The web browser has become an indispensable tool for accessing information, entertainment, and productivity on a daily basis. With an array of browsers available, choosing the right one for your needs can significantly impact your online experience.
Today, we dive into five of the most popular and powerful contenders: Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. Whether you’re looking for speed, privacy, customization, or seamless integration with other services, each browser brings its own set of strengths to the table.
But how do they truly stack up against one another? Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- Brave Browser offers built-in ad and tracker blocking, while Safari and Firefox require extensions for similar functionality.
- Safari Browser is known for its seamless integration with Apple devices and strong privacy features, but lacks cross-platform support.
- Firefox Browser is highly customizable with a wide range of extensions and add-ons, but can be resource-intensive compared to other browsers.
- New web browsers like Vivaldi and Microsoft Edge are gaining popularity for their unique features and improved performance.
- New web browsers are focusing on user privacy, customization, and improved performance to differentiate themselves from established browsers.
- Modern browsers are prioritizing security and privacy features such as HTTPS encryption, tracking protection, and sandboxing to protect user data.
- The future of web browsing is expected to include more AI-driven features, improved VR and AR integration, and enhanced privacy controls for users.
How Safari Browser Compares
Safari is the default browser for Apple devices and is known for its sleek design and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. One of the key advantages of Safari is its performance on Apple devices, as it is optimized to take full advantage of the hardware and software features of Macs, iPhones, and iPads. This results in smooth and efficient browsing, especially on Apple devices. Additionally, Safari has strong privacy features, such as Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which blocks cross-site tracking and protects user data from being exploited by advertisers.
Safari also offers a feature called Safari Reader, which provides a distraction-free reading experience by removing ads and other clutter from web pages. This can be especially useful for users who want to focus on the content without being bombarded by ads.
Another unique feature of Safari is its iCloud Tabs, which allows users to seamlessly access their open tabs across all their Apple devices. This level of integration is a major selling point for users who are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. While Safari may not have the same level of customization and extension support as other browsers, its performance on Apple devices and strong privacy features make it a compelling choice for Apple users.
How Firefox Browser Compares
Firefox has long been known for its commitment to privacy and customization, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize these features. One of the key advantages of Firefox is its extensive library of extensions and themes, which allow users to customize their browsing experience to a high degree. This level of customization sets Firefox apart from other browsers and makes it a favorite among power users who want to tailor their browser to their specific needs.
In terms of privacy, Firefox has features such as Enhanced Tracking Protection, which blocks third-party tracking cookies by default. Additionally, Firefox offers a feature called Facebook Container, which isolates Facebook activity from the rest of the web to prevent tracking across sites. These privacy features make Firefox an attractive option for users who are concerned about online tracking and data collection.
Another standout feature of Firefox is its commitment to open source software and user privacy. The browser is developed by Mozilla, a non-profit organization that advocates for an open and accessible internet. This commitment to user privacy and open source software makes Firefox a compelling choice for users who want to support these values while browsing the web.
Firefox Privacy Settings
At the heart of Firefox’s ‘Privacy & Security’ settings is its excellent Enhanced Tracking Protection, which is more reliable and customizable than other browsers’ equivalent features. Even the default Standard mode protects you against most hidden trackers and fingerprinting, and earlier this year it added Total Cookie Protection.
Previously limited to Strict mode, this isolates website cookies so they can’t follow you to other sites and track your activity. You can block more trackers and cookies by switching to Strict or Custom mode, but Standard is less likely to stop sites from displaying content properly.
Other useful privacy options include Cookie Banner Reduction, which rejects and closes cookie-consent requests on “supported sites”, and an Enable secure DNS setting that tells Firefox to only use secure DNS servers.
Best for Tracking Protection: Firefox
www.snipca.com/47658
What we like:
Unlike Brave and Tor Browser, Firefox isn’t promoted as a private browser, but it’s much more trustworthy than Chrome and Edge. Mozilla is constantly refining and improving the browser’s protection against online tracking, and—because it’s a non-profit organization—it doesn’t try to earn advertising revenue from your browsing data like Google and Microsoft. Additionally, by using its own Gecko browser engine, Firefox isn’t affected by vulnerabilities in Chromium code (though it’s not immune to security flaws).
