What is the best browser for Android - choosing the optimal software. The fastest browser for Android Among other features of Puffin it is worth mentioning

Choosing the best browser for Android is not an easy task. All modern mobile browsers run on the same engine - WebKit and therefore, by and large, they are the same. And the difficulty that the user faces when choosing the main browser lies only in the presence or absence of certain additional functions or features. In this article we will look at the 5 most popular browsers and try to figure out what advantages each of them has. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this top cannot be considered the absolute truth in the last instance, since it reflects my preferences, and my opinion may not coincide with yours, and the positions of this top for everyone can vary in a completely unpredictable order.

In 5th place in our top is a browser from Chinese developers. UC Browser is not just a browser, but a powerful multifunctional web combiner. The developers did a good job and included in UC Browser everything that a person might need on the Internet. It's kind of the Swiss Army knife of the browser world. At your disposal is a download manager, an advanced bookmark cataloguer, a convenient bar with frequently visited pages, themes and even a night mode, and in the settings menu your eyes will run in different directions from the abundance of different options. In general, UC Browser offers a huge number of various functions and capabilities. But, unfortunately, not everyone needs all these delights, and sometimes such an abundance of functions can confuse an inexperienced user and make your smartphone slow down. Besides this, I don’t think that everyone will need all this abundance of functions and features in a mobile browser, which most often requires opening 1 - 2 links. That is why UC Browser is in last place in our top.

4th place: Dolphin Browser

Download Dolphin Browser for free on Google Play

In its concept, it has some similarities with UC Browser. Dolphin Browse is an equally powerful harvester that includes a huge range of additional functions. Moreover, Dolphin Browser supports the installation of additional extensions. With the help of these same extensions, the functionality of Dolphin Browser can be brought to a transcendental level. There are a great many extensions for Dolphin Browser on the developer’s website, I think everyone will find something useful for themselves. Such flexible customization, supported by excellent design and well-thought-out ergonomics. Dolphin Browser supports gesture control and, with the proper skill, you will have a very convenient and powerful tool at your disposal. In general, Dolphin Browser is a very nice and powerful tool, although it also has objective disadvantages. All these wonderful advantages require a large amount of RAM and a significant amount of processor processing power, so I can only recommend it to very discerning users who have powerful smartphones.

What, in general, does the Opera browser do in this top and why did Opera mini, and not the older version of Opera, receive the honor of getting into this top? Now I'll try to explain. Good and fast mobile Internet is not available everywhere and not always. That's why I always keep Opera mini handy; this browser is capable of great compression of traffic, passing it through its servers. This opportunity is simply irreplaceable in isolation from civilization. But here you have the right to object to me and say that the above-mentioned UC Browser and Dolphin Browser have mini versions of browsers, and almost all modern browsers can compress traffic. However, not all modern browsers have a full-fledged desktop version for large computers. The fact is that I am an active user of the desktop version of the Opera browser, and at the same time I use Opera along with Chrome, so the ability to synchronize bookmarks and passwords with the “big brother” is simply a killer feature for me. In addition, Opera mini itself is a very fast and convenient browser, perfect for a phone! Opera mini will definitely appeal to all owners of not very powerful gadgets, and users of EDGE networks will definitely appreciate it.

This browser is the best for many reasons! It can sync bookmarks, passwords, and even browsing history with other versions of Chrome on any platform. That is, you can easily start surfing on an Android device, and continue from the same place on any other device, be it a PC on Windows, Linux or Mac, a tablet or even a smartphone on iOS. This is why I love Chrome. Please note that all bookmarks, passwords and open pages remain with you on any device, you just need to log in to your Google account. In addition, I like the mobile version of the Chrome browser because it can translate pages, a feature I use very often. By and large, Chrome should occupy the first position in my top, but despite all its advantages, I gave it only second place. That's because Chrome on Android doesn't work as well as we'd like. The browser mercilessly consumes RAM and processing power of the processor. Once again I emphasize that for me personally, the main criterion when choosing a mobile browser is its speed and therefore I give first place to the AOSP browser.

