When it comes to the internet, we cannot ignore the importance of browsers. Just ask smartphone or computer users what they do on the internet, and besides social media, they will likely mention browsing the web.
However, there are now many options for browsers. From the popular Google Chrome to the often-forgotten Firefox by Mozilla, each has its own advantages.
But determining the best browser is not an easy choice, especially as we increasingly need the best web browsers to accommodate our online journeys. However, using Chrome can be considered too boring or, more precisely, requires more resources. This is because Chrome is known for consuming a lot of RAM.
Best Browsers You Can Try in 2023
When it comes to the internet, browsers are essential. Just ask smartphone or computer users what they do on the internet. If they’re not browsing through social media, they’re likely using a browser to surf the web.
1. Microsoft Edge
Yes, you read it right. Microsoft’s Edge is included in this list. The reason is actually very valid, Edge has undergone many improvements towards a better direction after switching to Chromium.
Although based on Chromium, Edge can be more flexible, especially if you use many other Microsoft services such as Microsoft accounts and Office. Various bugs and glitches that were present in the early Edge can be said to be absent in 2023, making the browsing experience not inferior to third-party browsers.
2. Vivaldi
Looking for a browser with a customizable interface to break the monotony? Vivaldi might just be the perfect solution for you. This browser is designed to allow users to change its appearance and keep them from getting bored.
Vivaldi also offers a plethora of features, making it suitable even for power users who don’t rely too heavily on extensions. However, users can still use Chrome extensions since it is based on the Chromium platform.
3. Brave
Concerned about privacy that is decreasing day by day in the internet world? Perhaps this option is suitable for you to use. The main feature of Brave is, of course, Brave Shield. Besides being able to stop ad trackers and also unsafe sites, this browser also has its own integrated VPN.
Combined with the DuckDuckGo search engine, it further strengthens your online footprint compared to using other conventional browsers. However, of course, this transition takes time to adjust, not everyone is used to completely abandoning Google products.
Brave browser is also designed to prioritize privacy without sacrificing speed. The browser blocks third-party ads by default and rewards users with its Basic Attention Token (BAT) for choosing to view privacy-respecting ads. The BAT can be used to support content creators or traded for other cryptocurrencies. This makes Brave a unique option for those looking for a privacy-focused browser with added incentives.
However, Brave is not without its downsides. Since it blocks third-party ads, it may impact the revenue of content creators who rely on advertising for income. Also, some websites may not function properly or may be blocked entirely by Brave Shield, which can be frustrating for some users. Nonetheless, Brave is still a great option for those who prioritize privacy and want to earn rewards for doing so.
4. Tor Browser
If you are someone who is paranoid about online privacy, Tor may be a browser worth considering. Built based on Firefox, it doesn’t make it worse than other browsers on this list. However, the use of Tor may be slightly different from other browsers on this list.
Tor is a browser designed for users who know what they want, such as extreme levels of privacy. Tor itself uses the Tor layer network which can make browsing experience slower. Therefore, users are advised to use a VPN for added security, of course.
Tor is often used by journalists, activists, and whistleblowers who require high levels of anonymity and security online. The browser routes internet traffic through a series of servers to hide a user’s IP address and location, making it difficult to trace their online activity. However, due to its design and focus on privacy, Tor may not be the best choice for casual users or for those looking for faster browsing speeds.
5. Safari
You may be familiar with this browser as an Apple product. Indeed, Apple users certainly cannot be unfamiliar with this browser. However, if you think you want to try something else because you believe there is something better than the iPhone’s default browser, for example, you might want to think twice.
The Apple ecosystem is very tight, and this is also carried over to their own browser. Apple intentionally designed the Safari experience to be as comfortable as possible on their own products, so third-party browsers may not look as appealing on smartphones. So, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to Safari.
However, it’s a different story if you’re an Android or Windows user – you should avoid this browser. Poor optimization also makes the experience of using this Apple-branded browser not as smooth as when using a Mac or iPhone, for example. So if you don’t intend to switch ecosystems, it’s best to look for other alternatives.
6. Mozilla Firefox
Firefox may not be as popular as it used to be before Google dominated the browser market. However, it is still a good browser. After all other browsers switched to Chromium, Firefox remains the only one that still uses its own source.
In terms of features, there is no doubt that Firefox is a good browser, especially when it comes to privacy. It has been promoting privacy in browsing which has become increasingly important to users. So, if you’re tired of using Chromium-based browsers in the market, it’s worth giving Firefox a try.
Firefox is a good choice for those who value privacy and freedom in browsing. Its open-source approach and commitment to privacy make it stand out from other popular browsers. While it may not be the most widely used browser, it remains a solid option for those who want to break away from the Google-dominated browser market.
7. Opera GX
Although it initially sounded like a gimmick by positioning itself as a gaming browser, the features offered by this browser are actually quite significant. The gamer-like interface is not just about aesthetics.
There are many features such as pop-up windows when watching YouTube videos and resource usage limitations such as CPU and RAM when browsing that can be said to be more than just talk. You can still allocate your computer’s computational power while gaming without being consumed by the browser. So it can be said that the gaming gimmick is not just a gimmick.
These are the 7 browsers that you can try in addition to Google Chrome for 2023.
