Comparison of web browsers

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Comparison of web browsers

This page provides a comparison of notable web browsers based on various criteria, including their rendering engine, supported operating systems, licensing, key features, performance characteristics, and security and privacy features.

Comparing web browsers can be complex as they vary in design philosophy, target audience, and feature sets. Performance and security postures can also change frequently with updates.

Comparison Criteria

The comparison considers the following criteria:

  • Rendering Engine: The software component responsible for displaying web content.
  • Platform(s): The operating systems and devices on which the browser can be installed and run.
  • Licensing: Whether the browser is free and open-source (FOSS) or proprietary.
  • Synchronization: Support for syncing user data (bookmarks, history, passwords, settings) across devices, often via a user account.
  • Extension Support: Compatibility with browser extensions to add functionality.
  • Key Security Features: Implemented security mechanisms such as Sandboxing, Same-origin policy, support for TLS/HTTPS, update frequency, and handling of security certificates.
  • Privacy Features: Built-in features designed to enhance user privacy, such as tracker blocking, cookie controls, and private Browse modes.
  • Performance: General performance characteristics, though specific benchmark results can vary based on hardware and browser version.
  • Market Share: Approximate global usage share based on recent data (acknowledging these figures can vary between sources and fluctuate).

General Notes on Criteria

  • Security Features: Most modern browsers implement fundamental security features like Sandboxing and the Same-origin policy. Differences often lie in the implementation details, update speed for vulnerabilities, and additional proactive security measures (e.g., built-in phishing protection, enhanced tracking prevention). A browser's security is also heavily influenced by the user's operating system security, installed extensions, and Browse habits.
  • Performance: Browser performance is commonly measured using various benchmark suites (e.g., Speedometer, JetStream, WebXPRT). Results can vary significantly between benchmarks, browser versions, operating systems, and hardware configurations. General performance reputations exist, but definitive, stable rankings are difficult to maintain.

Browser Comparison Table

Comparison of prominent web browsers (as of late 2024 / early 2025)
Browser Rendering Engine Platform(s) Licensing Sync Extension Support Key Security Features (Selected) Privacy Features (Selected) Performance (General) Market Share (Approx. Late 2024)
Google Chrome Blink Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS Proprietary (parts are open-source) Yes (via Google Account) Chrome Web Store Strong Sandboxing, Frequent updates, HTTPS-first mode, Phishing/malware protection. Basic tracker blocking, Incognito mode, Cookie controls. Generally High (Varies by benchmark) Highest
Mozilla Firefox Gecko Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, BSD FOSS (MPL) Yes (via Firefox Account) Firefox Add-ons (WebExtensions API) Strong Sandboxing, Frequent updates, Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP), Certificate validation. Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP), Strict cookie policies, Private Browse mode. High (Varies by benchmark) Significant
Microsoft Edge Blink (since 2020) Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS Proprietary Yes (via Microsoft Account) Chrome Web Store, Microsoft Edge Add-ons Strong Sandboxing, Integrated Microsoft security features, Frequent updates, HTTPS-first mode. Tracking prevention levels, InPrivate mode, Cookie controls. Generally High (Varies by benchmark) Significant
Safari WebKit MacOS, iOS, iPadOS Proprietary (WebKit is open-source) Yes (via iCloud) Limited (relative to Chrome/Firefox) Strong Sandboxing, Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), Frequent updates via OS. Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), Privacy Report, Hide IP Address (via iCloud Private Relay). High on Apple hardware (Varies by benchmark/OS version) Significant (especially on mobile)
Opera Blink Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS Proprietary Yes (via Opera Account) Chrome Web Store, Opera Add-ons Built-in ad/tracker blocker, Crypto Wallet integration, Fraud and malware protection. Built-in ad/tracker blocker, Free browser VPN (limited). High (Varies by benchmark) Niche
Brave Browser Blink Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS FOSS (MPL) Yes (Limited) Chrome Web Store Aggressive ad/tracker blocking by default, HTTPS Upgrading, Fingerprinting prevention. Aggressive ad/tracker blocking, Fingerprinting prevention, Tor integration (optional tab). High (Varies by benchmark) Niche
Vivaldi Blink Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android Proprietary (UI closed source, core is Blink) Yes (via Vivaldi Account) Chrome Web Store Built-in ad/tracker blocker, Frequent updates. Built-in ad/tracker blocker, Customizable privacy settings. High (Varies by benchmark) Niche
Tor Browser Gecko (ESR fork) Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android FOSS (Various licenses) No (Designed for anonymity, not syncing) Limited (Focus on anonymity/security) Routes traffic through Tor network, Blocks trackers/scripts aggressively, Anti-fingerprinting. Designed for anonymity, Strict privacy settings, Leaves no local data trail by default. Can be Slower (Due to Tor routing) Specialized/Niche

See Also

References

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