Best Web Browsers Compared: 2024 Guide

List of the best web browsers

1. Arc Browser

Part of the products of The Browser Company of New York, Arc Browser is transforming the way we navigate the web with innovative features and an improved user interface.

Features

• Split viewer : Allows you to display up to four website tabs in a single window.
• Boosts : the internet browser Offers the possibility of modifying the behavior of the websites visited.
• Mini reader : Optimized for video and audio content playback.
• Integrated features : Includes options for uploads, note taking, and creating tab spaces.
• Proactive tab management : Promotes less congested use.
• Chromium bases : Although Arc Browser is based on Chromium, its privacy policy could be more proactive.
• Integrated search engine for finding favorite websites
• Weekly update of web browser versions
• Accelerated loading
• Native password management
• Private browsing mode and developer to see the source code of each web page

Ergonomics

• User experience : Can be disconcerting for some, especially when it comes to managing tabs.
• Compatibility with extensions : The Arc web browser is compatible with most Chrome extensions, but some may not work as expected.

The Arc Browser internet browser is an innovative online option for those who want a renewal in their use.

However, those who prefer more traditional browsing or have particular privacy concerns may find other choices that are more appropriate.

2. Brave

Let's discover Brave, a unique web browser that seeks to transform the ecosystem on the Internet with programs that reward creators.

Features

• Ad blocking : Brave automatically blocks intrusive website ads, pop-ups, and cross-site trackers.
• Payment : With the Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) system, users can accumulate tokens by browsing, which they can then tip their favorite websites as a reward.
• Customizing ads : Users have full control over what kind of ads they want to see, if they want to see any.
• Extension compatibility : Brave is compatible with most extensions in the Chrome Web Store, offering thousands of additional apps.
• Operating systems : available on Mac, Windows, and Linux
• Protection of privacy : The Brave web browser offers advanced privacy features, including ad blocking, an integrated password manager, cookie control, and the prevention of personal data such as fingerprints.
• Anonymity : High-quality ad matching options ensure the anonymity of users when viewing ads.
• Integrated search engine
• Site Favorites Management Tools
• For all operating systems
• Internet browser accessible on Mobile
• Accelerated loading
• Native password management
• Application on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or iOS.
• Private browsing mode for each web page

Ergonomics

• Clarity of the rewards program : The BAT (Brave Rewards) system is innovative, but some users may find that it lacks clarity.

Performance

• Browsing speed : By blocking ads, the Brave web browser can achieve exceptional loading speeds. It has proven to be one of the fastest web browsers during performance tests.

Brave is a web browser that is distinguished by its unique business model and its focus on online speed and the protection of personal data.

Although the BAT reward system is new and requires some familiarity, its potential to transform the internet browsing landscape deserves to be closely monitored.

3. Google Chrome

Google Chrome, although it arrived late on the market, has become the reference and most popular web browser thanks to its advanced features, its compatibility with all platforms and its excellent speed.

However, it is known for its significant consumption of system resources.

Features

• Optimal speed : Even though Google Chrome consumes a lot of resources, its speed is one of the fastest on the market.
• Plugin library : the Google Chrome web browser offers a wide range of extensions that improve the experience.
• Regular updates : Google provides regular updates to address Google Chrome performance issues.
• Integration with Google services : It is possible to synchronize the browser with all Google services for smooth use, such as Google Drive and the Play store
• Clean interface : Its clean and elegant interface makes navigation easy and intuitive.
• HTTPS protection : Google advocates for full use of HTTPS online, guaranteeing better data security.
• Anti-tracking and anti-keylogging functions : Chrome offers various features to protect your private and secure life
• Security alerts : If a vulnerability is detected, Google quickly alerts users to allow them to take appropriate measures for their personal data
• Integrated search engine
• Managing site favorites
• Application on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

Ergonomics

• Incognito mode : Allows private browsing without saving history.
• Translation of web pages  : Chrome can translate web pages into the language of your choice.
• Easy bookmarking : You can easily save the most popular web pages for later access.
• Integrated search engine: the search engine is available via the navigation bar
• Accessible on Mobile

The Google Chrome web browser is a robust, versatile, and feature-rich web browser, although it requires a considerable amount of system resources.

Its massive online popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and reliability as a leading web browser.

4. Mozilla Firefox

Firefox, the successor to Netscape and created by the Mozilla Firefox Foundation, has built a reputation for providing a fast, secure, and attractive alternative to Internet Explorer.

With its privacy protection tools and customizable interface, it has gained great popularity.

