Bigfin’s Best Web Browsers in 2019

Web browsers provide a gateway to the internet, allowing online users to display, locate, and access online content. Generally, each desktop computer, PC, mobile device, or tablet features a default browser. However, that does not mean a default browser is always the best choice. With the wide assortment of competing web browsers today, it is imperative to know which one is the most secure and provides an excellent user experience. Read on to learn about the top four web browsers and discover which browser reigns supreme.

4. Safari

For Apple customers, Safari is a familiar default web browser which includes telephone support and fast loading speed. If users run into any issues, live support is readily available. Extra benefits include tabbed browsing (also featured on Firefox and Chrome) to save favorite sites. Also, Safari offers a reading list to collect articles or websites to dive into later on. Through a user account, Safari can sync with iCloud, allowing all changes to be readily available on all connected Apple devices. While Safari does a great job notifying users of malicious websites, it does not stop malicious downloads. Plus, Safari is specifically created for Apple devices. Unfortunately, this means Safari is not compatible with Windows. This limits usage for all other Windows/Android users. Additional shortcomings are lack of voice interaction (only on mobile) and no option to customize toolbars.

3. Microsoft Edge

For Windows 10/Microsoft customers, Microsoft Edge is the default web browser, serving as the improved replacement for Internet Explorer. Also, Microsoft Edge is the default application for eBooks and PDF files on Windows 10 devices as the browser is densely incorporated in the operating system. Unlike Safari, Microsoft Edge is made for the Windows 10 system, but can be utilized on Android and iOS mobile phones. Adding to great user experience, this browser features telephone support and is a secure browser. The system warns users of dangerous websites and adequately blocks malware files. Furthermore, built-in features include the option to save highlighted text on webpages for later use. Also, icons can be added to the toolbar that link to top visited sites. Plus, bookmarks and search history can be accessed across all connected devices. The major drawback of Microsoft Edge is that it creates compatibility problems for older Windows devices.

2. Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser and recognized as the most functional of the rest. Recognized as the top standardized browser on Android devices, Google Chrome is available on iOS, Windows, and Mac computers. As long as a user can log into a Google account, users can sync history and data to any device at any time. As search history is saved with every account, Google Chrome can autofill text when a user types in the Google search. Additional features include tabbed browsing to view numerous windows at the same time and implementing bookmarks to the homepage. Also, users can add icons to the toolbar to easily access most visited websites. Plus, Chrome has the highest amount of extensions than any other web browser, providing full customization options. Regarding privacy, Chrome features incognito mode on all devices to protect online activity and block malicious files, ransomware, and Trojans. The downside to address is incognito mode does not fully protect your activity from websites. Also, previous browser updates have raised concerns on privacy. Lastly, Chrome runs slower than other browsers and it comes in a sizeable file.

1. WINNER: Mozilla Firefox

Google Chrome is well-known, but being popular does not equate to being the best. According to Reviews.com and Top Ten Reviews, Mozilla Firefox is the best web browser for customization, privacy, and security with an overall design. Out of 10, this web browser ranked 9.5 in overall rating, 9 in speed and compatibility. Additional ratings include 9.8 for security and a perfect 10 for its features. On top of that, Firefox also runs on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. Beneficial features include synchronization across devices for search history, passwords, bookmarks, and browser settings across all devices. Best of all, Firefox has better security features than Chrome while also featuring private web browsing. Firefox takes it a step further by allowing users to delete cookies and clear cache and browser history when you close out. This web browser is transparent about the data it collects and allows users to opt-out. There are several built-in content-blocking features to prevent websites from tracking its users.  To notify users of blocked trackers and other items, a shield will display on the left of the URL bar. On the other hand, live support is unavailable and it can be challenging to talk to the support team. However, Firefox has user forums and FAQs to assist with any issues. Some users have found it difficult to find their bookmarks. Firefox stores bookmarks in a folder called “Profile”. However, this is to save information in another place in case any problems arise (such as needing to reinstall the browser).

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