and resource usage as well as features and ease of use.

Chrome 36 (WebKit 537): Stable and speedy

Google’s Chrome browser has gained traction quickly against longstanding competitors like Internet Explorer.

A lot of people use Google’s Chrome browser, because lots of people use Google’s search engine. Chrome is fast and generally reliable. It was my go-to for a couple of years, partly because of a great text-to-speech add-on called SpeakIt! that I used to proofread articles. Recently, however, it revealed a propensity for playing the video and audio portion of some popup windows without actually showing the popup. This is an interaction with Adobe’s Flash player that also currently affects Firefox.

Chrome posted the fastest Browsermark score in our browser comparison tests.

There’s no denying that Chrome is fast: It scored 5773 on Browsermark, took 150.4ms to complete Sunspider, and scored 5627 on Peacekeeper. That’s two first places and a third. To achieve those results, however, it uses a lot of memory and separate processes: 775MB and 14 processes in my hands-on, nine tab test. And there was nothing special going on in any of the tabs.

Chrome is one of the fastest browsers for rendering HTML, but it spawns a lot of processes to achieve that.

Additionally, relatively simple options such as changing your homepage are distinctly unintuitive. You might even get the feeling that Google doesn’t want you to change things. Another issue with Chrome, as well as Opera and IE, is that it spawns a number of processes, making it harder to shut down when things go bad.

Minor issues aside, Chrome is still a top browser option because of its stability and speed.

Firefox 31 (Gecko): Looking good, running fast

Mozilla Firefox just got an interface makeover and offers many useful add-ons. 

Firefox is the long-time competitor to IE that staved off a Microsoft browser monopoly for years until Chrome showed up to “help.” It’s fast and very reliable. Despite a longstanding memory leak that forced the occasional restart, it was the browser I recommended for many users to avoid the malware attacks that once plagued IE.

The memory leak in its Gecko rendering engine seems to be gone and Firefox has recently received an upgrade that was radical enough to rile a few longtime users. (There is a way to bring back the old-style menus.)

I prefer the new look and find it the most intuitive of all the browsers for bookmarking and changing options. Firefox also has a vast array of add-ons, including one of the best video downloaders out there, the aptly-named DownloadHelper.

Firefox was the slowest among the browsers we compared in Browsermark, though its score was still decent. 

In our performance texts, Firefox tucked neatly into third place overall: It scored 4540 in BrowserMark; took 134.4ms to complete Sunspider (better than Chrome or Opera); and scored 3956 in Peacekeeper.

The feel is slightly slower than Chrome or Opera, but not enough that it should irritate you. It uses fewer resources than Chrome or Opera, spawning only a single process, and using only 510MB of memory. Only the super-thrifty Safari used less memory.

Keep reading for details on Internet Explorer 11 and more …

Internet Explorer 11 (Trident)

Internet Explorer remains the most widely distributed browser, and the one most targeted by malware.

IE remains extremely popular and useful—if for nothing else that downloading your browser of choice with a fresh install of Windows. It’s decently fast with HTML, exceptionally fast with Javascript, and renders pages reliably.

Also, because of its ActiveX technology, IE is sometimes easier to use with business-related sites such as Webex and HTML IT consoles such as Kaseya. These sites can seamlessly integrate their functionality into IE. With other browsers you must sometimes download and install an extension or background app. Windows User Account Control can prolong that process, so in a pinch I often simply switch to IE.

Internet Explorer 11 can be easier to use with business sites because of its ActiveX technology.

IE was unable to complete BrowserMark, a problem noted only after a recent update, but it did score 3670 on Peacekeeper. More notably, it took a mere 74.1ms to complete Sunspider, making it easily the fastest browser for running Javascript.

Sadly, it’s every bit the memory hog that Chrome and Opera are, using 714MB in my nine-tab test. On the other hand, it used “only” 7 processes, half that of the WebKit-based Chrome and Opera.

Opera 23 (WebKit 537)

Among the browsers we compared, Opera is worth a look for its easy configuration.

After a long, dark age of badly rendered pages, Opera’s now near-perfect in that regard. I say this even after uninstalling it just a few months ago due to its incompatibility with PCWorld’s own web tools. Updates have smoothed out those kinks, and it’s only a hair slower than Chrome.

Unlike Chrome and Firefox, Opera 23 doesn’t suffer invisible popups. It does use the same Webkit engine and run as multiple processes, and it’s more difficult to shut down. It also lacks a home button, instead relying solely on a launch page of oft-used sites (Speed Dial).

In our browser comparison running Browsermark, Opera was nearly as fast as Chrome.

Speed Dial is great if you work off of multiple sites, but it adds another step for those who work from a single page. My minor complaint: There’s no native feature for emailing a link to a page. You must install an extension for this functionality.

For HTML rendering, Opera was only a hair slower than first-place Chrome, scoring 5625 on BrowserMark and 5447 in Peacekeeper. It was a hair faster with Javascript, completing the Sunspider test in 150.1ms. Overall, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference between the two WekKit 537-based browsers in a hands-on.

Despite the list of minor complaints, Opera is currently my main work browser because it’s nearly as fast as Chrome, but easier to configure.

Safari 5.1.17 (WebKit 534)

Among the browsers we compared, Safari is easy to use and runs with very low processing overhead. 

Though king on the Mac, Safari is probably the least popular of the top browsers under Windows—a bit sad as it’s competent, easy to use, and light on the memory profile. Apple apparently ceased supporting Windows as of version 5.1.17, but we tested it anyway because of its thrifty use of memory.

And ‘thrifty’ is understating the case. It spawns only a single process and in my nine-tab hands-on test, required only 115MB of memory to display it. What happened between the WebKit 534 that Safari uses, and WebKit 537, the current choice of Chrome and Opera is quite amazing. The latter offers way more speed but sucks up a lot of resources.

Safari posted a slower score in Browsermark than most of the competition, but it’s still reasonably peppy. 

Safari could be very handy on older systems with only 512MB or 1GB of memory. It has all the standard features found in the others, so you’re not giving away anything.

Performance in BrowserMark and Peacekeeper was decent: 4831 and 3062, respectively. It lagged in the Sunspider Javascript test, with a score of 179.9ms.

In our browser comparison, the Browsermark test showed pretty close performance by all products (except IE, which Browsermark could not run).

Test Results

To gauge each browser’s rendering performance, we ran Rightware’s Browsermark and FutureMark’s Peacekeeper HTML5 tests, as well as the Sunspider Javascript benchmark.

If you want the fastest browser for rendering HTML—by far the majority of the actions that a browser performs—you have a choice between Chrome and Opera. They both spawn a lot of processes and memory to accomplish it. Of the two, I’d pick Opera for overall easier configuration.

In our browser roundup, Chrome 36 posted the fastest time on Peacekeeper, while Safari was almost twice as slow.

If Javascript is a priority, Internet Explorer is easily the fastest running it. IE uses a lot of memory as well, if about half the processes of Chrome and Opera.

A big shout-out to Safari which used by far the least amount of memory to present the same nine tabs. If you’re working on a computer with only 512MB or 1GB of system memory, its spend-thrift ways might come in handy.

However, if I had to pick just one to keep on my system, it would be Firefox. It’s fast enough, it has the slickest interface, it uses considerably less memory than Chrome, IE, and Opera, and it’s just generally the easiest to use.

 Internet Explorer emerged as the fastest browsers running the Sunspider Javascript test, with Safari limping in at more than twice as slow.

Performance and memory usage may be moot if your needs extend beyond the ordinary, in which case the browser you choose as your mainstay may come down to add-ons.

Fortunately, as all the browsers we tested are competent, free and export and import bookmarks, you can use any, or all of them. Yes, life is good in the browser world.

Which of the big five Web Browsers is the Best? (Review)

With Firefox 8's early arrival , and new major updates to three of the other major Web browsers, Chrome 15 ; Opera 11.5 , and Safari 5.1.1 it's high time to take another look at our current generation of Internet Web browsers and see what's what. Only Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) 9 hasn't seen a significant improvement in the last few months.

Why did I choose these browsers? The answer is simple. These are the most popular Web browsers out there. While Internet Explorer has dropped below 50% of the total Web browser market , it's still the most popular Web browser. In most of the world, IE is followed by Mozilla Firefox , although in some places, such as much of Latin America, number three, Google's Chrome, has already moved up to second place . After that Apple's Safari, which owns the mobile Web browser market, comes in number four, and Opera hangs out to the fifth spot.

As time has gone on, Web browsers have been improving. For example, it wasn't that long ago that Microsoft's Internet Explorer was a major security problem in and of itself. True, the pre-historic IE 6 is still an infamous security hole, but only a fool would run it. Today, IE 9 is probably as secure as Google Chrome and they don't come any safer. But, in all honesty, all the 2011 Web browsers are far more secure than their predecessors.

Instead, what I look for in a Web browser today is JavaScript speed. But even here it should be kept in mind that all of the current generation of Web browsers are far faster than they were just in March 2011 . The one exception to this is the 64-bit version of IE 9. 64-bit IE 9 is, in a word, "dreadful ".

That said, JavaScript speed is important. Web 2.0 sites, which include most of today's popular sites, rely on JavaScript to render their increasingly complex pages. If you're running multiple tabs at once, you'll appreciate every bit of speed a browser's JavaScript rendering engine can give you.

You need mote than just speed though. You also need to look at what features come with a browser and what additional features its software developers can bring to it. Chrome and Firefox, for example, have large independent software vendor (ISV) ecosystems, while Opera includes more features in its basic browser than do the others.

So, which really is the best? Well, let's start with performance and then look at each browser in turn.

Page 2: [Twice around the track, Web browser performance.] »

Twice around the track, Web browser performance.

For my performance tests, I used a Gateway PC with 2.5-GHz Intel Core 2 Quad processor and has 6GBs of RAM and an Intel GMA (Graphics Media Accelerator) 3100 for graphics. This system runs Windows 7 SP1. It's hooked to the Internet via a Netgear Gigabit Ethernet switch, which, in turn, is hooked up to a 60Mbps (Megabit per second) cable Internet connection.

Kraken November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

For my first benchmark, I used Mozilla's Kraken 1.1 benchmark. In Kraken, which like most Web browser benchmarks measures JavaScript performance, lower scores are better. The winner here, and it wasn't even close, was Chrome 15. Firefox came in a distant second, followed a long way back by Opera, Safari and IE.

V8 November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

In Google's JavaScript V8 Benchmark Suite , where higher scores are better, Chrome left the others eating its dust. Firefox, once more, came in second but it wasn't close to being competitive. Opera took third, Safari was fourth, and IE was in last place.

Sunspider November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

On the oldest JavaScript test, SunSpider 0.9.1 , where lower results are better, IE finally won one. In this round, Firefox took second, with Opera edging just ahead of Chrome and Safari.

PeaceKeeper November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

The beta Peacekeeper Web browser test suite looks not only at JavaScript performance but at HTML5 compatibility, video codec support and other Web browser features as well. With Peacekeeper, higher is better and this time Opera edged ahead of Chrome. Safari, Firefox and, finally, IE came well behind Opera and Chrome.

These results pretty much agreed with Adrian Kingsley-Hughes' overview of Web browsers, he found that IE 9 32-bit topped one test, and Chrome 15 topped the other three .

I've used all these browsers, with the exception of IE 9, which is Windows 7 and Vista specific, on Mint Linux, Mac OS X Lion, and Windows XP and 7. In my hand-on experience, Chrome not only tends to win, or at least be competitive on the benchmarks, Chrome simply feels faster. Therefore, if speed was your only consideration, I'd heartily recommend Chrome. But, there are other factors to consider.

Basic compatibility with older HTML standards, as measured by the Acid3 test isn't an issue anymore. All the browsers, for the first time in my experience, scored 100.

It's another story though when it comes to HTML5. On the HTML5 compatibility test , where higher is better and 450 is perfect. Chrome 15 took first place with a score of 343. It was followed by the new Firefox with 314, Safari at 293, Opera with 286, and IE at the bottom of the pack with 141.

While HTML5 still isn't a finalized standard, HTML5 compatibility is becoming increasingly important. If I were an IE user, I'd be getting worried about how Microsoft talks up HTML5 compatibility but can't deliver the goods .

The performance numbers out of the way, let's take a closer look at each browser.

Page 3: [Web Browser Reviews] »

Web Browser Reviews

Chrome 15 New Tab System

I like Chrome 15 for more than its sheer speed. I like it because of its clean design, its sandboxed security system, and its Chrome Web Store and the ISVs behind it.

Among other new features, the latest Chrome features a redesign of its "new" page. Now, at the bottom of this page, you can jump to either your Chrome Apps or a page with your most often visited sites. Besides giving you easier navigation between online apps and your favorite Web sites, you can also organize apps by dragging and dropping them into new sections. You do this by dragging a program to the bottom of the page until a new apps section appears. You can then name the section to something useful by double-clicking on its label. For example, you can make one called "Office" to place Google Docs and Gmail in.

As Google continues to integrate more and more of its services, such as Google+ , into one whole, it becomes clearer and clearer that Google wants Chrome to not just be a Web browser, but your universal interface to everything you might want to do. This works hand-in-glove with Google's Linux-based operating system with a Chrome Web browser interface, Chrome OS , and even PCs that use nothing but Chrome OS such as Samsung's ChromeBook .

Even if you don't like the idea of an all-Google, all the time, computing world, Chrome itself if an exceptional browser. Download Chrome and see for yourself .

Firefox 8 Setup Screen

Firefox 8 is better than Firefox 7, which I had found to be disappointing . Its performance, I'm sorry to say hasn't gotten any better though. It is, however, even in the brief time I've had it, noticeably more stable.

That last part is important. I have to say I'd gotten to the point where I was going to give up using Firefox on any kind of regular basis. Firefox 6 and 7 just kept locking up over and over again. I'd loved Firefox from its very first days, but the way it was breaking every time I looked at it in recent months had gotten me to the point where I was going to toss in the trash. Firefox 8 seems to have fixed whatever it was that kept it crashing on a regular basis on both my Linux and Windows systems. Thank God.

This latest version also gives users more control over its add-on programs. Firefox, even now, has more extensions and add-ons than any other browser. Unfortunately, many of them weren't that good. Now, you must specifically opt-in before an add-on can be installed to Firefox. Better still, when you start Firefox for the first time, you're presented with a list of the add-ons you already have. Firefox automatically disables any that in the past you didn't explicitly give permission to run. You can also choose to disable extensions and add-on programs that you're no longer using. Both features are really handy.

So, if you're still a Firefox user, run, do not walk, to the Firefox ftp site and get the latest version. There may be better choices, but if you're a Firefox fan, Firefox 8 is the version you want.

Internet Explorer 9

Microsoft is offering gifts if you switch to IE 9.

I've never been a fan of the IE family, but IE 9 is easily the best of the bunch. It's a pity that Microsoft won't let XP users have it. If you're running XP, IE 8 is still the best choice Microsoft will give you.

If you can get it, what IE 9 gives you is reasonably good performance, far better security than any of its predecessors, and a cleaner interface. It's easily the best browser Microsoft has ever produced.

That said, even on Windows 7, IE 9 doesn't compare that well with the other Web browsers. It's telling that Windows SuperSite's Paul Thurrott, TWiT's Leo Laporte and ZDNet's own ace Microsoft reporter Mary Jo Foley all use Chrome on Windows 7 . If even Windows experts aren't using IE, you might want to think about making another choice as well.

Opera's app. store sadly lacks engaging programs.

Opera wants to be more than just a Web browser. It includes its own mail client, and file, message, and music-sharing service, and a built-in BitTorrent client. On top of that it includes Speed Dial, a page that lets you access live Web pages and widgets. That sounds good, but like many similar schemes I've seen over the years, in practice it doesn't work that well.

Opera also, like most of the other Web browsers, includes automatic bookmarks, passwords, and settings synchronization via its Opera Link cloud. It sounds great, but it didn't work that well for me. It would take minutes before it would successfully sync between systems. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all do a better job at this.

Taken all-in-all, I have to say I see why Opera's always been an also-run in Web browsers. Simply put, you can do better.

Safari in full-screen mode.

Safari is very pretty, especially on Mac OS X Lion. The Top Sites' new-tab page view of your most-visited sites and Cover Flow history are lovely, but once you get past its pretty looks you're left with a pretty ordinary Web browser.

The one feature it has, that the others don't have, which I think is noteworthy is "Safari Reader." In this mode, Safari removes all the images, ads, and other junk and just leaves you with the text. There are extensions that give you this power to clean up Web pages in other browsers, but Safari has it baked in. , If, like me, you want the text and nothing but the text on some pages, it's a really attractive feature.

Now in the mobile world, Safari is the best Web browser around. But, on PCs, well, you can just do better. The one possible extension is on Mac OS X Lion systems. There, where Safari can be displayed in full screen and you get swiping, pinching, and tapping gestures support, Safari is a worthwhile choice.

The Final Choice

There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to Web browsers. I know Opera fans who will never leave Opera and some people who are remain convinced that IE or Firefox will always be the best browser. All that said, if you're open to a new browser, or you just want the best of the best, Chrome is the clear winner.

Don't take my word for it. Try it yourself and you'll see what I mean.

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Compared: Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS in 2022

Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS, compared.

The truth is, the perfect browser doesn't exist. Each of the four most popular macOS browsers has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, just based on the engine that's used for web rendering, and what the developers of the big-four have prioritized.

While the best browser for the individual varies on use case, and which websites behave the best on any given browser, there are a series of benchmarking tools that can measure performance on synthetic tasks.

Browser benchmarks

We tested each browser on three different testing platforms: JetStream 2, Speedometer, and MotionMark.

JetStream 2 is a JavaScript-benchmark that scores browsers based on how quickly they can start and execute code, which translates to faster JavaScript performance. Since JavaScript is used on most web browsers, it's a good test of snappiness for code-intensive sites.

MotionMark is a graphical browser testing suite that measures the ability to render complex web pages. Think a page that has complicated graphics and animations. A higher score results in smoother transitions and animations.

Speedometer 2.0 determines the responsiveness of a browser when running web applications. Among the three, it's the truest option for testing real-world performance across many popular websites and online services. A good example is adding tasks to a to-do list in a web app.

Chrome came out on top in JetStream 2 testing, while Safari took second place.

Safari was the fastest in MotionMark benchmark testing.

Speedometer testing showed off interesting results, with Firefox and Edge coming in first and second, and Safari in last place.

Different testing platforms result in different scores, so your own mileage may vary. Safari was the best for graphical performance, for example, but its responsiveness lagged behind others. Choose what specific metrics are most important to you.

For Mac users, Safari is an institution. It's the default browser on Apple platforms and is generally lightweight and efficient. As you'd expect for an Apple product, Safari also emphasizing privacy while you browser online.

From the very first boot on a new Mac, Safari is instantly available and configured for easy, private browsing. That makes it the best choice for the most non-technical among us, since you won't need to download and install anything. Safari "just works" out of the box.

It also features the tighest integration across Apple's other devices and systems. You can use Continuity to easy hand-off your browsing between your Mac and any iPhone or iPad you have around. If you need to buy something with Apple Pay , you can authenticate purchases with Face ID or Touch ID.

Safari also features some strong privacy protections, including mechanisms aimed at mitigating cross-site tracking and ad targeting. It features a built-in password manager that allows you to save and store passwords — with easy autofill options — across your Apple devices.

As an Apple-made product, Safari is the most convenient option on this list for Mac users — particularly those who own multiple Apple devices. It's also a good choice for the privacy conscious, though it isn't the fastest and it doesn't yet have a strong extension marketplace.