Features

• Rapide : Thanks to the Quantum engine introduced in 2017, Mozilla is one of the fastest web browsers.
• Broad range of privacy tools : Mozilla has several privacy features, including full incognito mode and automatic ad tracking blocking.
• Customizing the interface : offers a wide range of options for customizing your user interface.
• Regular updates : The Mozilla Firefox web browser provides updates on a regular basis, constantly improving its performance and security.
• Advanced protection : Mozilla Firefox offers robust tools to protect you, including fighting malware and phishing.
• Passwordless authentication : Starting with version 60.0, the Mozilla Firefox web browser introduced authentication and cryptography standards for password-free browsing, thereby reducing the risk of hacking on every website
• Managing favorites from the most popular sites
• Integrated search engine
• Private browsing mode

Ergonomics

• Rich library of add-ons : The Mozilla Firefox web browser offers a variety of extensions to improve your use, from privacy to personalization.
• Cross-platform compatibility : Mozilla Firefox works smoothly on all popular platforms - Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Support for older applications : Because of its long existence, Mozilla Firefox is compatible with some older applications that are not recognized by modern web browsers.
• Accessible on Mobile

The Mozilla Firefox web browser is an excellent alternative to Chrome online, offering fast browsing, reasonable resource consumption, and a multitude of features to secure and personalize your web experience.

5. Opera Software

Opera Software, a Chromium-based browser launched in 1996, focuses on fluidity and solid security, with exclusive features that set it apart from its competitors.

Features

• Turbo function : Enables faster navigation.
• Backing up web pages : You can store web pages to read later.
• Integrated VPN : Opera Software offers a built-in VPN for increased private browsing and personal data protection
• Blocking ads and tracking : Opera includes ad blockers and data tracking to protect your information.
• Integrated VPN : Opera also includes a built-in VPN for added protection. However, for complete coverage, a standalone VPN service might be required.
• Integrated search engine
• Integrated social networks: Telegram, WhatsApp & Messenger
• Accessible on Mobile
• Tools for managing favorites from the most popular sites

Performance

• Although Opera does not particularly stand out in speed and stress tests, it nevertheless offers a solid performance, positioning itself in the middle of the pack in terms of speed.
• Sleek design : Opera has a simple and easy to navigate user interface, with a sidebar for essential options and a large address bar that also acts as a search field.
• Cryptocurrency integration : the Opera web browser has a wallet for cryptocurrency lovers.
• Chrome Web Store compatibility : If you need to add extras, you can sync Opera with the Chrome Web Store to take advantage of its benefits.
• Integrated search engine

In conclusion, despite a relatively small market share, the Opera internet browser offers robust and secure online use with unique features, making it a viable alternative to Chrome or Firefox.

6. Vivaldi

The result of the work of former Opera developers, Vivaldi is a web browser that focuses on personalization, functionality, and respect for user privacy.

Features

• Web panels : the software allows you to access your favorite sites from the side panel while browsing.
• Advanced personalization : Offers a variety of customization options to adapt the user interface to your needs.
• Tab stacking : the software allows you to organize tabs into groups for easier navigation.
• Notes: Has a built-in note-taking tool with the ability to add screenshots.
• Quick orders : Provides quick access to your favorite functions and tabs with customizable keyboard controls.
• Blocking trackers and ads : Offers built-in options for blocking trackers and ads.
• Encrypting sync data : Data that is synchronized between devices is end-to-end encrypted to ensure security.
• Search engine integrated into the software
• Accessible on Mobile

Ergonomics

• User interface : Although rich in features, the Vivaldi interface may seem complex for some users.
• Performances : Vivaldi is based on Chromium, which ensures solid performance, but some users report that it may be more resource intensive than other browsers.

For users looking to maximize functionality and personalization in their use, Vivaldi is a great choice.

However, Internet users who prefer a simpler and lighter interface may find other online browsers that are more suited to their needs.

7. Microsoft Edge

Let's discover Microsoft Edge, the web browser that succeeded Internet Explorer for Internet users:

Features

• Extensive compatibility : Supports Windows 10, Xbox One, Android, iOS (since 2017), and macOS (since 2019).
• Native functions : Allows the management of bookmarks, history, and downloads.
• Cortana integration : Features Microsoft's voice assistant, Cortana.
• Extension support : Users can add add-ons through the Microsoft Store, although the choice is more limited than on other browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
• Enhanced capabilities thanks to AI : Fast access to AI-powered tools, apps, and more right in the Microsoft Edge sidebar
• Bing Chat integration : Users can ask questions, get answers, refine searches, summarize, and create content—all without changing tabs or interrupting your workflow with Bing Chat support
• Strengthened security : the software offers advanced web page security features, capable of detecting and isolating phishing and malware attacks.
• Integrated search engine
• Accessible on Mobile

Ergonomics

• Not very customizable: Microsoft Edge doesn't offer as much customization as some of the other best-known web browsers
• Microsoft Store interface: The Microsoft Store can be difficult to navigate, with no filters or categories for extensions.
• Integrated search engine: the built-in Bing search engine is integrated into the search bar

Despite its reputation as the default browser, Microsoft Edge has made significant progress in terms of features and performance for Internet users, positioning itself as a viable and secure browser choice.

