Several web browsers are available for practically all sorts of computers and operating systems. Google Chrome is currently the global leader in web browsers, but popularity does not imply that a browser is the best. Other considerations include privacy settings, faster performance and lower system usage among others. Features such as displaying vouchers or discounts are also available on some browsers. Every individual will have varying criteria when selecting a preferred web browser. Other users prefer browsers that sync data seamlessly between devices such as Apple with Safari or Chrome with Gmail and Google Docs. In comparison, those concerned with privacy look to Mozilla Firefox or the Tor Browser more. Although nearly all browsers are now free, some are more compliant with web standards than others, allowing the browser to give a better user experience on a much larger number of websites. Below are the 10 best web browsers in 2022.
Our top picks for the best web browsers in 2022 are listed below.
- Best Web Browser for Android: Google Chrome
- Best Web Browser for iPhone: Apple Safari
- Best Web Browser for Linux: Vivaldi
- Best Web Browser for Windows 10: Opera
- Best Web Browser for Privacy: Mozilla Firefox
Table of Contents
1. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox, or simply Firefox, is a web browser that is faster and more secure than Chrome, the most widely used PC browser. Firefox first launched in September 2002 and now has over 200 million users worldwide. Mozilla Firefox is now considered the best web browser for privacy-conscious and power users. Firefox recently launched a new option that protects users from being monitored when browsing the web. In addition, Firefox now shields users against supercookies which remain hidden in a browser and continue tracking activity. Mozilla Firefox is fully customizable in terms of appearance, extensions and plugins. A makeover in 2020 made Firefox operate more smoothly and solidly on even the most basic hardware. The only notable downside is a lack of internal quality assurance teams since most of Mozilla’s QA is outsourced.
Mozilla Firefox is unquestionably the best online browser due to its excellent attributes such as privacy, security and speed. Finally, Firefox is free, available in over 90 languages and compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. To improve security features, the best free VPN for Firefox is Hotspot Shield. Alternatively, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost may be used. Other great options for the best Mozilla Firefox VPNs are also available.
2. Opera
Starting with a built-in ad-blocker and VPN, Bitcoin wallet, in-browser messaging and light and dark settings, the Opera web browser sets the tone from the get-go. Opera is fast and compatible with Chrome’s add-on library. Gamers can check out Opera GX which is geared for gamers and supports Twitch and Razer Chroma. An added feature, Flow, allows users to share messages or links from Opera on the phone to Opera on a PC. The browser officially launched in April 1995 and has now attracted over 380 million users.
Opera aims to ensure that the new R5 version is the all-in-one browser for as many people as possible. Recently integrated into Google Chromebooks, Opera is giving owners and prospective students more alternatives. On mobile devices, Opera Turbo is available. Opera also has a handy power-saving mode so that even if downloads are slow the laptop battery will not die. Opera is free and can be considered the best web browser for Windows 10, but it is also available on Android, Linux, macOS and iOS. Although Opera has a built-in VPN, alternatives are available. Check out the best Opera VPNs to learn more.
3. Google Chrome
Google Chrome’s introduction was more than a decade ago. Since then, Chrome has grown to become the undisputed industry leader with about 70% market share. One notable feature, along with outpacing competitors in terms of update frequency and malware screening, is that Google automatically upgrades Chrome to the latest version every six to eight weeks, guaranteeing that customers always have access to the newest surfing capabilities.
Chrome also includes a sizable library of browser extensions that bring various additional features at the expense of privacy. Moreover, the new Tab Freezing capability automatically “freezes” background tabs to reduce needless resource consumption. However, for high resource demands, Chrome can bog down low-powered machines with minimal RAM. Another feature of Chrome is a dark option for smoother night browsing.
Note that Chrome is owned by a company that profits from knowing everything about users. From automatically logging in to a browser to a dubious location history policy, Google appears to be establishing a habit of rolling out something unpleasant and then retracting a subsequent version. While there are workarounds, Google utilizes Chrome to gather information about users and then monetizes that data. For added peace of mind and security, install a VPN extension for Chrome. The best Chrome VPNs include various VPN services that are quick, secure and incredibly simple to use. As the best web browser for Android, Chrome can be downloaded for free and is available on Windows, Linux, macOS and iOS.
4. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is the brainchild of former Opera engineers and, like Opera, has taken a unique approach to web browsing since it was officially launched in 2016. Vivaldi is all about personalization from navigation to user interface customization options including changing the color scheme, adding new fonts and more.
