The most secure browser. Browser testing (2016)

In addition to the operating systems we reviewed in one of the previous materials, the web browser market did not stand still in the past year. In this article, we will describe in detail how browser usage statistics have changed over the past twelve months, and at the same time show the general picture of changes over the past five years.

Chrome

The No. 1 most popular browser in the world today is Chrome.

You probably knew this even without any statistics. If we talk about specific numbers, then, according to StatCounter, the total market share of Google's brainchild on desktops and mobile devices in December was 51.1%.

If we consider only desktop PCs separately, then the figures are even more impressive: Chrome already occupies 62.7% there.

Over the past five years, the popularity of Google's browser has changed as follows (hereinafter, the first number is general statistics for mobile and desktop devices, the numbers in brackets are statistics exclusively for desktops):

• 12.2011 – 25,1% (27,3%);
• 12.2012 – 31.4% (37,8%);
• 12.2013 – 35,8% (46,6%);
• 12.2014 – 40,9% (49,7%);
• 12.2015 – 47,1% (56,9%);
• 12.2016 – 51,1% (62,7%).

Having been released in the fall of 2008, Chrome gained a huge audience in just a few years. Exit Google browser greatly diluted the sluggish battle between Internet Explorer and Firefox, giving a strong boost to competition. However, in recent years this momentum seems to be fading, and Chrome, having pushed aside everyone else, is finally establishing itself as a new monopolist to replace IE.

General statistics on browser usage (mobile and desktop) for five years to December 2016

By the way, the real market share of Google products is greater than the total indicator of desktop and mobile Chrome versions. The fact is that there is also a browser that was present in the old Android versions. The share of this Android browser is actively decreasing, but in December 2016 it was still 3.1%. So the general Google indicator the market share of web browsers already exceeds 54%.

Safari

Second place is held by Apple and its Safari with 14%. The Cupertino company owes silver in the final standings primarily to the mobile version of Safari, which is the standard browser in iOS, which runs all iPhones, iPads, as well as some iPod players.

Desktop version of Safari that is available macOS users, of course, also contributes to this high result, although its contribution is much smaller.

• 12.2011 – 7,4% (6,1%);
• 12.2012 – 10.1% (5,0%);
• 12.2013 – 11,8% (4,8%);
• 12.2014 – 14,2% (4,7%);
• 12.2015 – 13,0% (5,3%);
• 12.2016 – 14,0% (5,1%).

While Chrome is growing across the board at the same time, resulting in excellent bottom-line numbers, Safari's overall growth over the past five years has been driven largely by an increase in iPhone sales and iPad. Noteworthy: Safari is losing the battle for the mobile market to Chrome (see screenshot below), but the market itself is growing so quickly that the overall numbers for Apple's web browser are still increasing.

In turn, the desktop performance of the Apple browser could have been higher if the current management of Apple had not canceled the release of Safari versions for Windows, which began under Jobs, a few years ago.

UC Browser

UC Browser from the Chinese development team UCWeb took an honorable third place in the overall race in 2016. Its result in December of the year ended was 8.6%. Moreover, if the aforementioned Safari at least partially earned its share thanks to the desktop version, then UC Browser owes its result almost exclusively to the popularity of the mobile edition.

• 12.2011 – 0,40% (-);
• 12.2012 – 1.43% (-);
• 12.2013 – 2,63% (-);
• 12.2014 – 3,57% (-);
• 12.2015 – 7,25% (-);
• 12.2016 – 8,61% (0,28%).

According to StatCounter, on mobile devices UC Browser already occupies 15.39%.

Mobile browsers as of December 2016

As for the desktop version, the browser still has it recently, but it still enjoys strikingly more modest popularity. In 2015, StatCounter did not see it at all, but at the end of 2016 it gave the desktop UC Browser 0.28%.

These are small numbers, but even with them, UC Browser on desktops is ahead of all its Chinese competitors, including Maxthon, to which, by the way, the desktop UC Browser is very similar in terms of functionality.

Firefox

Holds fourth place with an indicator of 6.7% Mozilla Firefox. In contrast to the UC Browser discussed above, Firefox essentially owes its results only to the desktop version.

The mobile edition of the web browser from Mozilla, of course, exists, but according to StatCounter, things are going extremely badly for it: it is gaining only a few hundredths (!) of a percent in the mobile market. As a result, when desktop and mobile statistics are combined, very modest overall figures emerge:

• 12.2011 – 23,3% (25,3%);
• 12.2012 – 18,9% (22,8%);
• 12.2013 – 14,9% (20,3%);
• 12.2014 – 11,3% (18,0%);
• 12.2015 – 8,8% (15,6%);
• 12.2016 – 6,7% (14,9%).