8. Safari

Let's take a look at Safari, the web browser developed by Apple primarily for its own operating systems.

Features

• Built for Apple : The Safari web browser is the default choice on all iOS and Mac devices, created specifically for these users.
• Private browsing : Offers the possibility of browsing in private mode.
• Essential features: Includes features like tabs, spell checker, password manager, and favorite sites.
• Reading list : Allows URLs to be saved for later reading, helping to keep the browser organized.
• Expansions : Offers add-ons and widgets through the Apple Web Store for additional customization, although less extensive than that offered by the Chrome Store.
• Robust security : Safari software can detect phishing attempts and malware, and includes tools for privacy protection, password management, tracking protection, and identity theft on every website
• Integrated search engine

Ergonomics

• Incompatibility with Windows : The Safari web browser is not available for the Windows operating system.
• Not very customizable : Safari offers limited customization options and doesn't allow you to change page backgrounds
• Accessible on tablets and mobile phones

While Safari is a solid browser with fast performance and secure browsing, its lack of customization and incompatibility with Windows limit its appeal among users outside of the Apple ecosystem.

9. Tor

Here's a quick overview of the Tor web browser.

It is a web browser designed to offer anonymous browsing and access to the Dark Web.

Features

• Total anonymity : the Tor web browser allows completely anonymous browsing of Internet users' pages by bouncing the user's connection between several secure servers around the world.
• Bypass censorship : By providing access to the Dark Web, Tor overcomes censorship restrictions imposed by some countries.
• No need for local installation : The Tor software can be carried on a USB stick and does not require installation on the local computer.
• Extension compatibility : Being a modified version of Firefox, Tor is compatible with most Firefox extensions. However, changing the default settings may attract unwanted attention and compromise user anonymity.
• Protection of privacy : the Tor web browser is designed to guarantee the security of Internet users on pages. However, it should be noted that even with its enhanced security measures, it is not entirely free of risks on every website.
• Use with a VPN : For added protection, users can use Tor in combination with a VPN.

Ergonomics

• Simple: Thanks to its clean design, Tor is easy to navigate, even for novice users.
• Accessible on tablets and mobile phones

Performance

• Speed: Tor's browsing speed is significantly lower than many popular browsers. Speed tests confirmed that it is not up to par in terms of performance compared to the fastest web browsers.

Tor is a valuable tool for those who are fighting repression and censorship, or who need anonymity.

However, for ordinary users looking for more security, there are other alternatives that may be more appropriate and offer better performance.

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Other web browsers not covered: Uc Browser, Samsung Internet

Evolutionary history of web browsers

1. Beginnings and emergence of Google Chrome

In the early days of the web, Netscape was the dominant browser until Microsoft Internet Explorer arrived in the 2000s. However, the landscape changed dramatically with the introduction of Google Chrome in 2008. Here are the key points from this period:

• Netscape software dominated in the mid-90s
• Microsoft's Internet Explorer took over in the early 2000s.
• Google Chrome, launched in 2008, has become a fast, secure and standards-compliant browser

The evolution of Chrome has been rapid and impressive in the field of search engines for pages and browsers.

It currently has a majority market share thanks to its speed, security and compliance with standards.

2. Current web browser landscape

According to 2022 data, Google Chrome has the dominant market share on desktop platforms with 66.16%.

Here is the current distribution of market shares:

• Google Chrome: 66.16%
• Microsoft Edge: 10.12%
• Safari (macOS only): 9.14%
• Firefox: 7.66%
• Opera: 2.8%

Despite the fact that Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 10 and 11, users often prefer to use other browsers.

3. Impact of mobile platforms

When we take mobile platforms into account, Safari, thanks to iOS, eats up a significant portion of the Chrome market.

Users diversify their web browsers according to their specific needs for pages:

• Google Chrome: 64.98%
• Safari: 19.2%
• Firefox: 3.26%
• Samsung Internet Browser: 2.85%

The diversity of browsers used testifies to the evolution of our browsing habits and the importance of choosing the web browser that best meets our specific needs.

4. Factors for choosing a web browser

Nowadays, users tend to install and use their favorite web browser, and many use two, three, or even four different web browsers depending on their needs.

Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing a web browser:

• security
• Lightness
• Rapidity
• Synchronizing data
• Integrated search engines

Choosing a web browser is more than just using the one that is installed by default on your device.

