Most Linux distributions have Firefox installed by default, the Web navigator from the Mozilla Foundation. The most used in the world is Chrome, from Google, and it is for several reasons. First, because it is very well known. Second, because many Android phones use it by default. But although its engine is almost the only option, there are alternatives, and each one exists for a type of user. Which web browser is right for me?
This article is opinion. It will explain which browser is the best, making it clear from the beginning that the best is what best suits our needs. A browser for a user who prioritizes privacy is not the same as one that depends on Google services, nor is one for Windows.
best web browser
For Linux users
On a blog like Linux Adictos, we couldn't stop talking about this. What is the best web browser for Linux users? Actually, I wouldn't say any in particular, since most web browser developers make them cross-platform. Yes I would say that there is one to rule out, just like in Windows. It would be Safari, which is only available for iOS/iPadOS and macOS. For everything else, it will depend on the use that each one makes, and also if it is used on other devices that do not use the Linux operating system.
For Windows users
As I explained at the beginning of this article, it's partly opinionated, and I think it's best for Windows users to use Microsoft Edge. Since it uses the Chromium engine, the same one that Chrome uses, it is the one that best integrates with the operating system. Although it has its own extension store, it is compatible with those of Chrome, so basically we will be using a more optimized version of Chrome offered by Google.
As if that were not enough, Microsoft is doing a good job, and its browser offers its own functions while improving things for Google to add to Chromium. Sign in with Microsoft account, and the data is synced.
For Apple users
I am not very clear that Safari may be the best option for macOS users, but it is the one that best integrates with the operating system. When I have used a Mac, I have gotten used to using Safari, and it is the best option if other devices such as an iPhone or iPad are used in addition to a Mac. Basically because of what they call the “ecosystem”.
For those who like Google
For those who use Google services a lot, the best option is your own Chrome. It is synchronized with the same Google account, and it does so with the version for mobiles and tablets if these devices are available. Of course, this option is the one that spies on us the most, and if they decide to continue with flock or something like that, you can't turn it off.
For those who want privacy and not join the monopoly
Firefox it is, along with Safari, the only real alternative if you don't want to contribute to the Chromium monopoly. In addition, it is the one who a priori looks out for the privacy of its users the most, blocking all kinds of trackers and fingerprintings. It's also a great option for demanding users, as long as they don't want to squeeze the most out of the browser. For that, we will put the best option later.
For those who want to use Chrome without the shadow of Google
There is a browser that is practically Chrome, but from which everything related to Google is removed and with extra layers of security. That browser is Brave, and its interface is practically the same as that of Chrome. It has its own ad blocker, and it's open source, so everything they do is totally transparent. It can be synchronized with Brave Sync.
For those who want special functions
For demanding users, the best option is Vivaldi. A pretty young browser, but it's packed with features and fully customizable. I have to say that it seems a bit heavier than other Chromium-based options like Brave, but its side panel, being able to split the screen in two, the stack of tabs... The project is led by the ex-CEO of Opera, and it's 96% open source. It can be synchronized with an account www.vivaldi.net.
For those who want something different with integrated VPN
Also based on Chromium, Opera It is an option with a design not as traced to Chrome as that of Brave. It also has its main screen with shortcuts, and a side panel like Vivaldi's, although a little less good. If it stands out for something and is mentioned a lot, it is because it has its own VPN. But be careful, it has always been said that free VPNs are not safe. It can help us to bypass some blockage, but not to depend on it.
Your proposals?
I am perfectly aware that the browsers exposed here are the most popular, but also that there are users who, for example, may be using Chrome when it would be better for them to use Edge or Brave. I also know that there are browsers like GNOME Web (Epiphany), which can be useful if you are looking for something light without many options, or Free wolf, which is a Firefox-based browser with a further privacy twist. For this reason we would like to know: what do you consider to be the best web browser?
Me personally when I only need to search for information, without images, videos, etc. I usually use elinks from the terminal, fast, efficient and you get rid of ads, javascripts, etc. just the hard information. In addition, since it works through a terminal, it allows me to use it without having to lift my hands from the keyboard, which gives me more efficiency when it comes to continuing working. For the rest I used firefox until recently (3-4 months) I tried brave and stuck with it.
By far I use Firefox as the first browser, whatever the system (win or linux)
As a second I am using on linux, Falkon which works fine and light.
And if by chance I use another, it would be the Microsoft Edge and be very careful because of the telemetry that it sends to the servers.
I never liked Opera, it gave me errors on sites that would normally open fine with Firefox.
regards
Well, for Linux I use Firefox (I've been using it for many years, and with the appropriate extensions it's great), for Windows I use Edge (although I rarely use Windows, practically only at work), and on mobile I use Vivaldi.