Web browsers have evolved a lot in the past few years. Of course, with all the fancy extensions and application integrations – while on a PC, it is a great experience!
But, what about smartphones? Of course, they have improved as well. Is there something new that you should try and what is the best out there?
In this article, we shall take a look at the best smartphone browsers for Android.
1. Firefox: User-Friendly and Security-Oriented
A very popular name in the browser’s list and it probably does not need an introduction. It packs a lot of options including sync, customization options and much more.
When we talk about the customization ability, Firefox browser pops first in our minds. It has a dedicated add-on store to add different types of personalization options ranging from security to password managers (and some interesting stuff as well!).
Firefox for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Add-ons
- Tabs
- Sync Ability
- Privacy and security
- Screen Casting Option
Con’s
- Frequent Updates
2. Opera: Data Saver for Android
Mobile data tariff plans are expensive in some countries. If you happen to use mobile data for the browsing purpose, then you may expect a very high data consumption, when using a particular kind of a browser. However, the Opera browser for Android is a very good app which saves a lot of data.
Opera browser is recognized as one of the Top Developers in Google Play Store with more than 2,000,531 installs. It is one of the oldest browsers, and it delivers a good user experience to Desktop users for 20 years. The Opera browser has its unique features to stand out from the rest and it has data saving feature. You can save data by blocking unnecessary ads and compressing the videos. It can save your money by consuming less of your mobile data.
Opera Android Browser: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Data Saver
- Ad Blocking
Con’s
- Lack of further development
3. UC Browser: For Night Owls
It is one of the popular browser available for Android. It comes with features like Fast mode, AdBlock option, Facebook mode, Night mode and much more. The main highlight of UC Browser is its simplicity, the UI of the browser is a child’s play. Night mode is a painless option to browse the web comfortably at night. It has an exclusive Video for all tastes feature which is accessible with the latest version which offers videos in various genres.
UC Browser for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Night Mode
- Fast Mode
Con’s
- Too many notifications
4. Dolphin: For convenient browsing
With a 4.5 star rating and more than 2,386,825 rated users, Dolphin browser in yet another popular browser available for Android. It has some serious options to get a best mobile phone browser award. Coming down to the features, it is packed with inbuilt Flash Player support, Multiple tabs, fast download option, and gesture support as well. Gestures allow you to browse the web effortlessly, and it keeps things personal. Dolphin has a lot of add-on packages that could make your browsing experience blazing fast and richer.
Dolphin Browser for Android Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Flash Player Support
- Gestures
Con’s
- Slow sometimes
5. Puffin Web Browser: For Gamers
Puffin browser is designed to commit to achieving a faster performance in Android devices. It’s stylish and its fancy user interface is much suitable for the quick navigation and for a faster browsing experience. Puffin has Flash Player support with necessary security patches. One of the most impressive features is the gamepad and the trackpad support for the games. Like other browsers, it is designed to save your mobile data by using its compression algorithm which claims to be able to save up to 90% of bandwidth.
Puffin for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Fast
- Virtual trackpad and gamepad support for games
Con’s
- Ad-enabled
6. Maxthon Web Browser: For Smart Readers
A very popular browser with more than 6 million installs in the Play Store. This browser focused more on a simplified browsing experience to the users. It has features like gestures support, font adjustment, night mode, RSS feed support, and no image browsing mode. The browser is Adblock Plus supported in order to block annoying ads on your device. The best part of the browser is RSS support, if you are an avid reader, Maxthon is your best companion.
Maxthon for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- RSS Support
- Gestures
- Night mode
Con’s
None
7. Google Chrome
I know it is the one that comes pre-installed, after all, Google’s Android. But, if you are a webmaster or you want to seamlessly sync your bookmarks across both your desktop and mobile without signing up for a separate account – just like for Firefox, use Chrome instead.
Obviously, you would be having a Google account – so that will make things easier. In addition to this, Chrome is the only browser that adapts and updates to support newer web technologies.
Google Chrome for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Comes pre-installed on your Android phone
- Easy to sync your history and bookmark on your desktop
- Latest web standards
Con’s
- Could be heavy on resources for older Android smartphones
- Not privacy-oriented
8. Brave Browser
If you wanted a browser that is light on resources and has in-built ad blocker – this should be the one. It also features privacy and security oriented options like HTTPS everywhere – that you usually find on the desktop.
