Web Browsers

Whether you own a desktop computer, mobile phone or both, one application that you are going to constantly open is your web browser. After the rise of internet in the 90s, famous technology companies have developed their own web browser. Many of these companies have risen to top and then fallen to bottom over time. Other technology companies have tried to establish their presence through applications. But the need for a web browser has not died over time, whether you are using Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android or any other operating system. 

A web browser lets you connect to the world. It retrieves information from a server in the shape of a websites through URL and that is just it. There are way too many web browsers to consider. They all do the same task. The difference lies in how they execute the same task. Some web browsers are barebone while others give you attractive features such as Ad-blocker, VPN etc. In today's world, most web browsers are going to have at least the following features:

1. Address Bar (to enter website's URL)
2. Navigation Button (to easily go back and forth on a single or multiple websites)
3. Settings (for configuring your web browser to your own liking)
4. Canvas (for showing website contents)

You may find web browsers on the internet with only the features mentioned above. However, most modern web browsers do more than just basic tasks. These extra features will help create a better web browsing experience for you. The following are some additional features incorporated by most modern web browsers:

1. Cache System (to store website related files for later use)
2. Additional Settings (for shaping how your browser works and looks)
3. Tabs (for fast multi-tasking)

Famous Web Browsers

These web browsers also try to distinguish themselves from other web browsers by including features which may or may not be available on another web browser. I am only going to talk about 5 most famous web browsers and how they try to distinguish themselves from their competition.

1. Google Chrome

Most of use Google search engine to search information on the internet. You may have seen Google's website suggested to install Google Chrome web browser on your device. Due to this reason, Google Chrome has become the most popular web browser in the world and according to statscounter website, it has 65.4% market share at the time of writing this post. Google uses its own page rendering engine called Blink. Most other popular web browsers also use this browser engine. The following are advantages and disadvantages of using Google Chrome:

Advantages

1. Speed: Google Chrome is the fastest web browser according to many tests carried out by other websites. 
2. User Interface: Google Chrome has minimalist user interface, so this browser does not interfere with your web browsing experience. Wallpaper on Google Chrome homepage can be changed. 
3. Ecosystem: The Alphabet company, the parent company of Google Chrome focuses on integration of Google's other products in this web browser such as Google Workspace, Google Drive, Google Office Suite etc. 
4. Online Account: If Gmail is your primary email, then Google Chrome can save your Google Chrome's preferences, bookmarks, passwords, history, extensions and much more in your email.
5. Extensions: Google Chrome extends its web browsing experience through extensions. It has most extensive library of extensions, which is also used by other web browsers based on Blink engine. 
6. Updates: Since Google Chrome has become industry standard for web browsers, it gets frequently updated so your web browser is as secure as it can be.

Check all the features of Google Chrome on this website. 

Disadvantages:

1. Ads: Since, Google's most revenue comes from online Ads, this browser does not stop ads from appearing on websites. You may need an extension to block unwanted ads. 
2. Privacy: Google Chrome is not a private web browser as Google collects your data so they can show you relevant ads.
3. License: Google Chrome is a proprietary web browser. 
4. Memory Management: Google Chrome uses a lot of memory compared to all other web browsers. This may be a problem for computers with less low RAM. 

Availability:

Google Chrome is available for all major operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. You can download Google Chrome by going to this website. 

Conclusion:

Google Chrome is a famous web browser. If you do not care about privacy invasive practices of Google, then you may like this web browser. Although most Linux users do not prefer Google Chrome as default web browsers for daily use. I personally do not like Google Chrome for the same reason. 

2. Microsoft Edge

If you are using Microsoft Windows operating system, then you will get Microsoft Edge as your default web browser. Previously, Microsoft Edge had its own web rendering engine called EdgeHTML, but they started using Blink engine instead. Even though Microsoft Edge uses the same rendering engine as Google Chrome, it looks very different. It provides certain features which you may want in your web browser. According to statscounter website, Microsoft Edge has 4.46% market share at the time of writing this post. The following are advantages and disadvantages of using Microsoft Edge:

