Many of us begin our day by entering “Today weather” into the browser, and it tells us everything about the weather, from temperature, humidity, and chances of rain. Browsers help us find answers to our simple or complicated queries; you get answers to everything you ask! With advancing queries and rising security concerns, you need to pick the best browser to use in 2023.
This article tells you everything about the best browsers including their pros, cons, operating systems, and much more.
A Brief History of Browsers
Before we tell you the top browsers to use in 2023, why not share a brief history and how they have evolved over the years? Jump to Best Web Browsers if you are eager to know them all!
W3C Director Tim Berners-Lee created the first ever browser WorldWideWeb in 1990, later renamed Nexus. After Nexus, Lynx made its way as a text-based browser, followed by Mosaic in 1993, which allowed images embedded in the text. Until now, there was no major advancement in browsers, and Microsoft was developing and testing its browser.
In 1995 Microsoft launched Internet Explorer, and Opera went public in 1996, followed by Apple’s Safari in 2003. Other browsers released in the next ten years include Mozilla, Mobile Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera Mini, and Microsoft Edge. All these had features better than the previous one, allowing easy navigation and improved security. Yet, some browsers were also revamped and relaunched, leading to an increase in popularity than the past.
Best Browsers 2023
Choosing the best browsers to use in 2023 from so many options can be confusing. Apple users rely on Safari majorly, while most Android users prefer Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. A few new browsers have also made their way to the top few. Now, you can also pick from more efficient options that provide better safety from cyberattacks by allowing anonymous browsing.
|
Browser |
Top Feature |
Operating Systems |
Layout Engine |
|
High speed |
Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux |
V8, JavaScript, and Blink/ WebKit |
|
|
Best for iOS and macOS |
iOS, iPadOS, and macOS |
WebKit |
|
|
Easy setup |
macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux |
EdgeHTML |
|
|
Better privacy |
Windows 7 and later versions, macOS, and Linux |
Quantum, Gecko, and Spider monkey |
|
|
Anonymous browsing |
Windows, Chromebook, Android, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Linux |
Blink and V8/ WebKit |
Google Chrome: The Fastest Browser
Google Chrome is one of the top favorites among internet users because of how convenient and customizable it is.
Google launched Google Chrome in 2008; since then, it has become the most popular choice among internet users. It is also the best browser for android phones. Chrome is incredibly easy to install and offers a vast collection of extensions to personalize your browser as much as you want. Moreover, it has quick loading times, themes, and bookmarks. Google Chrome offers a minimalist user interface providing easy usage without many buttons.
Multiple users can use one browser by creating unique profiles with their own history, settings, and favorites. The best part is the ability to synchronize the data when you sign into your account on another device; even the active extensions stay synchronized.
Chrome provides a secure protocol against unsecured websites using the HTTPS protocol with features such as password manager, phishing protection, and sandboxing. It furthermore allows WebXR API for VR and AR.
Use the browser in dark mode to make browsing easier at night without stressing your eyes.
Operating Systems: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux
Layout Engine: V8, JavaScript, and Blink (WebKit on iOS)
Pros:
- Speedy
- Easy synchronization
- Regular updates
- High extensions compatibility
Cons:
- Resource hungry
- Data traction and leak risks
Note: Always install a trust-worthy anti-virus when using Google Chrome to avoid data leaks and tracking.
Apple Safari: Best for iOS and macOS
Safari is the second most popular internet browser in 2023 after Google Chrome. Most iPhone and Mac users prefer Apple’s inbuilt browser, Safari.
Besides the ease of use and convenient integration with Apple devices, Safari offers better data protection through Intelligent Tracking Prevention. It provides a simple privacy report with details about the websites that track you to help you protect your data.
Safari has improved notably in the past years. It supports 18 languages and prevents harmful codes from destroying your data. It also pushes HTTP sites to give HTTPS data.
This browser does not offer as many features and customization options as Google Chrome and might not be the best choice if you want multiple user profiles. You can find basic features like a password manager, tabs, top sites, spell check, etc. The App Web Store has some add-ons and applications to personalize the browser to some extent.
Apple Safari became a popular choice among users, specifically when Apple launched the Reading mode in 2010; it allowed people to read web articles easily without ads, videos, and images on the page. Safari also supports 4K HDR playback properly, so you can enjoy good-quality media.
It is the best choice for Apple users due to its additional benefits: you do not need Gmail to sign in, transition easily between Mac platforms, and Apple Pay support.
Operating Systems: iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Layout Engine: WebKit
Pros:
- Fast
- Built-in iPhone, iPad, and Mac browser
- Easy transition between platforms
- Quick update cycle
- Intelligent tracking prevention for improved security
Cons:
- Incompatible with Windows
- Limited extension library
Click to download Apple Safari.
Microsoft Edge: Easiest to Use and Set Up
You might be in for a surprise if you did not know that Microsoft Edge is the advanced Internet Explorer.
Microsoft introduced Internet Explorer in 1995, which became the most popular browser of that time. All computers had Internet Explorer around the world. Chrome and Mozilla surpassed in speed and Internet Explorer became outdated. However, Microsoft replaced Internet Explorer with Edge in 2015, followed by a more updated version in 2020.
Microsoft Edge is hundreds of times faster than Internet Explorer, making it one of the best browsers to use in 2023. It gets frequent upgrades and does not consume many resources. It allows you to browse in 81 languages.
This browser was relaunched in 2020 with a Chromium engine, giving it similar features and a look like Chrome. You can save and organize pages in the “Collections” tab and use the reading mode and annotation tool to help with research.