In recent years, the developers of the “fire fox” have been forced to deal with a double blow. On the one hand, Chrome is experiencing rapid growth on desktops, which is not at all surprising, given the capabilities and resources of the Internet giant.

Desktop browsers as of December 2016

On the other hand, the mobile market is growing steadily, generating more and more traffic from month to month. And in this most important area, Mozilla this moment failed to attract any significant audience.

In 2016, however, Firefox managed to significantly slow down its decline on desktops, thanks to which it found itself in a more advantageous position than the browsers of one well-known corporation, the total share of which is also falling, but much faster.

Internet Explorer and Edge

At the end of 2016, Microsoft web browsers fell to fifth place in the overall ranking. The total share of IE and Edge in December was 6.5%, although a year earlier they together gained just over 11%.

Let us clarify that StatCounter data is fundamentally different from Net Application statistics. For example, Net App believes that the “donkey” lost first place on desktops only at the beginning of 2016. StatCounter recorded the victory of Chrome on desktop computers back in May 2012, when Google's brainchild scored more than 32.4% versus 32.1% for IE.

Statistics on the use of desktop browsers for five years to December 2016

Note also that StatCounter, for some reason, counts IE and IE Mobile separately in general statistics, although the service, on the contrary, summarizes the results, for example, of desktop and mobile versions of all other browsers, including Edge, for final statistics.

However, it is not difficult to calculate the amount yourself, so the figure we cited above of 6.5% is the final result at the end of last year for everyone Microsoft browsers, including mobile IE and Edge. The total positions of these web browsers over previous years have changed as follows:

• 12.2011 – 35,6% (38,6%);
• 12.2012 – 26,6% (32,1%);
• 12.2013 – 18,5% (24,9%);
• 12.2014 – 15,9% (24,5%);
• 12.2015 – 11,0% (18,1%);
• 12.2016 – 6,5% (13,2%).

As a result, in 2016, Microroft browsers were surpassed by UC Browser and Firefox, falling from third place to fifth. If the decline of IE continues at the same pace, and Edge is unable to accelerate its momentum, then in the coming 2017, Opera may already be ahead of Microsoft.

General statistics of all browsers in the last month of 2016

As for Edge specifically, which debuted in 2015 and is exclusive to Windows 10, its results are very moderate. Due to the very weak presence of the browser on mobile devices, the overall statistics this year turned out to be twice as bad as the already modest desktop ones:

• 12.2015 – 0,92% (1,58%);
• 12.2016 – 1,61% (3,37%).

The problem for Microsoft is that Edge is gaining users too slowly, and the donkey is losing the remaining ones too quickly. As a result, the overall result, as can be clearly seen above, is becoming increasingly sad.

Opera

In terms of the formation of market share, which currently occupies sixth place, it most closely resembles Apple Safari: the desktop version makes a significant contribution here, but the main contribution to market share indicators is made by mobile users.

As a result, the overall share of the browser as a whole is growing along with the growth of the mobile market. Alas, it is not nearly as successful and consistent as other web browsers that are well represented in the mobile space. For Opera, growth is often replaced by a downward adjustment, which is due to strong competition from the same Chrome or the Chinese UC Browser.

• 12.2011 – 3,77% (1,98%);
• 12.2012 – 3,46% (1,28%);
• 12.2013 – 4,64% (1,33%);
• 12.2014 – 3,87% (1,5%);
• 12.2015 – 5,62% (2,2%);
• 12.2016 – 5,16% (1,8%).

The Norwegian browser never achieved high performance on desktops. After abandoning Presto, not all users accepted the new Opera with a different engine and functionality. In turn, in the market of the CIS countries, where Opera traditionally had the strongest position, Yandex managed to impose very serious competition on it in recent years.

In RuNet, Yandex.Browser became the No. 2 browser on desktops for the first time in December 2016. However, the global share of the Yandex web browser on desktop computers is only 0.52%, and among all browsers it even turns into 0.27%

The browser of the domestic Internet flagship is also based on Chromium technologies. Like Opera, Yandex.Browser is equipped with a customizable express panel and a Turbo function for data compression, which further lures users of the Norwegian web browser.

Desktop browsers

In most cases, users prefer Google program Chrome. This browser works quickly, does not require high computer power and has a number of other advantages:

Among the disadvantages of this program are: low speed working with a large number of tabs, significant use of virtual memory and lack of visual bookmarks.