The browser’s core is Chromium and most Chrome add-ons can be used with Vivaldi. However, the user interface is distinct from other Chromium-based browsers. Other options are adding a notes panel to the usual history and bookmarks sections, customizing search and giving search engines aliases and changing how tabs work and are arranged.
Browsing history can also be displayed on a graph to see how much time is spent on each website. Tab stacking is an excellent feature for users with dozens of open tabs. Vivaldi is available for free on Windows and macOS and is the best web browser for Linux. Vivaldi is based on the Chromium web browser project and therefore supports the vast majority of Google Chrome extensions. Any VPN service that has a Google Chrome extension will also work with Vivaldi.
5. Microsoft Edge
First introduced in 2015, Microsoft Edge was essentially an enhanced version of Internet Explorer and took over as the default browser for Windows devices. However, Edge has a straightforward layout and does not provide a plethora of capabilities to its users.
Edge is comparable to Chrome in appearance and functionality but is faster on Mac and offers more customization options. All the basic features of a modern web browser are available. The new Chrome-based version has handy features like Read Aloud, the ability to stream media like inline movies to Chromecast devices, an Opera-style start page and a wide range of add-ons like password managers and ad blockers.
Additionally, the platform is built for Microsoft-based services such as the voice assistant Cortana, enhancing the web browsing experience. The Edge browser supports over 270 extensions, all of which are available through the Microsoft Store. Edge also includes a robust firewall for identifying and combating viral assaults and malware. The majority of VPNs for Microsoft Edge have a simple-to-install extension that significantly eases the setup process. For improved security, a dedicated VPN application is preferred over an Edge browser extension. See a list of the best Microsoft Edge VPNs. Besides Windows, Edge has free versions for iOS, Android and macOS.
6. Apple Safari
Safari is the built-in browser for macOS and iOS devices and is not available outside of Apple. Safari is a complete web browser with numerous unique capabilities for supporting and integrating a Mac with an iPhone. The features and performance of the Safari browser have substantially improved over time, particularly on the mobile version. In addition, productivity enhancements are enabled through in-house and third-party extensions.
With Apple’s internal enhancements and the underlying technology, users undoubtedly experience increased battery life on iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Additionally, Safari works within Apple’s promise to collect as little personal data as possible and saves any collected data on the user’s device rather than on Apple’s servers. Furthermore, a VPN can be set up in System Preferences for improved security. Check some of the best Safari VPNs for added security. Finally, Safari can be used to move data or seamlessly switch from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac. The ease of use between the devices makes Safari the best web browser for the iPhone.
7. Brave
Brave is a project that was released in early 2016 by Brendan Eich, formerly of Firefox developer Mozilla, whose goals are to keep users safe online while also improving ad delivery. Brave removes all ads by default, becoming the fastest browser accessible. By default, the browser apps block advertisements and limit the information that sites can acquire about you via cookies and tracking scripts. Brave’s tracker blocking methods are undeniably effective. In addition, a firewall and any of the best Brave VPNs that also work in any other app on an iPhone or iPad are available.
On the web, Brave will block phishing attempts and impose HTTPS encryption where accessible. One notable feature is a Reward Program that allows users to earn credits by clicking on advertisements tailored to the user’s interests. Credits can then be spent on a variety of services. Brave is a relatively new web browser but offers a complete product that balances simplicity and power with a focus on privacy and security.
While currently free, the company might implement a pay to surf model, eventually giving Brave a “paid” option. Brave is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
8. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is not a browser in the traditional sense. Instead, there is a plugin for Chrome and Firefox that makes DuckDuckGo Privacy Essential the default search engine and blocks hidden trackers on websites. DuckDuckGo, a prominent search engine that prioritizes anonymity, assigns a score based on how aggressively a visited website attempts to mine user data. DuckDuckGo prevents tracking cookies that can be used to identify users and devices and examines and ranks websites’ privacy policies. Tabs and data can be deleted manually or automatically at the end of each session or a timer can be set to delete browsing history when inactive.
The simplicity of the DuckDuckGo apps and browser extensions is appealing. A smart choice for maximum protection with the least work since only installation is required. Despite its promise of anonymity, it is best to use any of the best DuckDuckGo VPNs to ensure security. A free mobile version of the DuckDuckGo browser is available for Android and iOS.
9. Epic
The Epic browser’s ethos is that all privacy settings should be enabled by default. Released in 2010, Epic was developed by Hidden Reflux using Chromium source code. Epic blocks cookies, advertisements and data-tracking site analytics services and uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine. Users can set up the browser to prioritize convenience over privacy. However, Epic takes confidentiality seriously, delivering on a promise of “extreme privacy”: no auto-syncing, no spell-check, no auto-fill, no plugins. A user’s history, login data, databases and other information are not stored. Epic does not save links for autosuggestion when inputting an address. In addition, Epic’s servers can proxy search and prioritize SSL connections and track how many cookies it has blocked and who tried to deliver the cookies.
