Posted on 05/21/2021 11:45:45 AM PDT by Red Badger
It's amazing how different the best web browsers actually are. While you may think that every internet browser is the same, there are actually plenty of differences between them - from cosmetic changes to speeds to the way each browser handles your personal data. As such, we've tested a whole bunch of them to see what the best web browser could be for you.
With privacy and data management becoming an increasingly important issue, it's vital to know how your web browser is handling and showing your browsing data and history. So we've reassessed our list, taking things like data management, trackers, and ad blocking into account. And while most browsers provide quick access to most web pages, we've also taken both speed and resource efficiency into account too (because you don't want your web browsing tools chewing up your laptop's power, for example).
Our new findings are that Microsoft Edge is the best web browser right now, as a series of updates and newer features now put it ahead of Google Chrome in our rankings. We've also included Vivaldi, which is a highly customizable web browser that makes everyday internet tasks that little bit easier.
While assessing these internet browsers we also looked at the mobile versions, for smartphones and tablets, to make sure we got the complete experience. Most people now sync their web browsing across devices, so it's important to know that the one you choose works just as well on the move as it does at home.
Of course, web browsers are only half the story. If you want to stay safe online then you need a couple of extra things. Firstly, you'll need to make sure you have some of the best antivirus software installed on your computer, to avoid exposing yourself to malware and other viruses that attack your system via the internet. And to keep your data hidden, we also suggest one of the best VPN services, which can mask your IP and keep your browsing private and secure.
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1. Microsoft Edge: Best web browser overall Best web browsers: Microsoft Edge
(Image credit: Microsoft) Microsoft Edge Our top web browser, thanks to great speeds, and efficient power useage
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
VIEW DEAL Low performance drainGreat privacy settingsEvery good about ChromeLacking its own unique "feel" After years of fumbling the ball with Internet Explorer, and a rather inauspicious start for itself, Microsoft finally has a winning formula on its hands with Microsoft Edge. We could be condescending of the fact that it managed this by basing its new web browser off Google Chrome, which used to be our favorite browser, but honestly, who cares?
Microsoft Edge takes the winning formula of Chrome and adds a few unique features to differentiate itself from its competitors, namely a lower resource drain that means it won’t set your computer ablaze if you open too many tabs. Edge also comes with a much more robust set of privacy features to help keep snooping websites out of your personal data, and it hasn't signed up to FLOC like Chrome.
Microsoft Edge used to be below Chrome in the rankings, but with each update it's getting better and now, for us, it sits at the top of the pile. It's easy to switch to Edge from Chrome, and you can do so in a matter of seconds. ===============================================================================
2. Google Chrome: Best browser for Gmail users Best web browsers: Google Chrome
(Image credit: Google) Google Chrome A great web browser if you use the Google suite, but is power hungry
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
VIEW DEAL Looks greatTons of extensionsCross device preferencesResource hungryHas FLOC data tracking Google Chrome has reigned supreme in the world of web browsers for some time now, but it has since slipped to the second spot in our list. Chrome features an extensive library of extensions to help you customize your browser experience and has a sleek, minimalist style that carries all the information and functionality you need without getting in the way or looking ugly.
It’s also compatible with just about every device under the sun, and you can carry your preferred settings between devices using your Google account. That means, for example, that your smartphone will remember the bookmarks you saved on your laptop.
It has become a little resource-hungry though, devouring your system RAM if you have too many web pages open at once. It’s also not great when it comes to privacy settings, and uses a highly controversial method of sorting users, called FLOC, so if you’re concerned about big tech snooping on you, maybe try Edge or Firefox instead.
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3. Mozilla Firefox: Best web browser for privacy Best web browsers: Mozilla Firefox
(Image credit: Mozilla) Mozilla Firefox Stay safe and secure online with the most secure web browser
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
VIEW DEAL Slick designRobust security and privacy settingsLow system drawFewer extensions than Chrome After a few years in a bit of slump due to its addiction to eating all your computer’s RAM, Mozilla Firefox is back in the big leagues. This revitalized version of Firefox now has a lighter impact on your system while still offering all the functionality you’d expect from a web browser.
Firefox also offers one of the most comprehensive security and privacy feature sets of any web browser, which means it’s the safest web browser to use if you want to keep your personal information secure when you’re online.