At the heart of Firefox’s Privacy & Security settings is its excellent Enhanced Tracking Protection, which is more reliable and customizable than other browsers’ equivalent features. Even the default Standard mode (seen in our screenshot below) protects you against most hidden trackers and fingerprinting. Earlier this year, it added Total Cookie Protection.
Best for using with a VPN: Mullvad Browser
[Link: www.snipca.com/47660]
What we like:
Launched earlier this year, Mullvad Browser is a collaboration between Mullvad VPN and the Tor Project. It offers the security of Tor Browser while maintaining usability and privacy.
What we don’t like
Unlike Brave and DuckDuckGo, Firefox doesn’t have a built-in ad blocker. Its Strict mode blocks some ads, but leaves big gaps where they should be, so you’re better off installing uBlock Origin.
More annoying is that Mozilla now shows its own ads—called ‘sponsored shortcuts’—in Firefox to support the development of the browser. These appear on your New Tab page, along with suggested stories from Pocket. To remove them, go to Settings, then Home, and untick the ‘Sponsored shortcuts’ and ‘Recommended by Pocket’ options.
You can also stop Firefox from sharing diagnostic data with Mozilla, which may include your IP address. On the Privacy & Security tab, scroll down to the ‘Firefox Data Collection and Use’ section and untick all the options.
How Brave Browser Stacks Up
Best for All-Round Privacy: Brave
Brave.com
Brave browser is a relatively new player in the web browsing game, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its unique features and focus on privacy. One of the key differences with Brave is its built-in ad and tracker blocker, which aims to provide a faster and more secure browsing experience. This sets it apart from other browsers, as users don’t need to rely on third-party extensions to block ads and trackers. Additionally, Brave has a feature called Brave Rewards, which allows users to earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) by viewing privacy-respecting ads. This is a unique way for users to support their favorite content creators while maintaining their privacy.
Another standout feature of Brave is its emphasis on privacy. The browser automatically upgrades connections to HTTPS, blocks third-party cookies, and offers a private browsing mode with Tor integration for even more anonymity. These features make Brave an attractive option for users who are concerned about their online privacy. In terms of performance, Brave is built on the same Chromium engine as Google Chrome, so it offers similar speed and compatibility with Chrome extensions. Overall, Brave’s focus on privacy and its innovative rewards system make it a compelling choice for users who are looking for a more secure and ethical browsing experience.
What we like:
Although Brave is based on the same Chromium code as Chrome and Edge, it’s been built “from the ground up” with privacy in mind. This means that while you still have access to familiar browser features such as tabs, bookmarks, extensions, and a password manager, Brave will never track you or collect your private data, and it protects you against everything that does.
From the moment you install Brave, its powerful Shields system blocks “the creepy stuff that tries to track you across the web.” By default, Shields provides aggressive blocking of trackers and ads (as shown in the screenshot), cookies that follow you from one site to another, and fingerprinting, which identifies you from the device and software you’re using.
Brave also hides your IP address from sites you visit, so no one can see where you are.
Press Alt+Shift+N to open a private Tor window or click the menu button and choose “New private window with Tor.”
Brave now blocks cookie-consent pop-ups automatically, using its built-in content filters. Unlike other browsers, you don’t need to install an extension to block ads, trackers, and other online annoyances.
Best of all, Brave blocks ads in YouTube videos by default and has just been updated to keep up with the latest changes.
Data when you close a site’s tab(s)
Brave forgets the site, so it can’t identify you on your next visit. To activate the feature, click the Shields button, open Advanced controls, and switch on the option Forget me when I close this site. Remember to turn it off when you want to stay signed into a site.
Although you can use Forget by Default instead of Brave’s private-browsing mode, the latter goes much further than other browsers by letting you access the web through the Tor network. This not only conceals your browsing history, but also hides your IP address from sites you visit, so no one can see where you are. Press Alt+Shift+N to open a private Tor window, or click the menu button and choose New private window with Tor.
Brave now blocks cookie-consent pop-ups automatically, using its built-in content filters. Unlike other browsers, you don’t need to install an extension to block ads, trackers, and other online annoyances.
Optimise Brave’s Privacy Settings
Click the three-line menu button in the top-right corner of the browser and choose Settings, then Shields.
Here you can change Brave’s settings for blocking trackers and ads, cookies, scripts, and fingerprinting; automatically redirect tracking URLs, and always upgrade unencrypted connections to HTTPS.