Epic is one of the safest browsers available. The sole disadvantage is that Epic is based on Chromium code and is not open-source. Therefore, independence is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, Epic runs on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with free VPN access.
10. Tor Browser
The Tor Project, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing everyone with private access to the unfiltered web. Based on Firefox, the Tor Browser was built in 2002 to anonymously access the internet through the Tor Network. The Tor Browser enables users to defend and maintain anonymity against monitoring, spying and restriction. More than a browser, the Tor Browser includes a comprehensive set of online security measures. The browser contains all the standard capabilities such as tab browsing, enhanced privacy and security safeguards to keep users safe.
The Tor Browser also restricts the type of background scripts and tracking technologies that sites can use. Fingerprinting, which is when advertisers try to identify a device across different sites, is disabled even if the Tor Browser cannot identify the user. Private browsing is the default setting. Every surfing session ends with a wipe, including site cookies and the Tor Browser app’s browsing history. Due to the extra encryption and anonymity features, the Tor Browser is significantly slower than other browsers but is one of the best web browsers for privacy which is why Tor is also probably among the most widely used web browsers among hackers. While a VPN is not required to utilize Tor, VPNs facilitate the security of the process by encrypting all traffic and concealing it from the ISP. Check out the full list of the best Tor Browser VPNs to better protect your privacy when using the Tor Browser. The Tor Browser is free of charge, available for Android and has Windows and macOS browser applications.
What Benefits Do Web Browsers Provide?
For decades, newspapers, radio and television were the primary sources of information. At present, many individuals use the internet to obtain news, weather predictions, cooking recipes, medical diagnoses, book reviews and more. Additionally, the web is used to book flights, plan holidays, purchase and sell items and voice opinions—just a few of the many benefits of web browsers. Before the web, people had satisfied most of these informational demands through traditional methods. Back then, there were several alternative means of sending and receiving information. Nowadays, everyone utilizes the internet and web browsers.
Now that the web browser has grown so pervasive in consumers’ daily lives and the web browser definition has become widely understood, underestimating the relevance is common. The web’s rapid growth as an engaging and dynamic platform necessitates browser development to accommodate the growing data and users. Speed of delivery of information is one significant benefit. Therefore, web pages should swiftly load dynamic content like images and videos. Another benefit is simplicity. A user interface allows consumers to focus on content rather than the browser. Navigating between pages and tabs is also made easy by various web browser features. Finally, since security is a persistent concern, browsers make an effort to protect users from malware, data breaches and leaks. Other browsers suggest that anti-malware software that delivers real-time protection should be used in conjunction with browsers to ensure a PC is protected against malware.
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Additionally, web browsers serve as the window to a website and online marketing. Currently, the primary way in which people interact with businesses online is through a web browser. Each web browser will display websites differently. Specific browsers render web pages more quickly than others and text and graphics may seem different depending on the browser used to access a website. As a result, ensuring that a website shows appropriately across all browsers for potential customers who discover a business online using various browsers is critical.How Can a Browser Be Used?
A typical web browser is a software application that allows users to connect to the internet to access online pages, videos, photos and other types of information. Today, any gadget that has the necessary connectivity can be web-enabled. In addition, technological growth and the decreasing cost of hardware components have made adding connectivity to a device much easier and more affordable. As a result, web browsing is currently supported on various devices including desktops, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles and even wristwatches and home appliances.
The beginning of the web browser was in 1990. The browser was initially dubbed WorldWideWeb but was eventually renamed Nexus to avoid confusion. Tim Berners-Lee, often referred to as TimBL, created the first web browser. Nexus had relatively few functions and a non-interactive graphical user interface. Back then, there was no bookmark functionality available. Then, the second browser was released in 1993 when Marc Andreessen founded Mosaic which ultimately became Netscape. Mosaic was the world’s first widely used browser with a graphical user interface. Mosaic, “the world’s first widely used browser,” was developed at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). After that, Netscape Navigator came out in 1994. In terms of market share, Netscape was the most popular browser at the time.
What Is the Working Principle of a Browser?
