Choosing an Internet browser can be overwhelming. There are constant technology breakthroughs and advocates of different browsers pulling consumers in all different directions. Below is a list of the top five most common web browsers with a summary of each. All browsers have their good and bad qualities. It’s just about finding what is right for you and your device.
Over the past five years, Chrome’s user base has expanded drastically by impressing users with high performance and handy features. For example, it has the best JavaScript performance, which supports websites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. To increase speed, Chrome begins loading pages directly after a URL is entered and before the user presses enter. Because it was created by Google, Chrome can use Google Translate to give a rough translation of websites in foreign languages.
Systems Chrome performs well on: Windows XP, netbooks
Other features: Good HTML 5 performance, good application performance, security sandboxing,URL domain highlighting, minimalist design, private browsing
Cons: No integrated RSS reader, limited add-ons, some pages won’t load right
This old web browser still has a lot to offer in terms of security. Users can block individual sites from cataloguing their browser habits, subscribe to lists to block sites with a history of tracking viewers after they leave the site, use the Application Reputation App to scan downloads and benefit from cross-site scripting protection. Cross-site scripting protection scans websites for malicious code and stops scripts before damage is done to the computer.
Other features: Parental controls, telephone support
Cons: Poor JavaScript performance, no in-browser spell check
Of the five most common web browsers, Firefox has the largest library of add-ons. Users can change the appearance of their browser by applying themes and personas or modify the way Firefox works on their computer by adding extensions and plugins. For web users wanting to personalize their online experience, Firefox is the best web browsing option. Firefox is also beneficial for users with small computer displays, because the toolbar has a minimalistic design which allows more room for viewing web pages.
Systems Firefox performs well on: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Mac OS X Lion
Other features: Good HTML 5 performance, private browsing, parental controls, plug-in checker, excellent support
Cons: High memory usage
Apple created Safari to run efficiently on its products, but this web browser performs poorly on other devices. If browsing from an iPad, Safari won’t redirect you to the home page for no reason as other browsers tend to do. Safari also works well with iCloud to sync browser settings on your iPad, iPhone or other Apple device.
Other features: Private browsing, pop-up filter, sandboxing on Max OS X Lion
Cons: Bad HTML 5 performance, bad JavaScript performance
Opera is a speed demon. It offers fast browsing for some of the slowest devices, including mobiles and old computers. Opera Turbo is a feature that compresses web pages so users with slow connections can flawlessly browse the web, and others with imposed broadband caps can limit their usage.
Systems Opera performs well on: Android
Other features: Private browsing, website fraud scanner, control over what cookies you accept, voice interaction, URL domain highlighting, few virus vulnerabilities
Cons: Bad HTML 5 performance, limited security options, limited add-ons
To find out what browser works best on your device, check out Peacekeeper. This online tool scores each browser you put through its diagnostic. After you have used it in multiple browsers, you can compare the scores. The browser with the highest score is the one that will give you the fastest, most flawless browsing experience on your device.