• Default Mac browser with effortless setup
• Strong privacy protections
• Integration with other Apple products
• Not the fastest or most responsive browser in some testing
• Lackluster support for add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a massively popular browser, and a particular favorite of those who routinely use extensions to customize their web experience. It's the most-used web browser in the world, and it's faster and more RAM-efficient than it used to be. Chrome is even currently speedier than Safari on macOS.

The browser also has one of the world's most extensive list of add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions. From plugins focused on online privacy or to video content downloaders, there are around 190,000 extensions in total to choose from. You can also choose from a number of different themes and customization options.

Intelligent Google-made features include automatic site translations and deep integration with the company's online tools and services — so it's great for those who rely on Gmail, Google Docs, or another Google service. Syncing between Google apps on different devices is also top-notch.

However, Google is a data company that relies on collecting information about its users. While the company has taken steps to bolster its privacy reputation, it's still a company that makes money on harvesting data. Those who are particularly privacy-conscious will probably want to look elsewhere.

It's hard to go wrong with the world's most popular web browser, particularly with its seamless workflow features and customization options. However, if you are even slightly concerned about online privacy, you may want to go with another option.

• Simple to learn, fastest option in some cases
• Syncs your Google account across other devices
• Extensive list of extensions and add-ons
• It's Google — so not that private
• Is a RAM and CPU hog

Mozilla Firefox is one of the only popular and mainstream browsers to have started life as an open source project. It's still a free and open source browser with a hefty focus on privacy and security, which could make it a good fit for those who want a Google Chrome alternative.

Because of its open source nature, users are free to explore Firefox's code — and they do. The browser doesn't have any hidden secrets or data-harvesters. It also features some excellent built-in privacy and security protections, including Enhanced Tracking Protection and an extensive list of customizable permissions.

Firefox was also the first browser to actually offer third-party extensions and add-ons. Although it might not have as many extensions as Google Chrome, you'll still find a hefty list of options ranging from privacy add-ons to customizable themes for your browser.

Although Firefox has some cross-platform integration between its app and built-in Pocket support, it isn't as seamless as Chrome or Safari. If speed if your primary concern, it's also important to note that Firefox isn't the fastest browser by most metrics.

Users who want an open source browser or are committed to Mozilla's mission of keeping the internet open and free will find a browser after their own hearts here. For the average user, however, another browser on this list might be a better fit.

• Completely free and open source
• Extremely customizable with extensions, themes, etc.
• The best option for hardcore privacy
• Not the fastest or most RAM efficient
• Synchronicity isn't as robust

Microsoft Edge is the spiritual successor to Internet Explorer that was first released in 2015. Originally HTML-based, Microsoft overhauled the browser to be based on Chromium, which is the same underlying software used to make Google Chrome.

As such, Microsoft Edge is now much more competitive than it used to be. It's far from a Google Chrome clone, but you should expect a similar level of performance from it. Some users believe that Microsoft Edge even feels snappier than Chrome on a Mac.

Because it's Chromium-based, Microsoft Edge also has a list of extensions similar to Chrome. It also sports a number of unique features, such as a "Collections" ability that lets you save information like text or webpages to a built-in notebook. There's also a vertical tab bar, a built-in read aloud feature, and an easy native screenshot tool.

It's a solid option for anyone that doesn't like Safari and wants an alternative to Google Chrome because of privacy reasons. If you use a Microsoft account like some use a Google account, then Edge might also be a solid option.

• Snappy, lower RAM and CPU usage
• Unique features like Read Aloud and Collections
• Good performance in most metrics
• Can be slower than Chrome in terms of pure performance
• Syncing isn't as strong as Safari or Chrome

The perfect browser doesn't exist, but you can pick and choose what you need

There's no clear answer for what the "best" browser on macOS is. However, some browsers are better suited to specific tasks than others.

When it comes to smooth JavaScript execution, Chrome is in the top spot with Safari a close second. Safari, according to the MotionMark testing, handles complex web pages better than any other browser.

Firefox, interestingly enough, may be the fastest when it comes to general everyday web apps.

Of course, there's also the issues of extension support, privacy, and synchronization across other devices. Many of the browsers are evenly matched on these metrics, but some excel in specific areas like privacy or cross-platform integration.

But, unlike on iOS, you aren't effectively stuck with one browser core technology. These four browsers, and several more, are available on macOS, and can be run in parallel.

While we don't recommend running all four unless you're a web developer or unit case tester, two or three different browsers can be run at-will, if any given browser doesn't handle your work case well.

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Battle of the Browsers: Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Safari

If you’re in search of the most efficient web browser, you’ve landed on the right page. We’re here to offer a comprehensive comparison of the top web browsers, dissecting their speed, security, and unique features. Our goal is to assist you in making an informed choice that perfectly suits your browsing needs. 

Web browsers are more than just a tool for accessing the internet. They’re the gateway to the vast and diverse world of the web. Whether you’re into online gaming, shopping, reading, or working, it’s the quality and performance of your browser that can make all the difference. Hence, choosing the right one matters more than you think.

Introduction: The Battle Begins

Welcome to the battlefield of web browsers, where speed, security, and unique features determine who rides to glory and who bites the dust. If you’ve ever pondered over which browser to use or wondered how they stack up against each other, you’re in the right place. Let us dive deep into this exciting duel, comparing the top contenders and laying out the nitty-gritty, one detail at a time. 

The Need for Speed 

When you’re navigating through the vast realm of the internet, a few extra milliseconds can feel like an agonizing stretch. That’s why fast browsing speed is paramount. We’ve taken the leading web browsers through rigorous speed tests to find the crème de la crème for you. 

In this corner, we’ve got Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge, to name a few. Our tests showed significant differences between them. Google Chrome, known for its zippy speed and reliability, stood out in terms of raw browsing speed. Firefox followed close behind, displaying impressive consistency and speed in loading high-data websites, while Safari scored top marks for quick load times on Apple devices. Last but not least, Microsoft Edge demonstrated admirable speed, slightly lagging behind the pack. 

Security: Your Shield against the Dark (Net) 

Avoiding the perils of the internet requires a strong shield — robust security features. Each browser we reviewed has its unique approach to ensure your digital wellbeing. 

Google Chrome has the Safe Browsing feature, which displays warnings about potentially dangerous sites and downloads. Firefox, on the other hand, counters threats with its Enhanced Tracking Protection, blocking third-party tracking cookies by default. Safari offers robust protection against harmful sites and phishing attempts, while Microsoft Edge employs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for real-time protection against security threats. 

The Feature-Rich Battlefield 

Amid the clamor of speed and security, let’s not forget the unique features that might tip the scale for you. 

• Google Chrome’s vast collection of browser extensions enhances its utility.
• Firefox’s privacy-focused browsing mode gives you control over your data.
• Safari’s Reading List feature lets you save webpages for offline reading, a boon for data conservation.
• Microsoft Edge’s ‘Read Aloud’ tool, built to improve accessibility, can narrate webpages aloud, making it easier for visually impaired users.

The battlefield of web browsers is vast and dynamic. As technologies advance, so do these titans. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor their evolution, ensuring you have the latest intel to make an informed decision. After all, knowledge is power!

Chrome: The Lightning Fast Giant

Roaring through the internet, Google Chrome holds the coveted position as the world’s most popular web browser. It’s speedy, armed with a robust feature set, and baked into the ecosystem of Google-powered devices. This racing giant of a browser is renowned for its rapid page load times, vast library of extensions, and strong support for progressive web apps. However, let’s dig deeper into what makes this browser stand out. 

Speed and Performance 

Chrome’s most significant selling point lies in its speed. Known for its swift startup time and quick page loading, it offers users a smooth browsing experience. Whether you’re flicking through social media or delving into research, speed isn’t an issue for Chrome. Thanks to the browser’s V8 JavaScript engine, even content-heavy websites load briskly. 

Feature-Packed and Customizable 

The browser also shines when it comes to functionality and customizability. With a deep reservoir of extensions available on Chrome Web Store, users can customize their browsing experience to fit their unique needs. From ad-blockers to productivity tools, the possibilities are almost endless. Plus, Chrome’s simplistic design and clean layout make the customization process straightforward and user-friendly. 

Sync and Compatibility 

Another notable advantage of Chrome is its compatibility. Regardless of the device you’re using – whether it’s a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet – Chrome delivers a consistent and seamless browsing experience. Add to this, the ability to sync your bookmarks, history, and preferences across all devices by simply logging into your Google account is a blessing for tech multi-taskers. 

Resources and Security 

However, Chrome isn’t without its drawbacks. The browser is known for its high resource usage, which can significantly slow down your device if you have multiple tabs or extensions running. On the other hand, Chrome continually receives security updates which makes it one of the most secure browsers available today. It’s built-in malware and phishing protection offers additional security layers while you browse. 

• Chrome is known for its speedy performance and quick startup times
• The browser offers a vast array of customizable features and extensions
• Across different devices, Chrome provides a seamless browsing experience
• An added benefit is the browser’s compatibility; it works equally well on different platforms
• Chrome receives frequent security updates and has built-in malware protection

Safari: Apple’s Streamlined and Resource-Friendly Choice

Are you an Apple aficionado? If so, you’ll enjoy their proprietary browser, Safari. Built into every device Apple makes, from iPhones to iMacs, it is elegantly streamlined and designed for low resource use. But that doesn’t mean it skimps on features or quality. Let’s dive in and see what it brings to the table. 

Efficiency and Speed 

Safari is well loved for its sleek performance. Many users testify that it feels significantly faster than other browsers when used on Apple devices. This is due in large part to its unique Nitro JavaScript engine, which radically speeds up browsing. Furthermore, Safari also does a fantastic job when it comes to battery life. It’s designed to be incredibly power-efficient, letting you browse longer without recharging. 

Security and Privacy 

In terms of security, Safari is a reliable choice. It automatically identifies and blocks suspicious and harmful websites, ensuring your browsing experience remains secure. As for privacy, the Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature helps limit trackers from profiling your behavior. Plus, with Safari, you can easily access privacy reports to see just who’s been blocked from tracking you. 

Ease of Use and Features 

One of the key strengths of Safari is its user-friendly interface. The start page can be easily customized to include your favorite websites, and there’s a handy sidebar for reading lists and bookmarks. Furthermore, the browser boasts a range of useful built-in features. From Apple Pay, making online shopping a breeze, to seamless integration with other Apple devices via iCloud, Safari takes convenience to another level. 

However, one potential downside is that it lacks the vast selection of extensions found in other browsers like Chrome or Firefox. That might limit its appeal if you’re a power user who likes to tailor their browsing experience with specific tools and add-ons.

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Firefox: The Versatile and Secure Choice

When it comes to versatility and robust security, Firefox often springs to mind. This Mozilla-created browser has built a name for itself on user privacy and a collection of tools designed to keep you secure as you browse the internet. Firefox is not only a sturdy choice for security, but its variety of features and customization options also make it a truly appealing choice for numerous internet users. 

Security Features Superior 

Firefox takes your online protection seriously. As the internet becomes a more dangerous place, replete with hackers and malware, Firefox stands as a bulwark against these nefarious elements. For example, Firefox offers automatic updates to ensure you’re using the latest, most secure version. It also has a robust pop-up blocker to stop annoying or potentially harmful pop-up windows and ads, and it regularly updates its phishing and malware protection to guard against the latest threats. 

Customizable to Your Heart’s Content 

No two internet users are alike, and Firefox understands this. Through its extensive personalization features, you can tailor your browsing experience to your own individual needs and preferences. For example, you can customize your toolbar to have the features you use the most, organize your bookmarks, and tweak a multitude of settings to fine-tune your browsing experience. Plus, Firefox boasts a plethora of extensions and add-ons, so you can augment your browser with the functions and features you find most useful. 

Dedicated to Privacy 

In an era where personal data becomes increasingly valuable, Firefox adopts a hardline stance on privacy. Unlike some browsers that sell your data to advertisers or third parties, Firefox keeps your information private. They also include features like ‘Tracking Protection’ to avoid ad trackers, and a private browsing mode that doesn’t store history or cookies. 

Cross-Platform Delight 

Whether you prefer the comfort of home with a desktop computer or the portability of a smartphone, Firefox has got you covered. The browser’s cross-platform compatibility ensures you can browse safely and seamlessly on any device of your choice. It also offers syncing capabilities, allowing you to access your bookmarks, history, and tabs from any device. This makes Firefox an excellent choice for those juggling their online activities across multiple devices.

Safari: Apple’s Sleek and Efficient Option

Imagine a web browser that’s clean, efficient, and designed to operate seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem. That’s Safari for you — Apple’s sleek and snappy browser that integrates effortlessly with your other Apple devices. Bundled with various unique features, superior performance, and a high concern for security, it’s a browser choice you might want to consider. Let’s dive in further to find out more about Safari. 

Sleek Design and User-Friendly Interface 

Safari grants an intuitive browsing experience with its uncluttered and streamlined design. Its top bar has been optimized to maximize screen space and minimize distractions. Moreover, the browser interface adapts color dynamically to match the site being visited, giving an immersive web experience. In addition, Safari encompasses functions like the sidebar, featuring bookmarks, Reading List, and Shared Links to add to the user’s convenience and enhance productivity. 

Performance that Matches Apple’s Reputation 

Given that Safari is tuned to work best with Apple hardware, it exhibits extraordinary performance. Safari’s JavaScript engine — ‘Nitro’ — aids rapid page loading, making it faster than most other browsers on Mac. Besides, the energy-saving technology integrated into Safari ensures your browsing doesn’t drain your battery life, assuring longer browsing sessions without needing a power source. 

Security Features and Privacy 

Safari leads the pack in terms of security and privacy protection. It blocks third-party cookies by default, and grants options to control which sites can access your device location, camera, microphone, etc. Safari’s cross-site tracking prevention feature extends its commitment to privacy. Additionally, it offers a unique privacy report, providing visibility into how websites treat your privacy, and how Safari protects you. 

Device Sync and Ecosystem Integration 

With Safari, your browsing experience flows smoothly across all your Apple devices. Thanks to the iCloud integration, bookmarks, history, open tabs — everything is synced across your Apple devices, making your browsing consistent and seamless. Moreover, the handoff feature allows you to commence your browsing on one device, and continue on the other effortlessly. 

• Safari has an elegant, uncluttered design for easy navigation.
• Nitro engine enables fast page loading and efficient battery usage.
• Security features include third-party cookie blocking and cross-site tracking prevention.
• iCloud syncing and the handoff feature supports continuation of browsing across devices.

Speed Test: Which Browser Comes Out on Top?

Hold on tight, because we’re shifting gears into a full-throttle speed comparison of your favored web browsers. In a world that craves snappy responses and instant gratification, the fleet-footedness of your browser can make all the difference to your online experience. So, which one comes out on top in the cyber relay race? Let’s find out! 

Sprinting Through The Start Line: Initial Load Time 

Initial load time matters, it’s the first impression your browser makes. In these early milliseconds, Chrome sprints ahead delightfully, followed closely by Firefox. Unfortunately, Safari has a difficult time catching up due to more stringent system requirements and slower startup times.

Lappind Pages: Tab Load Speeds 

When it comes to handling multiple tabs, again, Chrome shines with its rapid-fire tab loading, offering a seamless multitasking environment. Firefox also performs admirably here, demonstrating intricate resource management skills. Safari, while a tad slower, still offers an optimized, efficient multitasking experience for Mac users. 

Under The Hood: JavaScript Performance 

The engine driving a large part of your browsing operation is JavaScript. In terms of raw computational JavaScript power, Chrome steals the limelight again, though Firefox’s commendable performance should not be overlooked. Safari, despite its streamlined approach, lags slightly behind in this technical head-to-head. 

• Chrome takes the lead due to its high-speed V8 JavaScript Engine.
• Firefox is hot on Chrome’s tail, employing its SpiderMonkey Engine to keep up the pace.
• Safari, with its Nitro JavaScript engine, does a decent job, but it’s not quite at the forefront of this race.

Speed tests are close races, with no clear ‘one-size-fits-all’ winner. Chrome might seem like the frontrunner, but don’t discount Firefox’s robust performance and Safari’s resource-efficient approach. It’s all a matter of where you place your priorities.

Security Features: Protecting Your Online Experience

Navigating the curious world of the internet safely calls for vital defence mechanisms to counteract lurking threats. These threats can range from potent viruses to the omnipresent specter of digital spying. This is where the role of security features in web browsers comes into play. They are the knights that preserve your online expedition from the risky underbelly of the digital universe.

SSL/TLS Protocol Protection 

These are cryptographic protocols that provide communication security over networks, such as the internet. While SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the predecessor, most modern web browsers now primarily use TLS (Transport Layer Security) for more robust security. Both Chrome and Firefox are equipped to ensure website communications are secure and tamper-free by warning the user when a website’s SSL certificate is not trusted.

Sandboxing: Staying Ahead of Threats 

Sandboxing is a technique that isolates applications, preventing malicious or malfunctioning programs from damaging or snooping into your system. For example, Google Chrome is well reputed for its effective sandboxing technique. Each tab in Chrome operates as a separate process on your operating system. These individual processes are confined to their sandboxes so they can’t interact directly with your operating system or other processes.

Phishing and Malware Protection 

Phishing protection is fundamental to browser security as it helps to shield your personal and financial information from prying eyes. Web browsers, particularly Chrome and Firefox, employ real-time phishing detection. They check websites against a frequently updated list of phishing and malware sites, and present warnings if these sites are encountered.

Private Browsing and Tracking Protection 

While not a defence against external threats, privacy measures do protect your data from being harvested by companies. Private browsing, for example, allows you to explore the internet without storing local data that could be retrieved at a later date. Firefox’s ‘Enhanced Tracking Protection’ blocks many common forms of trackers right out of the box, offering a level of privacy not usually found in other browsers.

• Google Chrome: Chrome’s Incognito Mode allows users to browse privately, leaving no trace of the browsing experience on their device.
• Firefox: In addition to its private browsing mode, Firefox offers a comprehensive ‘Privacy and Security’ settings page, which lets you control your data and privacy in more detail.
• Safari: Apple’s browser also includes a private browsing feature and intelligent tracking prevention to protect users from invasive ad tracking.

Privacy Matters: How Each Browser Handles Your Data

The online world is a treasure trove of information, but with this wealth of data comes the ever-growing concern of privacy. Each web browser has its unique approach to handling your personal information, and understanding these can greatly influence your choice of which to use. How a browser respects your privacy could potentially be a defining factor in determining the most suitable one for you.

Google Chrome: Observing Your Habits 

Google Chrome is notorious for its extensive data collection practices. It monitors your habits and uses this data to inform its algorithms, often leading to highly personalized ad experiences. While this can feel invasive, it can also streamline your browsing. There are options to limit data collection, but this may affect the browser’s functionality. 

• Collects extensive data on user habits
• Uses data to inform ad generation
• Options to limit data collection are available

Safari: Prioritizing User Privacy 

Safari, under Apple’s jurisdiction, prioritizes user privacy. It blocks cross-site tracking by default and encrypts your data to prevent unauthorized access. This secure environment, however, comes at the expense of strict third-party cookie policies and limited customization options. 

• Blocks cross-site tracking by default
• Encrypts data for added security
• Enforces strict third-party cookie policies

Firefox: The Privacy-Centric Choice 

Firefox is a popular choice for privacy enthusiasts. The browser’s Enhanced Tracking Protection offers a high-level of defense against tracking cookies. It doesn’t sell user data and allows comprehensive control over your privacy settings. Its advanced features, however, may seem overwhelming to casual users. 