In addition to the security and privacy, it also helps you save bandwidth by optimizing the web pages you visit. And, all of this – without any in-app purchases or ads.
Brave for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s:
- In-built Ad-blocker and script blocker
- Tracking protection
- HTTPS everywhere
Con’s:
- UX is not the best out there
9. Firefox Focus
Yes, I have already mentioned Mozilla’s Firefox. And, it is a good one for users looking for security, privacy, and good web experience. However, Firefox Focus only focuses on privacy and it is lighter on resources.
It lets you block all kinds of trackers and doesn’t let any unwanted ad to get to you. You do not have to worry about your history and browsing activity. It is essentially a dedicated browser with an always-on private mode – you could say otherwise. So, you just have to browse and close your browser. It will automatically erase the cookies and history.
Firefox Focus for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s:
- Blocks all kinds of trackers
- Private browsing mode always
Con’s:
- You cannot store anything on it – even if you want to. So, only for privacy buffs.
10. Flynx
Were you looking for something interesting? Flynx is something you would want to try. If you are a multi-tasker, you will love it.
Well, basically, any link you click on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, or any other similar apps – Flynx will open it just like a Messenger chat head that you can open and minimize. Of course, with that kind of flexibility to browse things on the go while using other applications will need a certain amount of resources.
The best thing here is – you save a lot of time. The web pages you want to access can load up in the background – without you waiting for it.
Flynx for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s:
- An easy way to multitask while also browsing the web
- Works with almost every app
Con’s:
- Heavy on resources
- Not a standalone browser where you get to sync your stuff with the desktop counterpart.
11. Lynket Browser
Yet another unique browser – something similar to Flynx – but on the lighter side. Yes, it is not heavy on resources – so it runs usually fast on every type of Android smartphone. It is similar to what happens when you click on a link in-app and a tab slides over to load up the website.
However, you have no control over it – when you close it, the webpage closes as well. But, in this case, the web page will remain as it is – if you want to – as a chat head. You can resume and slide back to a different app without reloading the web page.
It sounds a bit complex – but when you get to use it – I bet you will find it useful.
Lynket Browser for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s:
- Makes it easy to multitask while using multiple apps
- AMP supported with the best possible experience
Con’s:
- Not the best user experience
- If you want a standalone browser, this won’t be helpful.
12. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is definitely one of the best smartphone browsers – even if it is not being widely used.
Of course, we will recommend this for you – if you happen to use Edge on your PC. But, if you don’t – you can consider this as an alternative to Chrome and Firefox – when it comes to respecting your privacy and data security.
Surprisingly, you also get the ability to block advertisements using Adblock Plus.
Microsoft Edge for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Fast browser
- In-built Adblocker
Con’s
- You need to use Edge on your PC in order to sync your browsing activity
- Not an impressive user experience
13. Firefox Lite
Fret not, if you love using Firefox, but having crazy stutters or crashes just because you have an older smartphone – the lite version is here to the rescue.
Everything’s the same with an ad blocker, private browsing, parallel downloads, and so on. Just a lighter version to it.
Firefox Lite for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s:
- Lite version – lighter on resources
Con’s:
- You’ll just miss the user experience that you get on the full-fledged version
14. CM Browser
CM Browser is an all-in-one kind of a browser where you get the privacy protection and security benefits without needing to be heavy on resources. Yes, by default, it is light on resources.
In addition, you also get a feature where it automatically detects a video on a webpage and lets you download it easily. You can give it a try.
CM Browser for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s:
- Ad Blocker and privacy protection
- Auto-detect videos on a webpage to download them
Con’s:
- In-app advertisements
15. Tor Browser for Android
Do note that this isn’t the best browser for user experience – but only for privacy and security. Tor browser is hands down the best Android browser around if you are obsessed about security.
You will need to install Orbot in order to connect this app through the tor network. Once you are done – your browsing activity is well-protected. You may notice the load time of web pages to be slower because of the powerful Tor proxy network. But, that is what you have to compromise if you want to remain anonymous while getting the freedom to go online.
Tor Browser for Android: Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s:
- Tor network support
- Keeping you anonymous, if you follow the on-screen instructions
Con’s:
- Poor User experience
- Slow webpage load time