This browser leaves behind all other participants in our top in terms of page loading speed. The AOSP browser interface is very minimalistic and is not overloaded with unnecessary buttons, switches and tabs. In addition, the browser can work in full-screen mode, when nothing but a web page is displayed on the smartphone screen. But the most important advantage of the AOSP browser is its speed; even the heaviest pages load very quickly and scroll perfectly. In addition, the AOSP browser can perfectly scale text, that is, adjust it so that it takes up all the free space on the screen.

To summarize, I note that each browser from this top is good in its own way. My choice fell on the AOSP browser and in everyday work I use it most often. It is my deep conviction that a mobile browser, first of all, should be fast and lightweight. This is exactly what the AOSP browser is.

Android has deservedly gained a reputation for being a flexible platform for working with web pages and browsers. Google software, expressed as the Play Market, allows you to install any browser and provides a flexible system for developing and publishing software products.

Along with this, Internet surfing is also developing, especially relevant for tablets. Optimization for the platform, an intuitive interface and many other characteristics to one degree or another influence the buyer’s choice.

Each of the browsers discussed below is the best in certain parameters, standing out from its competitors. We have selected the top most relevant browsers for you, based on user reviews, reputable agencies and resources spent.

TOP 10 best browsers for Android

10 Yandex Browser

Russian browser
Country Russia
Rating (2019): 4.2

More than 50 million downloads were provided by Yandex. The browser has worldwide popularity. It won its audience due to its free distribution scheme, built-in protection from Kaspersky Lab, speed and many other features.

It is noteworthy that this browser is a hybrid of many others, for example, the engine is used from Chromium, acceleration is from Opera. There is also its own online store, from where you can download the latest extensions. The only annoying factor is that Yandex actively pushes its product, both on computers and on smartphones and tablets, which discourages people from downloading it.

9 Naked Browser

Best traffic and memory savings
Country: USA
Rating (2019): 4.3

The name Naked Browser, which translates as “naked browser,” speaks for itself. The application, which takes up only 200 KB of memory, will be a practical solution for the cheapest smartphones and tablets with a lack of free space. The browser differs from most competitors in its complete lack of functions and pre-installed add-ons. Loading and viewing web pages, as well as saving bookmarks - this is, perhaps, the entire functionality of the application.

Besides being lightweight and not collecting user data, there are other benefits to this simplicity. Firstly, fast page loading in a simplified form can significantly save Internet traffic. Secondly, the browser is undemanding in terms of other technical characteristics, for example, processor power. Therefore, this is an excellent option for weak devices. After all, on budget devices it will load sites many times faster than more cumbersome applications.

8 Rbrowser

Optimization for Qualcomm. Power Saving Mode
Country: USA
Rating (2019): 4.4

As everyone knows, Android smartphones and tablets most often run on the Qualcomm chipset. However, despite the widespread use of processors of this type, finding a suitable browser for such devices is very difficult. Therefore, Rbrowser, developed specifically for Qualcomm, will be the best choice for most low-cost Android devices.

The application is quite lightweight and does not take up too much space, as it does not have an excessive abundance of properties. The functionality is basic, but includes everything you need: a customizable start page, night and full-screen display modes, access settings for location and other user data, ad blocking. The browser even comes with a power-saving mode that allows you to disable the most energy-consuming features. In addition, thanks to minimalism and optimization on Qualcomm devices, the browser works faster than many analogues.

7 Mercury Browser

Not as widely known as the leaders in the ranking, this browser for Android still deserves the title of one of the best. Although Mercury is not one of the fastest browsers, it is definitely above average. The main advantage of the Chinese application for Internet surfing is a convenient download manager with additional features. Not only does it allow you to download files in the background, but you can also pause or resume downloads with just one tap. The file manager will allow you to manage downloaded images, videos and created folders, as well as open them for viewing directly in the browser.

The presence of a private mode for data security, ad blocking, and even password protection of the browser guarantees a safe Internet search. The user also has access to control standard gestures, synchronization with popular browsers such as Firefox and Chrome, a built-in screen editor and many other functions.

6 Dolphin Browser

Best RAM saving
Country: USA
Rating (2019): 4.6

In terms of its concept, Dolphin can hardly be called unique. However, some of its advantages will surprise even the most demanding web surfers. The browser itself is very economical, which makes its basic version universal for both simple smartphones with small memory and flagships. However, the supported additional extensions can only be appreciated by owners of fairly powerful devices with good RAM. However, even without add-ons, the browser offers many possibilities.

