After almost four decades since the birth of the Internet, we have countless different Internet browsers at our disposal. The abundance of these applications has created the need to learn which browser suits you best. Of course, any browser can work well for anyone. But choosing the right browser can greatly improve your browsing experience.
Choosing a browser can be as simple as figuring out your own needs. Different browsers offer different features. Speed, security, or simplicity; whatever you want, there's a browser to match your needs. There's even a dedicated browser for gamers. So, pick the one that best suits your usage.
All the major browsers offer a varying degree of utility to their consumers. While all of them work really well and get the job done perfectly, knowing their features to the core shall allow you to settle for the best according to your needs as a user. So, let's explore the world of browsers and find the one that’s built specifically for you!
If you are in a hurry you can simple click on the term representing your most important browser characteristic:
- Geschwindigkeit: Leistung ist dir am wichtigsten? Das ist dein Treffer
- Privacy: The most important thing is that your data remains your data? This browser will not let you down
- Compatibility: You're into add-ons / browser plugins? I have everything for you
- Beginner-friendlyThe digital world is still rather new to you? No problem
You are looking for unique features? This way please:
- Personalization: Want to personalize your browser with a variety of settings? This is your choice
- Get paid to use: Want to get paid to view ads? Say no more
- Gaming: You like to play games on the browser? There is a special browser for that too
Otherwise, you can just start reading. We're going to look at different browsers. I bet there are some you don't really know and some details that are new to you.
9 best browsers for your different needs
We're all pretty familiar with most browsers. Let's dive a bit deeper to see what each of them offers and how they can meet your individual browsing needs.
1. Google Chrome
Despite its notorious RAM starvation, Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world. 70% of computer users use Google Chrome as their default browser. Chrome's simplicity and intuitive interface are just two of the many reasons for its dominance.
Google Chrome is fast and easy to use. Its interface is very user-friendly, that's why it's SO popular among general users. The best thing about Google Chrome is its extension library. There are countless different extensions for different needs. Adding and removing extensions is also pretty easy.
You will never feel left out with Chrome's synchronization feature. No matter what device you use, you can get back to tabs, history, bookmarks, etc. once you log in with the same account. Chrome is available on all platforms which isn't a surprise considering the global dominance of Google as a corporation.
Pros
- Google Chrome is fast
- Very easy and simple to use
- The synchronization function is great
- Availability on all platforms
- Huge extension library
Disadvantages
- It’s RAM hungry
- Difficult to multitask with other apps open
- If you are a laptop user
- If privacy is your main concern
- Lacks exotic features
2. Mozilla Firefox
Although Mozilla Firefox has always been in the picture with the big boys, it was never able to be the undisputed #1. But whenever you are talking about top dogs, you cannot make a list without Mozilla Firefox. It's available on all platforms and the endless customization option gives you a sense of ownership.
Mozilla Firefox ensures one thing that Chrome can't; privacy. If you are concerned about your data, you can turn on the private browsing feature. This will block social trackers, tracking cookies, and other things that might compromise your privacy. Mozilla Firefox also consumes significantly less RAM than Chrome, about 30% on Windows 10.
So, if you need to open multiple tabs for your work, and you own a mid-range computer; Firefox won't let you down. You'll have enough memory left to open other apps for multitasking. If you have multiple email accounts, you won't have to sign in and out back and forth for checking mails. Multi-Account Containers extension lets you create a separate session for separate emails. All you need to do is switch containers.
Pros
- Better privacy
- Utilizes less system memory
- Runs superbly on low configured devices
- Syncing function
- Syncing feature
- Numerous and verified extensions
Disadvantages
- Slower than Chrome
- Consumes battery excessively so not good for laptop users
3. Opera
Opera browser was built on Chromium engine, similar to Google Chrome. It has fewer customization options and fewer extensions. But despite being built on the same engine as Chrome, Opera is renowned for two reasons; privacy and less RAM intensive. It also has built-in extensions such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.
Opera has synchronization features across multiple devices. The newsreader feature is really handy for those who want to remain up-to-date with daily affairs. The screenshot tool is also a unique addition.
The adblocker means less data consumption and faster loading. This feature is particularly useful for mobile users who use mobile data plans. If you are into cryptocurrency, the inbuilt cryptocurrency wallet might attract your attention. The wallet supports TRON and Bitcoin.
