While almost all devices come with an internet browser, there are a plethora of choices to make out there in the market. In fact, to find the best internet browsers you need to consider a variety of aspects including privacy, the overall speed of the browser, and how demanding it is to your system resources.
Furthermore, there are top internet browsers that are focused on anonymity, while others are equipped with complete suits of security tools to protect you online. That is why we are curating this article for some of the best web browsers you can use on your Windows, macOS, or Linux machine along with Android and iOS devices.
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- How to Clear Cookies in Chrome, Firefox and Edge
The Best Internet Browsers to Use
1. Google Chrome
Since the launch of Google Chrome back in 2008, it has become the most sought-after web browser among users. One of the most prominent features of Google Chrome that made it a huge success is its cross-platform functionality.
Google Chrome has extended its user base to macOS and Linux machines along with its ability for Android, iOS, and iPadOS. Apparently, you can simply log into your Google account and sync your activities across all devices. The overall connectivity is extremely fast, especially allowing Google websites including YouTube and Gmail to load faster.
Additionally, Chrome offers advanced customization options through Chrome Flags, allowing users to tweak browser features and experiment with new functionalities without compromising on performance or security.
Pros:
- Seamlessly Google services on the go
- A huge library of supposed browser extensions
- Available on a plethora of devices
Cons:
- This might raise privacy concerns for some
- Incognito mode might not hide your complete activities
- Known issue of collecting data
Get Google Chrome
2. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox has been one of the best all-rounder web browsers, and a prominent alternative to Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari. Firefox has been around since 2002, long before any of the modern web browsers.
Firefox is also known for its frequent updates, which often include bug fixes, security enhancement, and speed improvements along with adding new features altogether. it is also extensively available on all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Pros:
- Comes with a huge library of supposed extensions
- Available on all the major operating systems
- Offers extensive support for Windows Hello
Cons:
- Offers very limited options of direct support
- The update process is not as seamless
- Doesn’t offer a smooth scrolling experience
Get Mozilla Firefox
3. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is currently the successor of the infamous Internet Explorer, which often comes pre-installed with every Windows 10 and Windows 11 device. Not to mention, Microsoft has made sure to heavily integrate Edge with the operating system, while being the default app to open web pages, PDF documents, and even eBooks.
Microsoft Edge also comes with some advanced features that you would certainly appreciate. Users can take advantage of the built-in inking tool to take screenshots or use voice dictation to read out articles.
Pros:
- Comes with built-in Cortana integration
- Offers extensive support for Windows Timeline
- Users can easily sync browsing history and bookmarks across all devices
Cons:
- Resource intensive on multiple tabs
- Has a hard time opening ad-heavy pages
- Might become slow to open embedded videos
Get Microsoft Edge
4. Safari
Safari has been Apple’s go-to web browser from the start and is now available across all Apple devices including MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, and even Apple Watches. Just like Microsoft Edge, Apple has made sure that keep Safari exclusive to the ecosystem.
You can also use all the major Apple features including Apple Pay, support for Touch ID, and AirDrop baked right into Safari. Not to mention, using iCloud, Safari can sync bookmarks, browsing history, and even passwords across all Apple devices.
Pros:
- Available on all macOS and iOS devices
- Easily sync bookmarks and browsing history across all devices
- Offers extensive support for Touch ID and ApplePay
Cons:
- No support for Windows machine
- Doesn’t offer any Android app
- Lack of customization options
Get Safari
5. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo was initially formed as a search engine alternative to Google and evolved into the private web browser that is available on your smartphone. By default, DuckDuckGo is focused on privacy and doesn’t upload users’ search history.
In fact, it blocks any forms of online tracking whatsoever. Furthermore, DuckDuckGo has gone ahead into adding a security rating on the top of every webpage you visit. DuckDuckGo rates each site on a scale of D to A based on their tracking ability and overall encryption level.