In addition to incognito mode and personalization of the interface design, the application also supports gesture control. Everyone can create gestures for this or that action themselves by drawing them in a special editor. Swipe left or right, ornate spiral, smiley face - the options are limited by nothing but imagination and sleight of hand. However, it is important to remember that heavily personalizing your browser may slow down your browser's speed.

5 Microsoft Edge

Easy interface
Country: China
Rating (2019): 4.7

Launched in 2015, it is a full-fledged successor to Internet Explorer that turns out to be faster and more fun than its predecessor. The interface is devoid of unnecessary icons and extensions. The company decided not to reinvent the wheel and not use the Edge HTML engine, instead developing the application on Chrome Blink, as evidenced by the vaguely Chrome-like interface. This is done because this platform is the simplest and most promising for users to master.

Among the convenient features, it is worth noting the constant synchronization of data on all devices. It is also noteworthy to use the built-in AdBlock, which is disabled by default in the settings. Interaction with the stylus for tablets and smartphones is separately configured.

4 Firefox Focus

Complete confidentiality
Country: USA
Rating (2019): 4.8

The legendary “Fire Fox” was replaced by a modified Focus. This is a browser with complete privacy with a permanent Internet gateway that works in incognito mode. Blocks ads, trackers, intrusive pop-ups and other banners that can trick users into clicking on their links and stealing data. There are no storage of cookies, passwords or any other information here, which not only saves memory space, but also makes it easier to load pages when surfing the Internet.

Interestingly, there is a version of Klar for Germany, Switzerland or Austria, which differs only in the language pack. One more thing - the browser can work together with Safari, you just need to make some manipulations with the settings. The protection setting consists of 6 separate parameters, which gives access to fine-grained and multi-level browser settings. It actively blocks some elements of the web page interface, speeding up their loading.

3 Samsung Internet Browser

Modern technologies
Country: South Korea
Rating (2019): 4.8

Online store Samsung has more than 500 million downloads per day and occupies 5% of the market. The browser from the company of the same name is built on the basis of the same Chromium , but with proprietary modifications. It is installed by default on all devices Samsung , but can also be loaded from Play Market . To run it you will need a system Android minimum version 5.0.

Now about the functionality. There is an excellent system to support web payments, pop-up videos. Has all types of security certificates for the system. Additionally, we will highlight the most powerful blocking of advertising and unwanted content. Remedy Knox provides the basic needs of the system to repel network attacks or block viruses and worms. Samsung also provided its brainchild with advanced authentication using biometric parameters. The icing on the cake is the energy saving mode, which indirectly increases the autonomy of mobile devices and tablets.

2 Opera

Reliable data storage
Country: Norway
Rating (2019): 4.9

Excellent synchronization with the desktop version and improved data storage make Opera a great browser. I'm glad that the developers made sure that users did not download important extensions from third-party resources and equipped their brainchild not only with an ad blocker, but also with a VPN. Let's also pay tribute to its versatility, which, coupled with fast page loading and the widest range of settings, makes Opera as user-friendly as possible.

Another interesting thing to note is the “Turbo” mode, which not only does not waste extra system resources, but also enables traffic savings. This will speed up page loading. Together with that You can note a drop in performance when loading “heavy” pages and rare crashes. Also, many users note that the interface is confusing, which makes it difficult to master.

1 Google Chrome

The best browser based on all its characteristics
Country: USA
Rating (2019): 5.0

Leader in the number of downloads of default settings into systems. The main advantage of the browser is the countless number of supported plugins and deep integration into Android. The intuitive interface is equally suitable for both advanced users and beginners. The basis for this browser is the legendary Chromium, which served as a prototype for the creation of many other browsers.

There is one big problem - integration, which we counted as a plus, is also a minus. The bottom line is that Chrome services request and collect almost all information from your device. The built-in password manager allows you to save any data, which makes authorization on servers quick and convenient. Among the disadvantages, we can note a drop in performance when loading “heavy” ones.

How to choose a browser?