Next, click Content filtering on the left of the page. This lets you edit filter lists to block more ads, trackers, and other annoyances—though enabling many may slow your browser. You can also add custom filter lists by clicking Add. Click Save when you’ve finished adding filters.
Finally, click Privacy and security on the left and select Security. Ensure Standard Protection is enabled for Safe Browsing to protect you from malicious sites, extensions, and scripts. Switch on Use secure DNS and select Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) as your DNS provider to prevent your ISP from spying on you.
The negatives of Brave browser are very slim to none. In my opinion.
If I was nit picking I would say that there are some unrequited features like the Brave wallet which really is just a third party crypto wallet and ones Ive never really heard of and Im in the crypto space daily.
How Chrome Browser Compares
Chrome previously collected your data in a similar way, but recently introduced a new targeted-ads system that works differently. Rather than use cookies to track you across the web and build a profile of your interests, it shows you personalised ads based on sites in your browsing history.
This is supposed to be more private than using cookies because it groups you with other users who share similar interests rather than assigning you a unique identifier, but it still means Google is prying into your internet activities.
- Ad Topics
Chrome’s new ‘Ads privacy’ system shows you ads based on your browsing history. This setting is off. - Site-suggested ads
Based on your activity on a site. This setting is off. - Ad measurement
Sites and advertisers can understand how ads perform. This setting is off.
Feature | Stop Using Browsers That Track You
Google intends to phase out cookies in Chrome by the end of 2024, in favour of its new “Ads privacy” system, so it’s unlikely to pay much more attention to them. **Google has backtracked on removing cookie based tracking in late 2024 until further notice.
Instead, it’s testing an experimental feature called “Tracking protection” in the browser’s Canary build (aimed at developers) — see www.snipca.com/47656. This is reportedly just a new name for the cookie-blocking option, rather than an improved feature, and privacy-conscious users may regard it as too little, too late.
Edge makes more effort with its own “Tracking prevention” feature, which can be set to Strict mode to block “a majority of trackers from all sites,” including “known harmful trackers.” But when you click the option to see a list of blocked trackers, you may discover that it hasn’t blocked very many.
They share diagnostic data about you
As well as collecting your personal data to target you with ads, Google and Microsoft use their browsers to gather diagnostic information to improve their products and services.
Even if you don’t use Chrome’s Sync feature, which saves your bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, and contact details to Google’s servers, the browser shares other data in the background. This includes “usage statistics and crash reports,” the details of URLs you visit — to “make searches and browsing better” — and search queries you type in the address bar. You can disable these options in the “You and Google” section of the browser’s settings (see screenshot below), but for privacy’s sake
How Microsoft Edge Browser Compares
Personalisation & Advertising
Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, favourites, web content, and other browsing data to personalise Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, shopping, and news.
Manage this data and additional advertising settings on the Microsoft privacy dashboard.
Security
Manage security settings for Microsoft Edge
Manage certificates (Manage HTTPS/SSL certificates and settings)
Intrusive Ads Settings
Ads are blocked on sites known to show intrusive or misleading ads.
Sites automatically follow this setting when you visit them.
You may have seen a pop-up message about “Enhanced ad privacy in Chrome” when you updated the browser and inadvertently activated the new system. Or you may be concerned that Google has enabled it without your knowledge, which means you’ll be targeted by both the old and new ad-tracking methods.
To check, click the three-dot menu button and choose Settings, then Privacy and security. Select Ads privacy and ensure all three options are switched off—at least until there’s more transparency about how the new system works.
The options are Ad topics (see screenshot below left), which displays personalised ads based on websites in your browsing history; Site-suggested ads, which lets sites show ads based on your activity on them; and Ad measurement, which allows sites and advertisers to monitor the performance of their ads, such as the time of day you see them.
Their built-in ad blockers are ineffective
Built in Ad blockers are rubbish. They make bold claims but do not back it up in this department. with Google Chrome being the worst that puts Microsoft Edge second last in terms of privacy against advertising. Because Google and Microsoft make so much money from personalised ads, their browsers’ built-in ad-blockers are notoriously ineffective and deliberately tucked away.
In Chrome, you need to go to Settings, then Privacy and security, and select Site settings, then Additional content settings. Scroll down to find the Intrusive ads option, which lets you block adverts on sites “known to show intrusive or misleading ads” — but not other ads.
