Firefox has been around for over a decade and is known for its robust privacy features, customization options, and focus on open-source development.
It has a large library of add-ons and extensions that allow users to customize their browsing experience to their needs. It is also a fast browser and supports all the latest web standards.
Firefox is available on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Source: Mozilla
Safari is the default browser for Apple devices and has several features that make it a great alternative to Google Chrome.
It is designed to work seamlessly with macOS and iOS devices and offers excellent integration with Apple's ecosystem. Safari is known for its speed and security, and it includes features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which blocks cross-site tracking.
Safari also has modern features like shareable tab groups. It supports a passwordless future with passkeys and lets you use TouchID or FaceID to authenticate instead of a password.
Safari is only available on macOS and iOS devices. That can be a downside for users who need to use other operating systems, but if you are all in on Apple, it remains a compelling choice.
Source: Apple
Brave is a privacy-focused browser that aims to block all ads and trackers by default. It's also the browser I am using to research and write this article. I've used it for years and rarely use anything else.
It uses a built-in ad-blocker and HTTPS Everywhere to ensure secure browsing. Brave also has a unique feature called Brave Rewards, which allows users to earn cryptocurrency for viewing ads. However, it is quick and easy to disable if, like me, you aren't interested in crypto.
This browser is based on the Chromium engine, which means that it is compatible with almost all Chrome extensions. In many ways, it's the closest thing to Chrome without it actually being Chrome because it gets all the same updates and features.
Brave is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Source: Brave
Opera is a browser that has been around for over two decades and has a loyal following. It is known for its speed and lightweight design, and it includes features like built-in ad-blocker, VPN, and battery-saver mode.
Opera also has a unique feature called Turbo Mode, which compresses web pages to make them load faster on slower connections. Opera has also added ChatGPT to its sidebar menu for quick and easy access. Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and What's App can also be added to the Opera sidebar.
Like Brave, Opera is based on the Chromium engine and is compatible with most Chrome extensions. It's available on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS.
Source: Opera
Although it is perhaps best known as the browser you use to download Chrome on a new Windows laptop, Microsoft Edge has a lot to offer if you are looking for a fast, reliable web browser.
Powerful, personal, private
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
You can play with multiple settings and customize Vivaldi’s interface and shortcuts
Vivaldi is a flexible browser designed for power users who want a highly customizable browsing experience, with all the built-in stuff you want.
You can play with color schemes, wallpapers, tab edge rounding, tab placement, macros, and much more. There are keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, and quick commands to speed you up, and you can always install extensions from the Chrome Web Store in case you can’t find what you need. 🎨🖌️
Vivaldi also offers robust privacy features, including ad-blocking and tracking protection, a private translator, and secure mobile sync across all your devices. As a bonus, all browsing data is hosted on-premises in Iceland, where strict privacy laws apply.
· Built-in Screenshot tool: capture full webpage screenshots or a selection easily
· Quick note taker: add your thoughts and ideas to any site you visit
· Private Calendar: manage events in a flexible and integrated way
· Sidebar Web Panels: keep your favorite sites easily accessible and simultaneously view them alongside the tab in the main window
· Vivaldi Mail: manage emails from multiple accounts in a unified inbox
· Built-in Ad Blocker: block intrusive ads, load web pages faster, and protect your devices from malicious ads and trackers
Your space to breathe on the internet
Mac — coming shortly for Windows
Keep focused, organized, and in control with Arc
Arc is a new approach designed for the modern internet by The Browser Company. It aims to provide efficient management of different aspects of your web life by looking at the browsing experience from a different angle. 💡
It offers an improved multitasking experience with a sidebar, smart tabs that stay active depending on your workflow, the ability to split tabs, and Little Arc windows that allow you to keep something playing in the background.
The built-in ad-blocker, picture-in-picture system, tab manager, and note-taking system make browsing seamless and customizable. You can create multiple Spaces to organize your life and integrate with apps like Gmail, Calendars, GitHub, Notion, and Figma.
It’s currently available for Mac, and you can import data from other browsers such as Chrome or Safari to make the switch faster — and even continue using almost all of your Chrome extensions.
· Command Bar: search through tabs, open new ones, activate extensions, open split view, open the Arc Library and do more with this assistant
· Split View: View up to 4 panels at the same time: tabs, notes, easels…
· Screenshots: take and edit screenshots directly within Arc
· Boosts: create your own ‘extensions’ with no coding knowledge to boost your favorite websites
· Easels: drop images, text, arrows, links, and more into a blank canvas to visualize ideas
· Arc Library: keep all of your projects and files at hand — notes, easels, downloaded files, screenshots…