We would like to help you choose the best browser for smartphones and tablets on the Android system by giving a couple of popular tips:

• Before downloading, check the system requirements of the downloaded browser and the technical specifications of the smartphone. It is worth considering that for comfortable work it is desirable to have a reserve of RAM, an optimal processor and a video accelerator;
• If simplicity and versatility are important to you, then Microsoft Edge is ideal for this;
• Those who want to use the browser as a universal platform for everything should immediately take a closer look at Google Chrome;
• Opera will be pleased with its stability;
• For fans of domestic software, Yandex is suitable. Browser;
• Finally, for those who like to remain incognito, we recommend Firefox Focus.

To access the Internet you always need an application that will make it as convenient as possible. And devices with the Android operating system installed on them are no exception. This rating will list the TOP 5 fastest browsers for Android in 2018, as well as 5 more applications of this type that can be useful in various situations. When choosing the best browsers for Android smartphones, you should always take into account their pros and cons, system characteristics of the device and the purpose of downloading (for work or entertainment, with a simplified mode or maximum performance).

Google Chrome (version 68.0.3440.91)

At the moment, the Google Chrome browser is one of the best and most popular for devices not only with Windows, but also with the Android operating system. According to the statistics of downloads and visits to the site, it was determined that it is the fastest of all browsers. Many phones have this program pre-installed.

It gained such a reputation precisely because of its multifaceted functionality, the ability to synchronize tabs on different devices, and this significantly reduces the time and resources for searching, transmitting and saving the necessary information. The simplicity and high speed of Google Chrome allow you to find sites, load large amounts of data or download large files without delay.

There are other very useful functions such as creating bookmarks and dividing tabs into separate windows (this function is only available to those who have Android 5.0 or higher installed). It is also possible to search and visit sites, as well as download files in incognito mode, which makes it possible not to save any information in the history of site visits or downloads.

In general, many functions are similar to those found in the browser on a PC. Of course, this is a big plus, since Google Chrome has established itself as the best browser for Android, which is loved by tens of millions of users.

Opera Mini

The Opera browser is the most popular competitor to Google Chrome on Android devices. For a long time it was believed that this particular application deserves the title of “The Best Browser”. However, we will consider a version of this browser called Opera Mini. Most of the features of the main browser are available in it, but the main differences still make it so necessary for millions of people.

Most users loved it for its economy. If in Chrome you have to spend considerable amounts of data loading sites, then in Opera Mini traffic costs are reduced to a minimum. And this is a huge plus if you use mobile communications, where the data limit is usually small.

In order to understand how beneficial this browser is in terms of savings, you can simply look at its functionality. Data compression can reach more than 90%, and even the quality of images during search will not suffer as much as it would in other programs when this mode is enabled. Of course, if searching and downloading information in text form and with minimal traffic costs is important to the user (and in complex and even urgent situations this can be very necessary), then this browser is ideal. However, if picture quality and the full functionality of website pages and social networks like VKontakte or Facebook are important, then it’s worth downloading the main version of the Opera browser.

Mozilla Firefox (version 61.0)

If Google Chrome and Opera are the most popular browsers for devices with Android OS, then the mobile version of Mozilla Firefox is more focused on a separate category of devices: tablets with the Android or iOS operating system. Of course, it is also good for smartphones of any type, but the maximum manifestation of its advantages can be observed when using a tablet.

Among the positive qualities of the browser it should be noted:

• Quickly browse pages on the Internet.
• Greater functionality when working with individual tabs.
• The ability to adapt the browser when connecting a removable keyboard, as well as when using a virtual keyboard (in this case, the user is given the opportunity to save individual key combinations).
• Ability to add extensions.
• Synchronization of tabs and browsing history on different devices.

One of the disadvantages is the excessive use of mobile traffic, so this application is best used when connected to Wi-Fi. In general, if a user needs high functionality and a variety of options for working and analyzing data, then Mozilla Firefox may be quite suitable for him.

UC Browser (version 11.5.0.1015)

UC Browser logo

UC Browser was developed by a Chinese manufacturer. Its main features - simplicity combined with good functionality and speed - make it one of the most downloaded browsers for Android.

An interesting move by the developers was to give the user the opportunity to radically change the design of the browser:

• Wallpaper (you can insert your own photos instead).
• Themes (Many themes have been added. Any one will suit your taste).
• Fonts (type, font size).