The only thing letting Firefox down at the moment is the lack of extensions when compared to Chrome and Edge, which share the same vast library. Firefox’s unique architecture means it needs bespoke extensions, so the library isn’t quite as deep as we’d like.
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4. Vivaldi: Best browser for customization Best web browsers: Vivaldi web browser
(Image credit: Future) Vivaldi If you like control over what your browser can do, Vivaldi is perfect for you
Compatibility: Windows, Android, MacOS
Highly customizablePretty quickWeb panels are fantasticToo complex for some Download Vivaldi and you've got a quick, versatile web browser with some excellent built-in features. While it doesn't technically do anything that you can't do with Chrome or Edge and a bunch of extensions, Vivaldi bakes a wide range of features into a single browser, and is all the better for it.
Among the boons in Vivaldi are the options to post to Instagram from a desktop computer or laptop, the ability to auto-fill cookie pop-ups (so they never appear), and the ability to take full-page screenshots of web pages with a single button press. This is just scratching the surface of everything that Vivaldi offers, and it comes with a huge number of customization options.
It's quick, too, and it doesn't have sinister data collection practices either. The only real downside is that it can be tougher to use if you're not technically-minded, and you won't use a decent suite of the features it offers.
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5. Safari: Best web browser for casual Mac users Best web browsers: Safari
Apple Safari As the default choice, Safari is great for casual Mac users
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS
VIEW DEAL FastNot resource hungryLimited featuresMuch better on Apple devices Safari is the default browser that comes preinstalled on Apple devices, including both MacOS laptops and home computers, along with its smartphones in the iPhone range. It has all the basic features that you’d expect from a web browser and will do a serviceable job if you’re a casual user. It runs quickly and doesn’t drain your PC’s performance much, but the lack of customization options and poor range of extensions mean that it struggles to stack up against other options like Chrome or Firefox.
There’s also no Windows version, which is an issue when it comes to keeping all your preferences and settings unified across multiple devices. With chrome you can share settings between your Windows PC and iOS iPhone, but you can’t do that with Safari. It’s fine, but there are better options out there.
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6. Opera: Good all-rounder Best web browsers: Opera
Opera Has waned in popularity recently, but remains a viable option
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
VIEW DEAL Uses the same base program as Google ChromeNot recognized by older websites, which may block your access to them Opera feels similar to Google Chrome because it uses the same base program. But Opera is unique because it features a sidebar where you can pin links to your favorite websites, sort of like a bookmark, or shortcuts to email and chat windows.
You can adjust the settings to hide the sidebar and use more traditional menus and toolbars like other internet browser programs.
Opera is decently fast, about on par with Firefox and Chrome when it comes to initial startup, site navigation and page loading. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, and works on iOS and Android mobile devices. The URL bar doubles as a search bar, and it has stacking, which means you can drag and drop open tabs in the order you want them.
Opera is blocked by several websites that aren’t familiar with this web browser, especially very old and out-of-date websites that haven’t been updated to the most recent browser standards. Also, Opera doesn’t have any form of web blocking or parental controls by default, but you can add these via add-ons.
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7. Maxthon: Best for drag-and-drop Best web browsers: Maxthon
Maxthon If you love to drag and drop, this is a solid option
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
VIEW DEAL Drag-and-drop content featureDoesn’t stop malicious downloads Maxthon is a good choice if you like the feel and user experience of Internet Explorer but have a Windows 10 operating system where Explorer isn’t an option. Maxthon has some unique features, most notably its drag-and-drop content feature.
This allows you to grab any image or content on any website and drop into a personal message or email message to share or send, eliminating completely the need to clip, copy or save content.
Maxthon also includes parental controls to block specific content based on security levels and site ratings. URLs and information you’ve typed into online forms is automatically saved and autofilled the next time you start to fill out a form. However, you can adjust the settings to stop the autofill of personal information.
This internet browser isn’t very effective at stopping malware downloads or blocking phishing schemes, so we strongly suggest using a third-party antivirus program alongside Maxthon.
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8. Avast Secure: Good for privacy Best web browsers: Avast Secure
Avast Secure Great if you want to bundle antivirus with web browsing
Compatibility: Windows, Mac (early access)
VIEW DEAL Includes free antivirus softwareDoesn’t work on mobile devices Avast Secure web browser is really good at stopping phishing schemes, and it connects you to Avast’s free antivirus program to help stop online malware from infecting your computer.
