Best Google Chrome alternatives 2023

After dominating the browser landscape for nearly a decade, Internet Explorer has finally taken a backseat. While there are still users loyal to Internet Explorer, the majority have shifted their preference to Chrome. According to Statista, Google Chrome has been the leading desktop browser since 2015, but despite its popularity, Chrome has its fair share of flaws that remain unaddressed. This calls for the search for the best Chrome alternative.

While the new Google Bard AI with dark theme features is not exclusive to Chrome, many are considering leaving Chrome for other alternatives such as MS Edge.

If you’re tired of Chrome’s excessive RAM and battery consumption (even though this issue can be fixed), it’s time to explore these top chrome browser alternatives. As a long-time Chrome user myself, I eventually made the switch due to its resource-heavy nature. Join me in discovering the best Google Chrome alternatives that offer a better browsing experience without draining your system’s resources.

Here are the best Google Chrome browser alternatives you can try:

1. Microsoft Edge

Key features:

• Redesigned with a Chromium-based engine for improved performance and compatibility.
• Supports extensions from the Microsoft Store.
• Allows importing bookmarks, history, passwords, and other data from other browsers.

Forget about Internet Explorer. Microsoft’s got a new browser in town, and it’s way better. They call it Microsoft Edge. It’s a total game-changer. You can still find Internet Explorer on Windows devices, but Microsoft doesn’t support it anymore. Edge, on the other hand, is the real deal. It’s got a slick new design and a powerful engine based on Chromium. And guess what? You can even use extensions from the Microsoft Store. Although they didn’t exactly set the world on fire, they’re still worth checking out.

But hold on, there’s more. Microsoft took things up a notch and scrapped the old Edge browser. They replaced it with a fresh, Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge. They even gave it a snazzy new logo. Now it’s one of the best alternatives to Chrome out there. You can grab extensions from the Chrome Web Store, just like you do with Chrome itself. It’s got all sorts of cool features you’ll want to try. And here’s the kicker: you can import all your bookmarks, history, passwords, and other stuff from any other browser. It’s a breeze.

So, if you’re looking for a Chrome browser alternative, look no further. Microsoft Edge is where it’s at. Oh, and don’t forget to find out how to enable the Edge bar in Microsoft Edge. You won’t want to miss that. Happy browsing, folks!

Available on: Windows, Android, iOS, macOS (Intel and M1 Silicon)

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2. Firefox Browser

Key features:

• Excellent alternative to Google Chrome browser.
• Supports Chrome extensions and offers a wide range of add-ons.
• Emphasizes speed, privacy, and security with features like tracking protection and enhanced privacy settings.
• Popular choice for web developers with developer-friendly features.

Move over, Chrome! Firefox is the bomb when it comes to ditching the mainstream. It’s one of the best alternatives out there to Chrome, no doubt about it. With extension support and the ability to install Chrome extensions, Firefox gives you the best of both worlds.

Now, let’s talk speed and privacy. Firefox is the browser that’s got your back. It’s lightning-fast and keeps your business private. With tracking protection, extensions galore, account information sync, and a boatload of developer-friendly features, Firefox has everything you need.

But hold on tight, because things just got even better. Enter the Firefox Quantum Browser. It’s a Chrome alternative that matches the speed of Google’s own browser. Talk about flying high! And that’s not all, folks. Quantum Browser takes private browsing up a notch. It wipes all your data clean once your session’s done. Poof! It’s gone. The update also adds protection against pesky online trackers, especially those lurking on social media platforms like Facebook.

So, if you’re ready to break free from the Chrome shackles, Firefox is your go-to buddy. It’s fast, it’s private, and it’s got all the goodies you need. Trust me, web developers swear by it. It’s their secret weapon thanks to its killer dev features.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

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3. Brave Browser

Key features:

• Chromium-based browser known for its speed and performance.
• Offers built-in ad-blocking and tracking protection.
• Supports Chrome extensions.
• Provides customizable options to enable/disable features like Brave affiliate and crypto wallet.

Have you heard about the Brave browser? It’s another one of those Chromium-based browsers that’ll pique your interest. Now, I gotta be real with you. There was this incident where security researchers caught Brave browser slipping in some affiliate links during your browsing journey. Brave explained the situation, but the trust factor is up to you. If you’re cool with it, you can give it a whirl today. Personally, I find it blazing fast and a solid replacement for Google Chrome. That’s why I’ve been rockin’ it for a while now, not as my daily driver, but as a seconday option.

Here’s the scoop on Brave. It supports Chrome extensions, so you won’t have to sacrifice your favorite add-ons. Plus, it’s got your back with DuckDuckGo support, Tor browsing in Incognito mode (my fav feature among all), and a bunch of other nifty features. Now, fair warning: you might wanna turn off a few things like Brave’s affiliate program and Crypto wallet that come enabled by default. But hey, it’s your call. Customize that start page to your heart’s content.

So, if you’re on the lookout for something fresh and exciting, Brave browser is where it’s at. It’s fast, it’s reliable (depending on who you ask), and it’s ready to shake up your browsing game. Give it a shot and see if it’s your cup of tea.

Have you installed Brave? This guide on how to change the default search engine in Brave Browser should be helpful.

Available on: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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4. Opera Browser

Key features:

• Lightweight browser with a built-in battery manager and low power mode.
• Supports Chrome extensions.
• Offers features like dark mode, free built-in VPN, VR player, download manager, and mouse gestures.
• Available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

We’ve got another gem in the Chrome alternative world: Opera. This browser is worth a look, no doubt about it. It’s got some nifty features up its sleeve. Check this out: it comes with a built-in battery manager, perfect for conserving power when you’re on the go. And guess what? You can even install Google Chrome extensions on Opera.