• Offers Enhanced Tracking Protection
• Doesn’t sell any user data
• Provides comprehensive controls over privacy settings

User Interface: Aesthetics and Navigation

A compelling user interface is the gateway to a pleasant web browsing experience. The interplay of aesthetics and navigation can profoundly shape the overall usability and accessibility of a browser. We’ll delve deep into how Chrome, Safari, and Firefox present their user interfaces, focusing on their visual design, arrangement of features, and navigational ease.

Visually Pleasing: The Aesthetics at Play 

When it comes to design, each browser has a unique approach. Chrome’s modern and minimalist approach emphasizes a neat, clutter-free space. Safari, synonymous with Apple’s sleek aesthetic vision, adopts an elegant, sophisticated look. Firefox, while maintaining simplicity, favors a more colorful and lively interface that’s visually appealing. 

The Blueprint: Arrangement of Features 

The organization of browser options, menus, and tabs can significantly impact users’ browsing efficiency. Chrome’s layout is straightforward, featuring a prominent URL bar and easily accessible features. Safari organizes its favorite websites elegantly and offers an easy-to-access reading list. Firefox sorts its features and settings in one easily accessible dropdown menu, ensuring smooth navigation. 

A Smooth Sail: Navigation Ease 

Intuitive and easy navigation is just as crucial for a great browser experience. Chrome offers easy switching between incognito and regular tabs and effortless bookmark management. Safari integrates its search and URL bar for simpler use and provides an eye-catching display of your most visited sites. Firefox boasts efficient tab management with a visual overview of all open tabs and a quick search feature. 

Customizability: Making it Your Own 

Lastly, the ability to personalize your browser enhances usability. Chrome stands out with its extensive theme library and customizable toolbar. Safari allows users to personalize their start page and integrate Siri suggestions. Firefox outshines with its flexible toolbar and wide range of unique themes.

Extensions and Add-Ons: Enhancing Your Browsing Experience

One of the distinguishing features that dramatically affect your browsing experience are the nifty extensions and add-ons. They’re like little software programs which improve the standard functionalities, giving you the ability to tailor and enhance your browser according to your needs. Whether you need an ad-blocker, password manager, language translator, or an extension for quick access to your notes — there’s something out there for everybody. But remember, the efficacy and range of these tools can vary greatly across different browsers. 

Enhancing capabilities: The role of extensions and add-ons  

Imagine having miniature software right inside your browser, enhancing its capabilities, and making your online sessions more efficient. That’s exactly the purpose of extensions and add-ons. They bring new features and improve existing ones, making most mundane tasks quicker and more straightforward. For instance, save articles for later reading with Pocket, or manage multiple tasks with the Todoist extension. The options are virtually endless. 

Comparison: Which browser offers better extensions? 

In the world of browsers, quantity and quality of available extensions can significantly influence your choice. Chrome boasts a vast library, characterized by Google’s intensive vetting process that ensures safer, reliable tools. Firefox, on the other hand, is known for its open-source extensions, offering many unique options not found elsewhere. Safari’s extensions are primarily geared towards Apple-users, with the added benefit of seamless integration with iOS applications. 

Proceed with caution: Security implications 

While there’s no denying the convenience and benefits of extensions, it’s still crucial to recognize the potential risks. Malicious extensions can expose you to threats such as data theft, privacy invasion, or worse. Always verify the source and reputation of any extension before installing to ensure it’s secure and reliable. Furthermore, too many active extensions can also affect your browser’s speed and overall performance. 

• Before downloading an extension, check user reviews and ratings for additional insight.
• Regularly update your add-ons, as old versions might contain security vulnerabilities.
• Be aware of the permissions requested by extensions. If they exceed what’s required for its function, you may want to give it a miss.
• Use a reputable security tool to regularly scan your installed extensions and ensure they haven’t turned malicious.

Customization: Tailoring Your Browser to Fit Your Needs

When it comes to your internet experience, personal preferences play a big role. That’s why customization capabilities of a web browser turn out to be a significant factor for many users. After all, you want a space that feels like your own, right? Do you prefer a minimalist design or like to have all your tools at your fingertips? Let’s delve into how these top browsers cater to your tastes and needs.

The Palette: Theme and Appearance Customization 

Whether you like it dark, vibrant, or neutral, the manner in which these browsers allow you to tweak their appearance varies substantially. Google Chrome provides a plethora of themes available for download via its web store, allowing you to completely alter its look. Safari, restricted to Apple’s design aesthetic, offers fewer options, but you can still switch between light and dark modes. Firefox, on the other hand, gives you a balanced mix – easy to use theme settings with options for light, dark, and auto modes, and a considerable selection of downloadable themes.

Functionality: Prioritizing Your Tools 

Customizing your tools and their arrangement significantly impacts how smoothly your browsing experience goes. Chrome excels in this department, supplying a detailed settings menu, easy access to extensions, rearrangement capability for the bookmarks bar, and more.

Apple’s Safari keeps it simple with options to customize the toolbar and manage extensions but lacks more detailed functionality adjustments. Similarly, Firefox offers extensive toolbar customization, preferences arrangements, a significant number of add-ons, resulting in a highly personalized experience.

The Flow: Configuring the Browsing 

As we continue our comparison, let’s consider how these browsers handle the overall flow of your browsing experience. Whether it’s the way they manage tabs and windows, how they handle downloads, or even the way you navigate their settings, this element plays an integral role in making your online ventures as smooth as possible. So, we’ll examine how effectively Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox manage this aspect.

Tab Management: 

Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all provide tabbed browsing, but with different approaches and features. Chrome offers a compact and straightforward tab system. You can group tabs, and even mute individual ones. Safari goes a step further, providing a unique ‘Tab Exposé’ view, showing a preview of all open tabs, which is especially handy when you have multiple tabs open. Firefox reigns superior in terms of control over your tabs. Not only can you pin and mute tabs, but you can also reopen closed ones or quickly search within your open tabs. 

Download Handling: 

When it comes to managing downloads, Chrome provides a simplistic interface outlining the download progress, where you can pause, cancel, or resume downloads directly. Safari offers a similar streamlined experience, automatically organizing downloads by date in its dedicated downloads list. Firefox, once again, provides finer control. You can adjust download actions for different file types, setting an automatic destination, or choosing a specific action for each downloaded file. 

Settings Navigation: 

Google Chrome offers a simplistic, clean menu with a built-in search function, making it easy to find the setting you need. Safari once again focuses on simplicity, providing its settings within a unified preferences window, while its extensive suite of advanced options is tucked away in a separate menu. Firefox’s settings menu is both simple and comprehensive. With a built-in search function and category tabs, finding and adjusting preferences is indeed a breeze.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Which Browser Works Best on All Devices?

In today’s digital landscape, the ability to switch between devices seamlessly while maintaining the same browsing experience is a critical aspect. Web browsers need to perform consistently and smoothly across multiple platforms, whether you’re using a Windows laptop, an Android smartphone, a macOS desktop, or an iOS tablet. A cross-platform browser offers consistency, convenience, and robust functionality, all of which are important factors when evaluating the top web browsers. Let’s dig deeper into how each browser fares in terms of cross-platform compatibility. 

Google Chrome: A Universal Choice 

Google Chrome stands out as a truly cross-platform browser. It operates on a multitude of devices, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Being linked to a Google account, Chrome allows for a synchronized browsing experience across all your devices. Change your theme or add a bookmark on one device, and it instantly reflects on all others. 

Safari: Limited to Apple Devices 

Safari, designed by Apple, is essentially tied to Apple’s ecosystem. It runs quite seamlessly on macOS and iOS devices. However, a significant disadvantage of Safari is its unavailability on non-Apple devices, limiting its cross-compatibility. 

Firefox: Flexibility at its Core 

Firefox, like Chrome, is another browser offering a consistent experience across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. One of its unique features is Firefox Sync, which seamlessly synchronizes your bookmarks, history, tabs, and passwords across all your devices. 

Cross-Platform Extensions and Add-ons 

Extensions and add-ons are vital to personalizing your browsing experience. Chrome and Firefox support a vast array of extensions across various platforms. However, Safari users might find their options to be somewhat limited, especially when using iOS devices. 

Consistency in User Interface 

The user interface plays an essential role in creating an intuitive and unified browsing experience. Chrome and Firefox maintain a consistent look and feel across all platforms, making it easier for users to switch devices without the need to adapt. On the other hand, Safari’s user interface changes slightly between macOS and iOS.

Mobile Browsing: How Do They Perform on Smartphones and Tablets?

In today’s digital age, your mobile device is just as important as your computer for browsing the web. This raises the question: how do these top web browsers perform on your smartphones and tablets? Just as you’d expect, this part of our comparison considers how Chrome, Safari, and Firefox hold up when they’re not on a desktop or laptop. 

Mobile Adaptability: How Well Do They Transition? 

It’s crucial that a browser can adapt to the smaller screen sizes and different user interface of a mobile device while maintaining functionality. Chrome consistently provides a seamless experience across devices, with some features even specifically designed for mobile. Safari, while limited to Apple devices, is well-matched to the iOS interface. Firefox, with its focus on customization, allow users to create a mobile browsing experience suited to their preferences. 

Mobile Speed: Does It Mirror the Desktop? 

Speed continues to be a critical factor for any device. How quickly a browser can load pages on a mobile device can significantly impact the user’s browsing experience. Chrome, known for its speed, maintains reputation in the mobile platform as well, while Safari provides a smooth and efficient browsing environment on iOS devices. Firefox also ensures quick loading times, even on mobile devices. 

Mobile Security Features: Are They on Par? 

The security features of a browser should not be compromised just because it’s on a mobile device. Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all take mobile security seriously, offering the same robust features as their desktop versions. 

Mobile Features and Plugins: How Many Made the Leap? 

The range of features and plugins available on a browser’s mobile version often differs from the desktop version. While Chrome offers a significant range of Google services on mobile, Safari tends to focus more on user-friendliness on its mobile platform. Firefox offers most of its desktop plugins on its mobile version as well, maintaining its feature-rich reputation.

The quest to find the best web browser often boils down to personal preference. Things such as performance, aesthetics, security, and a plethora of other factors can influence this decision. In the end, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all have their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive breakdown equips you with the knowledge needed to pick the browser that’s right for your needs. 

Whether you prioritize speed and efficiency, a vast array of features, privacy protection, or a seamlessly integrated ecosystem, there’s a browser out there for you. So, take this knowledge, choose wisely, and enhance your browsing experience!

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Internet Basics  - Choosing a Web Browser

Internet basics  -, choosing a web browser, internet basics choosing a web browser.

Internet Basics: Choosing a Web Browser

Lesson 11: choosing a web browser.

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Choosing a web browser

A web browser is a type of software that allows you to find and view websites on the Internet. Even if you didn't know it, you're using a web browser right now to read this page!

For many years, especially in the early 2000s, there was one browser that almost everyone used: Microsoft's Internet Explorer . If you used the Internet at that time, you probably clicked an icon like this to access the Web:

In the past, Internet Explorer was pre-installed on any PC you buy. Starting in the mid-2000s, other software companies introduced new browsers, including Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome . At the time, these browsers allowed for more experimental features. Because of this, web developers began creating websites with browsers like Chrome and Firefox in mind, which meant they didn't always work as well in Internet Explorer. If you have a PC with Windows 10, you'll have Microsoft Edge as your web browser instead. Watch this video to learn more about browsing in Edge. 

It's always a good idea to keep at least two web browsers on your computer or mobile device. This way, if a website isn't working correctly you can try opening the page in a different web browser. More often than not, this trick can solve a lot of problems you might encounter online.

Using a PC or Android? Try Google Chrome.

Google Chrome is probably the best web browser right now for PCs. It's free to download, it's very fast, and it's secure. Chrome is also the default web browser for many Android devices. Watch this video to learn about browsing in Chrome. 

If you have a Google account, you can even sync your saved passwords and browsing history across multiple devices. And because it downloads updates automatically, you'll always be protected from current security threats and viruses online. If you want to learn more, review our Chrome tutorial .

Using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Try Safari.

Safari is the default web browser for Mac computers and iOS devices, including the iPhone and iPad. Aside from being fast and secure, Safari has a lot of unique features. For example, Reader view allows you to see a simplified version of a webpage that's optimized for reading. It's also easy to add articles you find to your Reading List so you can save them for later. Watch this video to learn more about browsing in Safari. 

Again, we recommend keeping at least two web browsers on your device. Chrome is a good secondary browser to use on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. It's also important to note that you cannot use Internet Explorer on a Mac or iOS device.

Other recommended web browsers

Firefox : This free web browser from Mozilla works on Windows, Mac, and Android. It's built by an open-source community of developers, so it will usually support even the most experimental web features. Like Chrome, it will be updated automatically, so you'll be protected from viruses and other threats online. Next, watch this video about browsing in Firefox.

If you want to learn more, review our Firefox tutorial .

Opera : Originally released in 1994, the Opera web browser has been around much longer than Firefox and Chrome. You may find that some websites don't load perfectly on Opera, but it's still regarded as a fast and secure alternative to your default browser. It's also available for all major operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS).

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Browser battles: IE vs. Firefox vs. Chrome vs. Opera vs. Safari

We run-down the latest versions of all the main browsers in a head-to-head comparison to sort out where each browser scores well or offers something unique that makes them a must-use proposition. Should you make a switch?

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• Internet Explorer

A good browser does what you want, when you want it to. At a basic level, any browser you choose will do the basics — page display, secure websites for matters such as online commerce and banking — to a standardised level. So what marks out one browser from another?

We've taken a look at the latest and greatest from Microsoft, Apple, Opera, Google and Mozilla to sort out where each browser scores well or offers something unique that makes them a must-use proposition. Most users tend to use one browser and stick to it as a familiar kind of playground, but are they missing out on the best the web can offer as a result?

We're well past the point where you have to pay for a browser, and with the exception of Internet Explorer, everything we're looking at works across multiple computing platforms. These aren't benchmarks or reviews per se; we're just using the currently most up-to-date browsers to point out where it might be worth switching browsers.

The biggest players get to go first. So up first, we've got Internet Explorer 9.

Internet Explorer 9 Beta

Where to get it: http://ie.microsoft.com/testdrive /

There was a time when Internet Explorer was the internet for most folks, with market share that was fast approaching 100 per cent. That time has passed, but IE still holds a commanding market share, and its status as default Windows browser makes it the standard choice for a lot of web users.

Still in beta at the time of writing, most of Internet Explorer 9 's big new features are under the hood and promise speed jumps over previous versions of Internet Explorer. To put it kindly, previous versions could often tend to be rather keen on using up as much memory as possible, but our sampling of IE9 suggests it's been slimmed down extensively. Likewise, the user interface finally drops the toolbar-heavy approach for a slimmed down interface that draws obvious comparisons with Google's Chrome. There's no shame in utilising a good idea, however, and that's what the slick Internet Explorer 9 interface does, right down to integrated search in the URL bar. Bing is not surprisingly the default, but you can easily add other search engines.

Speed is always a very relative thing to test, but in our use of Internet Explorer 9 , we couldn't call it sluggish the way one could so easily do with previous versions. HTML5 is natively supported, the underlying JavaScript engine has been rewritten, and there's support for hardware-accelerated text rendering, depending on the power of your underlying system. All of these things add up to a browser that, for Internet Explorer, is refreshingly fast and lean.

In terms of tweaked features, the two standouts are pinned tabs and the very nifty way that IE manages your add-ons. Pinned sites can be dragged down to the Windows Taskbar where they act like an individual program application instance. You can launch the sites of your choice automatically, and if the site developer enables it, right-click to launch site jump-lists. One-click site launching is very cool, and one of the first things we did with IE9 was add CNET.com.au to our Windows Taskbar. We'll wait while you do the same.

As for Add-On management, the very first time you start up IE9, it'll search out your add-ons and tell you how much time they add to the program start time, with the option to disable them individually or all at once. So if you enable an add-on and IE9 starts dragging its feet, it's easy to find the culprit and lop its head off in just a couple of clicks with no confusion.

And finally — and it's taken long enough, Microsoft — Internet Explorer has a download manager. Quite why we had to wait so long for such a basic feature will no doubt go down as one of history's great mysteries.

If you're still using Windows XP, however, there'll be no Internet Explorer 9 for you. The minimum requirements call for Vista SP2 or better. If you're stuck on XP for a specific reason, we'd suggest switching camps to Chrome or Firefox rather than sticking with an older and potentially less secure IE version, especially as its market penetration make it a favourite of hackers.

In terms of browsers, the current "Fords vs. Holdens" analogy would have to be Internet Explorer vs. Firefox. Over to all things Mozilla we head...

Firefox 4 Beta

Where to get it: www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/beta/

From looking at the beta version of Firefox 4 , it's clear that browser minimalism and top-loading tabs are the new black in browser design. Like IE9, Chrome and Safari, the newest version of Firefox eschews complicated toolbars in favour of a clean layout that emphasises the pages you're surfing to. On Windows (Vista and 7 only), the minimalist design means that all of Firefox's menus spring out from the inventively named (and arguably Opera-borrowed) "Firefox button" that sits at the top left of the user interface. Standard menu layouts can also be invoked with a tap of the Alt key. Our only complaint with the Firefox button is that it sits in a vertical plane by itself, taking up what feels like a lot of screen real estate. It's still early beta days, so hopefully that'll change for final release. Tabs have shifted by default from the bottom to the top, although you can tweak this back if you're not in favour of it.

If you're the type of web surfer who always has hundreds of tabs open, you'll appreciate Firefox 4's Switch To Tab feature. If you're entering in the URL bar ... sorry, "Awesome Bar" by official Firefox parlance, the details of something that matches an existing open tab, it'll offer you the option to switch straight to that tab. Not so useful for single tabs, but if you've got dozens shrunk down to the point where they can't be found, it's potentially quite handy.

On the technical side, Firefox 4 supports yet another new video standard, WebM. It's open source and seems reasonably slick, but whether it'll unseat Flash and H.264 in any significant way isn't yet clear.

Firefox 4 is still very much in beta, and with that in mind, there's a permanently affixed Feedback button on the top left of the browser screen. We'll give them extra points for naming the feedback options "FireFox Made Me Happy Because" and "Firefox Made Me Sad Because..." if only because it's a cute way to engage browser testers.

Firefox 4 is still a beta, and it showed intermittently in our testing, with a few crashes along the way. Other than that, however, it's a swift browser that performs well. Existing Firefox users should upgrade to it once it's gone final, and those wanting cross-platform compatibility and a good browser could well be tempted to switch camps.

Between them, Firefox and Internet Explorer eat up at least 80 per cent of the world's browser share. Moving over to Google next...

Google Chrome 8.0.552.224 Beta

Where to get it: www.google.com/landing/chrome/beta/

Is Google's Chrome ever not in beta? You can always play it safe and download the stable version, but for those who like to live a little on the wild side, Google's Chrome page has a permanent link to the latest beta version of the company's search-centric application. This makes picking the beta-specific updates rather tricky to actually spot, as so many features end up being organically adopted by the browser along the way. We tested with version 8.0.552.224, but there could well be a more fresh public beta by the time you read this. It gave us the choice on loading of importing existing settings and, to our surprise, choosing our preferred search engine. If ever there was a setting we'd figure Google would lock down by default, it's search.

The big new feature (from a web surfer's perspective) in the Chrome 8.0.552 branch is Google's Chrome Web Store, a one-stop shop for various applications — everything from games to productivity applications is on offer, although at the time of writing, it's technically US only. This can be worked around with a credit card and a Google Checkout account, but developers keen on getting money out of Google should note that there's no way for Aussie developers to get paid — yet. Chrome Apps aren't really applications in the standard Windows sense; they're more like a mix of add-ons/extensions mixed with web pages, as nothing ends up as a distinct application on your desktop in the way you might expect.

