Is your web browser slowing you down? Find out which browsers are best and why

Robin Layton
RL
Robin Layton

Sep 18, 2024 — 4 min read

What’s the deal with all these web browsers? Here’s the full breakdown on web browsers, how they work, what they do and which one is best for you.

Most people have heard of Safari, Chrome or Firefox. But have you ever received the message “this version of Safari is no longer supported?” And what happened to Netscape? 

The truth is web browsers come and go, with new versions of existing browsers typically released once a year. There are pros and cons for each web browser, and the one that will work best for you can depend on several factors, such as your internet speed, privacy and security needs and operating system.

Here’s the breakdown on web browsers made simple. We’ve included all the details you ever wondered about browsing the web, plus answers to commonly asked web browser questions. 

What is a web browser?

Which web browser is the best?

Web browser security

Web browser types

Browser frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a web browser?

A web browser is software used to access the internet. You can access the internet without a web browser, but it requires use of text-based commands, i.e., computer code. This code is how all early internet users had to navigate the web, until the first web browser, called WorldWideWeb, was created in 1990. 

It’s safe to say that web browsers were pivotal in launching the internet into widespread use. Web browsers are often confused with search engines, especially since many current search engines, like Google or Bing, allow you to type directly into the address bar to perform a search. So, what sets the two apart?

Difference between a web browser and a search engine

Web browser

  • Installed or downloaded onto your device
  • Lets you access websites
  • Examples are Chrome and Safari

Search Engine

  • Lives online
  • Lets you search for websites or information
  • Examples are Google and Bing

Which web browser is the best?

Trends in popular web browsers have changed drastically over the past two decades. As long as customers demand more secure and faster software, we will continue to see changes in the web browsing arena. 

  • Best overall

    If popularity is an indicator of the best product, then Google Chrome wins by a landslide. Over the last decade, Chrome has become the world’s most used browser due to its compatibility, speed and security features.

  • Best for privacy

    The Brave web browser blocks tracking software, so it’s the browser to use if you are concerned about privacy and targeted ads.  

  • Best for speed

    Multiple browsers claim to be the fastest, so it can be difficult to find unbiased data on which one truly leads the pack. Outside factors can also influence the speed of a browser, such as the device you use and if you employ pop-up blockers. Generally, Safari, Opera and lesser-known Vivaldi are all highly rated in terms of speed. 

Best for a PC 

If you’re running a PC with Windows 10, Microsoft Edge is a great choice. While Microsoft’s long-running Internet Explorer browser was quietly retired in January 2020, Edge has since replaced it. Edge boasts faster and safer technology, including its proprietary anti-phishing technology called SmartScreen.

Best for Mac

Safari is the most popular web browser for Mac users. Not only does it come built-in with Mac devices, but Safari also releases multiple updates yearly, leading to a more secure browsing experience. 

Web browser security

Computer, internet and Wi-Fi security is increasingly important as we spend more time and put more personal information online. Having the right web browser can help decrease security risks for your home network. Here’s three main browser concerns and what to do about them:

  • Is my web browser collecting personal data?

    Yes. Your browser history is just one of the ways Google and other big companies track and collect information about you. Businesses do this so they can put together a virtual profile of each of their customers and serve targeted advertisements. 

  • Can I get my web browser to stop showing me targeted ads?

    Yes. You can stop getting targeted ads on Google and Facebook by changing a few settings in your accounts. Clearing your browser history is another way to avoid ads and help your browser work faster.

  • How often do I need to update my web browser?

    Set yourself a reminder to update your web browser every six months. Why is this necessary? Browser companies will periodically release updates to fix security issues and known bugs. By keeping the most up-to-date version of your browser software, you can ensure that you have the newest security features.

Web browser types

Some web browsers are for a particular niche of people, such as engineers or developers. Some web browsers are popular in other countries but unrecognizable in the U.S. How many of these have you heard of?

  • ✅ Chrome
  • ✅ Konqueror
  • ✅ Lynx
  • ✅ Firefox
  • ✅ Safari
  • ✅ Edge
  • ✅ Opera
  • ✅ Brave
  • ✅ Vivaldi

Web browser FAQs

How does a web browser earn money?

Since most web browsers are free to use, they generate income through a combination of search royalties, mobile browser services and revenue from data tracking for targeted ads.

Again, open a window with the browser you want to check. Go to Help (top-right or top-left corner for most browsers) and you should see About browser name.

Open a window with the browser you want to check. Go to Settings (top-right or top-left corner for most browsers) and make sure it says your system is up to date. Some browsers will automatically update on your cellphone or computer, but some require you to restart your device in order for updates to install.

The answer to this question depends on what you need out of your browser and what features are most important to you. Figuring out whether that’s security, speed or ad-free browsing is the first step to identifying the browser that is best for you.

Robin Layton

Written by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

Robin Layton is an editor for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. She built her internet industry expertise writing and editing on the site since January 2020, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com… Read more

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