Features include an anonymous mode, as well as an ad blocking mode that does not need to be installed as a separate extension. The icing on the cake are widgets that the user can delete and change himself. News from politics, economics, sports, weather forecast, exchange rate and currency converter - all this can fit in just one window.

Interesting fact: thanks to its logo, the program received the nickname “squirrel”. If you are attracted by the simplicity of the design and the ability to change it, as well as an acceptable download speed, then you can take a closer look at UC Browser, which is suitable for any type of smartphone.

Dolphin Browser

Dolphin Browser closes the top five best browsers for Android. Its main advantage is high download speed. The browser is also not without standard tools such as voice search (“Sonar”), installation of extensions or support for Flash technology. The user is offered 16 basic extensions of various topics, and he can also download and install any others.

The most interesting feature is “Gesture Control”. By recording a separate gesture, you can link it to a specific task, for example, opening a website, settings, or browsing/download history. You can even use gestures for normal navigation on an open page and switching tabs. This application is suitable for both lovers of simplicity and innovative elements.

Puffin Browser

Puffin Browser is among those browsers that have excellent support for Flash technology. It may not be the fastest browser, but its processing speed and information are quite acceptable.

Using this program, the user can easily play various games, watch movies, TV series, and visit the pages of the most “loaded” sites and social networks. However, all this comes at a price: the browser is very dependent on resources, Internet speed, energy-consuming, and also consumes a lot of Internet traffic. Of course, all this is related to the activity for which this browser is intended, which, in turn, creates such a heavy load on the connection, the processor and the system as a whole. Watching videos or playing games in other applications wastes just as much battery and traffic. This application is suitable for both avid gamers and ordinary fans of watching movies and TV series.

Yandex Browser (version 18.6.0.683)

Yandex browser

Developed by the company of the same name, Yandex Browser is a combination of speed and quality, although it is inferior to existing leaders in this field.

A quality element is the login panel, where you can pin the necessary pages and resources. Also, when searching for sites, the browser can immediately provide links to sites that the user has visited before. Some queries or questions are answered immediately in the Table, which can really save time. For example, the distance to the desired hotel or restaurant, the required videos.

Turbo mode requires special attention, since in this case the technology is almost as good as Opera Mini, and the quality of images and sites is quite good, considering how much Internet traffic is saved and the necessary pages are loaded.

The program is not deprived of a synchronization tool: data is displayed both on a smartphone/tablet and on a PC. Thus, the “Quick Call” function stands out very much - thanks to synchronization between the PC and the device, you can call the desired number by simply typing it in the address bar of the browser on a personal computer.

Mercury Browser

In order to determine the best browser for Android, you should consider several options.

Although each of them has its own merits.

Therefore, it is best not to give preference to a specific application, but to choose several of the best ones, compiling, for example, the TOP 10 programs for working with the Internet, which can be downloaded for free on Google Play.

No. 1. Opera Mini

One of the most popular Russian-language browsers for smartphones is Opera Mini.

It is available on almost all platforms, starting with the outdated Symbian OS, and, of course, is present on Android smartphones.

The main advantage of the application is the high page loading speed it provides, obtained by using its own servers to transfer data.

Due to this, we can say that Opera Mini is the fastest browser in the review and saves money for users whose mobile traffic is limited.

No. 2. Google Chrome

When deciding which browser is better, one cannot do without mentioning the products of Google, which is considered one of the best and most widespread applications for accessing the Internet.

By default, it is built into most versions of the Android OS, especially on Samsung Galaxy and HTC One phones.

The program has many advantages, including:

• Beautiful looking interface;
• Ease of switching between tabs;
• High speed;
• A good collection of extensions (in 2017 there were even more of them, whereas just a couple of years ago there was no possibility of connecting them at all);
• Good functionality;
• Synchronization with Google services, including translator and voice search.

At the same time, Chrome also has a special security system in the form of a filter for websites.

And also - information compression technology, which slightly speeds up loading and, although not as advanced as Opera, is still quite useful by saving traffic.

Using incognito mode from the Chrome browser, you can visit pages anonymously.

There is another advantage of the browser - the ability to view the same search and web surfing history on a smartphone and PC, as well as set general bookmarks on them.

To do this, it is enough to use both the mobile version and the full version from one account.