As a browser, Chrome continues to be good at its core competency points. The stripped down look that every other browser is "borrowing" for its 2011 look was pioneered on Chrome, and it still arguably does it best, with a single bar for all searches and URL entry. PDF viewing is built in, and in version 8 it's sandboxed, so if you do end up with an errant PDF that would otherwise crash the whole browser session, everything else is protected.

The Chrome Web Store, in its current incarnation, probably isn't enough to get anyone to particularly switch camps if they're married to their current browser, but Chrome's swift page rendering, even in beta form, just might be.

From Google, we head into Operatic territory...

Where to get it: www.opera.com/browser/next/

Opera's main web page poses the question "What is faster than the fastest?", which, if nothing else, proves that the Norwegian firm doesn't really understand how comparative terms actually work. We do get what they're aiming at, though, which is to claim that Opera's browser is, perhaps, quicker than other browsers you might consider. The speed jokes continue with the latest beta, with the Spinal Tap-inspired tag line "This one goes to Eleven".

Opera has grimly kept hold of an idea that once permeated the browser space, namely that your browser could be multiple applications at once. It's the only browser in our round-up that comes with an integrated email client. It's neatly enough laid out, but the utility of this (especially in an age of web-based email clients that work across any browser) is debatable.

Opera's claim is that the browser code itself has been optimised to be 30 per cent smaller than Opera 10.60, making it a swifter install. It was fast to install in our tests, and while we weren't sitting with a stopwatch, we couldn't honestly say it was significantly faster than other browser installs. Once it's installed, it's there permanently anyway.

The big new feature for web surfers that Opera touts in Opera 11 is Tab Stacking. Clearly, we're all opening too many tabs at once, and Opera's solution to this crisis is to allow you to stack them into logical groups, which can then be previewed by hovering over a group, or fanned out across the tab bar. Creating groups is as simple as dragging one tab on top of another, although we did find it frustrating that you can't drag tabs sideways to group them. You've got to fully detach them from the tab bar and slot them back up onto another tab to create groups.

Mouse gestures have been made easier to access with a full visual GUI for quick page flipping, zooming, minimisation and duplication, depending on the gestures you wish to use. Mouse gestures are one of those features that you either love or loathe, but they're easily switched off if you don't like them.

Opera 11's browser bar also shrinks down longer URLs and more clearly displays the security information of a given site. Given the prevalence of phishing attacks, this is clearly a good thing.

And moving out of the beta space completely, we go on a Safari...

Apple Safari 5

Where to get it: www.apple.com/safari/download

Apple's notorious for not giving anything away until it's ready to say something, which makes reviewing Safari betas available to the general public rather difficult, although the company did reverse that position for a little while with Safari 4. As such, in the interests of testing something you can use too, we're stuck just looking at the regular stable release of Safari, which at the time of writing was version 5.03.

Safari doesn't boast a huge range of world-altering web browsing features, instead opting to run with that rather well-worn Apple credo of "it just works". And, indeed, Safari does just work, with a simple and slick interface that handles basic web tasks competently, if not in a manner that's all that exciting. The default "Top Sites" panel of commonly visited sites is a little more slick-looking than Google Chrome's very similar-looking "Most Visited" panel, but they both basically just do the same thing.

On a Mac, Safari takes the pride of place that Internet Explorer enjoys on Windows, and as such it's the default browser of many Mac users simply because it's "just there". On Windows, however, the reasons to switch to Safari, compared to other, more feature rich browsers, are less obvious. If you're a Mac user who intermittently dips into the PC world we could see the sense in a common user interface, but otherwise switchers would do better with something like Chrome or Firefox for an alternate browsing experience. It's not that Safari's bad at what it does, but in the free browser space, the alternatives simply do a little bit more.

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Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best?

You probably take your web browser for granted, but you have real options: performance, feature sets, and privacy tools vary wildly among internet-surfing apps..

The browser battle has been raging almost as long as the internet has existed. But with new competitors in the fray and longtime entries revving up new technologies, the stakes have never been higher.

In the late nineties and early aughts, it was Microsoft’s Internet Explorer versus Netscape Navigator. Fast forward 20 years, and IE’s proprietary technologies for enabling interactive, application-like websites have given way to W3C standards-based features for delivering the online experience.

Meanwhile, the browser landscape has a new dominant force: G oogle, the search and web advertising behemoth that delivers the most content of any source on the internet (according to comScore ), also claims nearly 70 percent of the browser market with Chrome (based on both NetMarketShare and StatCounter numbers). That’s for desktop use; if you add in mobile, Chrome is still king at over 60 percent.

Chrome may be leading in usage (except, of course, on Apple devices), but it’s not ahead by every measure or by number of capabilities. Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera all have features not found in Google's browser. That’s not to say that Chrome isn't an excellent piece of software, but you should know there are worthy alternatives. This article examines the top five browsers in the U.S. in order of popularity. Unfortunately, that rules out Brave and Vivaldi —both first-class and unique choices—but you can read about them in my article covering the best alternative web browsers .

So what’s important in a browser these days? Speed and compatibility remain the top requirements. But in this day of the ever-present smartphone, the linkage between your desktop browser and your phone has become increasingly important. Indeed, some browsers now let you send a webpage from one device to another, and all let you sync bookmarks between them.

A rough measure of standards compatibility is the HTML5test website, which scores browsers’ compatibility with the moving target of web standards. The maximum possible score is 555, with points awarded for each standard supported. The new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge has taken over the lead from Chrome on this test with a score of 535 compared with Chrome's 528. The difference? Support for Dolby Digital and screenshots. Opera and other Chromium-based browsers hew closely to Chrome, while Firefox gets 491, and Safari 471. Just a few years ago, a score in the 300s was considered excellent, and Internet Explorer (still used by millions) is stuck at 312.

For speed testing, I ran each browser through the WebXPRT 3 benchmark, which tests the speed of internet applications such as photo enhancement, stock option pricing, encryption, and text manipulation. I tested on my Asus Z240IC 4K touch-screen all-in-one PC with a 2.8GHz Core i7-6700T processor running Windows 10. For Safari I used a 3.1GHz Core i7-4770S iMac (I realize the hardware is not completely comparable, but it’s sufficient for a rough comparison). Take benchmark results with a grain of salt, however, since purely synthetic tests don’t measure every component of actual browsing conditions.

In terms of disk space usage, on my Windows test system (after a cache clear) Edge took 319MB, Firefox 187MB, Opera 191MB, and Chrome 437MB. Since Chrome and Opera don’t report their storage use in the Settings / Apps & Features page, I used the size of their folders. I noticed that Chrome installs itself in the Programs (x86) folder, which is normally only for 32-bit apps; nevertheless, typing chrome://version/ in the address bar showed I was testing with the 64-bit version.

Privacy, customization, convenience features, tab and start-page tools, and mobile integration have replaced speed and standards support as today's primary differentiators. All browsers now can remember passwords for you and sync them (in encrypted form) as well as your browsing history and bookmarks between desktops or laptops and mobile devices. Chrome by default signs you into Google services like Gmail and YouTube, which some consider presumptuous .

Privacy mavens like to use VPNs (virtual private networks) to hide browsing activities from ISPs and any other intervening entities between you and the site you’re visiting. Opera is the only browser that includes a built-in VPN. Firefox also has a good privacy story, with a private mode that not only discards a session’s history and cookies but also hides your activities from third-party tracking sites during the private session. In addition, Firefox and Safari include fingerprint protection—preventing trackers from identifying you based on your hardware and software setup. Firefox also has built-in Content Blocking to fend off known trackers and cryptocurrency-mining ploys.

Useful browsing tools can play a part in your decision, too. One, Reading Mode, strips webpages of clutter—mostly ads, videos, and content pitches—so you can focus on text. Another is the Share Button. With this era’s obsession with social media, it’s nearly an essential convenience.

Opera is alone among the popular web browsers included here with a built-in cryptocurrency wallet, though the aforementioned Brave browser also includes one. Opera is also notable for its Speed Dial, which consists of pinned tiles on your home screen (though the other browsers have similar functionality) and a toolbar for accessing frequently needed services such as WhatsApp.

Microsoft Edge offers voice-reading of webpages with remarkably realistic speech, a helpfully customizable homepage, detailed privacy settings, and (soon) a Collections feature for web research. Firefox lets you instantly save a page to Pocket or open a new Container in case you want to be logged into the same site with two different identities. Screenshot tools are making their way into browsers, with Edge, Firefox, and Opera for starters.

If you feel strongly about one browser or another, as is likely the case if you’re reading this, please feel free to let us know about it in our social channels.

Google Chrome

Most web users need no introduction to the search behemoth's browser, Google Chrome. It’s attractively designed and quick at loading pages. At this point most every website’s code targets it, so compatibility is usually not an issue. That said, every browser is occasionally flummoxed by a particular site or two, and sometimes a browser update breaks even well-crafted sites.

As mentioned earlier, Chrome gets top marks on the HTML5Test website. It also does reasonably well on the WebXPRT 3 benchmark, which tests the speed of internet applications like photo enhancement, stock option pricing, encryption, and text manipulation. It uses more RAM than other Windows browsers, but some of that is for speeding up operation by preloading content. It also creates far more program processes than the others, to ensure stability by isolating not only tabs, but also plug-ins and frames from other domains on the page.

Google is constantly working on security and feature enhancements, but as with all software, bugs happen, so make sure you stay updated . Another benefit of using Chrome is that you won’t have to dismiss those messages urging you to switch to Chrome every time you visit Google News, Gmail, YouTube, and so on.

Chrome can no longer boast any unique browsing features: There’s no built-in VPN, no fancy tab organization tools, no cryptocurrency locker, no Reading Mode, no share button, and no screenshot tool. That’s just fine for most web consumers, apparently. The Android version of Chrome has been getting more love from Google lately, with tab groups and dark mode.

Google has lately made two seemingly contradictory announcements, both concerning privacy. In May, it announced that it would be removing the API function that allowed ad-blocker software to fully block ads. Then in August it announced a set of open standards intended to enhance privacy on the web, called Privacy Sandbox. It’s just in the planning stage at present, and it tries to cater to both ad targeting and user privacy .

There are loads of features in Chrome that are only available to web geeks who can tinker in the about:flags settings. Examples include the recently announced password leak detection, a distilled page view, and forced dark mode for websites.

The Chrome mobile browser is very capable, and offers syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and settings. Like the desktop browser, it includes voice input when using Google search. The mobile browser also suggests content that may be of interest to you based on your browsing.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox, an open source project from the nonprofit Mozilla Foundation, has long been a PCMag favorite. The browser has pioneered many web capabilities and the organization that develops it has been a strong advocate for online privacy. It’s also notable for its wealth of available extensions. Pocket , the synchronizable site-saving service, is built in, and the unique Multi-Account Containers extension lets you sequester multiple logins to the same site on different tabs—without this, you'd have to open a private browsing window or another browser to sign out of all your web accounts and start a fresh session.

Mozilla’s browser is in the vanguard of supporting new HTML5 and CSS capabilities, and the company is working on open-source AR and speech synthesis standards. The organization now offers a full password management service called Lockwise, which can generate complex passwords, sync them between devices, and secure everything under a strong master password.

The mobile Firefox apps offer excellent interfaces, and you can send a webpage tab from any device to any others that are logged into your syncing account. That’s right: You can be reading a webpage on your desktop PC, and have it instantly open on your iPhone or vice versa—a slick and useful feature.

If that’s not enough, Firefox has a Pocket button in the address bar, letting you save a page for later viewing anywhere with one click. The Reader View button de-clutters a webpage loaded with ads, promos, and videos, so you can peruse it with no distractions. Finally, the browser is ultra-customizable, letting you select and arrange buttons on the toolbar to taste.

Apple Safari

The default Mac and iOS browser is a strong choice, though its interface has some nonstandard elements on both desktop and mobile. Safari was a forerunner in a few areas of browser capability: For example, it was the first with a Reading mode, which cleared unnecessary clutter like ads and video from web articles you want to read. That feature debuted in 2010 and has made its way into all other browsers except for Chrome.

More recently, with macOS Catalina and iOS 13, Safari adds fingerprinting protection—preventing web trackers from identifying you by your system specs. The new version also gets Apple Pay support and a Sign in with Apple feature to replace Facebook and Google as web account authorizers.

If you use an iPhone and a Mac, Safari integration makes a lot of sense, since Apple’s Handoff feature lets you continue your browsing session between devices.

Safari has trailed other browsers on support for emerging HTML5 features, but I haven’t run into or heard of any major site incompatibilities with it. It performed faster than the other browsers here on the WebXPRT 3 benchmark, even though I was using an iMac with a Core i7 CPU a generation earlier than that of my Windows machine.

Microsoft Edge

There’s a new Edge in town. The Microsoft developers in charge of Windows’ default web browser got tired of chasing compatibility issues resulting from site developers’ only targeting Chrome for compatibility. So, they decided to switch to using Chrome’s webpage-rendering code, Chromium, in the Edge browser software. That freed them up to add unique features instead of putting out compatibility fires. Notably, Edge now runs on Apple macOS and earlier Windows versions, in addition to Windows 10.

The compatibility is certainly now there in spades: For the first time since I’ve been reviewing browsers, another browser edges out Chrome on the HTML5Test measure of supported web standards. See the intro and table above for the actual scores. What pushes Edge over is support for Dolby Digital, ObjectRTC, and the Screen Capture API. In general, however, you won’t run into the kind of site incompatibilities that the previous Edge incarnation occasionally encountered. Amusingly enough, Google still prompts you to download Chrome on its websites, even though there’s no difference in compatibility or performance when using Edge on those. If you’re a Netflix watcher, Edge is the only web browser that lets you view shows in 4K, and also the only Windows browser that supports Dolby Digital audio (Safari supports it, too).

But compatibility isn’t the only benefit of the new Edge: As you can see in the table above, it’s also a leader in performance as well as thrifty memory and disk usage.

What new features has the Edge team been working on, you ask? The initial focuses have been privacy, the customizable start page, and the intriguing Collections feature for web research. For enterprise customers who still rely on Internet Explorer to run legacy programs (and I still run into these at places like insurance and doctors’ offices), Edge offers an IE Mode, but this won’t be available in standard consumer setups.

Another new feature worth highlighting is Immersive Reader mode. Not only does this offer distraction-free web article reading, stripping out ads and nonessential eye candy (or eye poison , more aptly), but It can also read webpage text aloud using lifelike Neural Voices. This is really something to try: It reads with sentence intonation, rather than simply word-by-word, as we’ve come to expect text-to-speech audio.

The Collections feature presents a sidebar onto which you can drag webpages and images, write notes, and then share the whole assemblage to Excel or Word. This feature hasn't appeared in the released version, but works well in the beta and Microsoft says it's coming soon.

Maybe you don’t want a colorful corporate logo burning itself into your consciousness every time you open your browser? Edge offers four Home page options: Focused, Inspirational, Informational, and Custom. Focused is a blank page with search and buttons for your most-visited sites; Inspirational adds the gorgeous Bing photos that change daily as backgrounds; to all this, Informational adds customized news, weather, sports, and finance cards.

The browser offers three preset privacy levels: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. As you move from the first to the last, you increase privacy but possibly disable site features. The private browsing mode, like that in all browsers, doesn’t save any history from a private session.

Mobile versions for Android and iOS with syncing smooths moving from desktop to mobile, and I find that password management works more reliably than in most other browsers, though it’s still a good idea to use a separate password management utility such as LastPass.

For a more in-depth look, read my hands-on preview of Microsoft’s Edge web browser .

Perennially hovering around the 2 percent usage level, the Opera browser has long been a pioneer in the segment, bringing us innovations as basic as tabs, CSS, and the built-in search box. Some people got scared of Opera when its parent company was bought by a Chinese investment coalition, but the firm is now publicly traded on NASDAQ, so the move was clearly just an investment and not some scheme to send data to Beijing.

In fact, Opera can make a bigger privacy claim than any other browser—if you’re a believer in VPNs , since it includes a built-in VPN that works well and quickly. Some consider Opera’s VPN to actually be an encrypted proxy server, but the only real difference between it and a standard VPN is that it only protects and reroutes traffic from Opera itself, rather than from any internet-connected app on the computer or smartphone.

Opera uses the Chromium page-rendering engine, so you'll rarely run into site incompatibilities, and performance is fast. Opera also takes up far less drive space and memory than Chrome—hundreds of megabytes less in my testing with 10 media-rich websites loaded.

Beyond the VPN, another unique feature in Opera is its built-in ad blocker, which also blocks crypto-mining scripts and trackers. Note that Opera added crypto-mining protection more than a year before Firefox did. (Google is still mulling adding similar protection to Chrome.) Ad blocking also means less data consumed, especially of interest for those using metered connections or mobile plans with data caps.

More unique features in Opera include its Speed Dial start and new-tab page, its quick-access sidebar of frequently needed services like WhatsApp, and its cryptocurrency wallet, which supports Bitcoin and Tron.

On mobile, Opera Touch is a beautifully designed app that connects (via quick QR scan) to your desktop. My Flow is the result of this connection, letting you send webpages and notes between devices easily.

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About Michael Muchmore

PC hardware is nice, but it’s not much use without innovative software. I’ve been reviewing software for PCMag since 2008, and I still get a kick out of seeing what's new in video and photo editing software, and how operating systems change over time. I was privileged to byline the cover story of the last print issue of PC Magazine , the Windows 7 review, and I’ve witnessed every Microsoft win and misstep up to the latest Windows 11.

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The best web browsers for 2024

All web browsers have the same basic function, and yet, the choice between them has always been one of the most contentious in tech history. You have more options these days than ever before, whether you’re looking for the best web browser for privacy , the best for speed, or perhaps something a bit more adventurous.

To help you decide on the best web browser, we grabbed the latest browsers and put them through their paces. Even if some could use a complete overhaul, these options are your best chance for a great online experience.

The best web browser: Google Chrome

Chrome is ubiquitous — and for good reason. With a robust feature set, full Google Account integration, a thriving extension ecosystem (available through the Chrome Web Store), and a reliable suite of mobile apps, it’s easy to see why Chrome is the most popular and the best web browser.

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Chrome boasts some of the most extensive mobile integration available. Served up on every major platform, keeping data in sync is easy, making browsing between multiple devices a breeze. Sign in to your Google account on one device, and all Chrome bookmarks, saved data, and preferences come right along. Even active extensions stay synchronized across devices.

Chrome’s Password Manager can automatically generate and recommend strong passwords when a user creates a new account on a webpage. Managing saved passwords and adding notes to passwords is even easier. The search bar, or Omnibox, provides “rich results” comprised of useful answers, and it now supports generative AI capabilities. Favorites are more accessible as well, and they’re manageable on the New Tab page. And it’s now easier to mute tabs to avoid unwanted sounds.

Other updates have included a Dark Mode for Windows and macOS , better New Tab customization and tab group creation, tab hover cards, and an in-browser warning if your password was discovered in a data breach. There’s a price tracking feature that can help locate the best deals. Android users will appreciate the Phone Hub for linking and monitoring their phones. There’s also the ability to quiet notifications, so websites don’t bombard you with requests to enable in-browser notifications.

What’s the bottom line? The Google Chrome browser is fast, free, and even better looking than before. With a thriving extension ecosystem, it’s as fully featured or as pared-down as you want it to be. Everything is right where it belongs, privacy and security controls are laid out in plain English, and the browser just gets out of your way. While it can be a little RAM-hungry at times , Google is working to make it more efficient — like Microsoft’s Edge, Google can now hibernate tabs in the background to stop them from using too many resources.

Overall, Chrome remains the best web browser download for the average user.