Visiting the fox

Mozilla FireFox is preferred by those who like a simple interface without unnecessary tabs and buttons. During the initial installation, you will receive a program with minimal functionality. However, it can be extended with plugins and special extensions. This is the most popular browser abroad.

• To customize the program for yourself, many additional plugins are offered - about 100 thousand;
• The security of personal information and passwords is guaranteed;
• Convenient panel with bookmarks;
• Updating the program without user involvement;
• Pop-up windows are blocked;
• RSS support;
• Multifunctional panel for creating websites;
• Pop-up windows are blocked.

There is a noticeable drawback in working with FireFox - low performance and response to user manipulations. People who are accustomed to Google Chrome, I don’t like using this browser because of the low speed.

Surgery

What is the best internet browser for beginners? The answer is only Opera. Many people use it mobile version, which the developers created back in 2010.

Advantages of the program:

• fast request processing speed even on not very powerful computers;
• “Turbo” mode allows you to maximize the speed of work;
• the most secure among all other browsers;
• You can add functionality using more than 1 thousand plugins and extensions;
• you can control the browser only using a manipulator;
• You can download torrent files through the interface;
• synchronization via Opera Link;
• works great with RSS feeds and integrated mail program;
• blocks windows that pop up from time to time.

Few people now use this oldest Internet browser in Russia. According to users, Opera “eats” a lot random access memory, periodically freezes, displays some sites incorrectly and is inconvenient to use bookmarks through the imperfect “Piggy Bank”.

Opera is the most secure among all other browsers

Attention! The developers suggest using Opera Unite technology to turn your computer into a real server. With its help you can exchange messages, photos and various files.

Domestic leader

In 2016, the domestic Yandex.Browser became the most popular among Russian users. To confirm this fact, we list all the advantages of installing the program and its subsequent use:

• convenient to use Yandex search engine services, maps, email,online translator, data warehouse;
• simple interface;
• blocking ads will help increase page loading speed;
• protection against virus programs is carried out using Kaspersky Lab antivirus;
• transfer of information and settings from other browsers;
• synchronization of bookmarks and settings - after reinstallation operating system they will not disappear;
• high security of personal information thanks to the SafeBrowsing system;
• A turbo mode has been created to speed up and save traffic;
• can change appearance and functionality using backgrounds and plugins;
• programs for viewing images, books, documents;
• convenient mobile version.

The updated interface that the developers offer will not be to everyone's liking. It will take some time to understand all the capabilities of the proposed program. Also, without connection to Yandex services, the browser functions to a limited extent.

Web Explorer

In 1995, “grandfather” appeared modern browsers– Internet Explorer. The developers offer it bundled with the Windows operating system. Because of this, it was very popular earlier, but today it has significantly lost its position. It was the weak point of many computers, as it did not guarantee protection against malicious attacks. The page display speed also leaves room for improvement.

The newest (and latest) version is Internet Explorer 11. They tried to level out some of the shortcomings in the work - they used a privacy mode, a rating characteristic and increased caching to speed up work. However, increasingly, ordinary Internet users prefer other browsers. There are a lot of shortcomings.

Advice. This browser is best suited for website development due to its adapted markup.

Thrifty chameleon

The developers of Mozilla Firefox in 2000 decided to create new program to search for information on the Internet. The result was K-Meleon. Its characteristics are in many ways similar to its counterpart, but there are also significant differences.

Main advantages:

• During operation, it saves your computer’s resources due to low RAM requirements;
• Application of native Windows interface simplifies work and saves time;
• Ability to use the program through different user profiles;
• Various assemblies allow you to choose the version that will be most convenient for you;
• Easy personalization.

Let's name other programs for Internet surfing. These are SRWare Iron (similar to Chrome), Safari (ideal for IOS), SlimJet (fast and efficient), Tor Browser(anonymity+), Amigo (special offer from Mail.ru Group), Comet (commercial purposes), Maxthon (very fast), CocCoc (greetings from Vietnamese developers), Rambler Browser (for fans of the search engine of the same name) and many others.

Which browser is the fastest - video

Everyone uses browsers now. It has become an integral part of people's lives. But if so, then why are we so irresponsible in choosing the program that we use every day?
I decided to test 10 browsers and compare them, as well as find out which one is the best.

This is exactly how my article began a year ago. What has changed during this time? I think it's worth checking out.

To begin with, I want to say that we have a replacement. Instead of the old Donkey, a new browser from Microsoft, whose name is Edge, is entering the arena.

