Browsers are the most common software worldwide. In addition to monopolists from the Google company, other corporations are also competing for the championship, offering programs that are not inferior in quality and productivity.
Modern browsers can be found from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. Based on the review, we will present data from international agencies involved in software evaluation.
The following browsers will be considered:
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Tor
- Opera
- Vivaldi.
- Chrome
In the review program will be described from the last place in the ranking. To determine the best results, general parameters and characteristics were compared, as well as controls.
Modern browsers, their advantages and disadvantages attract many users, as this is one of the most common software. Therefore, when testing, only the main indicators were used, which will help to understand which type of program is more suitable for a particular user.
6. Microsoft Edge
Modern browsers are constantly changing and updating. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes developers simply take the source code of an old program and overlay new graphic elements on it.
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Cortana Integration.
- Web notes.
- Good performance.
Minuses:
- Sync is unfinished.
- It loads the system.
- Does not support older OS versions.
The days when Microsoft's best browsers were long gone. Despite the fact that Windows 10 is now installed on almost a quarter of computers around the world, only 5% of users prefer Edge to Windows 10 by default.
Modern browsers have a large set of functions, which cannot be said about this program. It is worth noting that before the new installation of Windows 10, the first thing that users usually do is download Edge and use it to install Chrome. This is a bit hasty, since Edge really has something to offer.
Microsoft Edge Shell
Modern browsers differ not only in functionality, but also in ergonomic design. One thing that can be annoying right away is the lack of a title bar for the Edge window. This means that if the user wants to drag the Edge window around his desktop, you need to use the empty section to the right of the tab bar, which is not always convenient.
You can install a modern Edge browser for platforms no older than Windows 8. By default, Bing is used in the search box. It is not immediately obvious how to do this. If the client has just started using Edge, he will not see a single search engine that can be changed, or a way to add his own. First you need to go to the home page of the search engine, which should be added. It will mysteriously appear in the Edge settings, marked as “discovered”.
Work with tabs and bookmarks
If you install a modern browser from this developer, you will notice a number of innovations. Edge tabs work awkwardly. There is no way to bookmark all open tabs and save them in the Bookmarks folder. The “New Tab” page opens instantly and is immediately ready for search, and there is no doubt when switching between open tabs.
It is also worth noting that Edge is not a modern browser for Windows XP, since it does not support legacy protocols. Despite the lack of the option to bookmark all open tabs, Edge works quite successfully with bookmarks. When you click on the star button, a drop-down menu opens with the ability to add a bookmark to one of your favorite folders or to a reading list. The reading list is similar to the Bookmarks folder, but contains a thumbnail and a brief description of the page, so you can see each entry.
Cortana and Web Notes
As you would expect, Microsoft aims to use Edge to switch the client to its other services (like Google) if its web pages are visited using Edge. Cortana offers some interesting information, but you can use Google or DuckDuckGo for searches.
Another feature that focuses on Microsoft is Web Notes. You can write across the entire web page, highlight fragments, take notes, and then send to other users. However, the recipient will not see the annotations on the web page in real time. Instead, the Share button is clicked, and customers receive only a screenshot of the annotated web page.
How convenient is the functionality
The program was not accidental in the list of modern browsers. Next to the Favorites button is the View Reading button. After the page is loaded, you can click on it to remove all ads and plugins for the page, leaving easily readable text and images.
This is a great way to make news on the Internet more enjoyable to read, but make sure that the page receives some revenue from advertising. This is one of the conditions by which the program was included in the list of modern browsers. Manual settings greatly increase the functionality of the software.
Support for third-party services
Most major browsers have a built-in synchronization service. The client registers a Google, Firefox, Opera account, and its history, open tabs, favorites, passwords, etc. will be synchronized between browsers on different computers. Edge has a synchronization service, but only syncs Favorites and Read Lists if you are logged in to Windows 10 with your Microsoft account.
Verdict for Microsoft Edge
There are many things that Edge likes. The program is fast and has a smooth scroll. In general, it is easy to use. However, Microsoft needs to add some additional features to keep up with its competitors. For example, the ability to save all open tabs as a Bookmarks folder, and then simultaneously open bookmarks of this folder.
5. Mozilla Firefox
You can use the modern Mozilla Firefox browser on almost any type of platform.
Pros:
- Detailed privacy settings.
- Customizable.
Minuses:
- Relatively high battery usage.
- Rare updates.
- Security vulnerabilities.
- A bit slow.
Ten years ago, Firefox became the best browser, surpassing the newcomer Google Chrome in popularity. Now the picture is slightly different: Chrome dominates, and the share of Firefox is reduced to 10%.
