Best web browsers for Android, deep comparison

Android browsers are there to render and render. A simple search on Google Play is enough to find hundreds and hundreds of them. The most widely used, and by far, Google Chrome. Big G puts it first on all Android devices and, although some manufacturers prefer to use alternatives, Google does not have a rival to cover, at least in terms of user volume.

However, there are people who like to get out of the Google ecosystem too try third-party alternatives. To simplify the search, we wanted to make a small selection of the best browsers to analyze them, see the pros and cons, and finally choose one or the other.

What do we ask in a web browser?

In fact, the browser is what we are performance is the same regardless of name or developer. All browsers have a search bar where the user must enter a URL or term to get results. So far the best. However, there are many requirements that, at least in our view, must be met to make the experience as complete as possible. These are:

• Make it pass-platform and sync: Most people have a cell phone and computer, so it's important to be able to use a mobile browser with history, stored passwords and bookmarks synced between both clients.
• That you have privacy and security options: There is only one thing better than using the net, and that is doing it safely. If the browser wants to be seen as "best", it needs to allow the user to freely configure security options.
• That allows changing the search engine: Although Google is the most widely used search engine in the West, there are many other search engines that focus on different types of users. Choice is always a plus.
• Make it quick: Not all browsers are the same. Depending on the number of plugins they have and the efficiency of the app, there will be some browsers that are more fluid than others.
• That's heavy: We agree that almost all Android phones already have a good amount of internal storage, but there are still devices with 16 or 32 GB of memory. Whether the browser is light-weight is a point to consider.
• Have a visual interface: that is, easy to use and all accessibility visible. Also, if it is designed in such a way that it can be used with one hand, it is best.
• Let it be in black mode– Black mode is becoming a demanding feature of users. Most applications start to use you slowly, so it's appreciated that the browser lets you use them and maximizes their use at night.

Our choice of choice

Google Chrome

We start with giants among the officials. Google Chrome is a very popular browser, and it is. It has a fair amount of cool features, and because it also has the largest market share in desktop applications, it is the way to choose the most suitable look. In fact, when we have a good starting point, and that is because with a Google Account we are able to sync all our navigation between mobile and computer.

It should be noted that Google Google allows change the search engine (you can select Google, Yahoo !, Bing and DuckDuckGo), save passwords and log in automatically, set your payment methods and shipping / payment addresses and change the homepage to open the desired website when the browser starts.

When it comes to privacy practices, Google Chrome allows you to use secure browsing, in a way that prevents access to harmful websites, and check the non-tracking option, sending a request to the web to keep you from following you. That will translate into ads tailored to your interests, but ultimately it will depend on how the website in this sentence translates. You can block cookies and block third-party cookies, JavaScript optimization and, ultimately, Misleading or offensive blocker.

In terms of usability, Google Chrome is easy to use with one hand on small phones, even though it can be achieved when it all comes across as open tabs, the settings or search bar is positioned below. The feeling is smooth, though it can be a little righer for low or low power devices. It doesn't have black mode, though we know it's in the way again in the test phase.

Google Chrome

Firefox

We move on to the next one, which would be none other than Firefox, a browser built by Mozilla. Like Chrome, Firefox has mobile apps and desktop applications can be synced with each other due to a Firefox account, so everything you do on the desktop will be available on the smartphone and vice versa.

In terms of functionality, Firefox allows changing the homepage and language, allow full-screen navigation (which hides the notification bar to make the experience more immersive) and bright tabs, so you can look at all you have opened and quickly return to one of them.

In the same way, you can select different search engines. By default Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Twitter and Wikipedia are coming, even though you add as much as you want by holding the search bar by pressing the "+" icon. However, where Firefox is prominent in the privacy category, because it allows you to use the option to not follow both standard and incognito mode, reject cookies and clean up private data when you close the program.

Also, the point to consider is accessories or extensions. Firefox allows download different add-ons to your store to improve the browsing experience, modify browser content, add non-attack ad blocking, etc. It is quite a task and will certainly be liked by many users. Unfortunately, it doesn't have black mode.

Firefox

The focus of Firefox

And now that we're talking about Firefox, we can't stop talking about its latest release like Firefox Focus. It is the browser focuses on privacy completely and targeting searches, which can be a good point and, at the same time, a bad point. Straight, because it's private (in fact, it's like browsing in incognito mode); It is incorrect, because it is not compatible with Firefox desktop and may have little effect on using it.

The focus of Firefox it has all the security and privacy options you have and have is automatically activated. Ad blocks, analytics, social filters and other content, allow blocking of web feeds and JavaScript operations, delete cookies and block screens.