And, things are looking to get even better. Google announced some significant upgrades to the browser that haven’t gone live yet, to celebrate Chrome’s 15th birthday . A Material You design language will allow users to customize Chrome’s look and feel and attach themes to profiles to make it easy to tell them apart. The menu system will be revamped to provide easier access to a variety of settings and features including Extensions, Password Manager, Translate, and others. The Chrome Web Store will be redesigned using Material You to be easier to use, and AI will help identify useful extensions. And finally, Safe Browsing will now work in real time to protect against threats.

The best Chrome alternative: Microsoft Edge

In response to the market’s rejection of its original home-grown Edge browser, Microsoft rewrote Edge using the open-source Chromium web browser engine. The new Edge launched on February 5, 2020 , as a separate, stand-alone browser that replaced the integrated version. It became part of Windows 10 with the May 2020 update, although you can still download it for Windows 10 builds prior to version 2004. Of course, it’s the default web browser for Windows 11.

At first glance, the new Edge browser looks and feels like Google Chrome. It prompts you to import Chrome’s bookmarks toolbar and other settings. This is great if you hated the old Edge browser and want to give Microsoft’s new browser another shot. It also supports Chrome extensions , though the browser leads you to the Microsoft Store for add-ons. You must manually load the Chrome Web Store to install anything not listed in Microsoft’s repository.

However, it’s not Chrome with a Windows 11 theme. Microsoft reportedly disabled many features, including Google’s Safe Browsing API, ad blocking, speech input, Google-centric services, and more. In return, the company worked to optimize Edge and reduce its footprint while continuing to add new, Microsoft-oriented features. As of January 2023, Edge is the most efficient browser in terms of memory usage. It also allows sleeping tabs, to let tabs release their resources when they haven’t been used for some time.

Features launched since its release have included the new Edge Sidebar that provides easy access to various tools, more flexibility in managing how Edge starts up, Citations to make it easier for students to cite sources, and various other updates to make the browser more productive. Edge Workspaces lets users organize tasks into dedicated windows, and Microsoft has continuously tweaked various features, like the Edge Sidebar, to make them more user-friendly.

Microsoft Edge also provides simpler privacy settings and security updates. Microsoft Edge uses a graphically friendly interface that displays three security levels: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. With Balanced set as the default, many sites request you to disable your pop-up blocker even though one isn’t manually installed. All in all, we’re very optimistic that Edge is on its way to challenging Chrome as the best web browser.

The best Chromium alternative: Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is the best browser that’s not based on the Chromium browser engine. Mozilla has taken real strides to make its browser a truly modern way to surf from site to site, thanks to efforts like its upgrade to Firefox Quantum , its VR alternative Firefox Reality , and password-free browsing .

It wasn’t too long ago that Mozilla rebuilt the browser’s interface, offering a cleaner, more modern take on what a web browser should be. The changes weren’t just skin-deep, however. There’s some impressive engineering going on behind the scenes.

For example, Firefox Quantum is designed to leverage multicore processors in ways that its competitors just aren’t doing. It was not designed to make a huge difference in your day-to-day browsing, but Mozilla hopes this design will give Firefox Quantum an edge moving forward. By engineering for the future now, Firefox Quantum is in a better position to take advantage of quicker processors as they emerge.

Some Firefox strengths include privacy protections with SmartBlock anti-tracker support, improved password syncing across devices, enhanced readability, integrated breach alerts, and a Protections Dashboard that provides a summary of how Firefox protects your privacy behind the scenes. WebRender improves the graphics performance on Windows PCs with Intel and AMD CPUs.

Recent updates include easier download management, captions, and subtitle support on YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix videos watched in picture-in-picture mode, HDR support in macOS, and the ability to edit PDFs with text, drawings, and signatures. Firefox can also recognize text from an image, which is copied to the clipboard when selected. Finally, Firefox Colorways provides new options for optimizing how Firefox looks on-screen.

Beneath those changes, Firefox remains a comfortable, familiar standby. It’s a capable browser with a deep catalog of extensions and user interface customization. While managing settings across platforms isn’t as seamless as Google Chrome , the mobile browser app lets you share bookmarks between devices when using a free Firefox account.

There’s a bit of a fringe benefit, too. Since it’s been around longer than Chrome, some older web apps — the likes of which you might encounter at your university or workplace — work better on Firefox than they do on Chrome. For that reason, it never hurts to keep it around.

Overall, Firefox is more privacy-centric than Chrome and comparably fast, but its feature set isn’t quite as expansive elsewhere. If you like the sound of this, download the Firefox browser today.

The most innovative web browser: Opera

Another venerable browser and popular alternative, the Opera browser shares much of Chrome’s DNA and deserves its place as one of the best web browsers. Like both Edge and Chrome, Opera is built on Google’s open-source Chromium engine and, as a result, they all have a very similar user experience. Both feature a hybrid URL/search bar, and both are relatively light and fast.

The differences appear when you look at Opera’s built-in features. Where Chrome relies on an extension ecosystem to provide functionality users might want, Opera has a few more features baked right into the browser itself. It introduced a predictive website preload ability, and an Instant Search feature isolates search results in their separate window while the current page fades into the background, letting users more easily focus on the research task at hand.

You can install extensions from the Opera Add-ons store , which are just like Chrome extensions. Similar to Google’s browser, you’ll find useful tools like Giphy, Amazon Assistant, Avast Online Security, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and more. If Chrome’s wide variety of extensions is important to you, then Opera becomes an intriguing alternative. It might just be one of the best browsers for quickly navigating web pages.

Opera also features a built-in “Stash” for saving pages to read later. There’s no need to sign up for a Pocket or Evernote account to save a page for later reading. Similarly, Opera features a speed-dial menu that puts all your most frequently visited pages in one place. Google Chrome also does this, but only on a blank new tab. Finally, Opera has a built-in unlimited VPN service, making it a more secure browser option.

The biggest changes came with Opera 60 and Reborn 3, a complete revamp that brought a new borderless design, Web 3 support, and a Crypto Wallet, allowing users to prepare for blockchain-based sites. With version 69, Opera became the first browser with a built-in Twitter tool, and the company has added others as well including Instagram and TikTok. Just click the icon on the toolbar, log in to your account, and tweet away right from within the slide-out menu.

Other recent advancements include Lucid Mode, which sharpens video playing on a variety of platforms, supports emojis instead of web links, and other enhancements. The Opera Sidebar adds new functionality much like Edge’s Sidebar, allowing quick access to various Opera features. And Opera Aria adds new generative AI capabilities built right into the browser.

You can see that we’re well into hair-splitting territory, which is why it’s important to remember that your choice of browser is, more than any other service or app you use each day, entirely dependent on your personal preferences — what feels most right for you. The Opera web browser has a unique look and feel, and it combines some of the best features of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Alternative browsers

While the preceding browsers will meet most users’ needs, other alternatives exist for anyone looking for something different. This section is for those who have a more niche preference in web browsers  or want to try something new.

Apple Safari

If you use Apple devices exclusively, Safari is already your default browser. It’s also significantly faster than in the past, surpassing Chrome in its quickness. It’s integrated into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and you’ll likely get better battery life thanks to Apple’s in-house optimizations and the underlying hardware.

Safari also focuses a great deal on privacy and security. If you want to minimize how you’re tracked and whether Big Brother is looking over your shoulder, then Safari is a good choice. If you also use an iPhone and/or an iPad, then using Safari on your Mac will make for the most seamless transition between platforms. Open websites on an iPad or iPhone are carried over to macOS.

Safari is not offered outside the Apple ecosystem.

Vivaldi Browser

The Vivaldi browser is truly unique. No two Vivaldi users will have the same setup. When you run it for the first time, you’re guided through a setup process that lays out your browser in a way that makes sense for you. You choose where your tabs and address bar go and whether you want browser tabs displayed at the top of the page or in a separate side panel. This is a browser built from the ground up to deliver a unique user experience, and for the most part, it succeeds. Vivaldi 2.0 enhanced the customization features and made them easier to access.

This browser excels at customization, and you can choose from a variety of tasteful themes that don’t feel dated or out of place on a modern PC, in addition to the aforementioned UI choices. It also has some standout privacy-enhancing features, like its team-up with DuckDuckGo to make the non-tracking search tool the default option when in privacy mode.

Finally, recent updates added more powerful tab management, enhancements like Web Panels that make for smarter browsing, and (as mentioned) even more powerful customization options. Other new updates include a built-in ad blocker, a built-in tracker blocker, a clock in the Status Bar, a new Notes Manager, and a Break Mode for pausing the internet while keeping the browser open.

Brave Browser

One of the most unusual browsers around is Brave — or, perhaps, it’s Brave’s business model that’s the strangest. Brave blocks all ads on all web pages by default, which makes it arguably the fastest browser around. Ads are a huge portion of how many websites make money — block these ads, and suddenly the most important web financial tool is eliminated.

That’s where the Brave Rewards program comes in. Users receive Basic Attention Tokens (BATs) when they view alternative ads that Brave places in the browsing stream. Users can pass along a portion of their tokens to publishers. As of January 2021, there were over 70,000 websites that supported BAT-based transactions through the Brave browser, including Wikipedia, The Guardian, WikiHow, MacRumors, and more.

What’s in it for users? Simply put, if you’re not waiting for ads to download along with website content, then your web experience will feel much faster. Brave performs no user tracking, making it ideal for private browsing as well.

Tor Browser

The Tor Browser is a version of Firefox that serves one very specific purpose: A simple entry point for The Onion Router, or Tor .

Tor is software combined with an open network aimed at making you invisible by routing your traffic through several anonymous servers. While it’s not foolproof, it’s very difficult for someone to identify you when you’re properly configured and using something like the Tor Browser to surf the web — especially if combined with a VPN .

There are many legitimate uses of the Tor Browser and the Tor network. It’s a good choice for people who live in countries with repressive governments, as well as journalists and activists. The dark web is also one of the destinations for people using Tor, which includes many nefarious and illegal sites.

In any event, if you want to remain completely anonymous while surfing the web, the Tor Browser and network are for you. If you want a more mainstream alternative, Opera includes a VPN component, but it’s far less private.

Avast Secure Browser

Avast Secure Browser first arrived as the Opera-based Avast Safezone Browser in 2016 as part of the Avast Antivirus paid bundle. It was revised and rebranded in 2018 as a free stand-alone product based on Chromium. Originally the “SafeZone” aspect kicked in when users visited websites to make purchases or manage money.

Avast Secure Browser provides several built-in tools to protect your data and privacy. These include an anti-phishing module, fingerprinting and online tracking prevention, an ad blocker, and a Webcam Guard tool to control which websites can access your camera. The Hack Check tool will determine if your info was leaked in a data breach.

Avast Secure Browser is a stand-alone download for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The desktop version doesn’t include an integrated VPN but instead directs users to download the company’s separate SecureLine VPN software. The listed Bank Mode — part of the Avast Free Antivirus client — flips on when users load a banking website.

Best web browser features — what to look for

Benchmark tests.

Notice we don’t include Safari in our main comparison. Apple’s Safari web browser is unavailable on Windows, Android, or Chrome OS, so we removed it from our primary list.

Most browsers are compatible with web standards and handle performance with relative ease. A casual user probably won’t notice a difference in the rendering speed between today’s modern browsers, as all six are much faster and leaner than those of a few years ago.

We ran the following benchmarks on a desktop with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive, and Windows 11. All browsers were clean installs of the most current production versions as of January 2023, and all were run at their default settings.

First, JetStream 2 is a JavaScript and WebAssembly benchmark. It tests how quickly a web browser can start and execute code, and how smoothly it runs. Higher numbers are better.

Notice how all three Chromium-based browsers outperform Firefox. In fact, there’s very little difference between them, while Firefox’s performance is quite poor by comparison.

The next test we ran was Speedometer 2.0 . It measures how responsive a browser is to web applications by repeatedly adding a large number of items to a to-do list. Higher numbers are better.

Here, Opera led the pack, with Chrome and Edge running nearly neck to neck. Firefox came in last here with a relatively low score.

Finally, we tested how much RAM each browser uses, both with no tabs open and then with 10 tabs open accessing the same popular sites. We made sure that each browser had no extensions running, and we let each browser settle in before looking at its memory use. For the test with 10 tabs open, we averaged memory use when all the tabs were opened and then five minutes later to account for any variability.

It’s not a scientific test, but it should be sound enough to give you an idea of which browsers are the most and least efficient in terms of taking up your RAM. We found Opera to use the least amount of RAM when first opened, barely ahead of Edge, while Chrome used the most. Edge used the least with all 10 tabs loaded by a significant margin, a third or less than the other browsers. Chrome used the most with all 10 tabs open, and Firefox and Opera weren’t far behind.

Security and privacy

The most valuable tool for secure and private browsing is user discretion, especially when you consider that every web browser has encountered security breaches in the past. In particular, Internet Explorer and Chrome’s reputations for protecting users’ security and privacy credentials are spotty at best.

Chrome, Safari, Vivaldi, Opera, and Firefox all rely on Google’s Safe Browsing API to detect potentially dangerous sites. Thanks to constant updates, Mozilla, Chrome, and Opera all make constant security improvements. Microsoft disabled this API in Edge.

All browsers offer a private session option, too. Private sessions prevent the storage of browsing history, temporary internet files, and cookies. Browser support for Do Not Track remains spotty.

Mozilla made some strides in differentiating itself from others with a real focus on privacy in recent years. It even debuted a Facebook Container  in 2018 to make it harder for the social network to harvest user information.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to use a VPN when browsing the web? 

You do not have to use a VPN when browsing the internet. However, a VPN can be a good tool to use as it protects your privacy and data by creating a secure and encrypted data tunnel between your browser and a VPN server. In turn, that server creates a secure and encrypted connection between it and the target website.

As a result, the website can’t identify you personally, nor can it see your true geological location or internet address. Not even your ISP knows where you’re surfing or the device you use with a VPN enabled. Some VPN services are free while others require a subscription. We have a list of the current best VPN services .

Which browser is most used in the world? 

Google Chrome leads the web browser market with a 64.68% share, according to Statcounter . Apple Safari follows with 18.29%, Edge at 4.23%, Mozilla Firefox at 3.01%%, and Opera at 2.25%. Internet Explorer is still in use with 0.81%, while Microsoft Edge “Legacy” is fading out at 0.32%.

What are the best ad blockers to use for your browser? 

We have a guide on the best ad blockers for Google Chrome , but here’s a short list:

• AdBlock and AdBlock Plus
• AdGuard (Chrome only)
• CyberSec by NordVPN
• Poper Blocker (Chrome only)
• Stands Fair AdBlocker (Chrome only)
• uBlock Origin (Chrome and Firefox only)

What is browser fingerprinting and how can you prevent it? 

Websites want to know everything about you: Your tastes, your habits, and where you like to surf. When you load a website, it quietly runs scripts in the background that collect information about you and your device. The operating system, the web browser, all installed extensions, your time zone — all of this information is strung together to create a “fingerprint,” which in turn can be used to trace you across the internet via cross-site tracking.

Avast provides a detailed explanation and outlines various forms of fingerprinting. For example, the “canvas” method forces the browser to draw an image or text in the background, without the user knowing, to determine the operating system, web browser, graphics card, installed drivers, and the current font style. Device fingerprinting determines all internal and external device components.

As your fingerprint is tracked across the internet, this “profile” can be sold to data brokers, who then resell the data to advertisers. It’s a more silent means of gathering information about you versus using cookies that require your consent. The problem is, browser fingerprinting is still perfectly legal.

The best way to prevent browser fingerprinting is by randomizing and generalizing data. Third-party software like Avast AntiTrack does this by inserting “fake” data when website scripts try to collect your information. However, this tool allows scripts to continue running in the background so the website doesn’t “break.”

Many browsers offer some type of anti-fingerprinting protection. These include Avast Secure Browser (see above), Brave Browser (randomization), Mozilla Firefox (blocks fingerprinting scripts), and Tor Browser (generalization).

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Mark has been a geek since MS-DOS gave way to Windows and the PalmPilot was a thing. He’s translated his love for technology into a marketing, consulting, and freelance writing career aimed at helping people use technology to enhance their lives. At Digital Trends, he reviews laptops and desktops, including the latest from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and more, and writes news and easy to understand how-to articles about the computing industry as a whole.

When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading and watching science fiction, taking photos with his family, and obsessing over Indiana University basketball.

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It's not you; Windows is causing the issues this time. If the VPN on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer is having a hard time connecting, it is likely because of Microsoft's April security updates for Windows 11 (KB5036893 for) and Windows 10 (KB5036892), which have been reported to be the cause of the problems.

But there's good news. According to Microsoft, a patch is now available to fix the VPN problems users are experiencing.

If you can’t decide between a laptop or a tablet, Lenovo has the laptop deals for you, with a huge discount on the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 2-in-1 laptop. Ordinarily priced at $970, it’s down to $640 at Lenovo, so you’re saving $330. Lenovo's estimated value prices can be a little optimistic, but this is a good value regardless. Whatever the discount, we do know that $640 for this laptop is pretty sweet. Here’s what you need to know about it before you buy.

Why you should buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Lenovo makes some of the best 2-in-1 laptops knowing how to get the most from the concept. This particular model has an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor paired up with 16GB of memory and 1TB of SSD storage so it’s pretty capable of handling a lot of your working needs.

Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best for 2024?

Don't take your browser for granted we help you narrow your options by comparing the best web browsers on speed, privacy, and other important features..

Most people browse the web using Google Chrome without really thinking about their options. Gmail or YouTube or some other site once suggested they use Chrome, and perhaps they never questioned it. The truth is you do have options when it comes to your web browser, and you may find another that serves your needs better. Browsers offer varying levels of privacy, security , performance, and power efficiency. They differ even more when it comes to unique and helpful features beyond merely displaying websites.

Here we examine the top five browsers in the US, in order of popularity. That criterion rules out  Brave  and  Vivaldi , with usage rates hovering near or below 1%, even though they are both first-class browsers. If you're interested in those two, check out our article on the  best alternative web browsers . Or, if your utmost concern is security, see what makes the best private browsers different.

Below are short reviews of the top five browsers. After that, keep reading for more information about the browser landscape, additional details about our testing, and advice on what you should take into consideration when choosing a web browser.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome Web Browser

Most people need no introduction to the search behemoth's browser, Google Chrome. It’s attractively designed and quick at loading pages. Most website codes now target Chrome, so compatibility is seldom an issue. Chrome is available for all major platforms, and the mobile version offers syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and settings.

Chrome doesn't have many unique browsing features, however, and it's the only browser included here that you won't find in the desktop app stores for macOS and Windows. There’s no built-in VPN, no cryptocurrency locker, no note feature, and no screenshot tool. Google has announced a feeble gesture towards adding a reading mode; feeble because it will only be in a sidebar, with the full, noisy distracting page still displaying in the main central browser window. The lack of a true reading mode makes sense for a company that earns its keep through web ads since reading modes hide them. All the other browsers here have full-page reading modes.

Chrome allows multiple user profiles, meaning different users of the same computer can have their own browser settings, history, and favorites. The browser also finally caught up with others by adding a Share icon to the address bar that eases sending sites via social media or email.

A few years ago, Google controversially announced it would be removing the API function that allowed ad-blocker software to fully block ads. As of now, it seems ad blockers may be limited starting at some point in 2024. Some Chrome development, though, has centered around security and privacy, notably among them a plan to kill off tracking cookies in favor of Google's tracking mechanisms. The company's Privacy Sandbox initiative (in development) tries to cater to both  ad targeting and user privacy . Some worry both of these developments will only result in more consolidation of the company's grip on web advertising and user profiling.

