7 alternatives to your phone’s built-in web browser

This article has been updated. Originally published September 16, 2018.

Over half the world's website traffic originates from mobile devices, a significant portion likely driven by Android and iOS's built-in browsers. While Google Chrome dominates Android, iPhones rely on Apple's Safari. However, these aren't your only options. Your phone, much like your computer, offers diverse browsing choices. We've compiled seven feature-rich mobile browsers prioritizing privacy, data efficiency, and speed.

1. Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox, a renowned independent browser, offers a smart and fast mobile app. Its standout feature is robust protection against online trackers. With a few taps, you can disable tracking or utilize private browsing mode. The Android version also supports extensions for ad blocking and password management.

Firefox boasts a clean interface, displaying frequently visited sites and personalized recommendations. Like its desktop counterpart, it saves passwords, bookmarks, and history, and offers seamless syncing across devices.

Mozilla Firefox is free for Android and iOS.

2. Opera and Opera Mini

Opera, a trusted name in browsing, provides several mobile options. Both major operating systems support the standard Opera browser, while Android users also have access to Opera Mini (previously available on iOS as Opera Mini, then Opera Touch).

Opera's mobile browsers are optimized for one-handed use. Opera Mini excels in minimizing data consumption through website and element compression. This is particularly beneficial on limited or slow connections, preventing rapid data plan depletion. Smart downloads, leveraging WiFi availability, further enhance data efficiency.

Opera's compression doesn't compromise privacy; it doesn't log personal information or affect encrypted pages. Additional features include private browsing, quick links, desktop syncing, and night mode.

Opera is free for Android and iOS; Opera Mini is free for Android.

3. Brave

Brave prioritizes security and privacy. Its built-in ad-blocker reduces tracking and improves browsing speed (remember to whitelist preferred sites). Advanced security settings allow disabling scripts and enforcing HTTPS connections. Anti-phishing protection adds an extra layer of security.

Built on Chromium, Brave offers a familiar interface with incognito browsing, bookmarks, and password management.

Brave is free for Android and iOS.

4. Ecosia Browser

Ecosia, also based on Chromium, routes searches through its own engine, generating revenue from advertising and referrals. This revenue funds environmentally focused projects—over 150 million trees planted to date.

Beyond its environmental focus, Ecosia doesn't save search details or personal information. It offers features similar to Chrome, including private browsing, ad blocking, and password/bookmark management.

Ecosia Browser is free for Android and iOS.

5. Kiwi Browser

Kiwi Browser prioritizes speed and simplicity. Its speed is a key advantage, and the adjustable address bar enhances usability on larger screens. However, it offers fewer security features than some competitors and currently lacks an iOS version.

Built on Chromium, Kiwi includes tabs, bookmarks, passwords, and private browsing. Additional features include night mode, a default ad blocker, background YouTube playback, and a cryptocurrency mining site scanner.

Kiwi Browser is free for Android.

6. Tor Browser

Tor Browser is ideal for privacy-conscious users. It routes connections through multiple servers, hindering tracking by ISPs, marketing firms, and others. It functions similarly to a VPN but utilizes a decentralized volunteer network.

Due to its privacy focus, features like browsing history and password management are absent. Currently, only an Android version is available; the Tor team recommends Onion Browser for iOS.

Tor Browser is free for Android.

7. Firefox Focus

Firefox Focus enhances ad blocking and tracking protection for enhanced privacy. It functions like Firefox in perpetual private mode, discarding browsing history and cookies. It also blocks most trackers and ads.

The trade-off is the lack of session persistence; logins must be re-entered each time.

Firefox Focus is free for Android and iOS.

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