The bad thing is does not allow multiple tabs to be opened at the same time or search history to access. To exit the tab you have to press the trash icon, and that completely erases all history and private information. The only solution is to use that opportunity to add shortcuts to websites that have regular access to the home screen, which can be frustrating for some users.

However, if you are a user who tends to be extremely cynical and more concerned with privacy than other extras, Firefox Focus may be an option to consider.

The focus of Firefox

Courage

Courage is a Chromium-supported browser, which is the source code that Google Chrome drinks from. However, its interface is very different and easily accessible. Starting with sync, Brave has a desktop client, but the sync feature is in beta. All that being said, the good thing is that you don't need email or anything like that, just capture a QR code for the mobile app.

In terms of activities, one of the most interesting is that it is possible set a separate search engine for each tab type (Google's standard tab with Yahoo! private, for example). Based on Chromium it has many Chrome functions, such as storing passwords, payment methods and addresses, but Brave has added a lot of privacy-related features.

Some of them HTTPS Everywhere, which forces secure communications when accessing a website whenever available, closes tabs on opt-out, protection mode from attack, blocking general and regional advertising. That should work to improve web loading times.

Also interesting is that in the main window you are showing how many ads and advertisers have blocked and how many HTTPS updates you received, and how many seconds you received thanks to the browser. Finally, when it comes to usefulness, it is appreciated that the toolbar is set down, allowing for better use with one hand. However, it can be disabled and overridden.

Courage

Microsoft Edge

We've moved from Mozilla to Microsoft, which had recently launched Edge, instead of Internet Explorer, to Google Play. As with Google and Chrome, Mozilla and Firefox, Edge has a program to sync with Edge for Windows 10, so all your bookmarks and history will be available in both editions. You only need to have a Microsoft account.

Before talking about tasks, it should be noted that the first thing Edge does is as soon as you open the app to ask if you want to set it as the default. You are not the only one doing it, but it can be appreciated that before attacking you, it allows you to spend some time deciding. That said, Edge has a very different interface than we've seen so far, much closer to the Windows 10 feature than Google Chrome or Android. It will depend on the personal preferences of each user.

Now yes, we're talking about the browser options we have chances of changing the search engine on Bing (default), Yahoo! o Google, the default forms, addresses and cards, translate pages in other languages ​​into, for us, Spanish, and establish which page opens when a new tab starts. Regarding privacy, Edge allows you to activate a ad blocker from settings and make a non-tracing request, but very little.

The interface is free to use, since all entrances are positioned in a low position and they can be easily reached with one hand. As a good point, Edge has a black mode that can be activated from the settings, though it doesn't change the design of web pages, only the browser view itself. If a page has a white background, with black mode it will still have it.

Microsoft Edge

DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo has a browser that focuses on those users who use the DuckDukGo search engine. It has no synchronization between computer and mobile phone, which will be an opportunity for some and to harm others. As a browser that guarantees privacy, DuckDuckGo does not allow you to change the search engine, as it will comply with its terms.

Your options are pretty basic. By default it comes with black mode activated, whether you want to activate clear mode from settings. It has auto-fill suggestions and a control panel where you can see that the connection is encrypted, and a fire icon used to clean up all browsing data with just one click.

It's very private, there's no doubt, but it has room for improvement. Website loading is slow and the application is not Spanish, in English only. It may be interesting for a particular niche for users, but the fact is that the more "standard" usage, the more the browser can be. In addition, DuckDuckGo can be configured as a search engine for all applications, so you can always use the alternatives in this article with the engine that said it worked automatically.

DuckDuckGo

Samsung Internet Browser

The Samsung Internet browser is, as its name implies, a browser installed on all Korean company phones, which may not be available on Google Play by any other user, use the mobile phone you are using. It has no sync with the desktop client because there is no desktop client, but it does Sync bookmarks history between different devices using a Samsung account.

If Samsung's browser displays something, it's because of its display, which follows the lines marked by the One UI. All important entries are included in the database And it's very easy to use with one hand, something that is fun to see how it grows and increases the size of mobile screens.

Among the outstanding functions of the application is the ability to obtain download a ad blocker external or add an Amazon Assistant, change the homepage, hide the status bar to make navigation more advanced and add a button to climb the entire web faster, as well as a separate navigation bar such as a desktop browser.

Speaking of privacy, Samsung enables smart anti-tracking, which automatically removes cookies, in the normal and private tabs. And speaking of private tabs, the only valid point is that it allows you to configure a password lock, so that everything that opens there is safe from the outside eyes.

Samsung Internet Browser

Opera

We are continuing with Opera, another acquaintance in the world of browsers. The company has a desktop client and is likely to work sync between mobile and computer, so if you are already an Opera user you will be used well with the mobile app.