It includes typical browser tools like tabbed browsing, session restore and a password manager. Its pop-up blocker is automatically enabled from the moment it is installed, which is becoming more typical of all internet browsers, and it has a privacy browser to keep your browser history from being tracked while online.
Avast is quick at starting up and navigating between pages. And compared to more popular browsers, Avast loaded more quickly. The biggest drawback is Avast is only compatible with Windows computers, so you can’t use it on Apple or Android mobile devices. There is an early access Mac version, but as this isn't yet fully-fledged we wouldn't recommend using it yet.
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9. Avant: Best IE compatibility Best web browsers: Avant Browser
Avant Browser If, for some reason, you loved Internet Explorer... this is for you
Compatibility: Windows
VIEW DEAL Useful as an add-on to Internet ExplorerSlower than other browsers The Avant Browser feels very similar to older versions of Internet Explorer, which isn’t surprising because it uses the same primary source code. Avant can be used as either a standalone browser or as an add-on to Internet Explorer, giving IE users updated tools and functions no longer supported by Microsoft.
This internet browser has session restore automatically enabled, which means your tabs and activities are saved each time you close the browser and will be there the next time it is opened. It also automatically updates itself. In our tests, Avant Browser did a decent job protecting against phishing schemes and malicious downloads. It isn’t very fast, though, coming well behind several more popular options in both navigation and page loading times.
It comes in useful if you still need to use Internet Explorer to access certain secure apps that won't allow another web browser.
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10. Seamonkey: One to avoid Best web browsers: SeaMonkey
SeaMonkey Not recommended, but it is available if you want to try it
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
VIEW DEAL Open source web browserClunky and slow SeaMonkey is an open source browser, so you have access to the code and can customize its features.
Users in the SeaMonkey community share ideas and code for features they want to add, and you can join the discussion, even if you don’t write code. There isn’t a central management team that oversees these add-ons or version updates, so you have to be vigilant about exactly what’s being added. It is possible that a version release will be buggy, include tools that you don’t want, or be insecure. In these cases the SeaMonkey community works together to provide patches or new versions to fix these issues.
The current version of SeaMonkey includes a password manager, customizable tools and session restore. It isn’t compatible with smartphones or tablets, and it feels clunky and outdated. Plus, it is much slower than other web browsers we tested. It also does a poor job of identifying phishing schemes and other harmful websites, and it doesn’t stop malware from being downloaded to your computer.
We like the open source community of SeaMonkey, but it's not a browser we recommend you use.
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Do you need to use a VPN when browsing the web? You don't need a VPN to use a web browser, but it's a great way to stay secure and anonymous when you’re online. VPNs use encrypted tunnels for your web activity, which prevent anyone else from accessing the data you're sending or seeing what you're reading or downloading – including your internet service provider.
VPNs are so easy to use that they've become increasingly popular over the last few years, with growing numbers of people using them in addition to traditional online security, like antivirus software.
When might you need one? If you’re on public Wi-Fi (at a hotel, cafe or airport, say) it's a very good idea to use a VPN. Want to browse anonymously? A VPN will let you hide your IP address. And if you're abroad on holiday and want to watch your favorite sports or entertainment shows – you'll likely need a VPN that can allow you to use the internet as if you're still in the US.
We think the best VPN service is ExpressVPN. It's fast, offers superb security, and it's very easy to use. But if you're not sure which one is right for you, take a look at our best VPN service guide, where you'll find more advice.
How we tested Internet browsers We downloaded each internet browser to as many devices we could to check the compatibility. Even when a device or operating system wasn’t listed on the browser’s homepage, we still attempted to locate it in the Google Play and Apple store just to make sure we didn’t miss it. And if we couldn’t find an official app, we attempted to download the program from each browser’s homepage.
After downloading the browsers to our test computers, laptops and mobile devices, we recorded the time it took for the browser to navigate from one page to another, and the time it took to completely load the page. As part of this test we navigated to a variety of sites including search engines and content-heavy pages like news sites. We repeated this several times so we could get a good average time for each browser to compare against all the others we tested. Of course, load times can affected by the time of day, type of internet connection and the number of devices connected at once. Still we got a good idea of how reliable each browser is. For the most part there isn’t a lot of difference between the more well-known internet browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Edge and Safari.