Appearance of Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is currently very similar to Chrome: tabs at the top, a combined address and search bar, and an additional bookmarks bar. The interface is more loaded than Chrome. By default, there is a Home button and a special window - the modern Yandex Browser has similar bookmarking systems.
You can disable the search options for the window so that the text you enter is not sent directly to the servers of the service provider even after you press the enter key. In Firefox, you cannot configure the address bar and the search box individually - in both cases, search suggestions are either enabled or disabled.
Work with tools
Mozilla Firefox is a modern browser for XP, despite the fact that the operating system has not been supported by an official developer for a long time.
By default, Firefox opens from the Mozilla Firefox start page, which has a Google search box and a set of shortcut buttons for various program functions. This is not particularly useful, but it is easy to change. The New Tab page is simple but effective. It has a search box for any provider selected in the settings, and thumbnails for the most visited sites.
Bookmarks and History
When you click on the "Log" button, a drop-down menu opens with recently closed tabs, the most recent history and a useful option to restore the entire previous browser session. Clicking on “Show Full History” opens a resizable pop-up window with all the web pages you have visited.
The “Bookmarks” button provides quick access to the bookmarks toolbar, and clicking on “Show all bookmarks” brings up a window similar to the “All History” window - it is not very beautiful, but it works in a tree format.
Performance rating
Unlike Chrome, Opera and Vivaldi, Firefox does not use the Blink engine of the Chromium project. Instead, he uses Mozilla Gecko, and he is not so fast. The browser takes 5 seconds to connect, compared to 2.8 for Chrome and Opera. When moving between tabs, there is a very slight delay, and when the tabs are dragged to change their order, everything becomes quite sharp.
Verdict for Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is a competent browser with some great features, such as bookmarks and sidebars, a customizable toolbar, and a Forget button. However, to obtain modern tools, you will need to turn to competitor programs.
4. Tor
Pros:
- Confidentiality of information.
- Loaded with security features.
- Lots of extras.
Minuses:
- Relatively slow.
- Slows down the connection speed.
Tor is a real data protection program. The combination of a special modified version of Firefox and a network of anonymous repeaters makes it very difficult to identify the user and the websites he visits.
General view and functionality
Tor can be called a modern browser for Windows XP. It has a clear and accessible interface, as well as support for even outdated systems.
Tor is surprisingly easy to use. When a client launches a browser for the first time, he can choose whether he has a direct Internet connection, for example at home, or is behind some kind of firewall or proxy server. In the latter case, you will need to configure some parameters for the connection.
There are also some tips on how to stay anonymous. Using the Tor browser is not enough to protect against prying eyes. Avoid using applications that bypass the Tor network, such as torrent programs or plug-ins like Flash, which can be "manipulated to reveal an IP address."
Security Additions
A lightweight modern browser is complemented by reliable systems for protecting data privacy while working on the Web. For this, the software has everything you need.
There are several Tor-specific Firefox add-ons. The most obvious is the small bow icon on the left side of the address bar. This gives the user a switch through which his web connection has jumped to reach the current site, IP addresses and the countries in which he is located. As well as the ability to create a new Tor Circuit for the current site.
In addition to the Tor network itself, the browser has a couple of add-ons that will provide you with security. These are NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere plugins. NoScript blocks JavaScript and many other technologies, such as Java, on any website.
Verdict for Tor
The browser manages to do something complicated in a way that is both simple and transparent to the user. This makes Tor a unique solution. In addition, there is no better way to protect privacy on the Internet, there are no problems with VPNs or subscriptions, and there is no complicated configuration. One 50 MB download - and the client is safe from everyone.
3. Opera
Pros:
- Built-in free VPN.
- A modest extension library.
- Good performance.
- Synchronization service.
Minuses:
- Outages.
- Lack of support for many system plugins.
Opera has always been a niche player in the browser market, but loyal users appreciated its commitment to innovation. For example, this was the first major tabbed web browser that could be recovered. Later, such an initiative was borrowed and implemented by competitors.
Special features
Opera is a modern browser for Windows 7 and older versions of the operating system. Thanks to this, the program is distributed around the world. Opera may have lost some of its identity, but it is still a modern browser with an impressive interface and one awesome feature - a built-in VPN. Its incredibly easy to set up. You must select the check box and the client will connect to websites through a proxy server, which will help mask the location and IP address. Opera also comes with a built-in ad blocker.
Opera interface
The browser has a clean and modern interface. At the top are the tabs. When you enter text in the address bar, Google’s offers regarding web addresses and search terms will be displayed, you can also enable a special search box. It does not offer notes if the user does not want to.
