The best browsers for Android

Any user of the Android operating system knows that the most important services are the OS itself, a store with different applications for the gadget, and a browser for accessing the Internet. The quality of the latter determines the effectiveness of mobile device management. The choice is complicated by the availability of different proposals from the developers. After analyzing paid and free services, their stability and performance, the experts compiled the top rating of 2024, which included the best browsers for Android, leading manufacturers, as well as evaluation criteria for making the right choice. Real user reviews have identified the advantages and disadvantages of each nominee.

Which browser for Android is better to choose

The first indicator of the quality and effectiveness of any product or service is the manufacturer's reputation. Name recognition and brand prestige directly affect the choice of buyers. The modern market offers a huge number of programs for smartphones and tablets; few people know most of the names in principle. But these names definitely deserve attention:

• Google Is a multinational company from America, established in 1998. Since 2015, it has been part of the Alphabet Inc. conglomerate. Today it supports and develops itself a huge number of Internet services, products for users of mobile and computer devices around the world. In 2024, Google was ranked # 2 in the Forbes ranking as an expensive brand.
• Mozilla Foundation Is a non-profit organization that was created in 2003 to support and lead the Mozilla project. Its tasks are the formation of a development policy, the use of infrastructure, control of a trademark, intellectual property. The company owns subsidiaries of the Mozilla Corporation.
• Yandex Is a transnational company from Russia, founded in 1997. Registered in the Netherlands, it occupies a noticeable position in several countries at once - Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Belarus. Among search engines, it takes 4th place in the world ranking in terms of the volume of processed queries.
• Tor project Is a non-profit organization registered in the United States. The main goal is to create Internet services that provide complete privacy to users using free programs, open networks. This can be helped by modern privacy technologies that promote human rights and freedom.
• Geometry OU Is a new software development company registered in Tallinn in 2016. Various mobile games are very popular, as well as the search engine Kiwi Browser. The literal translation of the company's name is "geometric leap".
• MoboTap Inc. - initially in 2009, the now popular Dolphin Browser was created. And since 2010, MoboTap Inc. has appeared in San Francisco, which is intended to control, support and develop it. The mobile technology developer is driving the gadget revolution today by improving people's internet experience.
• DuckDuckGo - a company from Pennsylvania, which was organized by the entrepreneur Gabriel Weinberg. He also previously founded the popular social network "The Names Database", which was later bought by an American company for $ 10 million. Today the company is working closely with Google, which has a positive impact on the number of search queries.
• Lakor - the developer of the popular Via Browser, which is in demand due to its light weight, high-speed performance. Despite the developer's low profile, the level of demand for the platform is constantly growing, as is the number of search queries.
• C.R. Development Is a company from America, registered in New York in 2014. He is the developer of the famous Lighting Browser and various mobile game applications freely available to users of all countries.
• Maxthon International Limited Is an international Chinese company specializing in light and productive technologies for surfing the Internet. Founded in 1999. All products with this name are distinguished by easy operation, high speed, free access, translation into all languages.

Rating of the best browsers for Android

The indicators of demand for applications helped to select the best browsers for Android, namely, the percentage of downloads, the frequency and volume of search queries, as well as user reviews. They managed to find out about the strengths, weaknesses of each applicant. Also, the following criteria helped to determine which browser is better for Android:

• Reliability - work without failures, errors;
• Security - protection of the gadget from viruses, information leakage;
• Prevalence - manufacturer's reputation, user support;
• Features - utilities, plugins, extensions;
• Functionality - tabs, download manager, search, filters, blockers, etc .;
• Comfort - simplicity of the interface, speed of work;
• Access - paid or free download.

Despite the fact that several programs have shown leading positions in popularity and downloads for more than one year in a row, young developments are already stepping on their heels. Feedback from experienced users, expert opinions will help you get to know the advantages and disadvantages of each nominee.

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The best browsers for Android

Android is popular because of its flexibility, this platform can work with different browsers, web pages. Thanks to the Play Market, the owner of a mobile gadget can install any Browser on a paid or free basis for a comfortable Internet connection. Many are interested in which browser is faster, more productive, more reliable. According to the above criteria, reviews, expert opinions, experts have selected the best proposals from developers in 2024. It includes mostly free Android browsers available for download anywhere in the world.