Pros
- Great user data privacy features
- Built-in VPN
- Fast browsing
- Consumes less memory
- Consumes less data
Disadvantages
- Die Benutzeroberfläche könnte zu kompliziert erscheinen
- Too many features may not be everyone's cup of tea
- Not good for someone who wants something simple
4. Apple Safari
Although you may haven't heard its name with the likes of Chrome, Opera, etc., but Safari browser has been the top choice for Apple users for many years. With the Safari browser, Apple pioneered the reading mode feature. This feature clears everything that comes in your way when you are reading a webpage.
Every browser has these features nowadays except Chrome. Similar to other browsers, Safari has a library of useful plugins. The Apple sign-in feature lets you use your Apple ID instead of Gmail or Facebook.
As users’ privacy is Apple's top priority, Safari lacks the abundance of third-party extensions and customizations. If you are not an Apple user, Safari and its features might seem trivial to you. But Safari lets you fully indulge yourself in the Apple ecosystem if you are an Apple user. You can seamlessly access every Apple feature across all your Apple devices, thanks to this revolutionary browser by Apple.
Pros
- Good for Apple users
- Attractive user interface
- Smooth and fast
Disadvantages
- Offers nothing special for non-Apple users
- Does not have a restore session feature in case you accidentally quit the app
5. Tor Browser
Not many browsers out there offer as much security as the Tor browser does. When you visit a website with a regular browser, your device makes a direct TCP connection with the website's server. Anyone who can monitor your internet connection (such as your ISP), can discover both you and the server's IP address.
If the server is using HTTPS protocol, the one who is monitoring your connection won't know the contents of your communication. But he will know well who’s communicating with whom, and sometimes that’s all it takes.
Tor browser, on the other hand, never communicates with the server directly. Tor takes multiple detours before finally reaching the server. As a result, no one gets their hand on your or the server's IP. Its downsides are slow speed, lack of features, and unintuitive UI. No one really uses Tor due to being too slow. The slow speed can be considered as a tradeoff for data security.
Pros
- All the data privacy in the world when browsing
- Can be used to access the dark web
Disadvantages
- Too slow for frequent use
6. Microsoft Edge
After years of tormenting PC users with internet explorers, after numerous online memes and trolls, Microsoft finally released Edge browser with Windows 10 in 2015. Like Opera and Chrome, Microsoft Edge is built on the Chromium engine. So unsurprisingly, this browser offers great performance, speed, and compatibility.
The best thing about Edge is that it comes preinstalled on Windows 10 so you won't need additional space. It is also available for macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems. Microsoft Edge has some impressive features like organizing tabs, price comparison, etc. You can set various websites to run as a standalone app.
Despite having lots of similarities to Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge has strict security features. Features like private search, password monitoring put you in control of your privacy. Also, as it has the Chromium engine; Microsoft Edge has a huge collection of extensions by default.
Pros
- Blazing fast
- Privacy features
- Can download websites as apps
- Numerous and verified extensions
- Comes as default on Windows 10. No installation necessary
Disadvantages
- Not compatible with older hardware
- Although available, the extensions are not optimized for the Edge browser
7. Brave Browser
Brave browser is redesigning the idea of internet browsing. This browser loads pages very fast, competing with the likes of Chrome, Firefox, etc. Brave browser also blocks ads and trackers by default. Thus, increasing your browsing speed even more. Also, Its fast speed doesn't compromise your computer's performance or battery.
However, what makes Brave browser unique is its economic model. On other browsers, you see those annoying ads while others make money. In Brave browser, you can choose to view certain ads and get reward points in return.
You can use those points to support web creators to inspire them. In the future, Brave has plans to let you cash in the points for gift cards or other premium content.
Pros
- Very fast
- A whole new level of privacy and security
- The reward point system is totally unique (getting paid for use)
- Doesn't use too much RAM
Disadvantages
- Lack of extensions
- Some features are still in the early stage
8. Vivaldi Browser
Vivaldi browser is very new but gained traction quickly due to its innovative nature and incredible customization options. A former CEO of Opera developed this browser putting privacy in front without sacrificing astounding features.
The first thing you will notice about the Vivaldi browser is the level of customization it offers. You can adjust the color, size, position, etc. of almost any element of the browser. You can utilize its split-screen mode to view two web pages at once.
While incorporating all these superb features, the developers haven't compromised with the fundamentals of a web browser; speed and privacy. It loads web pages at lightning-fast speed, doesn't track your data, and doesn't keep any record of your browsing. Vivaldi offers almost everything that you could expect from a browser.
Pros
- Incredible customization options
- Moderate speed
- Data protection and security guaranteed
Disadvantages
- More difficult to use
- Too many features might seem perplexing
- Not visually pleasing
- Memory intensive
9. Opera GX
If you are a gamer and looking for a browser that will complement your passion, look no further; Opera GX is here. After installing it, you can tell that it's made for gamers just by looking at it. This browser has everything to pose itself as a game-centric app, like colorful outlines on black background, glowing lights, etc.
