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While most devices come with an internet browser, many free browsers offer a more
secure interface. Here is our definitive list of web browsers, featuring the 10 best web browsers
for all platforms, from Windows 10, Mac and Linux computers to Android and iPhone devices.
The most functional browser: Google Chrome
What we like.
Quickly loads Google services.
Huge library of browser extensions.
Available on different devices.
What we don't like
Incognito mode does not completely hide your activity.
Browser updates have long caused privacy issues.
Some extensions collect data.
Google Chrome came out on Windows in 2008, but it has since expanded to Mac and Linux computers, as well as iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. One of Chrome's strongest points is its accessibility across multiple platforms, as you can sync your browsing history and other data across devices. All you have to do is sign in to your Google account. This internet browser is also extremely fast, especially when it comes to loading Google-owned websites like Gmail and YouTube. While other browsers may take some time to load YouTube videos, Chrome tends to start playing videos almost immediately when it has a good internet connection.
Quickly loads Google services.
Huge library of browser extensions.
Available on different devices.
What we don't like
Incognito mode does not completely hide your activity.
Browser updates have long caused privacy issues.
Some extensions collect data.
Google Chrome came out on Windows in 2008, but it has since expanded to Mac and Linux computers, as well as iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. One of Chrome's strongest points is its accessibility across multiple platforms, as you can sync your browsing history and other data across devices. All you have to do is sign in to your Google account. This internet browser is also extremely fast, especially when it comes to loading Google-owned websites like Gmail and YouTube. While other browsers may take some time to load YouTube videos, Chrome tends to start playing videos almost immediately when it has a good internet connection.
Best browser for Windows 10: Microsoft Edge
What we like.
Built-in Cortana integration.
Bookmarks and browsing history are synchronized between devices.
Supports Windows timeline.
What we don't like
Browser can freeze on large pages.
Slow loading of embedded videos.
Requires a powerful computer to open many tabs.
Microsoft Edge is the successor to the classic Internet Explorer browser and comes pre-installed on all new Windows 10 devices. This Windows 10 browser is highly integrated into the operating system and is the default application for opening not only web pages but also e-books and PDF files. This web browser also has built-in ink tools for taking screenshots of pages and Cortana for searching words and phrases. You can also use its voice dictation to have Edge read articles and other web content to you. Microsoft Edge also stores your bookmarks and browsing history in the cloud. This data can be synchronized with the iOS and Android app versions to provide a consistent user experience and is compatible with the Windows timeline.
Built-in Cortana integration.
Bookmarks and browsing history are synchronized between devices.
Supports Windows timeline.
What we don't like
Browser can freeze on large pages.
Slow loading of embedded videos.
Requires a powerful computer to open many tabs.
Microsoft Edge is the successor to the classic Internet Explorer browser and comes pre-installed on all new Windows 10 devices. This Windows 10 browser is highly integrated into the operating system and is the default application for opening not only web pages but also e-books and PDF files. This web browser also has built-in ink tools for taking screenshots of pages and Cortana for searching words and phrases. You can also use its voice dictation to have Edge read articles and other web content to you. Microsoft Edge also stores your bookmarks and browsing history in the cloud. This data can be synchronized with the iOS and Android app versions to provide a consistent user experience and is compatible with the Windows timeline.
The best web browser VPN for mobile devices: AlohaWhat we like
Additional integrated VPN functionality.
Built-in support for VR video.
Uses less bandwidth than other browsers.
What we don't like
Ads in the browser.
VPN does not turn on automatically.
Lacks iOS password integration.
Aloha is a free web browser designed for iOS and Android tablets and smartphones. It has a built-in VPN service in addition to its own anonymous browsing mode that provides enhanced security and privacy protection. This VPN service also compresses traffic, which means that your smart device will use less data during web searches. This mobile Internet browser has a fresh visual design with clear, easy-to-understand icons and settings with the ability to customize the appearance of the application with a variety of free themes. Aloha also has a built-in ad blocker that stops banners and pop-ups from loading on websites. Several VPN settings, such as the ability to use this feature in other apps, are hidden behind a paid upgrade that costs $24.99 per year. The app has ads for the Aloha Premium service; you can remove them by registering. However, the ads do not detract too much from the user experience.
Built-in support for VR video.
Uses less bandwidth than other browsers.
What we don't like
Ads in the browser.