Google chrome

The leader in most indicators, be it the number of downloads, positive reviews, queries in the search engine, etc., has been Google Chrome from a well-known brand for several years in a row. It favorably stands out from the list of other programs in that it supports a huge number of plugins and extensions. In addition, it is characterized by deep integration into the OS of the gadget. A clear, simple interface makes it easy to manage Google Chrome for both beginners and advanced users. Since its release, it has positioned itself as the fastest, now the company's priorities are changing. By registering an account, the user can sync with many useful data. The minimalist design is not overwhelming, yet it offers many tools. Additional features include fast translation into all languages, file uploads, tabbed menus, voice commands, etc.

Advantages

• Simple minimalist interface;
• Fast rendering of pages;
• Voice commands;
• Convenient synchronization;
• Translation of content into all languages;
• "Incognito" control mode;
• High performance.

disadvantages

• Lack of full screen viewing mode;
• Requesting and collecting information from the device (integration).

Users like Google for its simplicity, speed, rich functionality, lack of anything superfluous. Especially often, reviews praise the fast translation of content into any languages. Registration allows you to synchronize data.Integration is both a plus and a minus, as it collects data from the device. The lack of a full-screen mode is considered a disadvantage.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox continues the list of super popular programs, successfully competing with other demanded solutions in terms of functionality. It is considered full-fledged for serving desktop operating systems due to its decent potential, wide service capabilities, and the presence of various extensions. Open source is considered an advantage. Immediately after installation, Mozilla Firefox offers the synchronization of passwords, accounts, settings, browsing history and bookmarks on other devices, which is very convenient. The interface is considered comfortable, it invites the user to customize his individual style at will. Mazilla also demonstrates correctness in terms of rendering web pages, fit and scale text. One of the differences of the program is the function of sending tabs between devices. There is an anonymity mode without saving history, the ability to block ads.

Advantages

• Flexible page rendering;
• Synchronization;
• Sending tabs;
• Privacy mode;
• A large list of extensions;
• Intuitive interface.

disadvantages

• There are complaints about the speed, smoothness;
• Periodically incorrect display of content.

Mozilla Firefox is loaded primarily because of the convenient reading mode, the laconic structure of the settings, and the mass of add-ons. Reviews praise the design, the ability to set different styles, and the ease of working with tabs. Complaints are found on incorrect page display, "sagging" speed, smoothness.

Yandex browser

The number of downloads of this application has exceeded 50 million, which confirms its popularity. This is due to the free distribution scheme, high-speed performance, Kaspersky's built-in protection against viruses and various outside threats. In fact, this is a hybrid of many other similar programs, because Yandex browser for Android speeds up work from Opera, uses the Chromium engine. Our own online store offers the installation of constantly updated extensions. The attention of experts was attracted by the protection of data in public Wi-Fi networks (they are encrypted), which prevents cases of hacking. Yandex.Dzen smart news feed is integrated into the browser. Support for extensions from the PC version ensures maximum performance when used from a mobile device.

Advantages

• Turbo mode to save traffic;
• Protect function;
• Convenient interface;
• Home screen with recommendations, selections;
• Built-in Flash Player, messenger;
• Smart search bar;
• A large list of extensions.

disadvantages

• The voice assistant makes mistakes in command recognition;
• Obsessive advertising with a proposal from the developer.

Many people prefer to install Yandex browser Android because of domestic production, availability of modern functions, Alice's voice assistant, Yandex.Zen news feed.

The reviews speak well of the speed, the availability of extensions, and the usability of the interface. Aggressive advertising is considered a disadvantage, because of its intrusiveness, the desire to install the application disappears. Sometimes Alice does not recognize the voice commands correctly.

Tor Browser

Experts consider the Tor browser for Android in Russian and other convenient language to be the best in terms of privacy. This condition is met due to the fact that the connection to the proxy network is performed, which means that the provider and anyone else will not be able to find out what the user is doing. During active surfing, the program blocks trackers, and by means of multi-level encryption protects the user from surveillance. But you need to understand that this mode of operation does not guarantee performance, which means that Tor is not suitable for daily use, watching movies, social networks or listening to music. During use, the cache is not saved, the cookie is not stored, the location, the IP address is not determined. This will allow you to open those pages that were previously hidden by censorship.The interface resembles Mazilla, but the settings menu may differ slightly.