Tab Processing
Opera's nearly square tabs save space, while inactive tabs turn into a barely noticeable gray color, so it's easy to see them. The tab menu on the right looks neat, shows all open and recently closed tabs, and when you hover over a recording, a large thumbnail of the web page is displayed.
Where the user expects to find the Home button, Opera has Speed Dial. This is a set of the most frequently used sites, each of which is presented in the form of a developed map, and not in the form of a sketch. It is prettier, but less useful. Speed dialing is initially populated with a number of commercial sites such as Facebook, Amazon, and eBay, but it takes little time to remove them.
Work speed
The browser can display the site in just 2.8 seconds, which makes it as fast as Chrome, and much faster than Firefox, Edge and Vivaldi. Scrolling around web pages is also very smooth. The only drawback is that Opera uses a lot of RAM - approximately 826 MB - with a choice of six open tabs. Opera also has a special battery saver mode.
Verdict for Opera
It can no longer be especially customizable, and Vivaldi (founded by former Opera employees) has certainly stolen its crown for innovation, but it is still a cleanly designed and fast browser.
The opera is sandwiched between the two main factors of successful browsers. It has neither the speed of Chrome, nor the powerful characteristics of Vivaldi. However, if the features of a VPN, ad blocker, and news feed are attractive, this is a good alternative for the user.
2. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is the most modern browser and the youngest. Moreover, the company has ambitious plans and seeks to integrate new technologies that are not found in competitors.
Key Features:
- Convenient and customizable.
- Convenient tab formation.
- Created based on Chrome.
Minuses:
- Only suitable for advanced users.
- A bit slow.
Vivaldi was created by former Opera software staff and, like the Opera browser, is designed with manual settings in mind.
Vivaldi Interface and Tabs
Vivaldi's tab management is one of the most impressive aspects. To begin with, the user does not need to have tabs at the top. If you install a modern Yandex browser, you will notice similar elements in both the interface and the control system.
When there is a preference for simulating the Windows launch pad, it can be placed at the bottom. When using a widescreen monitor, the window can be placed on either side and rotated 90 degrees.
Address bar
The program got into the list of new modern browsers thanks to a convenient system for forming bookmarks and open tabs. In it, part of the main controls is located in the address bar. As with all modern browsers, you can search from the address bar. When working, the user will receive offers to fill in web addresses and search strings as you type. Those who are concerned about privacy may turn off this option, as this means that data is sent to a search provider such as Google. You can get around this by including a special search box with offers disabled.
Vivaldi Toolbar
The browser comes with many bookmarks for purchases, which, apparently, is one of the ways for Vivaldi developers to make money. Their removal takes little time if such information is not interesting. It is easy to add a bookmark using the button next to the address bar or by right-clicking on the tab. You can also drag items from history directly into your bookmarks folder.
Verdict for Vivaldi
There is no doubt that Vivaldi is a great browser. No need to look for extensions. Almost all solutions come with the program. The only thing that is missing right now is synchronization, but the developers have plans for it.
1. Chrome
"Chrome" is considered the leader in the list of modern fast browsers. This software has been recognized for several years in a row as one of the most efficient and fastest.
Pros:
- It is tightly integrated with Google services.
- Decent performance.
- Easy site privacy management.
- Lots of extras.
- Great sync.
Minuses:
- A slightly confusing interface.
- Can heavily load weak PCs.
2008 Chrome , 60 % .
The reason Chrome is a browser for many people is obvious - it's easy to use. It loads quickly - just enter information in the address field, and the results instantly appear in the history along with Google’s own suggestions to complete the search on the Internet. These offers take the form of web addresses (for example, when you enter www.gu, offers for The Guardian, Gumtree pop up), as well as search strings.
Chrome has nothing else - just tabs, an address bar, navigation and bookmark buttons, and a menu. There are many hidden features that enhance the appearance of the browser, but do not always contribute to usability.
Handling tabs in Chrome
Chrome instantly opens tabs and without hesitation moves between them. Everything in the browser works very readily. There is nothing unusual in working with tabs in Chrome, but it is intuitive, regardless of whether the user rearranges the tabs or extends them to create new windows. When you right-click on a tab, standard options are displayed, such as pinning the tab (so that it remains after restarting the browser), duplicating or closing this tab or all other tabs, as well as the ability to bookmark all open tabs and save them on the tab.
Performance
"Chrome" is a fairly fast program. The browser reached the top of the graphic test with a huge result of 380.84 points. It can render any portal in 2.8 seconds, so it shares positive reviews with Opera. The average memory used is 704.5 MB with six test pages open.
Verdict for Chrome
Chrome is the best modern browser. In the past, some versions contained bugs, but the current one is fast and stable. However, Chrome lacks additional features, and its interface, although clean, hides many of its useful modules.