Internet Browsers. What's the Difference?

Web browsers are programs which you can find on every computer, tablet, or smartphone. Your browser is a door to the world of the internet. You can't use any of the other web tools without it. Even now, when you are reading this article, you use an internet browser. That's why it is essential to find the fastest and the safest program for you to conduct your internet activity as comfortably as possible. Previously there were just a few options for you to reach websites. Fortunately, now you have a variety of programs to choose the most convenient one for you and suitable for your device. In this article, we analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular browsers out there.

Google Chrome – for Google lovers.

This browser is always on the top of the charts. It's a choice of 67% of internet users in the world. Google Chrome is universal as it works on almost every platform. It's available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Linux.

Benefits:

• It has extensions for your favorite applications. For example, you can embed the spellchecker or Adblocker.

• It's the best adaptive variant for working with Google services (Google Disk, Google Documents, etc.). It works perfectly with these applications, both in computer and mobile versions.

• Google Chrome easily syncs your browser story, bookmarks, passwords, and settings on all of your devices when you log in to your Google account.

Disadvantages:

• It doesn't support such useful features as a built-in VPN, cryptocurrency locker, and reading mode.

• Google Chrome has some privacy issues. In March 2021 a massive scandal erupted because of the huge leak of users' data collected by Chrome. Before googling something like "do my math homework for me" in this browser, you should be prepared for banners with tutors' ads. To avoid context advertisements, be sure to use Incognito mode.

Mozilla Firefox – for those who like to do things their way

This web browser can be an excellent alternative. Mozilla Firefox also supports most platforms and offers more in terms of customizing your settings.

Benefits:

• It works very fast, so it won't freeze up when you open too many tabs.

• It has solid regulations on online privacy.

• Firefox contains a lot of useful extensions. For instance, you can log in to the same website from different tabs without opening the private window. It could be beneficial for SMM (can you say what this is… Social Media Marketing?) managers and content writers.

• Mozilla has a friendly interface. The browser syncs with all of your devices if needed.

Disadvantages:

• Mozilla doesn’t have a user-friendly updating mechanism. You can't use the internet during the installation of the updates.

• You can't disable images to save your traffic, as you can do in Chrome or Opera.

Opera is for those who need VPN settings.

Opera is another one of the pioneers in this field. Nowadays, only 2.7% of internet users choose it for surfing the web. Even though its code is based on Chrome, it has different exciting features and advantages. Opera supports all the existing platforms.

Benefits:

• It has a built-in VPN that can allow you to open sites in a full incognito mode and open websites which are not available in your country.

• Opera also proposes a built-in ad blocker and crypto-mining protection.

• This browser has a very convenient interface and fast performance.

Disadvantages:

• It offers very few extensions. However, it supports the extensions of Google Chrome.

• Opera requires a perfect internet connection and doesn't work correctly when you have poor internet connectivity.

Apple Safari is only for Mac users.

Safari was designed specifically for Apple devices. That's why you can't use it unless you have macOS or iOS.

Benefits:

• Safari has an excellent and user-friendly interface.

• It's the best existing browser for Apple devices designed to save your MacBook's or iPhone's battery.

• This browser was the first to integrate a Reading mode feature that allows you to read the articles without being distracted by ads or videos.

Disadvantages:

• You can't use it if you don't have Mac products or an emulator.

Microsoft Edge is a browser for minimalists.

If Safari was designed for Mac users, Microsoft Edge is Microsoft's brainchild. It's a default browser for Windows, which is based on Chrome's code. Unlike its well-known predecessor Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge can be used not only 'to install a normal browser'. (not sure what this means?)

Benefits:

• The most noticeable advantage of this program is a minimum battery drain. The browser doesn't use much disk memory, which allows it to perform better. • Microsoft Edge has a handy feature. Every article on the internet can become an audiobook because of Immersive Reader mode. It reads the web pages aloud with lifelike voices.

• It has an excellent privacy level.

Disadvantages:

• It has few extensions. However, as it was in the case of Opera, you can install any Google Chrome Plugin.

Summary

Many people hate change. They struggle with a new browser only because they are used to the one they had. But internet technologies develop every day, so give something new a chance. Try a new program for your everyday internet searching, test a new web extension and you might be shocked how easier your life will be.

About the Author:

Vivienne Bell has been a passionate writer for her entire life. Upon graduating from MIT's Department of Linguistics and Philosophy she has found her path as a writer and editor at essay writing service EssayPro. Helping others with her writing has been her life-long dream.