VPN does not turn on automatically.
Lacks iOS password integration.
Aloha is a free web browser designed for iOS and Android tablets and smartphones. It has a built-in VPN service in addition to its own anonymous browsing mode that provides enhanced security and privacy protection. This VPN service also compresses traffic, which means that your smart device will use less data during web searches. This mobile Internet browser has a fresh visual design with clear, easy-to-understand icons and settings with the ability to customize the appearance of the application with a variety of free themes. Aloha also has a built-in ad blocker that stops banners and pop-ups from loading on websites. Several VPN settings, such as the ability to use this feature in other apps, are hidden behind a paid upgrade that costs $24.99 per year. The app has ads for the Aloha Premium service; you can remove them by registering. However, the ads do not detract too much from the user experience.
The most secure web browser: brave
What we like.
Robust privacy and security features.
An alternative way to support creators online.
An introduction to cryptocurrencies for beginners.
What we don't like
Affects websites' revenue models.
Inconvenient update methods.
Limited extensions.
Brave is a web browser with a strong focus on privacy and security. By default, this internet browser blocks ads, cookies, phishing, and malware, and gives you advanced options to enable HTTPS everywhere and prevent fingerprinting in your browser. All these security options should help put your mind at ease if you are a person who is worried about online privacy. These security measures also make web pages load much faster than in other browsers. What sets Brave apart from other web browsers is its cryptocurrency, Basic Token Token (BAT). The Brave browser has a built-in software wallet to store BAT tokens. You can use these tokens to financially support website owners or web creators as you browse their content in the browser. Users can also earn BAT by enabling Brave ads during their browsing session. Brave is available on Windows, Mac and Linux computers, in addition to iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Robust privacy and security features.
An alternative way to support creators online.
An introduction to cryptocurrencies for beginners.
What we don't like
Affects websites' revenue models.
Inconvenient update methods.
Limited extensions.
Brave is a web browser with a strong focus on privacy and security. By default, this internet browser blocks ads, cookies, phishing, and malware, and gives you advanced options to enable HTTPS everywhere and prevent fingerprinting in your browser. All these security options should help put your mind at ease if you are a person who is worried about online privacy. These security measures also make web pages load much faster than in other browsers. What sets Brave apart from other web browsers is its cryptocurrency, Basic Token Token (BAT). The Brave browser has a built-in software wallet to store BAT tokens. You can use these tokens to financially support website owners or web creators as you browse their content in the browser. Users can also earn BAT by enabling Brave ads during their browsing session. Brave is available on Windows, Mac and Linux computers, in addition to iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
The best web browser for multitasking: Vivaldi
What we like.
Add any website to the toolbar.
Numerous customization options.
Supports Google Chrome extensions.
What we don't like
Not available for iOS or Android.
Not always user-friendly.
Inappropriate window sizes when selecting links.
Vivaldi is a free web browser that was created in 2016 by some of the minds behind the Opera browser. The program is built on the same Chromium-based technology that runs on Google Chrome, allowing you to install almost any extension from the Chrome web store. The main appeal of Vivaldi is its extensive options that allow you to customize its appearance and functionality to an extent not seen in competing browsers. First, you can change the colors of the browser interface at any time. You can also move the toolbar to the top, bottom or sides, and pin web pages to the side for simultaneous viewing. The latter feature is especially useful if you want to watch YouTube videos or check your social media site while browsing the web. Vivaldi is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
Add any website to the toolbar.
Numerous customization options.
Supports Google Chrome extensions.
What we don't like
Not available for iOS or Android.
Not always user-friendly.
Inappropriate window sizes when selecting links.
Vivaldi is a free web browser that was created in 2016 by some of the minds behind the Opera browser. The program is built on the same Chromium-based technology that runs on Google Chrome, allowing you to install almost any extension from the Chrome web store. The main appeal of Vivaldi is its extensive options that allow you to customize its appearance and functionality to an extent not seen in competing browsers. First, you can change the colors of the browser interface at any time. You can also move the toolbar to the top, bottom or sides, and pin web pages to the side for simultaneous viewing. The latter feature is especially useful if you want to watch YouTube videos or check your social media site while browsing the web. Vivaldi is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
The best private browser: DuckDuckGo
What we like.
Reliable security and privacy.
Quickly erase all program data.