Pros:
- Comes with state-of-the-art security and privacy features
- Offers the ability to erase all app data
- A very simple and easy-to-understand settings
Cons:
- Lack of browser for Windows and macOS
- Limited cloud sync functionalities
- Doesn’t store browser history whatsoever
Get DuckDuckGo
6. Brave
Given the misconduct and lack of transparency among website owners, we have Brave, another web browser focused on online privacy and security. By default, you can expect all the standard privacy features including blocking internet ads, phishing, cookies, and malware.
Brave adds another layer of security by allowing users to enable HTTPS Everywhere to prevent browser fingerprinting. Brave also comes with its own version of cryptocurrency, BAT (Basic Attention Token), allowing you to support online creators. In fact, you can also earn BAT by watching Brave-run ads.
Pros:
- Comes with robust security and privacy features
- A different approach to supporting online creators
- Takes a beginner-friendly approach towards cryptocurrency
Cons:
- Due to security offers very limited extensions
- Can hurt a website’s revenue model
Get Brave
7. Aloha
Aloha is a dedicated web browser for your Android and iOS devices. Along with a dedicated Incognito Mode, Aloha also comes with built-in VPN functionality. Not to mention, this can drastically enhance your overall security and privacy protection.
Since VPN services tend to compress traffic, your smartphone will consume less data altogether. As for the design aesthetics, it has a completely new design overhaul, with easy-to-understand settings and icons. The only trade you need to make is that Aloha comes with in-browser ads which you can only remove via their premium service.
Pros:
- Comes with an integrated VPN feature
- Offers extensive support for VR videos
- Consumes less traffic compared to other browsers
Cons:
- Often has in-browser ads
- Doesn’t integrate iOS password
Get Aloha
8. Opera
Launched back in 1996, the Opera web browser is extensively available across all devices including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and even on Java phones. Not to mention, the Opera desktop brings forth a ton of added features that goes beyond traditional web browsing.
For starters, you can use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger simply pinned to a taskbar right at the left of the screen. Opera also comes with a built-in screen capture feature which can always come in handy at times. Furthermore, the ability to run Opera off a USB drive is an indigenous idea altogether.
Pros:
- The Opera USB is a very unique idea on its own
- Comes with an extensive library of add-ons
- Ability to add custom wallpapers
Cons:
- Can load slower at times
- The added features might feel overwhelming at times
Get Opera
9. Vivaldi
To your surprise, Vivaldi comes from some of the minds who were behind the creation of Opera. Built upon Chromium, Vivaldi shares a lot of core functionalities with Google Chrome, also allowing users to install extensions right from the Chrome web store.
One of the most unique features that sets apart Vivaldi from the rest of the browsers is the utmost customizability. For starters, users can easily change the UI color of the browser and shift the toolbar in any orientation they want.
Pros:
- Offers a plethora of customization options
- Seamlessly add any website to the toolbar
- Offers support for any Google Chrome extension
Cons:
- Lack of availability in iOS
- The utmost flexibility might feel overwhelming at times
- Users might face inconsistent window size issues
Get Vivaldi
10. Documents by Readdle
Last but the least, on our list is Documents by Readdle which is an absolute powerhouse and must-have for all iPhone users. Apart from all the core web browser functionalities, Documents by Readdle also doubles up as a PDF reader, file manager, ZIP file unzipper, e-book reader, media player, and more. Not to mention, users can also download files that are often blocked by iOS.
Pros:
- Allows users to access files that are often blocked on iOS
- Seamlessly manage both cloud and local files
- Extensive support for ZIP and PDF files
Cons:
- The overall UI might feel cluttered and confusing at times
- Requires update to use some advanced features
- Potentially run slower on older iPhones
Also Read: How to Restore Recently Closed Tabs in Chrome, Firefox and Other Browsers
Conclusion
So, that sums up our article on some of the best internet browsers to choose from in 2024. Now it comes down to you to pick the one that suits your preference based on your needs. For the most part, if you need a seamless, easy-to-go browsing experience, our recommendation goes to Firefox or Chrome.
Similarly, if you want simplicity, you can always side with Microsoft Edge. Brave has also made quite the name for itself for being focused on privacy and ease of mind. And for all macOS users, Safari can be deemed as the safest bet altogether.