The objective is to find the one that best meets your needs in terms of page security, lightness, speed and data synchronization.

Web Browser Rankings

1. Fastest Web Browsers

Speed is often a priority for web browser users.

Below are the browsers with the best performance scores:

► Google Chrome: Its speed of loading pages and its general responsiveness place it at the top of the list.

► Mozilla Firefox: Although it lags a bit behind Chrome, Firefox is still fast and efficient.

► Microsoft Edge: Microsoft has invested heavily in improving the speed of Edge, making it competitive among the fastest browsers.

► Opera: Although less popular, Opera offers impressive browsing speed.

► Brave: The browser is designed for speed while maintaining user privacy.

2. Most Secure Web Browsers

Security is crucial when browsing the web. Here are the most secure browsers:

► Brave: It's designed for privacy, blocking third-party trackers and ads by default.

► Tor Browser: It encrypts and routes your internet traffic through several relays to ensure anonymity on pages.

► Firefox: the software offers privacy protection tools and is supported by a non-profit foundation.

► Safari: It offers robust privacy features, including protection against tracking.

► Google Chrome: Despite its reputation for collecting data, Chrome software offers strong protections against malware.

3. Web Browsers with the Best Compatibility

Compatibility refers to the ability of a web browser to correctly display various web content. Here are the most compatible browsers:

► Google Chrome: It respects web standards and displays the majority of sites correctly.

► Mozilla Firefox: the software supports numerous web standards and is recognized for its compliance with web standards.

► Microsoft Edge: Based on the same engine as Chrome, it offers great compatibility for all pages.

► Safari: Although sometimes less compatible with certain web standards, the browser works exceptionally well with sites that are optimized for Apple devices.

► Opera: the software uses the same rendering engine as Chrome and Edge, which makes it highly compatible.

How to choose the web browser that best suits your needs

1. Understand how a web browser works

A web browser acts as a bridge between you and the internet, transforming HTML/CSS and JavaScript files into user-friendly web content like text, images, audio, videos, etc.

Note that variations in the display of websites may occur due to the different versions of HTML that browsers are based on.

► Interprets HTML/CSS files and JavaScript versions

► Display various contents: text, images, audio, video, etc.

► Display variations are due to different versions of HTML

Understanding how a web browser works is essential to maximizing its use and to understanding how different browsers can offer different experiences.

2. Explore web browser options

The market offers a multitude of browsers, most of which are free or open-source.

Some of the most notable include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Brave, Opera, Tor Browser, Vivaldi, and Sidekick.

► Wide variety of browsers available

► Most versions are free or open-source

► Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Brave, Opera, Tor Browser, Vivaldi, Sidekick

Each browser has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's recommended that you try several options to find the one that best suits your needs.

3. Understand the key features of web browsers

The most modern web browsers offer a variety of features, such as managing multiple tabs, securing personal data, adding shortcuts/favorites, integrating web extensions, managing downloads, integrating PDFs, including VPNs, managing data, and the address bar.

• Management of multiple tabs for Internet users
• Securing personal data
• Add shortcuts/favorites
• Integration of web extensions
• Managing downloads and integrating PDFs
• VPN inclusion and data management
• Address bar

Understanding the key features of each browser will help you maximize your use and choose the browser that best meets your needs.

4. Choosing the optimal web browser

Choosing a web browser depends on your personal needs.

It is also important to choose a browser that is updated regularly to be faster and to support the latest versions of websites.

► Personal needs determine the choice of browser

► Aspects to consider: privacy, plugins, speed, compatibility

► Importance of regular updates for speed and compatibility

Ultimately, choosing the optimal web browser involves a thorough understanding of your needs and how different browser features can meet them.

Remember to choose a browser that is updated regularly to stay up to date with the latest technology.

What is Chromium?

Chromium is an open source web browser project initiated by Google. It serves as the basis for numerous browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Brave.

Chromium offers a robust development framework, containing the Blink rendering engine and the V8 JavaScript engine, allowing developers to avoid rewriting the underlying technologies.

It is known for complying with web standards, but its ubiquity raises concerns about diversity in the web browser ecosystem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arc Browser, Brave, and Vivaldi are solid choices for those looking to improve their use on the web.

If a revolutionary approach to browsing and managing tabs appeals to you, Arc Browser software should be your preferred choice.

For those who want a more secure web browsing experience, Brave offers an excellent compromise.

Finally, for users looking for extensive customization and rich functionalities, the Vivaldi software stands out.

Each of these browsers has its own advantages, it's up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

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Other web browsers not covered: UC Browser, Samsung Internet, etc.