Apple Safari

Apple Safari 5

The default Mac and iOS browser is a strong choice, though its interface has some nonstandard elements. Safari was a forerunner in several areas of browser features. For example, it was the first with a Reading mode, which cleared unnecessary clutter like ads and videos from web articles you want to read. That feature debuted in 2010 and has made its way into all other browsers except for Chrome.

Apple has brought up the topic of fingerprinting protection—preventing web trackers from identifying you by your system specs. Unfortunately, the EFF's Cover Your Tracks test site only shows partial protection from trackers in Safari, while several competitors get a result of Strong protection. Other benefits include Apple Pay support and a "Sign in with Apple" feature to replace Facebook and Google as web account authorizers.

In macOS Monterey, the browser gained a compact tab bar with floating tabs like Firefox's and Tab Groups that live in a convenient sidebar, and with Ventura , they become shareable and pinnable. Safari also supports Apple's proprietary Shared with You feature in its proprietary iMessage system. For iCloud+ subscribers, a Private Relay obscures your IP address, similar to a VPN.

If you use an iPhone and a Mac, Safari integration makes a lot of sense, since Apple’s Handoff feature lets you continue your browsing session between devices. Safari trails other browsers on support for emerging HTML features, but we haven’t run into or heard of any major site incompatibilities with it.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge Web Browser

The latest version of Microsoft Edge uses Chrome’s webpage-rendering code, Chromium, guaranteeing site compatibility and freeing up its developers to add unique features. You won’t run into the site incompatibilities users of the previous incarnation of Edge occasionally encountered, and the browser performs snappily. Edge now runs on Apple macOS and Windows 11 and earlier. Mobile versions for Android and iPhone let you sync history, favorites, and passwords.

Edge is a leader in performance, thrifty memory management, and disk usage. Startup Boost technology reduces the time it takes to open the browser, and sleeping tabs save memory on tabs you're not viewing. Edge's Efficiency mode can extend laptop battery life. The initial focuses for the browser were privacy, the customizable start page, and the intriguing Collections feature for web research. For enterprise customers who still rely on Internet Explorer to run legacy programs, Edge offers an IE Mode .

The Collections feature uses a sidebar onto which you can drag webpages and images, write notes, and then share the whole assemblage to Excel, OneNote, or Word. It's a great organization and planning tool . Edge's Immersive Reader mode not only offers distraction-free web reading, stripping out ads and nonessential eye candy, but it can also read webpage text aloud using lifelike Neural Voices. It's worth trying because it reads with sentence intonation, rather than simply word by word, as we’ve come to expect text-to-speech audio.

Other notable Edge options include built-in web sharing, tabs down the side rather than across the top, a built-in screenshot tool, automatic coupons for shopping sites, and timely themes to dress up your browser. Recent additions include a side panel that integrates the new Bing AI chat search , game controller haptic feedback, and a multitasking side toolbar that lets you access first- and third-party services for social networking, search, messaging, search, and productivity.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox Web Browser

Firefox, an open-source project from the nonprofit Mozilla Foundation, has long been a PCMag favorite. The browser has pioneered many web capabilities and the organization that develops it has been a strong advocate for online privacy. It’s also notable for its wealth of available extensions. The unique Multi-Account Containers extension lets you sequester multiple logins to the same site on different tabs. Without it, you'd have to open a private browsing window or another browser to sign out of all your web accounts and start a fresh session.

Mozilla’s browser is in the vanguard of supporting new HTML and CSS capabilities, and the company is working on open-source AR and speech synthesis standards. The organization now offers a full password management service called Lockwise, which can generate complex passwords, sync them between devices, and secure everything under a strong master password. That and the organization's VPN offering are paid extras.

The mobile Firefox apps offer excellent interfaces, and you can send a webpage tab from any device to any others that are logged into your syncing account. That’s right: You can be reading a webpage on your desktop PC, and have it instantly open on your iPhone or vice versa. It's a slick and useful feature.

If that’s not enough, Firefox has a Pocket button in the address bar, letting you save a page for later viewing anywhere with one click. The Reader View button declutters a webpage loaded with ads, promos, and videos, so you can peruse it with no distractions. PiP video supports closed captions and HDR and AV1 video formats. The browser is ultra customizable, letting you select and arrange buttons on the toolbar to taste, as well as select from a large number of Theme add-ons that change window border patterns and colors.

Recent additions include PDF editing and the Firefox View feature, basically a pinned tab of recent sites that syncs between the desktop and mobile versions of the browser.

Opera Web Browser

Perennially hovering around the 2% usage level, the Opera browser has long been a pioneer in the segment, inventing basic browser innovations like tabs, CSS, and the built-in search box. Opera can make a bigger privacy claim than the other browsers here—if you’re a believer in VPNs. It includes a built-in VPN (actually an encrypted proxy server) that protects and reroutes traffic from Opera to cloak your IP address. Opera uses the Chromium page-rendering engine, so you'll rarely run into site incompatibilities, and performance is fast. It's available for all major platforms, and the Opera Touch mobile browser is a beautifully designed app that connects (via quick QR scan) to your desktop.

Beyond the VPN, another unique feature in Opera is its built-in ad blocker, which also blocks crypto-mining scripts and trackers. Ad blocking also means less data consumed, especially of interest to those using metered connections or mobile plans with data caps.

More unique features in Opera include its Speed Dial start and New Tab page, as well as its quick-access sidebar of frequently needed services like WhatsApp or Spotify. My Flow lets you send webpages and notes between devices easily. The browser also includes a video pop-out window, a Pinboard feature similar to Edge's Collections, and a Workspaces feature that lets you create function-based tab views. Opera uniquely offers a cryptocurrency wallet as an option, which supports most popular tokens.

Opera offers a gaming version called Opera GX , and the company recently bought a gaming engine , moving into that specialty even further. The company also offers a futuristic secure Crypto Browser for navigating Web3 . And like Edge, Opera is adding AI ChatGPT capabilities to the browser , starting with a summarizer tool for text you highlight or even full sites.

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About Michael Muchmore

PC hardware is nice, but it’s not much use without innovative software. I’ve been reviewing software for PCMag since 2008, and I still get a kick out of seeing what's new in video and photo editing software, and how operating systems change over time. I was privileged to byline the cover story of the last print issue of PC Magazine , the Windows 7 review, and I’ve witnessed every Microsoft win and misstep up to the latest Windows 11.

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The best Web browser: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, or Safari?

Find out which of the leading browsers is the perfect balance of features, speed, innovation, and flexibility for you.

Contributing writer, InfoWorld |

Not too long ago the job of a Web browser was simple: Get the text from the Internet and pour it into the window. If a tag like <strong> comes along, change the font. Now the challenges are greater because the browser is becoming the home for almost everything we do. Do you have documents to edit? There's a website for that. Did you miss a television show? There's a website for that. Do you want to announce your engagement? There's a website for that too. The Web browser handles all of that and more.

Choosing a best browser is an impossible job. On one hand, the programs are as close to commodities as there are in the computer industry. The core standards are pretty solid and the job of rendering the document is well understood. Most differences can be smoothed over when the Web designers use cross-platform libraries like jQuery. Many websites look the same in all of the major browsers, a testament to the hard work of the developers and their desire to get their information out to the largest audience.

[ Which Web browser is the most secure? Download InfoWorld's PDF report, " Web Browser Security Deep Dive: How to stay secure on the Internet ." ]

On the other hand, there's a lot of competition, and some very smart people are working hard to produce very clever new innovations. Yes, some of the so-called innovations are trivial, but if you're going so spend all day with a piece of software, it makes sense to be picky. While you may not care if someone moves a button from the left to the right, other users do -- and the discussion forums are filled with debate.

It may be impossible to be rational about many of the cosmetic issues, like the placement of buttons or the location of the tabs. These are intensely personal decisions, and the look and feel can often be changed with add-ons. There's not much point debating these issues.

The technical details can also be a bit personal and political, but they have bigger implications for developers and consumers everywhere. You may or may not like Adobe Flash , but the support or lack of support is important for all of us. Careers of Flash developers and the fate of projects they build will rise and fall on these issues. And Flash is just the beginning -- all of the browsers are rolling out various combinations of new features, but developers can't begin to use them until there's a stable platform with wide enough adoption. The control of the living room screen is worth billions of dollars, and the success or failure of the browser's video delivery mechanism will determine who may or may not have control over that shimmering rectangle and the zombie eyes glued to it.

Choosing a Web browser is made even harder because solid numbers are often preludes to debate. Some people complain when their browsers suck up every spare byte of memory. Others want their browsers to respond immediately. In many cases there's a trade-off because the programmers gain speed by filling up the memory and precomputing and precompiling every part of the Web page. You can have small or you can have fast, but you can't have both. In my SunSpider JavaScript benchmark tests, Opera and Chrome were fastest. In my memory consumption tests, Firefox proved leanest. And in HTML5 compatibility tests, Safari led the way. For more detail, and caveats, see the sidebar, " Battle of the Web browsers: HTML5 and memory tests ." 

Often, the bloat isn't the fault of the browsers themselves, but the Web designers who lard up the site with endless AJAX calls and slick morphing features. Some users may blame the browser when they have 80-odd tabs opened to pages that are issuing AJAX calls left and right. The poor browser has to try to keep them all ready in case someone wants to see any of those tabs immediately.

Choosing among Chrome , Firefox , Internet Explorer , Opera , and Safari is not simple. All are perfectly good choices, but one may be slightly better for certain users than others. Sophisticated users, including developers, may want a browser that supports the latest standards, while casual users may want to avoid the cutting edge for simplicity and stability. Others may have a favorite plug-in they can't live without. Some users may want to choose based on the location of the buttons. The choices are close enough that this could be fair if you really care about your interface.

• Internet Explorer

Firefox is no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and below.

Please download Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) to use Firefox.

Download Firefox ESR 64-bit

Download Firefox ESR 32-bit

Firefox is no longer supported on macOS 10.14 and below.

Firefox Browser

Get the browser that protects what’s important.

No shady privacy policies or back doors for advertisers. Just a lightning fast browser that doesn’t sell you out.

Latest Firefox features

Pick up where you left off

Firefox View lets you see your tabs open on other devices and recent history.

Edit your PDFs directly

Forget printing a PDF ever again. Start editing forms in Firefox directly.

Browse knowing you’re protected

Firefox’s Total cookie protection gives you outstanding privacy by default.

See Release Notes

Do what you do online. Firefox Browser isn’t watching.

We block the ad trackers. you explore the internet faster..

Ads are distracting and make web pages load slower while their trackers watch every move you make online. The Firefox Browser blocks most trackers automatically, so there’s no need to dig into your security settings.

Firefox is for everyone

Available in over 90 languages, and compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux machines, Firefox works no matter what you’re using or where you are. Make sure your operating system is up to date for the best experience.

Review system requirements

Put Firefox on all your devices

Take your privacy with you everywhere. Firefox Browsers for iOS and Android have the same strong privacy settings to block trackers from following you around the web, no matter where you are.

Do it all with Firefox

Search smarter, faster

• Search from address bar
• Search engine options
• Smart search suggestions
• Bookmark, history and open tab in results

Boost your productivity

Works with google products.

• Built-in screenshot tool
• Bookmarks manager
• Autosuggest URLs
• Sync across devices
• Reader mode
• Spell check
• Pinned Tabs

Stream, share and play

• Block Autoplay of video & audio

Picture-in-Picture

• Curated content on new tab
• Share links

Protect your privacy

• Third Party Cookie Blocking
• Fingerprinter Blocking
• Cryptominer Blocking
• Private Browsing mode
• Individual protections report

Secure your personal info

• Breached website alerts
• Built-in password manager
• Clear history
• Form autofill
• Automatic updates

Customize your browser

• Library of extensions
• Adjust search bar settings
• Change new tab layout

Make Firefox your own

Extensions for every interest

From security to news to gaming, there’s an extension for everyone . Add as many as you want until your browser is just right.

Change up your look

Go from light mode to dark mode depending on your mood or preference, or liven things up with a custom theme (rainbow unicorn, perhaps).

Tweak your settings

There’s no need to settle. Change up the new tab page, search bar, bookmarks and more to explore the internet the way you want.

Backed by the non-profit that puts people first

Challenging the status quo since 1998

Firefox was created by Mozilla as a faster, more private alternative to browsers like Internet Explorer, and now Chrome. Today, our mission-driven company and volunteer community continue to put your privacy above all else.

Your privacy comes first

As the internet grows and changes, Firefox continues to focus on your right to privacy — we call it the Personal Data Promise : Take less. Keep it safe. No secrets. Your data, your web activity, your life online is protected with Firefox.

Keep all your favorite browser features — and discover new ones.

All your favorite Google tools (like Gmail and Docs) work seamlessly in the Firefox Browser.

Facebook Container

Download this browser extension to stop Facebook (and Instagram) from tracking you around the web.

Sync your devices

Firefox is available on all your devices; take your tabs, history and bookmarks with you. All you need is a Mozilla account and you’ll get access to syncing and more Mozilla products.

Screenshots

Grab a high-resolution image of anything online with our screenshot tool built right in the browser

Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP)

Firefox automatically blocks many third party trackers from collecting and selling your web activity.

From watching a web tutorial to keeping an eye on your favorite team, your video follows you while you multitask.

Chrome, Safari Or Internet Explorer? [Battle Of The Browsers]

This article may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.  Privacy Policy .

Most internet users have a preferred web browser, and in many cases, that preferred web browser is simply the one they’re most comfortable using. Maybe they purchased a laptop with Safari already installed, and now they’ll never go back. Maybe they started using Internet Explorer years ago and just can’t get the hang of anything else. 

But if you find yourself wondering if a new browser might make your web browsing experience a little bit better, you’ll want to check out our full review. 

Battle of the Browsers

We’ve broken down the differences between Chrome, Safari and Internet Explorer, their pros and cons plus which one is the best, most effective browser for internet exploration.

Which browser will come out on top? 

Google Chrome

First up, Google Chrome , the browser with the largest market share. 

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser by a number of users, according to Statista . Approximately 2.65 billion internet users prefer Google Chrome, placing it well above the second-place contender, Safari. Internet Explorer follows in popularity, and Internet Explorer is followed by Firefox, Opera and Edge (and when was the last time you heard someone even mention those last two, let alone use them?). 

One of the top reasons many web browser users prefer Chrome? The high level of security that Google Chrome provides. Password protection and phishing protection are just the beginning of Google Chrome’s security features.

Convenience

For those who find themselves using Google’s search engine functions regularly, Google Chrome is equally attractive for its convenience. All you need to do is simply type your search into the browser’s address bar, meaning you don’t need to manually type in “ google.com ” to search a query (a feature that other browsers would do well to offer). 

If you use multiple devices with Google Chrome, like a tablet or Android phone, you can likewise find all of your tabs and history from all of the devices. You can also use Chromecast to “cast” your Google Chrome screen from one device to another (versus streaming).

For Gmail users, the convenience continues, as there’s no extra sign-in process required when using Google Chrome. Everything is already at your fingertips once you simply open your browser. 

Everyone loves a good browser extension, right? Google Chrome offers browser extensions that do it all. From allowing you to watch Netflix shows with a friend to finding coupons as you shop, Google Chrome’s wealth of extensions can make your life easier in a multitude of ways. 

Google Chrome offers a decent level of security, tons of browser extensions and a high level of convenience if you already use google.com and Gmail/Google Drive on a regular basis. 

As for the bad, well, Google Chrome is one of those few things that, if you’re running it too often with too many tabs, will make your laptop sound like it’s going to take off from your desk for an international flight. The processor and memory usage are off the charts. 

Additionally, all of that convenience adds to a lack of privacy. If anyone happens to hop onto your computer for a brief second to use your web browser, they’ll automatically have access to your email account, Google Drive and more. Likewise, anyone who picks up your phone or tablet will be able to see what you’ve been searching in web browsers across all of your devices.

Related: Should You Buy a Chromebook? [And The 7 Best Chromebooks to Buy Right Now]  

Safari – Apple

Many people love Safari simply because they love Apple. 

Safari comes preloaded onto your Apple devices, and so many Apple fans simply start using it and never stop. Safari is known for being relatively speedy, and it doesn’t work your computer into the ground as Google Chrome might. Since Safari is built to work on Mac computers, it does so very efficiently. 

Security  

Safari offers a high level of security, with minimal online tracking allowed. It also makes it convenient to store sensitive information, from passwords to credit card info, and then access that information by simply using your fingerprint (if you’re using a device with this feature available). 

Safari is particularly convenient for Apple users, as you can transition between iPhone and MacBook, iPad and Apple Watch with no trouble. 

Safari also features convenient little tools like “Look Up,” which allows you to literally look up words and phrases on any web page and learn more about it. You can also use “Handoff” to move an open tab from one device to another. You can additionally use Apple Pay while working in Safari. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to extensions, Safari doesn’t offer as broad a selection as Google Chrome. However, there are still some good extensions available, from Grammarly’s extensions to extensions that store information (like passwords) more securely. 

Safari runs efficiently and already comes built into any Apple device. It offers a high level of both security and speed and is convenient and easy to use if you’re working across a range of Apple devices at once. 

One of the worst things about Safari is that it just doesn’t have the browser extensions available that you’ll find with Google Chrome. If you do want to use those extensions, you’ll likely have to download Google Chrome as well-meaning you have two browsers on your desktop. That’s not necessarily a horrible thing, but some users may find it distracting or annoying to switch between the two constantly. 

Additionally, Safari isn’t available to those who don’t own an Apple device. So, if you really, really wanted to give it a try… if you don’t have a MacBook or iPhone, you’re out of luck. 

Internet Explorer

Are you using Internet Explorer right now? Really? 

Internet Explorer has sadly been the butt of many jokes and the topic of many memes over the last few years, but some users are still diehard fans.

In terms of security, Internet Explorer falls to the bottom of the pack. It’s simply too susceptible to be considered secure. For this reason, many employers won’t use Internet Explorer, and many work-from-home employees are instructed not to use the browser. 

Internet Explorer does not boast the same level of convenience as browsers like Safari and Google, which easily transfer your browsing data between devices. The functionality here is at an all-time low. 

Forget extensions. You won’t have access to the vast library of extensions that browsers like Google Chrome offer. 

Is there any good here? Internet Explorer is as barebones and basic as it gets, but for some users, that’s all they need. 

The Bad 

The worst part about using Internet Explorer is that it’s just considered completely obsolete at this point. In fact, support for Internet Explorer 11 is set to end in August 2021. It feels old, it looks old and the only reason it’s still around is that there are still a few folks out there using it, the important ones being corporate users that Microsoft is likely humoring until August.

Related: The Best [Free] Microsoft Word Alternatives [Complete Guide]  

The Winner?

When it comes to comparing Chrome versus Safari versus Internet Explorer, Chrome and Safari both come out on top, but it’s a bit of a tie. Which one you end up choosing will depend on your device and your preferred web activity. 

If you use Apple products and don’t necessarily need any of Google Chrome’s specialized browser extensions, by all means, stick with the built-in Safari browser and call it a day. 

If you use Android and other non-Apple devices, go with Google Chrome. While it might require a lot of memory and processor power, it’s going to perform above and beyond any of the alternatives if you don’t have an Apple device and can’t access Safari.  

What exactly are those alternatives? 

Related: Hulu vs. Netflix: Which Streaming Service Wins? [Comparison]   

Other Alternatives

There are other alternatives beyond Google Chrome, Safari and Internet Explorer that may better suit your internet needs. Check them out below.  

Mozilla FireFox  

Many users still like Mozilla Firefox for its high level of security and automatic cookie-blocking function. Private browsing features allow you to avoid advertisers and web usage tracking.