Advantages

• Complete security, confidentiality;
• The ability to visit prohibited sites;
• Reliable transmission of content;
• Intuitive interface;
• Automatic program configuration after launch.

disadvantages

• Slow loading;
• Setting Yandex search by default.

This program is recommended for those people who are extremely important to the confidentiality of personal data. A newbie who does not understand how it works may experience slow loading, which is what many reviews indicate as a minus. But the developer immediately emphasized that Thor is not suitable for daily surfing.

Kiwi

A powerful browser for smartphones with the Android platform, which has an engine from Chromium. Also, many users note a similar design style with Chrome - minimalism, simplicity, nothing more. Here you can even download the standard Chrome extensions from the store. Tests by specialists have repeatedly confirmed the loading speed of even the heaviest pages with smooth scrolling without any random crashes. Of the additional features, they emphasize the ad blocker with the option to configure it, adjust the adaptation of the picture for people with vision problems, swipe back and forth on the page, and organized work with tabs. The main menu contains bookmarks, a feed with current news. A large selection of search engines, the ability to translate, autocomplete fields are presented.

Advantages

• High-speed performance, smooth operation;
• Chrome store extensions;
• One-handed operation mode;
• Several themes to choose from;
• Option to move the address bar down;
• Translator, blocking ads.

disadvantages

• There are complaints about the ad blocker;
• Lack of synchronization with accounts in other programs (Chrome, Yandex, etc.).

The core of this program is Chrome. Despite the fact that Kiwi appeared not so long ago, the download percentage is constantly growing. Users approve of the design, availability of all relevant functions, and most importantly, high performance. The downside is the incorrect operation of the ad blocker and the fact that there is no synchronization with other programs.

Dolphin

Users have been familiar with such an application for mobile phones for a long time. For about 10 years of existence, developers have implemented many useful functions. Distinctive features are built-in gestures for control and the ability to create personal gestures for navigation, voice control, compact size, traditional convenient tab layout, many design styles, and a built-in file manager. The smart search bar allows you to choose the system yourself. For convenience, synchronization with data from other programs is also provided. The store with extensions, applications, accelerators, etc. will allow to increase the functionality. AdBlock is initially sewn, there is support for Flash. In fact, Dolphin demonstrates good download speed, there are complaints about the smoothness. Supports desktop version for PC, horizontal scrolling is allowed.

Advantages

• A functional, pleasant-looking interface;
• Flash support;
• Design customization;
• Fast sync;
• Gesture system for control;
• Incognito mode;
• Built-in AdBlock.

disadvantages

• Departures happen;
• Takes up a lot of space.

By itself, such a browser for Android in the basic version is economical and simple. As a disadvantage, users note a lot of weight if you install different applications and extensions. The advantages are the ability to swipe gesture control, incognito mode, personalized design. Some note in the reviews cases of Dolphin crashing out of the blue.

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DuckDuckGo

A program with a search engine of the same name that claims to be a browser with a high degree of privacy and confidentiality.The following differences are responsible for security and anonymity - AES-data encryption, OpenSearch, HTTPS connection, lack of a filter bubble algorithm. Forced erasure of all data in one session is performed by pressing one button, which is very convenient. The search engine allows you to view even prohibited sites. After installation, you can see a dark theme, there is also a light theme to choose from. During surfing, no IP address, logins, cookies and other personal information are stored.

Advantages

• High level of security, privacy;
• Simple design;
• Good download speed;
• Two themes;
• Button for deleting session data;
• Rating of sites in terms of safety;
• Autoblock advertising.

disadvantages

• Minimal functionality;
• Display bugs.

There are no special functions or extensions to be expected. The minimalistic design and standard set of functions are not for everyday use, but for special occasions. As for the rest, it is a convenient, moderately fast software product with an interesting way of selecting sites in the search, a simple understandable design. The downside is bugs, the lack of modern "goodies".