The biggest difference we saw, and one that is important to consider when choosing an internet browser, is how well each recognized and blocked malware. This includes virus downloads, phishing schemes and untrusted websites that are known to harbor malicious files. We tested internet browsers for security using live malware samples.
For our security tests, we didn’t change any browser settings, using only the default security setup. While we know adjusting some settings will result in better protection, many users are not tech savvy enough to do this effectively. We feel it is better to test the default security settings since this is what the majority of users will use.
After testing how well the internet browsers detect and stop malware on their own, we installed antivirus software programs and performed these tests again. This allowed us to see how well each internet browser works alongside these programs to provide optimum online security to you and your family. It also let us see how each browser behaves with browser extensions.
Web Browser FAQ How do I install a new web browser?
Your new computer or smartphone should have come with a web browser already installed. On most Windows desktops, this will be Microsoft Edge; Safari is the default browser on Macs. You can search for the browser you want to use in any other web browser. For example, you can search for Google Chrome in the Edge search bar. Once you find the site for the browser you want to use, click the download button and give the permissions for the download and installation when prompted. The web browser will download and install itself on your device.
You can download, install and use multiple web browsers at once. Just know that each browser takes up a lot of memory on your device and requires still more to operate correctly. Chrome tends to use the most resources.
If your computer doesn’t already have a web browser, there are a couple of ways to get one installed. If your computer has a disk drive, you can order an installation disk for your preferred browser. However, since most computers are now made without a disk drive, it is a challenge to find an available installation disk.
The other option is to download the web browser program to an external drive. Most web browsers will fit on a flash (or thumb) drive. This will have to be done from a computer that already has a browser installed since you’ll need to browser to download the program file. Once the file is saved to your external drive, you can connect it to your computer to upload and install your preferred web browser.
Whichever method you choose, just be certain you are visiting the legitimate web browser’s web page in order to avoid accidentally downloading a malicious file. Several of the best antivirus programs, like Trend Micro Antivirus Plus Security, use web detection technology to ensure you are visiting a safe site.
Can I have more than one web browser on my computer?
Yes, you can have more than one web browser installed on your computer. We have found that some websites and programs work best in a particular browser. And there are some software programs that won’t download from certain web browsers. But keep in mind that you need enough hard drive space to house more than one browser on any device.
Chrome is a 30MB program, but Google suggests having at least 100MB of hard disk space available for its browser to install and operate properly. Mozilla doesn’t disclose exactly how big the Firefox download is, but several users have reported needing at least 50MB of available space in order to download it, and Mozilla does suggest allotting 200MB for Firefox to run.
What are browser extensions, and do I need to pay for them?
Browser extensions are program shortcuts that are designed to work alongside your browser to enhance your online experience, much like the apps you download to your smartphone. In the past these extensions cost about $5 per year, but most are now free. We had a hard time finding any paid extensions. We did notice that the most popular browser extensions Firefox users downloaded were adblockers and expense trackers, while most Chrome and Edge users downloaded educational apps, like Grammarly, and games.
No problem at all. Brave is great (and has good security). The only issue I have with Brave, is that it is heavy on resources.
Now that brings back memories! Wish it was still around in its initial form.
Happy wit Edge. works
In terms of memory usage, Opera was more efficient than Edge, Chrome, Firefox/Waterfox.
So far Brave seems even better but watching “Task manager” closely.
Any recommendations of fast & efficient browsers would be appreciated - I really hate memory hog apps.
Just wanted to share that I am testing Iridium browser for Linux now. An unhooked Chromium base from what they say. It is a Debian distribution but is working great on my Mint 20. Command line install worked flawlessly. It let me add my NoScript and Ghostery extensions and they are working as they should be. They are based out of Germany which is a positive, and when I hit their site with my NoScript they have no third party API or tracking scripts, only the domain it’s self. Another positive. :)
Something interesting and another positive. I switched my default search engine to DDG in the settings and I am actually getting much better search results than normal from the DDG. No injected ad listings at all. And very good results. This is something I have not gotten from DDG in several years now no matter what browser I was using, and even with NoScript and Ghostery. So that means it is blocking DDG’s own API scripts for a change. I like that too.