Additionally, Mozilla doesn’t use a ton of processing power or memory. Unfortunately, Firefox doesn’t receive many updates, and it doesn’t give you access to the many extensions and add-ons you’ll find available with Google Chrome.  

Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge browser is a newer option that’s gaining popularity because it comes bundled into new Microsoft computers (and it’s pushing Internet Explorer to extinction). 

First launching with Windows 10, it’s fast, doesn’t use a lot of processing power, is low on memory use and supports all Google Chrome extensions. It can be used on both Windows and iOS computers, so you’re not limited to a Microsoft product or operating system just because you’re using Microsoft Edge. 

Opera is a good pick for those who want something similar to Google Chrome, with extra features, like predictive website preload and instant search (though you won’t have access to all of Google Chrome’s extensions).

For those who want to jump around between many different online tasks, Opera is a commendable pick, and it also boasts a pretty attractive, aesthetically-appealing design. 

Vivaldi allows for a huge level of customization if that’s what you’re into. First-time users are led through a set-up process that essentially customizes the browser to fit your browsing preferences. 

Another outlier that some users prefer for its extreme speed is Brave , which blocks every single ad on every single website, decreasing load times by a noticeable amount. But if there aren’t any ads on the websites you visit, how do websites make money from your web searches?

The Brave business model includes a token system that allows users to choose to view alternative ads and then “pay” publishers, from Wikipedia to The Guardian, with those tokens.

The Firefox alternative, Tor , is basically Firefox but ultra-secretive. Your actions are nearly 100% anonymous and untraceable. But don’t think that Tor is only for shady criminals hoping to get some nefarious deeds done outside the government’s watchful eyes (though they do try); Tor is often used by journalists and other closely-watched individuals working in unfriendly territory. 

Related: 9 Of The Best, Most Affordable 10-Inch Tablets On The Market  

What Else to Consider When Browsing the Internet 

Beyond picking a browser, there are a few other things you might want to consider as you customize your browsing experience to better fit your individual needs. 

Should I invest in VPN services?

If you’re not satisfied with the level of security and privacy you’re getting from your browser, you may want to invest in VPN services (although some VPNs are free, so no investment is needed). A VPN essentially encrypts your data, so no website knows it’s you that’s visiting. There’s no info shared regarding your ISP, location or browsing history. 

Should I install an extra ad blocker?

If you’re not happy with the way your browser is performing in this area, you can always install a separate ad blocker. Popular ad blockers include AdBlock, CyberSec, Ghostery and AdGuard. 

Are you using this browser for work?

If so, talk to your office’s IT rep and ask them what browser works best with the various programs you’ll need to use for your job. Some companies only use Internet Explorer, while some corporations ban Internet Explorer completely. Others prefer Google Chrome, while some like Safari. 

What to Look for When Picking a Browser

Whichever default browser you end up picking, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when considering them all, including: 

• Display 
• Processor and memory usage
• Extra features, including browser extensions
• Privacy and security
• Compatibility with other devices 

Test out a few browsers before you make your final pick. Remember, just because you started using one browser years ago or even a month ago, that doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with it. Find the best browser for your browsing habits, and build a more satisfactory web experience. 

You might also be interested in: How You Can Watch TV Without Cable [Cut Your Cable Cords]  

Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle is a travel, food and lifestyle writer, and a full-time freelance content creator after several years on editorial staffs for a multitude of publications ranging in topic and audience demographic. She currently acts as the editor at large for Global Traveler magazine and is a regular contributor at Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily, TravelMag, CruiseHive and more. Ghostwritten work for travel clients has appeared on Forbes, Bloomberg, Inc. and other top publications. She also manages blogs for tour providers, hotels and tourism boards.

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Comparison on all Major Web Browsers: Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome

What is internet explorer.

Internet Explorer is generally the first component of Windows used in 1995 that is generally known as Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE or MSIE) containing a series of graphical web browsers and works only on Windows Operating systems. Over the years, it has been updated to different versions to improve the operating system for Microsoft Windows.

Most people started out using Internet Explorer the majority of the time when it comes to browsing the internet, checking emails, listening to music online, shopping online, and etc. This was the first web browser consumers used in technology world before other web browsers came out. For more information check out Internet Explorer .

Looking at the latest updates, compared to 2012, the majority of users on the internet use Chrome while Firefox is in second in the competition of usage share followed by Internet Explorer.

• Free to download at no cost
• Offers every help option we looked for, including direct support via email and telephone
• Provides speed and functionality
• Easy to use
• Mostly used throughout the world
• Bugs come in IE (Internet Explorer) users at different times and fixing them is time consuming
• Microsoft is unaware of finding any bugs hidden within the browser to fix
• Installation on software such as Adobe Flash Player can be slow and has to be done manually sometimes when it comes to updates that need to be install
• Lack of security in ActiveX controls
• Lack of built in features to synchronize bookmarks
• Confusion between 32 and 64 bit versions for IE
• Lack of cross-platform experience (ie. used in Windows but not Mac)
• Huge target for hackers and cyber-thieves

What is Safari?

Safari is web browser that was produced and developed by Apple Inc. which functions on a Mac OX, iOS, and Windows operating system. It was first put out in public on January 7, 2003 by Apple Inc. It was Apple’s default browser known as “Panther” for Mac users and released on June 11, 2007 on Microsoft Windows operating system.

• Ease of Use
• Page-load times impressive
• Provides all of security features
• Cleans up unnecessary junk
• Great for Mac users and free to download
• Speed compatibility
• Extremely Fast to download for Mac users
• Add extensions from Safari Extensions
• Lack of customization options many competitors offer
• Support system may be missing some options for users in FAQ section
• Trouble with Google built-in search engine that can’t be change
• Difficulty deleting cookies on exit automatically

What is Google Chrome?

• Fast browsing performance
• More control over your tabs
• More dynamic home page for common used search engines and bookmarks
• More speed and won’t slow down on your browsing through internet
• Built-in Flash and PDF Support
• Has sync capabilities that allow you to access your customized browser from any computer
• Makes searching so much simpler
• Ease of use
• Great security
• Lack of parental controls
• Minor site incompatibilities
• Graphics hardware acceleration doesn’t work with all graphics cards

What is Firefox?

Firefox is a free and open source web browser developed for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux coordinated by Mozilla Corporation and Mozilla Foundation. It was first version 1.0 released on November 9, 2004. It is now available in about 78 languages worldwide. The original title was Phoenix from the Phoenix Technologies and had to be renamed because of trademark problems. It was renamed to Firebird which was a free database software project. There was conflict in using the name and the matter was resolved when they renamed the browser again to Firefox. Later on February 9, 2004, Mozilla Firebird became known as Mozilla Firefox then simply referred to as Firefox (Fx, fx, or FF).

• More secure privacy mode and downloading
• More intuitive navigation
• Contains minimalist interface
• Offers lot of help and support on Firefox tutorial
• More Customization
• Speed and more compatible
• Easy to have add-ons
• No thumbnail previews or mouse gestures however there are free plug-ins from Firefox Mozilla that address both these issues
• Resource heavy “uses a heavy portion of memory to run”

Conclusion:

I’m pretty sure most of you may already feel comfortable of the differences between web browsers. The next time you are on the Internet you may get a better idea of why the certain browsers work better than the other web browsers. Its always good to take time to learn more about how you or your business use certain web browsers.

Overall, everyone has their own preference on which browser they prefer to use. To find out more about the browsers you can check out TopTenReviews or Browser Information online. Marketing and Website Design Contact Us Facebook Sources: 1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Explorer 2. www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/Internet_Explorer.html 3. http://blogs.computerworld.com/18552/12_reasons_not_to_use_internet_explorer_ever 4. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safari_(web_browser) 5. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Chrome 6. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2373853,00.asp 7. http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/google-chrome-review.html 8. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefox 9. http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/mozilla-firefox-review.html 10. http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/ 11. http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-explorer-review.html 12. http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/default.asp 13. http://deflexion.com/2007/07/safari-3-pros-and-cons

14 thoughts on “Comparison on all Major Web Browsers: Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome”

The choice depends on your choice: If you want speed & performance as your metric then Chrome & Opera. Chrome with the enhanced extension capabilities. If you want the best User Interface, Microsoft Edge could be your preference Mozilla allows customization. So, if you want to twist & turn, firefox could be the choice

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Albert Luther Jackson liked this on Facebook.

This article is very interesting especially if people want to get to know more about technology of how each major browser is different.

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Joseph Hanna liked this on Facebook.

I think Google Chrome having built-in flash and PDF support will finally fix those annoying browser crashes due to adobe plugins. Although I’ve been using Firefox for a while, the frequent updates making it less usable every time and the plugin crashes hanging the browser is starting to make me consider Google Chrome.

RT @centennialarts: Comparison on all Major Web Browsers: Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome: … http://t.co/Id5U3G2Y

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Battle of the browsers: Edge vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Safari vs. Opera vs. IE vs. Vivaldi

Google Chrome used to clearly be the best browser, with its speed advantage and extension ecosystem, but that’s changing. We’re living in the golden age of web browsers, and users are spoiled when it comes to choice.

After decades of criticism, Microsoft is replacing Internet Explorer with Edge, a lean browser designed for Windows 10. Mozilla Firefox and Opera, meanwhile, continue to optimize features and add new tools, while Safari’s focus on power usage gives Mac users a serious reason to consider using the default. And then there’s the new kid in town, Vivaldi, with a minimalist design and near-total customization.

You can’t really go wrong with any of the popular browsers, but there are a few things here and there that give each its own competitive edge.

Installation, updates, and compatibility

Installation across the browsers is basically the same. Users can download them from their respective websites if they aren’t built into your operating system already — i.e. Safari, Edge, IE — and each will typically download in under 30 seconds.

Below is a list of browser compatibility.

• Google Chrome :  Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
• Mozilla Firefox  :  Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
• Internet Explorer   (32 and 64-bit): Windows
• Safari : Mac OS X (Windows version no longer supported)
• Opera :  Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
• Edge : Available with Windows 10, not available for older versions of Windows.
• Vivaldi : Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux

When it comes to updates, most of the browsers are now more or less equivalent. Background updating is the default practice. In the case of Chrome, Firefox, Vivaldi, and Opera, it’s handled through the app. Edge and Safari are updated through Microsoft and Apple’s respective update utilities. Internet Explorer is the only browser that’s no longer receiving updates, as it’s been put out to pasture in favor of Edge. However, it’s still available for use on Windows machines for compatibility reasons.

Design and ease of use

The current trend in browser design is for the browser to nearly disappear. IE, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome all attempt to be as minimal as possible, offering next to no actual text and small, monochromatic buttons that discretely blend with the aesthetic design of operating systems such as Windows 8 and Mac OS X. Vivaldi fights back against this somewhat, offering a splash of color and bringing back the statusbar, but it’s still largely governed by the minimalist ethos. Overall, all the browsers stay out of your way and let you focus on the site you’re looking at. Below we compare and contrast the design of each browser.

Google Chrome

Chrome was the first browser to radically simplify the user interface, offering users little more than an address bar and just a few other buttons. It’s a clean look, and though installing enough extensions can clutter things up, for most users, this won’t be confusing. Like most browsers, the window can get incredibly cramped with 15 ore more tabs open, but it still does a fantastic job of delivering content whether the window is expanded or slightly minimized for the sake of space.

Adjacent to the omnibox are standard navigational features (i.e. back, forward, refresh, home), but you can easily slim down the window by customizing the toolbar and deleting any buttons you deem useless. Chrome’s single-click bookmarking method, done by simply clicking the star located on the right side of the address bar, also makes bookmarking your favorite webpages a breeze.

Mozilla Firefox

This browser features a similar, yet more useful layout when compared to its competitors, and places the tab bar above the address bar. The URL and search boxes are still separate by default, a unique feature among current browsers, despite the fact that searching from the address bar works fine. Recently added buttons for Pocket and Hello also take up space while other browsers are slimming things down. But if you want to, you can remove any of these elements in just a couple of clicks. Firefox is nothing if not customizable.

The browser offers the same kind of single-click bookmarking that Chrome does — all you have to do is click the star located to the right of the search bar — but there’s little else that separates it from the rest of the pack. The settings menu is accessible in a similar fashion to that of Google Chrome, allowing you to access various options by clicking a simple button depicting three horizontal bars located in the upper-right corner of the window. Unfortunately, it also takes up a bit of space that could otherwise be used by the tab bar.

Internet Explorer

In terms of screen space, Internet Explorer is minimalist, with less “chrome” than Chrome itself. IE 11 features a single bar that simultaneously functions as the browser’s address and search bar. The space at the top places your open tabs to the right of the address-search bar, making it somewhat more cluttered than some of our other picks given the amount of space the search field takes up, but it typically isn’t worrisome unless you’re really stacking up a high volume of tabs. Other notable design features include the single-click bookmarking star now widely adopted by almost all other prominent browsers.

However, the 20-year-old browser is being phased out to make way for Microsoft’s newest browser, Edge. IE is still available in Windows 10, but is no longer the default and will not receive new features.

This long mediocre browser is now a serious competitor when compared to the likes of Google and Firefox. The newest version of Apple’s browser is fairly minimalist in design, but retains enough familiarity for old users of the browser to feel at home. Like its peers, Safari offers the address-search bar hybrid. Recent features include a share icon embedded to the right of the search field, which serves as a way to bookmark pages, post to social networks, and share via native Apple platforms like iMessage and Mail. An optional sidebar also give you quick access to your bookmarks, social media shares, and a reading list that syncs with iOS and works offline.

This browser uses Google’s chromium Web engine while retaining a set of signature features that distinguish the browser from the rest. Opera has a single hybrid address-search bar like Chrome, but the alternative browser also sports Opera’s signature features,  stash  and  speed dial.   S peed dial  allows for easy bookmarking and functions like “the most visited page” on Safari.  Stash  is similar to  P ocket,  and thus allows you to quickly store pages for future browsing. The bottom line? Opera sports a clean design with innovative features that hold their own against the rest of the competition.

Edge resembles IE 11, though with even smaller borders, fewer icons, and a streamlined toolbar designed to take up more real estate on your display than IE 11. A solitary, address-search bar also runs the width of the page, along with a trio of headline features that include markups, reading view, and Microsoft’s equivalent to Siri (aka Cortana). It is the standard web browser for Windows 10, and has integration with many of the OS’s features and apps, including Outlook and the aforementioned Cortana. The latest update even gives it the ability to cast video, audio, and pictures to Miracast and DLAN devices.

This browser doesn’t just offer customization, it actually asks you to choose where things like the tabs and address bar should go when you first launch it. If you want your tabs in a panel to the left of your window, you can do that, or you can leave them above the address bar. Bucking recent trends, Vivaldi also brings back the status bar at the bottom of the window, giving you a quick place to zoom in and out and preview URLs from. The current tab also takes on the primary color of whatever site you’re visiting, making the browser chrome seem like a natural extension of the site you’re visiting and adding some visual flair.

Benchmark tests

Most browsers are compatible with web standards and handle speed with relative ease. A casual user probably won’t notice a difference in the rendering speed between today’s modern browsers, but all six browsers are much faster and leaner than those of a few years ago — and become even more so with each new build. Below are our benchmark results for the six browsers, with bold text indicating the winner for each category.

Google Chrome has long dominated the HTML5 compliance benchmark, but it has some competition at the top now: Vivaldi. The two browsers support the same number of standards, meaning both should be able to perfectly render just about anything you can find.

The Jetstream benchmark, which focuses on modern web applications, has a surprising winner: Edge. Microsoft’s been working hard on optimizing its new browser, and it shows. Safari, Chrome, and Vivaldi aren’t too far behind, though.

Two Javascript benchmarks, Mozilla’s Kraken benchmark and Google’s Octane 2.0, give us more split results. Edge just barely beat Chrome on Octane 2.0, while Chrome came out ahead on the Kraken test. The results suggest most modern browsers are pretty fast, however, with the exception of Internet Explorer 11.

This suggests that Microsoft’s Edge is a huge leap forward from its old browser, and that competition in the browser market is pretty tight overall.

Extensions and extra features

Features are what truly separate one browser from the next given that speed and compatibility are no longer the defining issue. That being said, each browser has its own slate of unique features, from expansive app stores and add-ons to various extensions and tools, that makes it shine in its own light.

Chrome has become the starting point for browser extension developers, and it shows. If an extension exists, you can probably get it for Chrome before you can get it for any other browser. There’s also Apps, which blur the line between web and local apps in some unique ways. We like the idea, and Chrome remains the most integrated software for accessing anything Google-related (i.e. Gmail, Google Drive). If web apps and seamless dashboard features are important to you, check out what Google has to offer.

Download now

Like Chrome, Firefox is on a six-week update schedule, and sports a strong catalog of extensions. Some older extensions have broken with recent Firefox releases, and at this point, cutting-edge extensions tend to be offered first on Chrome and show up on Firefox later. Having said that, a few power-user extensions are exclusive to Firefox, making this hard to call definitively. The built-in PDF viewer is incredibly handy, as is the browser’s support for Macbook Retina displays and grouped tabs. Firefox also remains one of the most customizable in terms of interface and display out of the five on our list, though Vivaldi is a legitimate threat on the horizon.

Safari’s extension ecosystem isn’t massive, but Apple’s default browser has come a long way since its initial beginning. Most major extensions are available at this point, even if the collection is nowhere close to competing with Chrome or Firefox. Other awesome built-in extras include the ad-free Safari Reader, which lets you read any article without all the unnecessary clutter, and comprehensive iCloud integration for syncing pages across all your devices. There’s also built-in RSS support, and a reading list that syncs with your mobile devices.

Safari’s mobile version comes pre-installed on iOS devices, but isn’t available on other mobile platforms.

Internet Explorer 11

IE11 sports heavy integration and optimization for Windows 7 and 8. Many functions, like turning tabs into new windows, are much easier with Microsoft’s stalwart browser. It retains some of the unique features introduced in IE 10, like individual tab previewing from the task bar and a new feature called site pinning, which lets you ‘pin’ a website to the Windows 8 task bar like you would a normal application. However, unlike an ordinary taskbar shortcut, pinned websites can offer customized “right click” menus. For example, pinning the Facebook toolbar will let you right click and auto browse to different sections of the Facebook site like News, Messages, Events, and Friends. In addition, when you open a pinned site, the IE 11 browser customizes itself to resemble the site you’re viewing. Currently, this only means the icon in the upper-left corner will change along with the colors for the back and forward buttons, but we like the idea.

IE’s mobile version comes pre-installed on Windows devices. There’s currently no mobile version, though.

Opera has always stood out in part by bundling features that other browsers offer as add-ons. The inclusion of both ad blocking and a VPN in recent builds of Opera are prime examples, and make this a go-to browser for the privacy set. But it’s not just about the included features: Opera’s  add-on library  is fairly complete. The extensive web-app store offers a variety of free and premium apps, but Opera’s extensions are centered around the browser’s signature tool,  Speed Dial —  a touchscreen-optimized homepage. Each extension can be tacked to Opera’s  Speed Dial  homepage. The simplicity of having your Gmail account stored next to a dependable news aggregatior on your homepage is hard to pass up.

At this point, Edge doesn’t offer any extensions (unless you are a Windows Insider and have the preview version). However, extensions have proven to be more than just a niche feature given their wide-spread adoption in other browsers. Microsoft has confirmed that Edge will support extensions in one capacity or another down the line, but there’s no word on when they’ll be enabled for regular users. For now, Edge does offer an attractive and easy-to-use reader mode, one that removes clutter and formatting from webpages and articles to make for a more comfortable reading experience on the web.