No. 3. Mozilla Firefox

The Mozilla browser may not be the best, but it is one of the top five most popular applications for logging into the Internet on both PCs and Android mobile devices.

This is evidenced even by the statistics of its downloads from Google Play, which exceed 50 thousand.

In terms of speed, it lags behind both Chrome and Opera, but due to some of its features it is much more convenient to work with Mozilla:

• Due to the Gecko engine, the application supports most modern page display standards;
• Among the extensions there are almost the same as in the desktop version, including ad blockers and antiviruses;
• Just like Google, data is synchronized with the regular Mozilla browser on a PC using a shared account.

At the same time, the browser works with Flash support, which allows you to optimize the viewing of films and videos online.

No. 4. UC Browser

Among the browsers that can be installed on a smartphone with Android OS, this one is distinguished by the ability to watch videos offline.

There is also a built-in file download manager with the ability to stop it and resume it the next time you start it.

Here the user can take advantage of multi-touch support, night mode and additional browser themes.

UC Browser also has a built-in PR code recognition utility.

Today, this mobile browser can be called one of the most functional.

And the only disadvantage of using it is the lack of sufficient protection against viruses on Android.

No. 5. Dolphin Browser

In continuation of the TOP 10 browsers, it is worth considering the option usually found on iOS devices.

However, there is a quite effective version for Android, with many add-ons, widgets and synchronization with most popular social networks.

Some of them are even capable of saving web pages in PDF format, which not all browsers on a PC can do, not to mention programs for tablets and smartphones.

Users of the application have the opportunity to use the built-in cloud service Box.

With all these advantages, Dolphin Browser looks quite decent, works quickly and is controlled using gestures and the Sonar voice function.

It is also capable of creating backup copies of its settings on an external memory card.

This flash browser not only allows you to watch movies directly in it without downloading or launching other applications, but also works well with browser games in full screen mode.

And, unlike many of its analogues, Dolphin has a built-in news feed with constantly updated materials.

It will be a good option for fairly powerful devices.

No. 6. Javelin

Looking at this application, you can immediately notice a very good and bright interface.

It can be called a real visual splash, although this is not the main thing - the ease of use of the application is also excellent.

You can move through the pages with light touches of your fingers.

And among the built-in extensions there are quite interesting functions and filters that will save you from unnecessary information.

No. 7. Puffin

A bit reminiscent in concept of the Dolphin Internet browser, Puffin has an attractive and user-friendly interface and many features.

And on powerful phones it is also just as fast.

The application also works quite acceptable on older, single-core processors with 256–512 kB of internal memory, without loss of page layout or reduction in image quality.

This becomes possible thanks to its own cloud service, which optimizes the flow of information.

Other features of Puffin include:

• Full flash support, necessary for both gaming and watching videos;
• Traffic protection;
• Emulation of a mouse manipulator;
• Availability of many extensions and several interface themes.

No. 8. Next Browser

By its name, the Next browser indicates that it belongs to modern technologies.

And its developers are members of the same team that created the popular mobile application GO Launcher.

Its interface is user-friendly, although a bit minimalistic compared to other browsers in this review.

No. 9. Lightning Browser

Among the advantages of the lightning browser is a decent loading speed.

And also the fact that when working with it, you pay more attention to the content itself, and not to the design of the application.

Using the program is very simple, and you can download it to your gadget, taking up a minimum of memory space.

The last advantage is best used by owners of not very powerful smartphones or those users whose mobile device memory is full of other important applications.

No. 10. Yandex browser

Last in the review, but well deserving of a place not only in the top ten, but also in the top five, the Yandex browser was created by domestic manufacturers.

And, as the name suggests, it is synchronized with all services of the IT company of the same name.

For example, with information about traffic jams or weather. It also has a built-in “Turbo” mode, which, like the PC version, will speed up your work on the network.

An additional advantage is optimization for mobile devices - a search bar at the bottom of the screen.

conclusions

Regardless of which browser you choose (and, depending on the free space on your device, you can install them all at the same time), the main thing about it is the ability to complete the tasks that are assigned to it and work as quickly as possible.

And in second place you should put the attractiveness of the application.

Although most often users choose those browsers with which they are already familiar from their own experience - when working on a PC or mobile gadget.

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