Simple settings screen.
What we don't like
No browser for Windows or Mac.
Limited cloud syncing capabilities.
Lack of history can be inconvenient.
DuckDuckGo is a private internet browser for iOS and Android smart devices. By default, this web browser blocks all forms of online tracking and does not upload your search history to anyone's servers. If you are still worried about your privacy, you can clear all your tabs and data by clicking the flame icon in the main menu. One special feature that privacy lovers will appreciate is the security rating that is displayed next to the current website address at the top of the screen. Sites are rated from D to A based on encryption levels and the number of trackers detected. Clicking on this rating will open a full-screen report that contains an impressive amount of information about how they achieved the score. The iOS and Android browser apps have light and dark themes and lock settings that require Touch ID, Face ID, or a password to use.
Reliable security and privacy.
Quickly erase all program data.
Simple settings screen.
What we don't like
No browser for Windows or Mac.
Limited cloud syncing capabilities.
Lack of history can be inconvenient.
DuckDuckGo is a private internet browser for iOS and Android smart devices. By default, this web browser blocks all forms of online tracking and does not upload your search history to anyone's servers. If you are still worried about your privacy, you can clear all your tabs and data by clicking the flame icon in the main menu. One special feature that privacy lovers will appreciate is the security rating that is displayed next to the current website address at the top of the screen. Sites are rated from D to A based on encryption levels and the number of trackers detected. Clicking on this rating will open a full-screen report that contains an impressive amount of information about how they achieved the score. The iOS and Android browser apps have light and dark themes and lock settings that require Touch ID, Face ID, or a password to use.
The best Internet browser for Apple users: Safari
What we like.
Built-in support for ApplePay and Touch ID.
Available on all Mac and iOS devices.
Synchronizes bookmarks and browsing history.
What we don't like
Not available for modern Windows computers.
No app on Android smartphones and tablets.
Limited customization.
Safari is Apple's proprietary web browser for all of its hardware, from Macs and laptops to iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Apple Watches. The browser comes pre-installed on all Apple devices and is the default application for opening web pages. Like Edge on Windows 10 devices, Safari works well on Apple devices because it is made by the same company and it is designed from the ground up to work on a specific set of hardware. Safari supports all of Apple's core features, such as Apple Pay and AirDrop, and can perform Touch ID and Face ID tasks on compatible Apple devices. With iCloud, Apple's Safari browser can sync browsing history, bookmarks, and passwords between devices. This feature is only useful if you have many Apple devices, however, as there is no Safari browser for Windows or Android devices.
Built-in support for ApplePay and Touch ID.
Available on all Mac and iOS devices.
Synchronizes bookmarks and browsing history.
What we don't like
Not available for modern Windows computers.
No app on Android smartphones and tablets.
Limited customization.
Safari is Apple's proprietary web browser for all of its hardware, from Macs and laptops to iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Apple Watches. The browser comes pre-installed on all Apple devices and is the default application for opening web pages. Like Edge on Windows 10 devices, Safari works well on Apple devices because it is made by the same company and it is designed from the ground up to work on a specific set of hardware. Safari supports all of Apple's core features, such as Apple Pay and AirDrop, and can perform Touch ID and Face ID tasks on compatible Apple devices. With iCloud, Apple's Safari browser can sync browsing history, bookmarks, and passwords between devices. This feature is only useful if you have many Apple devices, however, as there is no Safari browser for Windows or Android devices.
The best all-round web browser: Firefox
What we like.
Huge library of extensions.
Available on all major operating systems.
Full support for Windows Hello authentication.
What we don't like
Unpleasant update process.
Scrolling is not smooth.
Limited direct support.
Mozilla's Firefox is one of the most popular alternatives to Chrome, Edge and Safari browsers, partly because it has been around since 2002, but mostly because of frequent updates. The Firefox internet browser is regularly updated with bug fixes, speed improvements, security enhancements, and new features. However, these updates can be frustrating when they automatically start installing when you open the program. You then have to wait a few minutes for the new version to download and install. Firefox is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android and allows you to synchronize data between each version with a free Firefox account. The Android, Linux, Mac and Windows versions of Firefox browser support a huge library of extensions. The Windows version also supports Windows Hello authentication to increase security on compatible websites.
Huge library of extensions.
Available on all major operating systems.
Full support for Windows Hello authentication.
