Looking for a new web browser? You’re in luck! There are dozens to choose from, including popular options like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. Which is the best? Which fits your needs? Choosing the right browser depends on several important factors, five of which we’ll cover below.
Most people simply use the default browser on their machine, which in the case of PCs is likely Explorer, and on Macs is Safari. Each has their own pros and cons, but you’re not confined to only using the default browser. With a simple click, download, and short installation, you can get started with a more stable and reliable browser in just minutes.
1. Security Features
First and foremost, you want your browser to be secure. After all, there’s a good chance you’ll be using to access personal information like online bank accounts, social media accounts, government websites, and anything else you might be using your internet connection for. To have this information fall into the wrong hands because of a faulty browser can be disastrous.
Security doesn’t just lie in the software itself, however. The team behind the software is responsible for testing, fixing bugs, and addressing security issues quickly and efficiently. This is why the bigger names in the industry often see more use, because they have much larger and well-funded teams behind them to keep them up and running.
Stay away from little-known browsers that don’t have a customer support team behind them or even any information on their security features. It’s important to research any new browser you want to use, but you should especially research the ones you’ve never heard of.
2. Sync
Nowadays, the ability of software to some kind of cloud storage is pretty much a default feature. Web browsers are no different. Google Chrome, for instance, syncs your Google data and even saves your bookmarks, web search history, passwords, and credit cards in the browser’s memory. This memory can be synced across several devices via your Google account.
Apple’s Safari browser also offers similar features, as do many other web browsers. This is important because you’ll be able to use several devices (a computer, tablet and phone) with the same browser and the same information. This eliminates the need to constantly sign in and out of accounts, update preferences, etc.
Sync can also make things more secure, since you’ll be using a linked account and only one browser for your personal information. You wouldn’t hand out personal info to five different people, right? The same concept applies to your internet browser.
3. Reliability
Along with security, reliability is a prime consideration when it comes to web browsers. How reliable are the security features, sign-in features, sync, and speeds? Does the service itself come with a customer support team to address any issues? What kinds of ratings has the browser received from tech critics and everyday users?
Even with the best internet providers in my area, I can still experience problems with a dysfunctional browser. Essentially, if there’s no support team behind the software, you’ll want to skip it. Otherwise, you’ll be left to figure things out on your own when problems arise.
4. Speed
The fastest internet speeds don’t mean a thing if your browser can’t keep up. The browser’s job is to process the information from the web; reading the code for websites, pulling up images, and more. If it’s slow, clunky, and unreliable, your expensive internet service package isn’t going to mean much.
We’ve all been in that situation before, when the browser we’re using is slow and unresponsive. It can be incredibly frustrating! Don’t neglect the speed of your browser. It’s just as important as security, reliability, and functionality.
5. Functionality
Last, but certainly not least, we come to functionality. How functional is your browser? Does it have an intuitive interface to work with? Is it easy to navigate? Do you have trouble figuring out which buttons do what?
While there might be a hundred tutorials available online for every browser out there, that doesn’t mean you want to use a complex browser long-term. The entire point of a functional web browser is to make things quick and easy, right?
Different web browsers work for different needs as well. If you’re predominantly a Google user, Google Chrome is the perfect option for you. If you use iCloud and Apple products, Safari might be the best (although plenty of Mac and iOS users still use Chrome). It all depends on your individual needs and expectations. What do you expect from your browser?
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new browser doesn’t have to be a complex process. Just keep in mind these five tips, and you’ll be able to choose the fastest, most reliable and functional browser available. Remember that the more well-known browsers often have entire teams working to update them and keep them secure, whereas the smaller browsers may not have those capabilities yet. Don’t risk your personal information.