Like Chrome and Safari, Microsoft Edge also offers extensions but Microsoft Store does not have filters; you have to scroll through three pages to find the extension you are looking for.
Edge makes an extra effort to prevent malware attacks and phishing attempts to protect your data using Sandbox. Choose from Basic, Balanced, or Strict privacy settings according to your preference and requirement.
The best part about this browser is its compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, including MacOS and Windows 11. Thus, you can easily sync passwords, history, and favorites across platforms.
Yet, Microsoft Edge is still slower and less efficient than other top browsers. Despite improvements in recent years, Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox are preferred among users; it is suitable for people who do not need a high level of customization.
Bonus: Edge’s Read Aloud feature facilitates blind people to work better.
Operating Systems: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux in process
Layout Engine: EdgeHTML
Pros:
- Easy to use and set up
- Productivity tools
- Read Aloud feature
- Collections folder
- 81 languages
Cons:
- Touch-screen focused
- Haphazard extensions library
- Fails to load heavy media pages
Mozilla Firefox: High Performance & Privacy
While Chrome has emerged as the most popular browser in the past few years, Mozilla Firefox offers incredible privacy.
Firefox surpasses Google in customization, privacy, and image scaling, becoming a popular addition to the best web browser list. This browser has minimal visible tools with a simple and slick user interface. It is the best browser without a Chromium browser engine.
Firefox removes malware entering the system to avoid data and privacy risks. It restricts harmful activity by blocking social media trackers, fingerprinting, and offering a password manager. It also has a four-week update cycle to keep your browser up-to-date and protected. Furthermore, its password management service, Lockwise, ensures added protection. Choose from Standard, Strict, or Custom content blocking and stop tracking using this browser’s Do Not Track feature.
While the Firefox extension library is not as extensive and compatible as Chrome, some extensions, like Multi-account Containers, are worth a mention; it allows you multiple logins to the same website on multiple tabs. You can organize your tabs in groups to minimize clutter on your screen and send a tab from one device to another linked with the same account. Alternatively, save the page for later using the Pocket button. Firefox recently introduced the View feature and PDF editing option.
Operating Systems: Windows 7 and later versions, macOS, and Linux
Layout Engine: Quantum, Gecko, and Spider monkey
Pros:
- Advanced tab management
- Customization options
- High protection against tracking
Cons:
- Slightly slower
- No live support
Click here to download Mozilla Firefox.
Brave: Anonymous Browsing
The next on the best browser to use in 2023 list is a new, Gen-Z browser, Brave.
Brave Software Inc. launched the open-source chromium-based browser Brave in 2016; it offers anonymous browsing.
This browser has a built-in ad blocker, script blockers, fingerprint prevention, IPFS integration, and trackers that help protect your personal data. The interface is minimalistic and simple, with customization options. Compared to other browsers, it is more efficient regarding user experience and privacy.
Users can install most extensions and add-ons from the Chrome Web Store. Brave rewards its active users with cryptocurrency on redeeming their points.
You can bypass geographical restrictions without a VPN and browse the internet anonymously using the built-in private Tor mode. It also lets you access important extensions and bookmarks from your previous browser using the Interplanetary File System. Features like Unlinkable Bouncing and Off the Record protect people from losing their data from websites and help people who want to hide their browsing data.
While this model gained popularity among users, some people did not like the idea of removing ads. But what’s better than getting paid in crypto for browsing anyway? Most users love it!
Brave lacks one feature: syncing passwords and bookmarks. You cannot log in from another device even if you have the same account on both browsers. However, the developing team is working to bring this feature to the users.
Operating Systems: Windows, Chromebook, Android, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Linux
Layout Engine: Blink and V8 (WebKit on iOS)
Pros:
- Anonymous browsing
- No ads
- Advanced security
Cons:
- Unclear reward program
- Does not sync passwords
Other Best Browsers in 2023
While we have mentioned the best web browsers, you can explore numerous other options. These browsers offer a seamless, simple user interface with fast loading speeds to improve your browsing experience. Here are a few more browsers you can try to see which one suits your needs the best:
Opera: Built-in free VPN
Vivaldi: Custom keyboard shortcuts and tab management
Tor: Anonymous browsing
UC Browser: Fast video downloads
Mullvad Browser: Private mode browsing
Avast Secure Browser: Multiple data protection tools
DuckDuckGo: Private browser for mobile
So, which is the Best Browser to Use in 2023?
The question is complicated and tough, considering so many options. And the answer is, “What suits you the best.”
If you are looking for fast browsing and customization options, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are among the best; Microsoft Edge is a better choice for users who want a simple, straightforward user interface, whereas Apple Safari is best-suited for Apple users for easy transition between platforms. At the same time, Brave, Tor, and Mullvad offer anonymous browsing, while Opera has a built-in VPN; thus it all comes down to your needs.
There is no “one model fits all” when choosing the best browser to use in 2023.
Shortlist one or two that suit your needs the best, and ultimately choose the right one.
FAQs
Which browser is the fastest 2023?
Google Chrome is the fastest browser in 2023, according to speed tests. However, brave also offers exceptional speed by blocking ads, and iOS users will agree that Apple Safari has a fast leading speed.
What is the #1 best browser?
Recent statistics show that Google Chrome is the number one browser choice among users in 2023, followed by Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.
Which is safest browser?
Mozilla Firefox and Opera offer high security against phishing attempts and data theft. The new-gen browser Brave, also provides a secure browsing experience through ad and script blockers.