Top 6 Google Chrome Alternatives

In 2021, the Internet browser software marks its anniversary since the introduction of the World Wide Web software to the public 30 years ago. For the majority of us, this is a regularly utilized piece of software, so the choice of the most suitable browser is vital. 

Google Chrome won the hearts of many Internet users due to its smooth and unified web browsing experience. Yet, for a good experience, users pay with their personal information. Google tracks us tirelessly. 

In the digital age, data became the main asset, and people started to value their privacy. That’s why privacy and speed are the two main decision factors for many of us when selecting a web browser. Of course, there are other details such as the system resource consumption, compatibility, protection against malware that come into play. 

We’ve prepared a review of the most worthy web browsers you are free to use for your particular browsing needs.

• Strong points: Built-in adblocker, VPN onboard, Good feel and look interface 
• Weak points: no Opera Turbo any more

Opera is the closest to Chrome browser with the same source code, feels, and many similar functions. However, unlike its more famous counterpart, Opera offers higher levels of privacy. It includes a built-in VPN and a powerful ad blocker, which can also block crypto-mining trackers. On top of that, cryptocurrency investors can use a Bitcoin wallet available in this browser. Noteworthy that Opera introduced this crypto-mining protection before Mozilla did it, while Google continues struggling to add the identical protection.  

Opera is also packed with quite a handful of exceptional features that make it a powerful rival. Speed dial, tabbed browsing, easy-to-use sidebar of frequently used services like Youtube Music or WhatsApp, battery saver mode are among the most prominent ones. Furthermore, Opera requires far less drive space if compared to Chrome.

• Strong points: Strong HTML5 feature support, community-driven, syncs between devices
• Weak points: some built-in advertising

An open-source Firefox browser is very secure, and after several main upgrades, it’s much more user-friendly. This browser provides enhanced privacy options, while also being faster than Chrome after its recent Quantum release. 

Mozilla Firefox gives you the privilege to control the data that can be shared and those that should be not. It is one of the best at stopping malicious downloads and blocking dangerous websites with just its default security settings. The browser clears all the data after the session ends and prevents platforms from tracking you, especially social media sites like Facebook. One more robust security feature alerts a user in case of a personal data breach. 

The mobile Firefox version offers splendid interfaces, and the webpage tabs opened on your smartphone can be sent to a desktop device with the same account. With tracking protection, seamless sync, support of the numerous extensions, Firefox is a go-to browser for users who value advanced features.

• Strong points: Very rapid, built on Chromium, better web compatibility 
• Weak points: weak sync between devices

The Microsoft engineers became weary of catching up on the compatibility of the Windows default internet browser. They decided to address the issues by switching to a Chromium engine. That gave developers the freedom to work on unique features and browser performance.  

The new Chromium-based version is noticeably faster than the legacy Edge and includes useful built-in features. The modern Microsoft Edge feels and looks very similar to Chrome, yet, works faster with much lower RAM usage. The browser has a more pleasing design & dark theme option, support for Progressive Web Apps (PWA), and tracker protection functionality. Cross-platform sync via Microsoft account, news section, and more features are backed by Microsoft as well. Edge offers the entire Chrome extensions library and made a switch to it from Google Chrome effortless.

• Strong points: Lots of unique interface features and customizability, Compatible with Chrome extensions
• Weak points: not available on IOS

Vivaldi is all about customization allowing users to change just about anything from the navigation flow to interface design. It is gaining popularity because it brings a huge amount of customization opportunities that no other browser does. 

There are a host of themes to play with that make the browser look incredible. The sidebar is easily editable and can be placed anywhere you want. There is tab hibernation, mouse gesture options for navigation, the ability to save your favorite websites and feed on the sidebar. Most impressive is its UI capability to adapt to websites’ main colors and uses them as an accent color. Responding to the modern requirements for web browsers, tracker & ad-blocking tools were recently added as well.      

In terms of security, the browser scores pretty well. Vivaldi does not collect user data and claims they encrypt personal info when syncing different devices.

• Strong points: Standard for safe and private browsing, free & open-source, uses Tor network
• Weak points: Slower than its counterparts, not made for daily browser

The Tor project was created by the privacy community as a response to Google and Facebook corporations that track everything you do online. Tor is the best way to navigate the web without being detected. It genuinely blocks your identity by shielding your IP address. All cookies and browsing history are automatically deleted once you are done. So they can’t figure out who you are, capture browser history, or follow you on the web.

To provide such high privacy to users, Tor sacrifices speed. It’s pretty slow when compared to other web browsers, and the reason is that your request has to pass through numerous servers before it gets the results back to you. This browser does not provide the comfort of standard web browsers as support for extensions, and well, some websites may not work properly. This is the price of full safety.

• Strong points: Extremely fast, sleek design
• Weak points: Poor support for new web technologies

If you own a Mac, chances are, Safari is already on your device. In addition to being configurable and fast, Safari offers high-level security. Apple relentlessly improves user privacy features. 

They have taken a serious step towards privacy by enabling tracker and ad blocking functionality. Another useful Safari feature is the prevention of videos from playing automatically. It also was the first to introduce a Reading Mode functionality, which clears clutter and removes distractions to allow reading web content with a clean UI. Not long ago, Safari introduced fingerprinting protection that prevents internet trackers from identifying users by their system specifications. 

We cannot but mention the seamlessness of switching between all the Apple devices. They call it a Handoff, and it’s much better than simple sync.  

The Windows version of Safari isn’t under active development now.

We think that Mozilla Firefox is the best browser in terms of safety and speed available today. It does have weaknesses, but developers working on it have done an excellent job striving to prevent third parties from tracking users on the Internet. As web developers, we also embrace its Firefox Developer Edition for its cutting-edge dev features not available elsewhere. 

In the end, no matter which of the alternative web browsers you choose, you will benefit from a significant increase in security and privacy that is entirely worth it.