In Edge, the same option is buried in the Cookies and site permissions section of the browser’s settings. You can boost its ad-blocking capabilities by going to Privacy, search and services and switching Tracking prevention to a higher level.
They provide poor tracking protection
Google and Microsoft claim that Chrome and Edge protect your privacy online by blocking third-party trackers that follow you around the web. But in truth, their built-in tracking protection falls far short of that offered by rival browsers, as we’ll explain later.
Chrome is particularly poor at dealing with trackers, perhaps because Google tools such as its Analytics service—which analyzes website traffic—depend on them. Currently, there’s a ‘Block third-party cookies’ option in the ‘Privacy and security’ section of the browser’s settings, but this is disabled by default.
A Quick Look at some of the advertised features of web browsers:
Personalisation & Advertising:
Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, favourites, web content, and other browsing data to personalise Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, shopping, and news.Security:
Manage security settings for Microsoft Edge (Manage certificates and HTTPS/SSL settings).Intrusive Ads Settings:
Ads are blocked on sites known to show intrusive or misleading ads.They provide poor tracking protection:
Google and Microsoft claim that Chrome and Edge protect your privacy online by blocking third-party trackers that follow you around the web. But in truth, their built-in tracking protection falls far short of that offered by rival browsers.Chrome is particularly poor at dealing with trackers, perhaps because Google tools such as its Analytics service depend on them. Currently, there’s a ‘Block third-party cookies’ option in the ‘Privacy and security’ section of the browser’s Settings, but this is disabled by default.- They suffer frequent security flaws
- All web browsers are susceptible to privacy and security flaws. So far this year, Google has rushed to address at least four serious ‘zero-day’ vulnerabilities in Chrome (software security flaws exploited by attackers before developers know about them). In August, it changed to a weekly schedule for security fixes. Although we commend its vigilance, perhaps Google should do a more thorough job of checking Chrome for bugs before it releases a new version.
- Edge has suffered its own security and privacy problems this year, with version 115 alone requiring 14 separate fixes (though this was still six fewer than Chrome 115).
- In April, it was discovered that the browser’s “Follow Creator” feature, which works like an RSS feed reader, was sending details of every site users visited in Edge to Microsoft’s Bing search engine. The issue has since been solved, but to be on the safe side, you should disable the option in Edge’s settings.
New Web Browsers to Look At
| Browser Name | Release Date | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Arc | January 20, 2021 | 1% |
| Vivaldi | April 6, 2016 | 0.3% |
| Opera | April 10, 1995 | 2.1% |
In addition to the well-established browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge, there are several new web browsers that are gaining attention in the market. One such browser is Vivaldi, which is known for its highly customizable interface and advanced tab management features. Vivaldi allows users to stack and tile tabs, take notes directly in the browser, and customize the browser’s appearance with various themes and color schemes.
Another new browser worth considering is Opera, which offers a built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and cryptocurrency wallet. Opera’s focus on privacy and security makes it an attractive option for users who are concerned about online tracking and data security.
Another newcomer in the web browsing scene is Arc browser using cryptographic foundations its positioned as the decentralised web browser. Arc is also rolling out email and storage features in an effort to compete with Google as the Web 3 version of Google. My initial testing of Arc suite is that its got the makings of something amazing. But for now it needs more work on its infrastructure and UI to get a place as my go to browser.
These new browsers provide users with alternative options that offer unique features and capabilities, catering to different preferences and needs.
What New Web Browsers Are Doing Different
New web browsers are differentiating themselves from established players by focusing on unique features such as enhanced privacy, customization options, and integrated tools. For example, Vivaldi’s emphasis on customization sets it apart from other browsers, as it allows users to tailor their browsing experience to their specific preferences with advanced tab management features and customizable interface options.
Opera’s built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and cryptocurrency wallet differentiate it by providing users with tools to enhance their privacy and security while browsing the web.
Microsoft Edge’s integration with Microsoft services and features such as Collections offer a different approach to web browsing by providing users with tools to organize and share web content more effectively. These new browsers are carving out their own niches in the market by offering unique features that cater to specific user needs and preferences.
By focusing on areas such as privacy, customization, and integrated tools, these new browsers are providing users with alternative options that offer different capabilities compared to established players.