This test will have fewer browsers, but more tests and more diagrams.

So let's get started.

First, let's get acquainted.

1. Google Chrome

The browser from Good Corporation, the most popular of all. The most common of all. The best... But we'll find out later.
A browser that has established itself as the most convenient and simple, but at the same time multifunctional combine. It’s difficult to say anything about him, since everything has already been said before.

2. Mozilla Firefox

A browser for those who have not joined the Google clan. From the very beginning it is considered a browser for those who do not want to use Horm. Convenient, simple and incredibly flexible, which often affects productivity. It's on par with Google's browser.

3.Opera

One of best browsers. It is one of the 5 most popular browsers and I can rightfully say. Everything you need from Opera browser can give. With the transition to the new kernel, WebKit gained many new fans (but also lost old ones).

4. Yandex Browser

The browser is based on the Chromium engine, like many now. A simple stylish browser from a popular company in Russia. It works flawlessly, there are few tricks of its own. Yandex is trying its best to stand out from other competitors. This browser has a very unusual design. Another advantage is that it is being developed by a very large company that monitors its support.

5. Vivaldi

New browser from a former Opera developer. Has a lot in common with its ancestor. On the other hand, this is a new generation browser. It has everything you need. User-friendly interface, lots of features. Lots of settings. In general, everything that both an ordinary and a sophisticated user needs.

6. Microsoft Edge

This browser has a difficult fate, because the vast majority still consider it old Internet browser Explorer but in a new shell. And Microsoft is making every effort to destroy this stagnant myth. Microsoft's new browser is trying its best to show (and quite successfully) that it is a browser that can compete with the most popular browsers in the world.

6. Maxthon Browser
Chinese browser. It sounds scary, but in reality it's not that scary. The browser is very good. It has its own unique interface and many out-of-the-box features that other browsers offer as add-ons. In addition, it does not stand still and is actively developing, trying to offer the user more and more new opportunities.

The browsers were tested on two key parameters. This is the speed of loading sites and RAM consumption.

Website loading speed was tested in four modes.

1. Two sites, cold start - measuring the loading speed of two sites with cleared cache and cookies.

2. Two sites, hot start - measuring the loading speed of two sites with loaded cache and cookies.

3. Ten sites, cold start - measuring the loading speed of ten sites with cleared cache and cookies.

4. Ten sites, hot start - measurement loading speeds of ten sites with loaded cache and cookies.

I, like last time, used the following sites:

Since according to the rules of the portal you cannot insert many links, I will insert one. By clicking on it you will see a list of all the sites that I used for the test. >>><<<

______________________________________________________________________

Test results

__________________________________________________________________________

There is no typo in the tables, I actually tested 3 and 11 sites respectively. The fact is that to open sites simultaneously, I used a special script from another site and it was always open. A link to a list of all sites used was provided above.

Test results

______________________________________________________________________________

Based on all the results, each browser was awarded points from 1 to 7 depending on its result (for the first place in the test 7 points were given, for the last 1 point).

1st place Chrome

2nd place Maxthon

3rd place Edge

4th place Opera

5th place Yandex

6th place Vivaldi

7th place Mozilla

Conclusion:
This is how the test came out. But these results are not the ultimate truth, because completely different indicators in the browser may be important for each user.
I hope that this test will help someone decide when choosing their ideal browser.

Friends, oddly enough, mobile traffic has actually become equal to the share of regular traffic, and there is nothing surprising here, because desktops have been replaced by mobile gadgets. Many users prefer to surf the Internet from a mobile phone, because it is convenient in terms of mobility. Today we will look at the best browsers for surfing the Internet for the popular Android platform.

Among all the browsers we can highlight top 10 best, which are used by millions of users without complaints. We will start the ranking from tenth place, approaching first. I recommend that you do not stop at one application in particular; it is better to select and install several surfing programs, since each browser has its own disadvantages and advantages.

10th place: Lightning Browser

9th place: Next Browser

8th place: Puffin

7th place: Javelin

6th place: Yandex Browser

For example, information about traffic jams will be very useful during the trip, and the turbo mode will save traffic, thereby speeding up the Internet speed. It is also convenient to search for information in the Yandex search bar at the bottom. You can download the browser from the link.

5th place: UC Browser

4th place: Dolphin Browser

3rd place: Mozilla Firefox

2nd place: Opera Mini

1st place: Google Chrome

I hope ours top best browsers for android will help you choose a truly high-quality browser that will not disappoint you!