A web browser is a software program for displaying web pages and its function is initiated by the user inputting the desired Uniform Resource Locator (URL) into the browser’s address bar. The web browser then analyzes the URL and shows the content to the user based on the URL prefix. The protocol used to access the location is specified in the URL prefix. The most frequently used URL prefixes are HTTP and HTTPS, the latter being a secure URL. Other frequently used prefixes include FTP: for File Transfer Protocol, which is used to download files or folders from an FTP server, file: for files stored locally on a storage device and mailto: for email applications such as Gmail. After locating and interpreting the resource, the browser displays the material to the user. Rendering is how the browser program translates HTML, CSS and graphics to an interactive file. Browsers can interpret and display various types of content including video, pictures, text, hyperlinks and XML files.
The main objective of a web browser is to collect internet data and make that data available to various users. It retrieves information from other parts of the web and displays it on your desktop or mobile device. A web browser can access any site and as soon as a URL is typed into a browser, the web server redirects the users. The browser has plugins to execute Java applets and Flash content and facilitates internet surfing by allowing users to verify hyperlinks and swiftly retrieve vast amounts of information. In addition, browsers employ an internal cache to save data to open the same webpage numerous times without losing information. Moreover, a web browser can be used for several pages to be open simultaneously.
What Are the Features of a Web Browser?
Web browsers offer a range of functionalities from simple text-based user interfaces with support for plain HTML to complex user interfaces for a wide variety of file formats and protocols. All major web browsers also support concurrent access to numerous websites, either in separate browser windows or in various tabs inside the same browser window. Pop-up blockers to prevent unsolicited windows from appearing without the user’s permission are another common feature. Additionally, most modern browsers include an incremental find capability that enables users to search within a web page. In general, web browsers share the same user interface elements that provide the features below.
- Search bar: Used to enter keywords into a search engine.
- Address bar: For inputting and displaying the requested resource’s Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). The search bar and the address bar are integrated into some browsers.
- Back and forward buttons: Used to browse to the previous and subsequent URLs, respectively.
- Refresh or reload button: Reloads the most recent version of the URI.
- Halt button: Prevents the website from loading.
- Status bar: Indicates the state of resource loading and the URI links.
- Viewport: The visible area of a webpage within the browser window.
What Are the Market Shares of Different Web Browsers?
In this table, you can see the market shares of different web browsers.
| Browser | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | 69.53% |
| Microsoft Edge | 9.71% |
| Mozilla Firefox | 7.15% |
| Internet Explorer | 4.53% |
| Safari | 3.92% |
| QQ browser | 1.49% |
| Sogou Explorer | 1.35% |
| Opera | 0.90% |
| Yandex Browser | 0.84% |
| UC Browser | 0.29% |
| Other | 0.29% |
Around half of the world’s population utilizes the internet regularly and web browsers are the primary means of access for users from all over the world. Users access a wide variety of material through a web browser including entertainment websites, social media platforms and online commerce. Over the last few years, social platforms like Facebook have grown to be some of the most frequently viewed websites on the planet with users keen to stay current on their friends, family and favorite celebrities’ digital presences.
Are Privacy and Security Important in a Web Browser?
Yes, privacy and security are important in a web browser. As internet users grow daily, so do the risks of being attacked by malware, spammers and other phishing activities. Utilizing a secure and reputable online browser is critical to protect the user’s personal information and digital credentials such as passwords, security codes, tracking information and more.
Numerous web browsers include a private browsing mode that is intended to mask the surfing history of other users sharing the same computer. Private browsing and incognito mode are widely believed to protect users’ identities and web histories from ISPs, governments and advertising. However, this is not always the case. Private browsing deletes only a user’s system’s browsing history and is especially useful if using a shared or public computer to work with sensitive personal information. To improve security, check out the 15 best Chrome extensions for 2022 and the 15 best Mozilla Firefox addons in 2022.
Is a VPN Essential for Browser Security and Privacy?
Yes, a VPN is essential for browser security and privacy, especially when using public WiFi. Most of the best browsers include built-in security features. Some are equipped with password managers and firewalls while others include an integrated VPN. Users employ additional security over standard web browsers because VPNs can limit local web usage while remaining anonymous.
VPNs safeguard privacy and data by establishing a secure and encrypted data tunnel between the browser and a VPN server. That server then establishes a safe and encrypted connection with the destination website. As a result, the website cannot identify the user personally or determine the exact physical or IP address. Even the ISP cannot know the browsing location or device used when a VPN is active.
VPNs also safeguard personal data and ensure user security in the course of encryption. Other benefits of using a VPN include the ability to conceal private information, circumvent data limiting, avoid bandwidth throttling and access region-restricted services. Remember, certain VPN services are entirely free while others demand a monthly fee. The best Chrome VPNs include various VPN services that are quick, secure and incredibly simple to use. Here you can see the best VPNs for web browsers.