Security and Privacy Features in Modern Browsers
Modern browsers are placing an increased emphasis on security and privacy features to protect users from online threats and data collection. Many browsers now offer built-in ad blockers and tracker blockers to prevent advertisers from tracking user activity across the web. Additionally, features such as Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox and Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari aim to block third-party tracking cookies by default to protect user privacy.
Another important aspect of modern browsers’ security features is HTTPS encryption, which ensures that data transmitted between the user’s device and websites is secure and cannot be intercepted by malicious actors. Many browsers now automatically upgrade connections to HTTPS whenever possible to provide users with a more secure browsing experience. In addition to these features, modern browsers also offer private browsing modes that do not store browsing history or cookies, providing users with a way to browse the web more anonymously.
They target you with personalised ads
Google and Microsoft use their browsers to collect data about your interests and online behavior, so they can target you with personalised adverts. These ads are then displayed on websites by the companies’ respective advertising networks, as well as in the Google and Bing search engines.
Microsoft admits in one of its support pages (www.snipca.com/47650) that “we’ll collect and use your browsing activity from within Microsoft Edge to personalise advertising, recommendations, and experiences.” The information it gathers includes details of websites you’ve visited and saved to your favourites, and how you use the browser — for example, the times of day you go online and the devices you browse on.
To limit this data collection, which is enabled by default, click the three-dot menu button in Edge’s top-right corner and choose Settings, then Privacy, search and services. Scroll down to Personalisation and advertising and switch off the option “Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity.”
Best Browser for Privacy
When it comes to safeguarding your online privacy, Brave leads the pack with its built-in ad-blocker, tracker blocking, and decentralized browsing features. Firefox also stands strong, offering customizable privacy controls and being fully open-source. Safari offers robust privacy protection with its Intelligent Tracking Prevention, especially for Apple users, while Chrome and Edge fall behind, focusing more on integration with their ecosystems rather than privacy-first approaches. Ultimately, Brave and Firefox are the top choices for privacy-conscious users in 2024.
Fastest Web Browsers 2024
Speed is a crucial factor in choosing a browser, and in 2024, Chrome continues to dominate with its unparalleled loading times and performance optimization, particularly for those in the Google ecosystem. Microsoft Edge, now built on Chromium, has also made significant improvements, offering smooth performance with less memory consumption than Chrome. Brave, being Chromium-based, shares similar speed but with fewer resources used due to its ad-blocking capabilities. Safari remains incredibly fast on Apple devices, optimized for macOS and iOS. Firefox, while slightly slower, offers stable performance with a balance between speed and customization.
The Future of Web Browsing: Trends and Innovations
The future of web browsing is likely to be shaped by trends such as increased focus on privacy and security, improved performance, and enhanced integration with other devices and services. As online threats continue to evolve, browsers will need to prioritize security features such as ad and tracker blockers, HTTPS encryption, and advanced anti-phishing measures to protect users from malicious activity.
I would also see a development where browsers become more personalised to their user. Brave is giving users wallets and VPNs, it has built in Brave Talk and a new tab screen that can be personalised a bit with most used bookmarks. But I would see this continue to develop and have productivity tools and widgets added to make the browser more useful.
Further development I suspect will also lead into web browser gaming and the smart home hub. If browsers integrate with other devices and services is likely to become more prevalent in the future. This could involve tighter integration with mobile devices, smart home devices, and other internet-connected technologies to provide users with a more seamless and interconnected browsing experience.
Overall, the future of web browsing is likely to be characterized by a continued focus on security and privacy, improved performance, and enhanced integration with other devices and services to provide users with a more seamless and secure browsing experience.
FAQs
What are internet web browsers?
Internet web browsers are software applications used to access and view websites on the internet. They interpret and display web content, allowing users to navigate the internet and interact with web pages.
What are some popular internet web browsers?
Some popular internet web browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera. These browsers are available for various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What features should I consider when comparing internet web browsers?
When comparing internet web browsers, it’s important to consider factors such as speed, security, privacy features, user interface, customization options, compatibility with web standards, and availability of extensions or add-ons.
How do internet web browsers differ from each other?
Internet web browsers differ from each other in terms of performance, user interface design, security features, privacy settings, compatibility with web technologies, and integration with other services such as cloud storage and password management.
Can I use multiple internet web browsers on my device?
Yes, you can use multiple internet web browsers on your device. Many users have more than one browser installed to take advantage of different features or to ensure compatibility with various websites and web applications.
Author