As the newest browser in this list, Vivaldi doesn’t have an extension ecosystem, and extensions aren’t supported by default. Extensions are planned, however, and some users have even managed to get a few Opera extensions working in the browser (though the method isn’t straight-forward). Outside of the robust customization options, the sidebar offers a lot of compelling features. You can write notes about any URL, for future reference, or add any site as a side panel. This isn’t the most feature-filled browser as of right now, but it’s clearly an ambitious one.

Security and privacy

The most valuable tool for secure browsing is user discretion, especially when you consider that every web browser has encountered security breaches in the past. And Internet Explorer and Chrome’s reputation for protecting users’ security and privacy credentials is spotty at best.

Chrome, Safari, Vivaldi, Opera, and Firefox all rely on Google’s Safe Browsing API to detect potentially dangerous sites. Thanks to constant updates, Mozilla, Chrome, and Opera all make constant security updates. But Chrome takes security a bit further by also scanning for potentially harmful downloads. There’s also  encryption add-ons currently in the works at Google .

All browsers offer a private session option, too. Private sessions prevent the storage of history, temporary Internet files, and cookies. For example, Internet Explorer 11 features a security measure called Do Not Track. Only Internet Explorer goes so far as to to block trackers completely from communicating with your browser. What’s more, according to a 2013 NSS study , only Internet Explorer blocks trackers used on more than 90 percent of potentially hazardous sites.

Nonetheless,  Microsoft has stated that Edge won’t offer IE’s Do Not Track feature , though you will be able to enable some tracking protection. This change of heart is because Do Not Track isn’t really honored by many websites, making it largely pointless in 2016.

Popularity & Verdict

Internet Explorer has been the number one browser for decades, but that’s changing right now, according to  NetMarketShare’s latest numbers . They show Chrome as edging out Microsoft’s default for this first time this year, with 41.71 percent of the market. The closest competitor to these two browsers is Firefox, with a distant 10.06 percent of the market. Safari, the default browser on the Mac platform, captures a respectable 4.47 percent of the market, while Opera sits at 2.1 percent. Vivaldi doesn’t show up in these numbers.

StatCounter provides a much different view. According to its data, Chrome is by far the most popular desktop browser, with more than 56.75 percent of all Internet traffic. Firefox is up next, at a distant 14.24 percent, and a declining Internet Explorer sees 12.14 percent of the market share. Safari nets 9.47 percent of traffic, while Opera captures about 1.87 percent.

Why the big difference between these reports? It’s because NetMarketShare counts unique visitors, while StatCounter tallies all visits. In other words, NetMarketShare’s numbers reflect how many people are using a browser, while StatCounter reflects how much a browser is used.

Once you know that, the numbers make sense. A lot of people default to Internet Explorer because they don’t know any better, and only visit a few websites each day. Chrome is often preferred by people who browse heavily and might visit hundreds of sites in a day. And Firefox, despite being used by fewer people than Internet Explorer, generates more web traffic because of its power-user base.

Chrome is still king

It’s getting closer every month, but it still seems like Chrome is the best browser overall. It’s still a top-performing browser, and its extension eco-system is the best. There’s a reason why it’s the most popular browser ever made, and while specific users might prefer something different, most people can safely default to Chrome.

Source :  https://www.yahoo.com/tech/battle-best-browsers-edge-vs-190732036.html

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I tried 7 Chrome alternatives to see which browser is better

• Chrome isn't the only option -- try browsers like Arc Search, Brave, DuckDuckGo, Edge, Firefox, Tor, and Vivaldi for more customization and privacy.
• Arc Search offers a fun AI search feature and personalized browsing experience for iPhone users.
• Brave, DuckDuckGo, Firefox, Tor, and Vivaldi all provide excellent privacy features and alternative search engines to Google.

Whether on your laptop , tablet , or mobile device, internet browsing is one of our daily pleasures. If you surf for work or entertainment, Chrome isn't the only browser option. Just because it's the most well known and used, doesn't mean it's the best browser for your needs, especially if you're frustrated with data collection, want to escape the Google monopoly , or want something more customized.

A highlight of any browser is its user-friendly organization while presenting interactive content like different tabs, extensions, favorites, history, or even discovery add-ons. As the tool that presents users the web, it grants access to specific websites and loads content pages. Chrome is an incredibly fast performing browser, but it's not the only one.

Some browsers include their own search engines (although you can change to a different one if you prefer) and some are simply browsers that use other search engines. Some donuts come jelly-filled and some donuts are plain, awaiting added frosting -- but all donuts have their specific fans.

To see if I could leave Google behind in 2024, or at least find a comparable Chrome alternative, I tested all the browsers on this list, exploring their common features and experiencing their strengths, weaknesses, and unique tools.

How to lock your Chrome incognito tabs behind Face ID on iPhone or iPad

Arc search browser, new favorite for iphone.

Arc Search is a recent update from The Browser Company out of New York for the iOS mobile platform, marketed as "your new default mobile browser." It's a fun and niche combination of browser and AI search engine, with traditional search engine options and customizations seeping out of every angle. Only available for iPhones and iPads at the time of writing (I'm on the Windows wait list, and you can expect a deep dive when the desktop version lands), it's an enjoyable and intuitive platform.

"I was most excited about trying the Browse for me AI search. I'm on the hunt for a bridesmaids dress for my best friend's wedding..."

I was most excited about trying the Browse for me AI search. I'm on the hunt for a bridesmaids dress for my best friend's wedding and my parameters are: pink, floral, and satin. I've been scouring the internet for three weeks now prior to taking advantage of this assignment for my personal research and I wanted to see which browsing experience could present some new options.

The Browse for me AI was fun , and I appreciate the way it presents results with plenty of detail and description. I didn't see any different results listed from my previous Google searches, but I enjoyed the data presentation. As is a weakness with most AI, the sourcing can be frustrating. It will describe what I think will be the perfect dress in text, but the link below lands on a more general page instead of a subpage. That said, I'll be keeping ARC on my iPhone and using it often.

You still need to explore and be curious when using any AI search. It's a good assistant and can get you some basic information, but it's not a full dive into the subject. It can get you a great quick answer, but likely not a fully authoritative one due to its sourcing quirks and lack of access to materials behind paywalls.

The custom tabs and settings on Arc Search were easy to find, utilize, and personalize. ARC Search performance is speedy, responsive, and provides an exciting mobile option for iPhone users.

How to use Google Lens in Chrome to search any image

Brave browser, web navigation is not just for the stout of heart, brave browser.

Brave has somewhat gamified privacy. It rewards content ranking based on user-preference rather than influence with its Brave Rewards and Wallet (crypto). Brave Rewards is one of its most unique features when compared with other browsers. As many content creators and websites use ads to support their business model, Brave allows users to directly support their favorite ones with BAT ( Basic Attention Tokens ) sent directly to the creators and sites instead of seeing their ads.

It uses the same base code from open-source Chromium (which Chrome is built on), so specific extensions you love can be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store and importing settings, bookmarks, and favorites is a breeze. Brave is meant for extra privacy protection for your search data and habits and does an impressive bit of warfare on ads and tracking software, while still providing a fast browser experience. Other features like VPN, online communication systems, and a news platform are available.

The Brave search engine performed my bridesmaids dress search input incredibly well too, and actually displayed results I had yet to see in my three weeks of casually surfing -- another plus in my book. It hits the jackpot for many looking for a Chrome alternative: Chromium based, secure, ad blocking, and fast.

How to force Chrome to show any site in dark mode

Duckduckgo browser, duck the ads, pop-ups, and tracking.

I've used DuckDuckGo's search engine for years when I hit my limit with ads and tracking frustration. But this was my first time using the browser and search engine together. It has a simple download process, allows for easy import of Chrome settings and favorites, and walks you through simple steps to set up your privacy choices moving forward.

The DuckDuckGo browser promises to block trackers and ads at your settings' discretion, even within email and apps. Search results are free from targeted advertisements, as DuckDuckGo doesn't track your user data. You'll also notice fewer ads within their search engine overall and the results will rank according to relevance to your keywords, not through ad-based algorithms.

My time with the browser and search engine combo was well spent. I experienced speedy searching, fewer pop-ups, and a more targeted search experience. Accessibility was front and center with screen reader explanations too. I saw a few different results in my bridesmaids dress search, no advertisements, and an entirely different series of ranked websites to explore, which I found intriguing.

5 useful ChatGPT Chrome extensions

Edge browser, not your mother's internet explorer, microsoft edge.

Microsoft's Edge browser is becoming relatively popular again and has become a dark horse in recent years as it claws back users from its Internet Explorer-mocked days. It's now a modern, fast, and intuitive browser that offers something different to the Chrome experience and market. Edge is utilizing AI and a refreshed design to display a personalized and straightforward browser. Bing, Microsoft's search engine, has also come a long way.

Microsoft Copilot is a sidebar addition for webpage summaries from search engines and to ask quick questions. Much like Arc Search, this AI refresher is likely to be the future of user-friendly browsing. It's another Chromium based system, meaning many of Chrome's performance specialties will work well on Edge, including extensions, importing favorites, and utilizing Google accounts.

It promises secure browsing, including a few Edge specific features like Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, Password Monitor , InPrivate search, and Kids Mode. You'll get less of the ad blocking and tracking on Edge compared to other results on this list, but if that's not your major concern about leaving Chrome, this is fine as it offers some cool functions for usability -- even a smart shopping AI pop-ups through Copilot showing deals, discounts, and coupons. Microsoft is well known for accessibility tools as well, which Edge provides tenfold.

My bridesmaid's dress test on Edge using Bing was relatively similar to the same results I saw when on Chrome using Google search engine. When I returned to the Edge homepage upon my next refresh, I had some alternate dress options waiting to explore in the ad carousel window. They were nothing like what I was looking for, but maybe with more use they could get there.

Copilot: Everything you need to know about Microsoft's AI

Firefox browser, mozilla brings the speed fight to chrome.

I think of Firefox as the inbetween browser option between a Chrome or Edge style and the locked down secure Brave and DuckDuckGo style. Because of this, for me, Firefox is a great fit for everyday use. The desktop and mobile apps have been downloaded since I acquired my devices as my personal browsers. Firefox doesn't use the Chromium base like Edge and Brave, so extensions are a bit different, but it does allow extensions though the Firefox add-ons page .

Tracking defense is boosted from what you'll find on Chrome and Edge, with third-party trackers mostly blocked and Firefox provides a browsing mode, Firefox Private Network, which won't record any of your browsing data and deletes it all upon closing the window. Firefox doesn't have its own browser but gives you the option to pick from popular options like Google, Bing, Yahoo!, and DuckDuckGo.

It plays well with other devices using the browser by syncing data, if you prefer syncing browser data across your laptop and mobile. Even using the same search engine from Google or Bing in Firefox when performing my quick bridesmaids dress search, I found alternate results. I enjoy Firefox and have been a fan for years. The speed and reduced use of your device's memory is excellent and a highlight over Chrome.

How to get Google Search on Android to open in Chrome by default

Tor browser, private browsers are like onions, private browsers have layers, tor browser.

One aspect of web browsing not yet mentioned is the concept of censored and uncensored content. Most mainstream browsers have some degree of standards to display on the "clear web." The Tor browser allows access to all your normal clear websites and access to content usually blocked through these standards, commonly dubbed "dark web" sites.

The Tor browser was a labor of love crafted by The Onion Routing (Tor) network, who initially saw concern over personal information privacy connected with government and corporate tracking as early as the 1990s. However, it was just not accessible for mainstream users as you had to be quite tech-savvy to engage with this specific protocol prior to the browser development. Onion routing is a specific type of internet engagement developed for greater anonymity.

As it is now, the browser makes the Tor protocol much more popular and uses a version of Firefox with open source code for its building blocks. The Tor browser doesn't record user data and bounces all of your communications through a large network to obfuscate your personal information. It protects against surveillance, blocks third-party trackers, encrypts your traffic three times, and opens censored networks.

"Now, my bridesmaids dress search felt a bit paltry to test what I view as the beast of the browser privacy world, but even maids of honor deserve uncensored, private internet access, so I persisted."

Tor was honestly fun to use, as this week was my first experience with it, and other than the slight slow down in performance due to surveillance blurring techniques, it's a solid browser for intuitive use. Now, my bridesmaids dress search felt a bit paltry to test what I view as the beast of the browser privacy world, but even maids of honor deserve uncensored, private internet access, so I persisted.

Truly, I found solid results that felt new, fresh, and global. Better for my current 'shopping' around mindset than needing something shipped to my house right now, but I enjoyed it.

If you're an iOS user, there isn't an official Tor browser app, but the developers have something close, and recommend the Onion Browser for iPhone and iPad.

How to use Tor browser to surf the web anonymously

Vivaldi browser, a designer browser just for you, vivaldi browser.

Our final pick rounding out our Chrome alternatives is a fan favorite: Vivaldi. To describe the Vivaldi browser in one word would be "custom." Vivaldi is a Chromium platform that has a custom user interface (UI), privacy in mind, and productivity tools. Seems like the magic combination for the perfect browser. For many users, it really is a perfect fit, hitting the balance between usability, ethics, and privacy that some other browsers can miss. My one caution is that, to get the most out of Vivaldi, you need to put time into personalizing it and learning its interfaces.

If that sounds doable for you, Vivaldi should impress with a fast experience, ad blocking, no user data tracking, a password manager, and tons of organization and productivity tools. I used all of these browsers throughout the week for similar purposes. I have had experience with some and loved them for years, like Firefox, DuckDuckGo, and Edge. Of the newer-to-me browsers, Vivaldi came out for me as my favorite new desktop browser.

"My bridesmaid dress hunt continued and Vivaldi delivered."

My bridesmaid dress hunt continued and Vivaldi delivered. I finally found a couple of new options that fit my request perfectly, and I felt like an online shopping wizard as it's familiar to popular browsers but with fun add-ons and tab groupings.

I'll be continuing my dress shopping with Vivaldi on my desktop and Arc Search on my mobile. So long, Google Chrome.

What is the Vivaldi browser, and should you try it?

Unirse a una Zoom Meeting

Puede unirse a una reunión en línea a través de una invitación por correo electrónico, una invitación por mensajería instantánea, desde el navegador, desde la aplicación de escritorio y móvil de Zoom, desde un teléfono fijo o móvil, o con un dispositivo H.323 o SIP.

Antes de unirse a una reunión de Zoom en un dispositivo móvil o un equipo, puede descargar Zoom desde nuestro Download Center . De lo contrario, se le pedirá que descargue e instale Zoom cuando haga clic en el enlace para unirse.

También puede unirse a una reunión de prueba para familiarizarse con el uso de Zoom o unirse a una reunión sin una cuenta .

Este artículo trata sobre:

Cómo unirse a una reunión de Zoom en el Desktop Client

Cómo unirse a una reunión de zoom en la aplicación móvil, cómo unirse a una reunión de zoom en un navegador web, cómo unirse a una reunión de zoom a través de otros métodos, unirse a una reunión de zoom sin descargar la aplicación, requisitos previos para unirse a una reunión virtual.

• Cada reunión tiene un número único de 9, 10 u 11 dígitos llamado ID de reunión , que será necesario para unirse a una reunión de Zoom.
• Si se une por teléfono, necesitará el número de teleconferencia proporcionado en la invitación.
• Mostrar un enlace «Unirse desde su navegador» habilitado

Windows | macOS

• Abra Zoom Desktop Client.
• Si desea unirse a una reunión sin iniciar sesión, haga clic en Unirse a una reunión .
• Inicie sesión en el Zoom Desktop Client.
• Haga clic en la pestaña Inicio .

• Si ha iniciado sesión, cambie su nombre si no desea que aparezca su nombre predeterminado .
• Si no ha iniciado sesión, introduzca un nombre para mostrar.
• Seleccione si desea conectar audio o vídeo.
• Haga clic en Unirse .
• Si desea unirse sin iniciar sesión, haga clic en Unirse a una reunión .

• Abra la aplicación móvil de Zoom.
• Pulse  Unirse a una reunión si desea unirse sin iniciar sesión.

• Seleccione si desea conectar audio o vídeo y pulse Unirse a la reunión .
• Abra la aplicación móvil de Zoom. Si aún no ha descargado la aplicación móvil de Zoom, puede descargarla desde la App. Store.
• Seleccione si desea conectar audio o vídeo, y seleccione Unirse.

Google Chrome

• Abra el navegador Chrome.
• Diríjase a join.zoom.us .
• Introduzca el ID de reunión que ha proporcionado el anfitrión/organizador.
• Si esta es la primera vez que se une desde Google Chrome, se le pedirá que abra el Zoom Desktop Client para unirse a la reunión.
• (Opcional) Marque la casilla Abrir siempre este tipo de enlaces en la aplicación asociada para omitir este paso la próxima vez.
• En la ventana emergente, haga clic en Abrir Zoom Meetings (PC) o Abrir zoom.us (Mac).
• Abra Safari.
• Cuando se le pregunte si desea abrir zoom.us, haga clic en Permitir .

Microsoft Edge o Internet Explorer

• Abra Edge o Internet Explorer.

Mozilla Firefox

• Abra Firefox.
• Si esta es la primera vez que se une desde Firefox, es posible que se le pida abrir Zoom o el paquete de instalación de Zoom.
• Para omitir este paso en el futuro, seleccione la casilla Recordar mi elección para enlaces de zoommtg .
• Haga clic en Abrir enlace .

Correo electrónico

• En su correo electrónico o calendario de invitación, haga clic en el enlace para unirse.
• En función del navegador web predeterminado, haga clic en Permitir si se le pide que abra Zoom.

Si está en línea con el cliente de escritorio o la aplicación móvil de Zoom, otros tendrán la posibilidad de enviarle una solicitud para unirse a una reunión a través de un mensaje instantáneo. Recibirá una notificación de mensaje entrante que muestra quién llama junto con un tono de llamada. Seleccione Aceptar para unirse a la reunión con la persona que llama.

• En su teléfono, marque el número de teleconferencia  proporcionado en su invitación.
• Introduzca el número de ID de reunión cuando se le pida usando su teclado de marcación.

Nota : Si ya se ha unido a la reunión a través del equipo, tendrá la opción de introducir su ID de participante de 6 dígitos para asociarlo a su equipo. Si ya se ha unido a la reunión a través del ordenador, solo debe pulsar «#» nuevamente cuando se pida que introduzca su ID de participante.

• Marque la dirección IP que se le proporcionó en la invitación para unirse a la reunión (es necesario el add-on del puerto del conector de sala).
• Introduzca el ID de reunión a través de la marcación por tonos (DTMF) seguida de #. También puede usar cadenas de marcación , como 192.168.10.55##000111000 para unirse directamente a la reunión.

Cómo unirse a una reunión con el Zoom Web Client

El Zoom Web Client permite a los usuarios unirse a una reunión desde un navegador web sin descargar ningún complemento ni software.

Nota : El anfitrión de la reunión debe habilitar Mostrar un enlace "Unirse desde su navegador" para sus participantes.

• Busque el enlace de invitación a la reunión en su invitación de correo electrónico o calendario.
• Haga clic en el enlace para unirse para unirse a la reunión. En su navegador web, una ventana emergente le pedirá que abra o descargue la aplicación.
• En la ventana emergente, haga clic en C ancelar .
• En la parte inferior de la página, haga c lic en Unirse desde su navegador . Se lo dirigirá a una nueva página.
• Haga clic en Permitir para conceder permiso a Zoom para acceder al micrófono y la cámara.
• Inicie sesión con su nombre para unirse a la reunión.
• (Opcional) Active la casilla Recordar mi nombre para futuras reuniones .