Let’s dive into what makes Opera shine. First off, it’s light as a feather, so it won’t bog down your system. Plus, it rocks a cool dark mode that’s easy on the eyes. But wait, there’s more! Opera spoils you with a built-in free VPN, keeping you secure and anonymous. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

We’re talking VR player, a handy Snapshot tool, a top-notch Download manager, customizable image loading settings, convenient mouse gestures, pop-up blocking, and a wide array of extensions from the Opera store. Phew, that’s a mouthful! Oh, and don’t forget about Opera Turbo, giving you that extra boost in speed.

But here’s the kicker: Opera isn’t just limited to one platform. It’s available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. They’ve got you covered, no matter what device you’re rockin’.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

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5. Safari Browser

Key features:

• Default browser for Mac, iOS, and iPadOS users.
• Known for its simplicity and ease of use.
• Provides new features with macOS updates.
• Preferred choice for Apple users but may lack certain extensions and additional tools.

We’ve got Safari in the house, but here’s the deal. It’s exclusively for Mac users. If you’re rockin’ a MacBook, an iMac, or any Apple device with iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, Safari is the name of the game. It’s your default browser, no questions asked. If you wanna experience Apple’s stock browsing, then stick with Safari. But hold on a sec, my friends. If you’re after extensions and extra tools, we’d recommend checkin’ out some other alternatives.

Let’s talk about Safari’s story. It’s been holdin’ down the fort as the default browser for macOS and iOS users for a hot minute. But truth be told, it can’t quite measure up to the mighty Google Chrome. Safari keeps it simple, offerin’ the basics without any fancy frills. It’s just your run-of-the-mill browser, you know? There ain’t nothin’ special to write home about. But hey, Apple users have a soft spot for it on macOS and iOS. Now, here’s a little somethin’ for ya: with macOS Big Sur 11.0, Safari gets some shiny new features. So, if you’re lookin’ for a browser for basic browsin’ needs, Safari’s got your back.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out how to change the default web browser in macOS. You might wanna switch things up if Safari’s not your cup of tea.

That’s the lowdown on Safari, my friends. It’s a browser for Apple enthusiasts, keepin’ it simple and clean. But if you’re lookin’ for a bit more oomph, explore other options given below.

Available on: macOS, iOS

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6. Vivaldi Browser

Vivaldi is a Chromium-based browser with a ton of features that make it a solid alternative to Google Chrome. It’s been around for five years and works on Windows, macOS, and Android. With a monthly user base of nearly 1.2 million, Vivaldi is all about speed and packing in those Chromium-powered features.

Key features:

• Notes: Save your thoughts
• Quick Commands
• Visual Bookmarks and Speed Dial
• Web Panels
• Manage Sessions Manually
• Visual Tab Previews
• Tab Stacks
• Trash Can: Quickly Restore Pages
• Adaptive Interface

Let’s dive into what sets Vivaldi apart:

One standout feature is Notes, allowing you to quickly jot down your thoughts. Say goodbye to losing those brilliant ideas!

Another handy feature is Quick Commands, giving you superpowers for navigating the browser with a few simple commands.

And we’ve got more! Visual Bookmarks and Speed Dial keep your browsing game organized and accessible.

Ever wanted to keep multiple websites open without going bonkers? Vivaldi’s got you covered with Web Panels, keeping your favorite sites within easy reach.

Accidentally closed a tab? No worries! Vivaldi’s got your back with the ability to manage sessions manually, so you’re in control.

Visual Tab Previews give you a sneak peek at your tabs before you open them.

Plus, it offers Tab Stacks, letting you group related tabs for streamlined organization.

If you’ve accidentally closed a tab or page, Vivaldi’s Trash Can feature helps you restore it in a jiffy.

Lastly, the Adaptive Interface lets you tailor the browser to your needs, like a custom-made suit for your browsing experience. Change themes, colors, wallpapers, etc.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a feature-packed alternative to Chrome while sticking to typical Chrome style and features, give Vivaldi a whirl. It’s got the goods to make your browsing experience top-notch.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

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7. Tor Browser

If privacy’s your thing, look no further than Tor Browser. It’s the real deal when it comes to keeping your online activities under wraps. With Tor, you can cruise the web incognito, no prying eyes in sight. Your data remains off the radar, thanks to Tor’s network of relays spanning the globe. So, if privacy is non-negotiable for you, Tor Browser is your ultimate go-to. Browse anonymously and leave no trace with this privacy-focused powerhouse.

Key features:

• Most privacy-focused browser for anonymous and secure web browsing.
• Shields your data and identity with a network of relays for global communication.
• Ensures anonymity and prevents tracking of your online activities.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

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In conclusion, the choice of a Google Chrome alternative ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Microsoft Edge offers speed, privacy, and seamless integration with Microsoft products, especially after recent integration of ChatGPT into new Bing. Vivaldi stands out for its customization options and compatibility with Chrome extensions. Tor Browser prioritizes privacy and anonymity. Firefox, Brave, Opera, and Safari each have their own unique features to offer.

Explore these options, test their features, and choose the one that suits your needs best. Share your choice in the comments below!

Still a Chrome user? Read our guide on how to run a safety check in Google Chrome.

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FAQs: Best Chrome alternatives in 2023