Switching to its functionality, Opera comes fully loaded. It lets you store passwords and data for automatically completing payments and forms, which is really helpful. The browser has data storage mode as well Built-in VPN which works both on the cellular network and when connected to WiFi. It has an ad blocker, a cryptocurrency wallet (which not everyone will use but is available) and unique visual settings.

Nocturnal mode is visible, which lowers the light and darkens the interface when activating it. However, it doesn't work on websites, but it only applies to the app itself. Also, if the back of the page is white, so will blackout mode. You can also adjust the texture to mobile or tablet and hide in the toolbar, either while you're scrolling.

As for the usability, there is no problem we can put on Opera. All accessibility through normal use is set to low and it can be used without any problem with one hand. Just to say that access to settings is not a classic three-dot logo, but an Opera logo, which may be confusing to some users who have never used the system before.

Like bad points, by default, the app comes with news and notifications Opera on, so that, from time to time, you receive a notice regarding the company's new products and services or news that, until you have used the app for a few days, it will not interest you (or at least should not have been in our evidence).

Opera Browser

Kiwi

Kiwi is a standalone Chromium application, so the interface it has is very similar to Google Chrome or Brave. There is no desktop client, so there is no synchronization of any kind. It's a pure and complicated mobile browser, with all the pros and cons to say.

Among the features included in the app, Kiwi allows change the search engine by Qwant, StartPage or Google, even though it is regionally compatible and uses it most effectively. If you are in France, Yahoo! or Google France, for example. It has all the perfect Google Chrome settings, such as bills or addresses, so nothing is missing. Note that in settings you can translate any web page right away.

When it comes to privacy, there are many things that an app puts in place. I have annoying blocker, secure browsing, non-tracking application, may be able to generate AMP pages and offline protection for cryptocurrencies. It's so perfect in that sense.

The display, as we mentioned before, is very similar to Google Chrome, not to say it's encrypted. Access is high, so depending on the mobile you have it will be difficult or difficult to use with one hand, and navigation is fast and smooth. Has full black modeThat said, it affects web pages, and allows for video and music playback in the background, making Kiwi the app look at you.

Kiwi Browser

Dolphin Browser

We are nearing the end and doing it with the help of Dolphin Browser, another "old dog" from Google Play. Since it doesn't have a desktop version, it has no computer compatibility, but it can into Dolphin Connect so that history and bookmarks aren't shared across multiple devices. In fact, this same function is used to store tabs in the cloud and access them from another cell phone or tablet, which is very useful.

Dolphin has a very different interface to what we've seen so far, more accessible, convenient and minimalist. It will not do them all good, but good, Caesar's Caesar. It can be replaced with themes (which have very little Asian aesthetics) to be downloaded from the built-in store for such purposes in the app. And it has night mode, although it only affects the app's visualization.

In terms of jobs, Dolphin has an ad blocker, address bar menu and menu options, Flash player, search engine conversion option and curiosity that we can customize to our liking. For example, you can add an action to make G unlock Google or make Y unlock YouTube. The same is true for volume buttons, which can be adjusted to move up and down. If you get a few jobs, you can add more with add-ons.

Privacy and security are obvious show security alerts when accessing malicious websites, block pop-ups and JavaScript optimization and check server security certification. It's the most complete browser by all means. The only downside is that it has Dolphin notifications automatically turned on, which can be annoying at first, and the first thing it does is ask you if you want to set it up as default.

Dolphin Browser

Mint

And we're finishing up this analysis with Mint, the Xiaomi browser. Mint, like many others who will join this list, doesn't have PC software, but lets you sign in with Google or Facebook for sembeds bookmarks and history between devices. The display is very similar to the Xiaomi application, so if you use one of its devices it won't be hard to use.

As a fun activity, Mint lets you use a Partial black mode which only affects viewing, blocking ads, and limiting data usage while browsing. It also lets you set incognito mode as the default and change the search engine, with only two options: Google or Bing.

When it comes to privacy and security, the truth is The mints fall a little. It does not allow accepting cookies from websites, shows security warnings if there are problems with website certification, you can block JavaScript execution and block pop-ups, but they are very small.

Otherwise, a comfortable browser to use since all the important entries are positioned in a low position, making them easy to use with one hand. An interesting fact is that, by clicking on the hamburger menu in the bottom right corner, a menu with commonly used options is displayed, such as black mode, incognito mode or ad blocker. Very useful, without a doubt.

Mint

Which browser do I choose?

As you can see, in some ways it won't be. There are countless browsers, here we have selected only the most popular ones and, in our opinion, used for processing. However, choosing one or the other is a decision that is only mutually exclusive to the user.

However, to help you get out, in the next table you will see the various advantages and disadvantages of each program, as well as what we like most about each of them and the features they can improve on.