I’ve lost count of how many web browsers I’ve tested and used over the years. From text-based to the weird and wonderful, I’ve tried them all. Knowing how many web browsers are available, it never ceases to amaze me that some languish in the shadows of obscurity, even those that are superior to the ones most people use.
I believe that many of those alternative browsers aren’t more widely used because most people simply don’t know about them.
Also: The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested
Let’s fix that.
Below are five web browsers worth your time to test and compare to your current default.
Let’s dig in.
1. Arc
Arc browser should not be obscure. I expect that anyone who tests out this alternative browser will want to make the permanent switch from whatever browser they’re using. Yes, Arc is that good. It took me all of five minutes to realize that Arc needed to be my default web browser on MacOS and I haven’t regretted the decision yet.
What appeals to me most about the Arc browser is how well it manages tabs with a feature called Spaces. With Spaces, you can create different workspaces for related tabs and easily right or left swipe (on your trackpad) between them. You can also move tabs between Spaces and save Spaces as a folder.
<!–>
Arc has a beautiful interface that makes other browsers look boring and uninspired. Arc performs as well as any browser on the market and is frequently updated.
Also: Arc’s ‘Air Traffic Control’ is a great way to keep your browser organized
Arc browser is available for free on MacOS, Windows, and iOS. Maybe someday, The Browser Company will see fit to create a Linux version of the browser.
Arc browser has one of the most elegant UIs on the market.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
2. Colibri
Colibri is a stripped-down browser with an uncluttered UI designed to be light, compact, and fast. Colibri is unique among modern browsers in that it doesn’t include tabs. You get one site per window and that’s it. Want to visit a different site? You open a new Colibri window!
Also: Why I always have more than one browser installed on my computer (and you should too)
With Colibri, you sign up for an account to which you can save links, lists, and feeds. Toggle between the current site you are viewing to your account view and locate the site you want to visit from there. This system keeps the Colibri UI minimal and easy to use. Yes, this is a far cry from what you’re accustomed to. But once you get a feel for the flow and see the clean interface, you’ll soon appreciate this alternative browser for the fast, uncluttered tool that it is.
Colibri is available for Linux, MacOS, and Windows. You can request a download link for free at the bottom of the main page on the official website.
Colibri offers a paired down UI for a sleek and user-friendly look.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
3. Maxthon
Maxthon combines several impressive features into a web browser that anyone would enjoy using. These features include text-to-speech, AI chat, reader mode, built-in notepad, pinned tabs, extensions, ad blocking, incognito mode, a free VPN, a built-in password manager, split screen, a video downloader, data cleaning, and a customizable UI with themes.
Also: The best AI chatbots: ChatGPT, Copilot, and worthy alternatives
With the built-in AI chat, you’re limited to the number of free queries you get. However, you can select the type of AI you want to use, including chats for technology, writing, well-being, and an alien just for fun. The AI Chat feature has two modes: Fast Mode offers daily free uses and Expert Mode requires diamonds (an in-app purchase) and charges based on the number of conversations.
Maxthon is based on Chromium and can be installed on MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS for free.
Maxthon is everything you need in a modern web browser.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
4. Aloha
Another fork of Chromium, Aloha brings a level of security that Chrome cannot match (at least without serious tweaking).
With Aloha you get a VPN, ad blocking, passcode or biometric lock, a privacy report, simple data management, third-party security audits, HTTPS everywhere, and Private AI chat. There’s also page translation, reading mode, a media player, night mode, a built-in file manager, multi-threaded downloads, locked folders, Wi-Fi file sharing, profiles, themes, and much more.
Also: 5 ways to improve your Chrome browser’s security
Aloha also offers Premium access, which gives you a faster VPN (with more locations), auto VPN connect, more customizations, advanced file management, and more. Of all the alternative browsers, Aloha is the one that looks and feels most like Chrome, so if you’re someone who doesn’t crave change, this is a great option.
Aloha can be downloaded and installed for free on MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Find out more from the Aloha download page.
If Aloha looks familiar, that’s because it’s based on Chromium.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
5. LibreWolf
If you had to guess which browser LibreWolf was based on, what would you say? If you said Firefox, congratulations! The big difference between LibreWolf and Firefox is that LibreWolf is focused primarily on privacy, security, and freedom. This browser was designed to protect against tracking and fingerprinting, with the addition of a few extra security improvements via patches and settings. LibreWolf also guarantees that it will send no telemetry and offers private searches via DuckDuckGo, Searx, Qwant, and more.
Also: 5 reasons why Opera is my favorite browser
LibreWolf is configured to delete cookies and website data automatically on closing, features uBlockOrigin out of the box, strips tracking elements from all URLs, and so much more. You can read all about the privacy and security enhancements added to LibreWolf here. LibreWolf is for those who like the Firefox UI but want to get serious about web security.
LibreWolf can be installed for free on Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
LibreWolf will look familiar to anyone who’s used Firefox.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