Via Browser

The popularity of such a product for mobile gadgets on the Android platform has been growing rapidly over the past few years. It is able to satisfy the needs of both beginners and experienced users. The advantage is considered light weight, which does not take up much memory space - half a megabyte. And even if you install many different add-ons, the fast Via Browser will not slow down. Excellent optimization consumes a minimum of RAM, which is extremely important for many mobile phones. Even in comparison with the light and nimble Chrome, this product is superior in performance. In addition, there is everything here to conveniently customize the program for yourself. The user is offered an intuitive interface, a menu with bookmarks, several design modes, a manager responsible for downloading content, a translator, and an obtrusive ad blocker.

Advantages

• Stability of work;
• High-speed performance without crashes;
• Light weight, memory optimization;
• Convenient settings menu;
• The presence of all the necessary functions;
• Intuitive interface;
• Full Russification.

disadvantages

• The dark theme does not work on all sites;
• Departures / freezes are possible.

Such a software product is suitable for those who have a limited amount of memory on their mobile device. With its minimal weight, reviews confirm its speed, absence of bugs, excellent personalization, intuitive control, pleasant appearance, Russian language. Minuses are rare cases of freezing, crashes, as well as incorrect work of the dark theme.

Lighting Browser

This product was developed for those users who are interested in the fastest loading of pages, even from outdated mobile phones, in case of an unstable Internet connection. Performance is ensured by a specific priority algorithm. That is, the first thing H Browser will do is load elements with maximum information content - text, HTML-markup, images. After displaying these elements, the loading of less important, heavy parts of content will begin. The program consumes a minimum of energy and is undemanding to platform resources. In fact, after repeated testing, the browser showed high performance in comparison with the usual Chromium.

Advantages

• Ease;
• Priority loading of content;
• High-speed performance;
• Support for Adobe Flash Player;
• Several tabs;
• Holo interface;
• Smooth scrolling.

disadvantages

• Flash player needs to be installed separately;
• It may freeze on some sites.

The software product is characterized by high performance, light weight, so it is recommended for those who do not want to put up with the bulkiness of Chrome or Firefox. Most often it is installed on tablets.

Users in the reviews confirm all the stated benefits. There are complaints about the Flash player, due to which some sites may freeze.

Maxthon

A great alternative to boring programs will be the fresh Maxthon product with various useful functions. The interface may sound mediocre, but it is more than easy to use. The main page contains many different tabs, the management tools can be seen on the side. The search engine is supplemented with a QR code scanner. Accounts can be synchronized. UUMail plugins for remembering mail, AdBlock against ads, a manager for recording passwords, an incognito mode, desktop viewing are automatically installed. It occupies an average position in terms of performance. There is a dark theme, smart artwork to compress traffic, a notepad for taking notes, and a screenshot option. There are 25 translation languages ​​to choose from, gesture control.

Advantages

• Various plugins;
• Night, secret viewing mode;
• Password manager;
• Reading mode;
• Protection from advertising;
• Additional functionality;
• Dextop version.

disadvantages

• Average speed;
• Problems signing in to your account.

An interesting solution in terms of functionality, design, which releases updates on a regular basis. Experts compare Maxthon in power to Internet Explorer, from which it borrowed the engine. But it is much lighter in weight, faster in loading. This is primarily a cloud with the option of synchronization between different platforms. With a high assessment for the functionality, the weak point is considered to be the average speed and stability.

Which browser is better for Android

All presented products allow you to access the Internet without errors by means of a set of modern functions. They differ in speed, feature list, performance, specific options. What to buy inexpensively is a purely individual question based on personal preferences. Based on the comparative analysis, the experts made the following conclusions of the review:

• Tor Browser is the best anonymous browser for Android;
• Google Chrome is the people's choice, the best combination of features;
• Lighting Browser - the fastest loading sites;
• Via Browser - a software product for a gadget with limited memory;
• Dolphin - mobile browser with memory savings, gesture system;
• Mozilla Firefox - the largest list of features, applications, extensions;
• Yandex Browser is a Russian software product with a voice assistant.

Each nominee presented is tailored for a specific audience of users. Only a few of them are considered universal. Therefore, when choosing what to download, you need to focus on your own conditions of comfort, goals, expectations from the application. It is also worth comparing everything with the technical characteristics of the gadget.