What we don't like
Unpleasant update process.
Scrolling is not smooth.
Limited direct support.
Mozilla's Firefox is one of the most popular alternatives to Chrome, Edge and Safari browsers, partly because it has been around since 2002, but mostly because of frequent updates. The Firefox internet browser is regularly updated with bug fixes, speed improvements, security enhancements, and new features. However, these updates can be frustrating when they automatically start installing when you open the program. You then have to wait a few minutes for the new version to download and install. Firefox is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android and allows you to synchronize data between each version with a free Firefox account. The Android, Linux, Mac and Windows versions of Firefox browser support a huge library of extensions. The Windows version also supports Windows Hello authentication to increase security on compatible websites.
The best browser to save YouTube videos on iPhone: Readdle Documents
What we like.
Allows files typically locked on iOS.
Manages local and cloud files.
Supports PDF and ZIP files.
What we don't like
The interface can be confusing.
Some features require updates.
May run slowly on older iPhone and iPad models.
Documents by Readdle is a powerful iOS app designed for both iPhone and iPad users. Apart from its web browser functions, Documents by Readdle also works as a PDF reader, ZIP file extractor, file manager, media player, ebook reader and a one-stop shop for all your various cloud storage accounts. What makes Documents by Readdle a must download for any iOS user is its ability to download files from the web that other iOS browser apps will block. Documents by Readdle is the perfect app for downloading videos and other media. You can even use it to save YouTube videos to your camera roll. Something advanced users may appreciate is the ability to select a browser agent when using the web browser. This option allows you to tell websites which version of Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer you are using. Then, if you ever need to test a website in one of these browsers, you won't have to switch between programs manually.
Allows files typically locked on iOS.
Manages local and cloud files.
Supports PDF and ZIP files.
What we don't like
The interface can be confusing.
Some features require updates.
May run slowly on older iPhone and iPad models.
Documents by Readdle is a powerful iOS app designed for both iPhone and iPad users. Apart from its web browser functions, Documents by Readdle also works as a PDF reader, ZIP file extractor, file manager, media player, ebook reader and a one-stop shop for all your various cloud storage accounts. What makes Documents by Readdle a must download for any iOS user is its ability to download files from the web that other iOS browser apps will block. Documents by Readdle is the perfect app for downloading videos and other media. You can even use it to save YouTube videos to your camera roll. Something advanced users may appreciate is the ability to select a browser agent when using the web browser. This option allows you to tell websites which version of Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer you are using. Then, if you ever need to test a website in one of these browsers, you won't have to switch between programs manually.
The most versatile web browser: Opera
What we like.
Opera USB is a unique idea.
Large library of add-ons.
Non-standard wallpapers.
What we don't like
Can be slow to load.
Many additional features feel superfluous.
Several mobile applications are confusing.
Opera web browser launched on Windows in 1996 and is now available for Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and even Java and BlackBerry phones. Desktop versions of Opera support a wide range of add-ons that provide additional functionality to the browser beyond web browsing. Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp can run on a pinned taskbar on the left side of the screen, and the browser also has a built-in screencap feature. How much you use these features will depend on your operating system and preferred applications. For example, if you usually check Facebook Messenger using its app or on your phone, you probably won't find this feature in Opera very useful. Of particular note is Opera USB, a fully functional version of the web browser that can be run from a USB stick on any computer running Windows 7 and later. This rather ingenious creation is ideal if you have access to a computer at work or while traveling that does not allow you to install additional programs.
Opera USB is a unique idea.
Large library of add-ons.
Non-standard wallpapers.
What we don't like
Can be slow to load.
Many additional features feel superfluous.
Several mobile applications are confusing.
Opera web browser launched on Windows in 1996 and is now available for Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and even Java and BlackBerry phones. Desktop versions of Opera support a wide range of add-ons that provide additional functionality to the browser beyond web browsing. Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp can run on a pinned taskbar on the left side of the screen, and the browser also has a built-in screencap feature. How much you use these features will depend on your operating system and preferred applications. For example, if you usually check Facebook Messenger using its app or on your phone, you probably won't find this feature in Opera very useful. Of particular note is Opera USB, a fully functional version of the web browser that can be run from a USB stick on any computer running Windows 7 and later. This rather ingenious creation is ideal if you have access to a computer at work or while traveling that does not allow you to install additional programs.