:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/GettyImages-2129983245-456da613b0fa44c0977143a801d1b0d4.jpg)
The Download
- Find browsers that are fast, secure, and work on many devices, like computers and phones.
- Some browsers, like DuckDuckGo, focus on protecting your privacy and keeping your information safe online.
- Others, like Opera, offer unique features like built-in VPNs and can even run from a USB drive.
While most devices come with a built-in internet browser, various free alternatives offer a more secure user experience, improved functionality, and enhanced privacy compared to standard browsers.
Here’s our ultimate list of the top 10 internet browsers, suitable for all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux computers, and Android and iOS devices.
Most Diverse Web Browser: Opera
The Opera web browser launched on Windows in 1996 and is now available on Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and even Java-powered phones.
The desktop versions of Opera support a wide range of add-ons that bring extra functionality to the browser beyond browsing the web. Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp can run within a pinned taskbar on the left side of the screen, and the browser features built-in screen capture functionality as well. How much you use these functions depends on your operating system and preferred apps. If you usually check Messenger using its app or on your phone, for example, you likely won’t find this feature in Opera very useful.
Of particular note is Opera’s portable option, a fully functional browser version that runs from a USB drive on any Windows computer running Windows 7 and above. This innovative solution is perfect if you access a work or travel computer that doesn’t permit extra program installations.
Best All-Around Web Browser: Firefox
What We Like
Massive library of extensions.
Available on all major operating systems.
Full support for Windows Hello authentication.
Mozilla’s Firefox is a popular alternative to Chrome, Edge, and Safari, partly due to its presence since 2002 and mainly because of regular updates.
The Firefox internet browser updates regularly 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 app. Then you have to wait several minutes for the new version to download and install.
Firefox is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android and lets you sync your data between each version through the use of a free user account. Firefox on Android, Linux, Mac, and Windows supports a vast library of extensions. The Windows version also supports Windows Hello authentication for enhanced security on compatible websites.
Best Private Browser: DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a private internet browser with mobile and desktop apps. By default, it blocks all online tracking and doesn’t upload your search history to any servers. If you’re still concerned about privacy, you can clear all tabs and data by tapping the flame icon in the main menu.
Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the built-in email protection. You can get a free Duck address that forwards emails to your regular email account, blocking trackers and hiding your real address. You also have the option to continue using your standard email seamlessly.
The browser includes light and dark themes and a lock setting requiring Touch ID, Face ID, or a passcode to access the app.
Best Web Browser With a VPN: Aloha
What We Like
Optional integrated VPN functionality.
Built-in support for VR videos.
Uses less traffic than other browsers.
Aloha is a free web browser for desktop and mobile devices. It features a built-in VPN and its own Incognito Mode, both ensuring enhanced security and privacy. The VPN also compresses traffic, reducing the data your device uses while browsing.
This mobile internet browser showcases a fresh design with clearly understandable icons and settings, allowing customization with various free themes. Aloha also incorporates built-in ad blocking, preventing banner ads and pop-ups on websites.
Some VPN features, like using it in other apps and accessing more servers, require a paid upgrade. Aloha Premium additionally offers advanced file management and premium AI features, including AI-powered ad blocking.
Most Functional Browser: Google Chrome
What We Like
Loads Google services quickly.
Massive library of browser extensions.
Available on a variety of devices.
What We Don’t Like
Incognito mode doesn’t completely hide your activity.
Browser updates have a history of raising privacy concerns.
Some extensions collect data.
Google Chrome launched on Windows in 2008 and 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 availability on a multitude of platforms because you can sync your browsing history and other data across different devices. We also like how easy it is to send open tabs between devices. All you have to do is log into your Google account.
This internet browser is extremely fast, particularly with Google-owned sites like Gmail and YouTube. While other browsers may take longer to load a YouTube video, Chrome typically starts playing almost immediately on a good internet connection.
Most Secure Web Browser: Brave
What We Like
Robust privacy and security features.
Alternative way to support online creators.
Beginner-friendly introduction to cryptocurrencies.
Brave is a web browser focused on privacy and security. By default, it blocks ads, cookies, phishing, and malware, offering advanced options for enabling HTTPS by default and preventing browser fingerprinting.
All of these security options should help give you peace of mind if you’re the type of person to worry about online privacy. These security measures also make web pages load much faster than on other browsers.
What distinguishes Brave from other web browsers is its cryptocurrency, the Basic Attention Token (BAT). The browser includes an integrated wallet for storing these tokens. You can use them to support website owners or creators when viewing content and earn BAT by enabling Brave-run ads during a browsing session.
Brave is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Best Browser for Windows: Microsoft Edge
What We Like
Built-in Copilot integration.
Bookmarks and browsing history sync between devices.
Windows Timeline support.
What We Don’t Like
Browser can freeze on ad-heavy pages.
Slow to load embedded videos.
Needs a powerful computer to open many tabs.
Microsoft Edge is the successor to the classic Internet Explorer and comes pre-installed on all new Windows 10 and 11 devices. It is deeply integrated into the operating system and serves as the default app for opening web pages, ebooks, and PDF files.
This web browser also features built-in inking tools for taking screenshots of pages and Copilot for AI help. You can also use its voice dictation to have Edge read articles and other web content for you.
Microsoft Edge saves your bookmarks and browsing history to the cloud, syncing with iOS and Android app versions for a consistent user experience. It is also compatible with Windows Timeline and works on Linux.
Best Internet Browser for Multitasking: Vivaldi
What We Like
Add any website to the toolbar.
Numerous customization options.
Supports Google Chrome extensions.
Vivaldi is a free web browser created in 2016 by developers behind the Opera browser. Built on the same Chromium-based technology as Google Chrome, it allows the installation of nearly any extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Vivaldi’s main appeal lies in its wide-ranging customization options not seen in other browsers. You can change UI colors anytime, move the toolbar to the top, bottom, or sides, and pin web pages to the side for simultaneous browsing. This feature is especially useful if you enjoy watching YouTube videos or checking social media while browsing the web.
Vivaldi is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Surprisingly, it also works through Android Automotive.
Best Internet Browser for Apple Users: Safari
What We Like
Built-in support for Apple Pay and Touch ID.
Pre-installed on Macs, iPads, and iPhones.
Syncs bookmarks and browsing history.
Safari is Apple’s web browser across all its devices, including Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Apple Watches. It comes pre-installed and is the default app for web pages.
Much like Edge on Windows devices, Safari works well on Apple devices because the same company makes it, and it’s designed from the ground up to run on a specific set of hardware. Safari supports all major Apple features, such as Apple Pay and AirDrop, and can also perform Touch ID and Face ID tasks on compatible Apple devices.
Using iCloud, Safari can sync browsing history, bookmarks, and passwords across devices. However, this feature is only beneficial if you own multiple Apple devices, as modern versions of Safari aren’t available on other platforms.
Best Browser for Saving YouTube Videos on iPhone: Documents by Readdle
What We Like
Allows files usually blocked on iOS.
Manages local and cloud files.
Supports PDF and ZIP files.
Documents by Readdle is a versatile iOS app for both iPhone and iPad users. Besides offering web browser functionality, it serves as a PDF reader, ZIP file extractor, file manager, media player, ebook reader, and one-stop shop for all your cloud storage accounts.
What makes Documents by Readdle essential for any iOS user is its ability to download files from the web that other iOS browsers block. It’s perfect for saving video files and other media, including the option to save YouTube videos to your camera roll.
Advanced users may appreciate the option to select the browser agent when using the web browser. This setting lets you tell websites which browser version you’re using, eliminating the need to switch between apps manually when testing a website.
Thanks for letting us know!
Tell us why!