If you are interested I will update how it goes? I did find out that “Google safe browsing” is on by default and needs to be turned off in the advanced security settings. This completely unhooks it from Google and the Iridium servers.
Besides the fact that most servers have now implemented the 3rd party security “immunify 360”. This blocks all exit node IP’s from TOR and makes you do a google recaptcha to verify the exit node IP as not a bot.
WTF (original article) -- What the actual FONK? I use Brave 90% of the time. Chrome 10% of the time////// I like and use Bing search on both. For very difficult searches I use Google 3 times per month
I will let you know how it goes, but I am testing Iridium currently. Very fast and seems to be working very well and secure... Running the linux version. See reply #65 to Pollard for more positives.
Please keep us updated on your Iridium testing
Will do! :)
I’m basically avoiding Firefox on my iPhone and Home PC until the mutant running that company gets her head right and stops pursuing ways to censor pro-Trump thoughts on the Internet.
Well, I was Netscape/Mozilla/FireFox for years. I messed around with a few others (and adaptations), and had been mostly using Comodo IceDragon (a secure version of FF), until it got overbearing hogging the resources.
I believe that my issue with Brave, is that I have it so secure, that it is taking the resources up. (Brave seems to want to take up multiple threads (sometimes up to 20), that I follow on the task manager). I can’t track down exactly what brave is using to open the threads, unfortunately.
The back-up browser I use, in case I can’t get through because of the security, but I totally trust the site, is Chromium. It is the barebones of Chrome (before Google throws any malware/spyware in it). I am very cautious about using this though, since it has NO protection up.
Brave works for me
The spectator doesn’t work with Brave, and I am dropping the subscription because I cannot read the dailies with brave.
Tor is certainly better than anything on this list. If you are saying it has its drawbacks I don’t disagree. You use Tor via VPN with a not-treaty country like Panama. There are documented breaches on exit nodes of TOR. But the onion model makes it more difficult but may attract attention. Bottom line - you and I don’t have access to the tech they have. But the more people that use the encryption, the onion layer model, VPN with companies based in countries that aren’t obligated by treaty to turn over their logs makes you a hard target. Not an invincible target. I don’t have anything to hide but they are going to WORK to read my posts about Rome or my benign emails about history. Same with my home. I live in a pretty safe place, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t highly secured. And designed to make a person with bad intentions pick an easier target. This list is absolute rubbish.
What you are referring to is pretty common knowledge for people who deal with IT security. Here is a non-comprehensive list of things to know when using TOR. There is no thing as absolutely secure electronic communications. It is a matter of mitigating risk. Kind of like an arms race. You got a rock, I get a bigger rock, then you get a spear, I make a bow, you make a crossbow, i make a musket, you make a rifle, i make a repeating rifle and on and on ad infinitum.
https://fossbytes.com/tor-anonymity-things-not-using-tor/
In fact, your face-to-face conversations on a boat in the middle of the Pacific is not secure unless you are in Faraday Cage with advanced SCIF tech.
Google = Borg.
So you are Linux admin I see. If you have any sandbox web servers I’m willing to play. I’d be curious to see if you can figure out my real IP. Obviously don’t post it here. I have access to some well secured linux boxes. I’m up for a penetration test on them if you are interested. Also curious what you think about the Copperhead phone OS.
I’ve probably been using Opera since it cost money. A few years back, switched to Vivaldi. Now use Brave also, especially for heavy advertising sites. But still mostly Vivaldi.
It has the old Opera short cuts, so you can step to next tab or backwards to previous page with left hand and you can leave your right on the track ball. Resources are not a problem, as I built a serious gaming last year.
Edge, Chrome seem klunky to me. Chrome handles Hulu for me OK, so that’s there. Firefox is also klunky.
You can’t get them via email or in PDF form??...............
I get the hard copy however with the subscription to Spectator one gets daily timely articles that extend the dead tree version.
The Spectator does not let them work in brave and considers them a non subcriber and annoyingly tells me subscribe.
I have tried on both my computer and phone. no dice, I use brave on both. The have told me to switch to Edge to use their subscription. I have better things to do.
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