Advantages

1. Speed: Microsoft Edge is currently seen as the second fastest web browser. It may be due to most of these tests are conducted on Microsoft Windows where Microsoft Edge has the most advantage.  
2. User Interface: Microsoft Edge also has minimalist user interface. It may have a little more customization options compared to Google Chrome. By default, Microsoft Edge can show news and Bing images in Microsoft Edge homepage.
3. Ecosystem: Microsoft Edge focuses on integration with other product of Microsoft such as Outlook, Microsoft Office Online, Bing Search Engine, Bing News etc.  
4. Online Account: Microsoft Edge uses Outlook account to save web browser preferences, bookmarks, passwords, history, extensions and much more.
5. Extensions: Microsoft Edge can also extend web browsing experience through the use of extensions. It has its own browser extension store. However, it can also use Google extension store as alternative.  
6. Updates: Microsoft Edge also receives frequent updates for secure web browsing experience including updates to Blink engine. 
7. Tracking Prevention: Microsoft Edge can prevent website from tracking your online activity by default, so you are not greeted with personalized ads. You can change how tracking prevention works in settings. 
8. Read Aloud: Microsoft Edge can also read a whole website for you. It can be useful if you are trying to read large amount of text. 
9. Collection: Microsoft Edge can collect information for later use. You may save images, text or even whole website in your collection. 
10. Tabs Management: Microsoft Edge allows you to customize your tabs to your own liking. You can group tabs, add tabs to collection, send tabs to your mobile (if you are using Microsoft Edge on your mobile), and even use tabs vertically. 
11. Shopping Features: Microsoft has built-in shopping tools such as coupon, price comparison, cashback and much more. 
12. Edge Bar: Microsoft Edge can also let you search, check news & whether etc. without opening your web browser. 
13. Web Apps: I don't know about macOS, but if you are a Microsoft Windows user then you can easily install any website as web application. 
14. Microsoft Rewards: Microsoft also rewards you for using their web browser. Check this link for more information. 
15. Screenshot Tool: Microsoft Edge can help you take screenshots of websites easily.
16. Memory Management: Microsoft Edge uses less memory compared to most web browsers.

Check all features of Microsoft Edge on this website. 

Disadvantages:

1. Ads: Microsoft Edge will not stop ads from appearing. You may need an extension to block unwanted ads. 
2. Privacy: Microsoft also has an ad business so they may also collect your data to show you relevant ads.
3. License: Microsoft Edge is also a proprietary web browser. 

Availability:

Microsoft Edge can be installed on Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. You can download Microsoft Edge by going to this website. 

Conclusion:

Microsoft Edge is not a private web browser either. However, if you do not care about your online privacy then it is better to prefer Microsoft Edge over Google Chrome mainly because of its features. 

3. Opera

Opera is my favorite web browser. Prevoiusly, Opera also had its own web rendering engine called presto, but they also started using Blink engine. Opera may look completely different than previously mentioned web browsers. However, it is still very easy to use web browser. According to statscounter website, Opera has 2.4% market share at the time of writing this post. The following are advantages and disadvantages of using Opera:

Advantages

1. Speed: Many websites portray Opera as third fastest web browser. 
2. User Interface: Opera has almost the same user interface as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, it adds extra stuff to look a bit different for example large icons for bookmarks on Opera homepage as well as ability to change wallpaper on homepage. 
3. Online Account: Opera uses its own account to save web browser preferences, bookmarks, passwords, history, extensions and much more.
4. Extensions: Opera also has its own extension store. However, it can also use Google extension store as alternative.  
5. Updates: Opera also receives frequent updates for secure web browsing experience including updates to Blink engine. 
6. Tracking Prevention: Opera can also prevent websites from tracking your online activity by default. 
7. Ad-blocker: Opera can block unwanted ads. However, it may not block all ads. You can install an extension to achieve better ad-less experience online.
8. Sidebar: Opera has a sidebar which is also customizable. You can add shortcuts to famous social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok etc. This can serve as easy and fast access to your social media accounts. You can also add shortcuts to settings, bookmarks, tips etc.  
9. VPN: Opera offers free access to its VPN services. You can also subscribe to its premium plans for more VPN server options.
10. Opera Mini: Unlike other web browsers in this list, Opera offers Opera Mini for less powerful mobile phones.  
11. Video Pop-Out: You can make online videos pop-out so you can continue web browsing while you watch. 
12. Battery Saver: Opera has battery saver options, which can help extend battery life of your laptop. 
13. Pinboards: Opera also lets you save web content through pinboards. 
14. Screenshot Tool: Opera also has built-in tool to take screenshots of websites easily.
15. Opera GX: Opera offers a specific web browser especially for gamers. Check more details on this website. 

Check all features of Opera on this website. 

Disadvantages:

1. License: Opera is yet another proprietary web browser, so you cannot know if it is doing something it shouldn't have. 
2. Privacy: Since, Opera is not open-source, people may find it difficult to fully trust this web browser to respect their privacy

Availability:

Opera can be installed on Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. You can download Opera by going to this website. 

Conclusion:

Opera also has their own ad business. They may collect your data to serve you better ads. However, ads from Google and Microsoft are usually more prominent, so that may not be much of an issue. Still, Opera is a proprietary web browser and some people may not easily trust Opera with their online activities. Still, I think Opera is far better option for me. 

4. Brave

Brave is yet another web browser with Blink engine. Unlike previously mentioned web browsers, Brave is open-source. Brave is the most privacy focused web browser in my opinion. This is why Brave is becoming choice of web browser of open-source enthusiasts. Brave looks very much like Google Chrome, so people can easily switch to this web browser. The following are advantages and disadvantages of using Brave:

Advantages

1. Speed: Brave may load most websites much faster than other web browser because it usually stops ads from appearing. But if you turn off Brave's ad-blocker, then this web browser may not be as fast as previously mentioned web browsers. 
2. User Interface: Brave's user interface is very similar to Google Chrome. You may think that both web browsers are just one. 
3. Extensions: Brave can also extend itself with extensions, but it uses Google extension store for installing extensions.  
4. Updates: Brave also receives frequent updates for secure web browsing experience including updates to Blink engine. 
5. Tracking Prevention: Since, Brave is privacy-focused web browser, it can automatically prevent websites from tracking your online activity. 
6. Ad-blocker: Brave has the best built-in ad-blocker. It blocks almost all ads online. There is no need for additional ad-blocker on this web browser. 
7. Per-Site Settings: Brave can let you configure settings per website. You can allow one website to run scripts while stop all other websites from doing the same. 
8. Brave Rewards: Brave offers rewards by just browsing. It rewards you in its own cryptocurrency called Basic Attention Token Token (BAT). 
9. License: Brave is an open-source web browser, therefore this web browser is trusted by many. 
10. Privacy: Since Brave is privacy focused and open source, people trust it to respect their privacy.
11. Tor: Tor is a secure and encrypted protocol that enables anonymous communication on the internet. Brave supports private browsing with Tor out of the box. 

Check all features of Brave on this website. 

Disadvantages:

1. Online Account: Unfortunately, Brave does not offer online accounts for saving your web browser data. You can sync your browser data with other installations of Brave but if you uninstall Brave on all your devices, then your browser data will also cease to exist.  
2. Websites Break: When Brave tries to block ads or prevent tracking, it may break websites. You may not get the same experience as Brave may have stopped websites from using scripts required to properly run.  

Availability:

Brave is available for Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. You can download Brave by going to this website. 

Conclusion:

If you are privacy conscious, then Brave is the best option. also has their own ad business. It is fast and works great. Also, Google Chrome users will feel comfortable using Brave. Still many privacy conscious users may ignore this web browser as it uses Blink engine. 

4. Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox is another open-source web browser. Unlike previously mentioned web browsers, Mozilla Firefox uses its own web rending engine called Gecko. Mozilla Firefox is loved by most open-source enthusiasts. According to statscounter website, Mozilla Firefox has 3% market share at the time of writing this post. It comes pre-installed on most Linux distributions. Brave is open-source. The following are advantages and disadvantages of using Mozilla Firefox:

Advantages

1. User Interface: Mozilla Firefox has very different user interface compared to Google Chrome. But it is still easy to use web browser. It is also more customizable than Google Chrome.  
2. Online Account: Mozilla Firefox offers its own account for saving your web browser preferences, bookmarks, passwords, history, extensions and much more.
3. Extensions: You can also install extensions in Mozilla Firefox. Since, Firefox has completely different web rendering engine, it cannot use extensions of Google Chrome. However, Mozilla Firefox has its own extension store.   
4. Updates: Mozilla Firefox is also frequently updated to make your web browsing experience secure. 
5. Tracking Prevention: Firefox also prevents websites from tracking you. However, you may install extension for better tracking protection.
6. Ad-blocker: Mozilla Firefox can also block ads but again, use extension for better ad-less experience. 
7. Screenshot Tool: Mozilla Firefox also offers built-in screenshot tool for taking screenshot of websites. 
8. License: Since, Mozilla Firefox is an open-source web browser and anyone can check its code. Therefore, this web browser becomes easy to trust. 
9. Privacy: Mozilla Firefox has long history of respecting its user's privacy.

Check all features of Brave on this website. 

Disadvantages:

1. Speed: Unfortunately, Mozilla Firefox is the slowest web browser on this list. The reason is that most websites are usually optimized for blink engine.
2. Memory Management: Mozilla Firefox uses much less memory compared to Google Chrome, but it still uses a lot of memory.  
3. Websites Work Poorly: Again, this is because most websites are not optimized for Mozilla Firefox. It is most prominent on YouTube.  

Availability:

Mozilla Firefox is available for Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. You can download Brave by going to this website. 

Conclusion:

If you are privacy conscious and also do not want a web browser with Blink engine, then Mozilla Firefox is the best option. However, it may not be the fastest or the best web browser for everyday use. However, it usually works fine for most users. 

Honorable Mentions

The five web browsers mentioned above are most famous web browsers. However, there are many other web browsers out there. They have their own philosophy. If you do not like above-mentioned web browsers, then following web browsers may be suitable for your needs:

1. Safari (proprietary web browser with WebKit engine for macOS and iOS)
2. Vivaldi (proprietary web browser with most customization options)
3. Tor Browser (open-source web browser with tor and Gecko engine for anonymous communication)
4. Waterfox (open-source web browser with Gecko engine)
5. Chromium (open-source web browser with Blink engine)

Which Web Browser to Use?

I cannot tell you which web browser you should use. It all depends on what you are doing on the internet. If one web browser provides you all the features you need, then you may stick to that one web browser. You may also install another web browser just in case. People on the internet will vouch for their favorite web browser but it does not mean their favorite web browser is going to fulfill all your requirements. So, it is better to try all web browsers yourself (if you have time and also want to try out all web browsers one by one) and stick to one which works best for you. I personally prefer Opera because it is fast and gets job done for me. However, I also use Microsoft Edge in office because it works perfectly with low hardware specifications. You may argue that I should use some other web browser. But I am going to stick to what works best for me. And you should do the same.