The speed dial page includes links to Twitch, Discord, YouTube by default. As you can see, all of them are somewhat game-related sites. The sidebar has quick links to Amazon, GOG, Steam, Epic Games, etc.
The GX corner displays game-related information in a single place. There is a release calendar that shows upcoming games. Below the calendar, it shows games that are currently available for free in any store. You can also choose which platform-related news you want to see; Windows PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.
It also has built-in features like CCleaner to free your memory from junk files. You can limit the bandwidth, RAM, CPU, GPU usage by the browser so that you don’t have to compromise your gaming performance. To summarize, Opera GX offers everything that you can expect as a gamer.
Pros
- Gamer Aesthetics
- Ease of access to gaming websites and statistics
- Built in performance enhancement apps
Disadvantages
- Might feel a bit cluttered
How to choose a browser that suits you
Among so many browsers available, picking the right one can be confusing. What makes it even more puzzling is that all of them work amazingly. But unless you don't know what you need and what these browsers offer, you can't pick up one. So, let's take a look at the metrics you should look at before choosing a browser:
Speed
Nothing is worse than a slow-loading page. While most of the time the reason is a bad internet connection, browsers can also be the villain. Browsers play an important role in determining the speed of your internet browsing. Most browsers these days are quite fast so you can't differentiate the speed by looking at how fast a page loads.
JetStream benchmark is considered the standard for determining how fast a browser is. It is a JavaScript and WebAssembly benchmark suite. It indicates how fast the browser starts, how fast it executes various codes, how smooth it is, etc. High scores are better.
Even though the test results are not always absolute, they give you an overview. The browser Google Chrome performs better under Windows and Android, while Safari under MacOS and iOS is ahead.
Privacy
Privacy wasn’t much of a concern when digital marketing wasn’t a big deal. But nowadays, advertising on digital platforms is the easiest way to reach customers across the globe in a short time. So, websites and browsers track your activity to show you ads that you are interested in. Suppose, if you search “best coffee makers under 100 dollars”, you will start seeing similar ads when you are surfing the internet.
Many don't bat an eye to websites tracking their activities, but some consider it a serious breach of privacy. So gradually privacy and data security have become the metrics of a good web browser. Some browsers don't offer any privacy mode to hide your identity or location from those trackers. Browsers like Opera and Firefox take it seriously.
They offer many features to allow you to stay anonymous and protect your information from unknown sources. So, if privacy is your concern, there are some good options.
The best choice I have found is the Brave Browser (when the advertising option is disabled).
Features
Besides common features like navigation button, refresh button, address bar, etc. of a web browser, different browsers come up with different features for the consumers. Cross-platform synchronization, password manager, built-in VPN, privacy mode, etc. are advanced features found in today's browsers.
In this era of social media, the share button has become an essential rather than an option. Microsoft Edge has a voice-reading feature while Opera has a built-in cryptocurrency wallet. It's up to you whether you go for a browser with advanced features or settle for a simpler one:
- Built-in VPN: Opera
- Text-To-Voice: Microsoft EDGE
- Built-in crypto wallet: Opera and Brave Browser
- Getting-Paid-For-Adds: Brave Browser
- Gaming: Opera GX
Compatibility
HTML5test is the most common yet widely accepted standard test of web browser compatibility.
This web application evaluates the accuracy of a web browser in implementing web standards. As with many other benchmarks, Google Chrome is at the top.
The same applies to the offered amount of browser add-ons/plugins. The Google Chrome is the best choice. The Chrome web store is just huge. But fortunately, you can access most of them from other Chromium-based browsers (like Brave Browser). However, certain add-ons are tied to Google Chrome.
Beginner-friendly
For people who have not been heavily involved with technology and the Internet, some browsers can be quite overwhelming.
Especially Tor, Vivialdi and Firefox can be degintively too much of a good thing at the beginning.
Recommended for beginners Microsoft EDGE for Windows and Android and Safari on Apple devices (MacOS und iOS). These brwoser are fast and rather slim in the functions. Another nice advantage is that they are pre-installed and you can just get started.
Picking a browser is no biggie as all of them deliver performance up to the mark. But little do we know, that these browsers are packed with unknown features that you never knew you needed. Making use of them can help you in every aspect, like productivity, gaming, or just spending leisurely time on the internet.
I believe that with this post I was able to give you some insight into internet browsers and help you learn which browser suits you best.
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