I Tested the 7 Best Web Browsers of 2025: Results Inside

Like most folks, I fell into my browser choice more out of habit than actual decision. I used Edge when I was a Windows PC user, then Chrome when I switched to laptops and Android phones. It was comfortable and familiar. I thought it was the best browser available and never questioned it—until I noticed some issues recently.

My browser’s performance began to lag. Things slowed down when I had too many tabs open or if I tried to tackle heavier tasks. And most importantly, the ads? They felt way too personal and intrusive, almost like they were reading my mind. That’s when I decided it was time to explore other options. And let me tell you, I was in for a surprise. The browser world is far more diverse than I’d imagined—it’s not just Chrome versus whatever came pre-installed on your device.

I discovered a whole world of browsers, from Brave to Vivaldi, each with unique features and perks. I started testing them during my daily browsing, checking how fast they loaded my favorite sites, which ones blocked annoying ads, and which didn’t drain my laptop battery. Even skimming through their privacy settings was an eye-opener (who knew browsers could share so much of our data?).

So, if you're like me – someone who's been clicking the same browser icon for years without thinking twice but looking for more options– I encourage you to read on to find the best browsers out there. You might just find a better way to browse that feels just right for you.

As I researched and evaluated web browsers, I also noticed that the industry consumption of three popular browsers (Chrome, Safari, and Edge) makes up for 88.70% of the browser market today. With this market share, other browser consumption rates lie somewhere in the remaining 11.30%, as per Soax's report. 

7 best browsers I recommend for 2025

I rely on a browser every single day to navigate the internet, from shopping online and streaming videos to browsing social media or researching for work. Whether checking my email or playing on Robolox, the browser is the window to my online world.

With the growing consumption of internet browsers, research and markets stated that the market size for web browsers was valued at USD 4.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 18.5% during 2024-2030. The imminent growth of web browsers confirms that more users are constantly online to resolve their doubts,  search for products, and explore brands. 

As for me, I consider web browsers more than just a tool and want it to be fast, secure, and intuitive, helping me get things done efficiently without getting in my way.

What makes the best web browser: My take

Picking the best web browser is not just about what looks good or what’s most popular. And everyone’s “perfect browser” might look a little different. For some, it’s all about aesthetics or compatibility with their favorite apps. For others, it’s about integrating productivity tools or gaming features.

For me, though, the best browser gets out of the way and lets me do what I need to do quickly and securely. It boils down to three key factors:  speed, privacy, and usability.

• Speed: Let’s face it, waiting for a page to load is so 2005. A good browser needs to be lightning-fast, whether I am opening tabs for work, streaming Stranger Things, or just doing a quick Google search. Bonus points if it doesn’t slow down my device or hog resources when I have a dozen tabs open (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time).
•  Privacy: The idea of being tracked online freaks me out a little. A great browser doesn’t just display websites. It protects my personal data while doing it. That means blocking creepy trackers, minimizing the data they collect about me, and keeping advertisers out of my business. Now, I’ll be honest. Not all mainstream browsers help with this. But there are some great options I found. The best browsers will give you the option to block cookies, disable fingerprinting, and, in some cases, even mask your identity through anonymous browsing options like Tor.
• Usability: A browser should make my life easier, not harder. It needs to be simple to navigate, customizable enough to feel like mine, and packed with features that actually improve my online experience, like tab managers or seamless syncing across devices. If I’m on my laptop and need to switch to my phone or tablet, I want everything to carry over without a hitch. A good browser should also support extensions or add-ons that help me stay productive, like password managers or tools to save notes.
• Security: Beyond privacy, I want a browser that actively protects me from malware, phishing sites, and other malicious threats. Features like HTTPS-only mode or warnings about unsafe websites can make a big difference in keeping me safe.
• Compatibility: Sometimes, it’s not just about performance. I also need a browser that works well with the tools and apps I use regularly. Whether it’s integration with Google services or smooth functioning with web-based apps, compatibility is key.
• Support and updates: A good browser is always improving. I want one that’s regularly updated with new features and security patches and that’s actively supported by its development team.
• Minimalism vs. features: Some users might prefer a minimalist browser that is free of distractions, while others may need a feature-packed experience. For me, balance is key. I want a clean design that doesn’t get in the way of my browsing, but I also need advanced features like custom shortcuts, gestures, or an integrated search bar. It’s about finding that sweet spot between simplicity and power.

And after weeks of testing, I found a handful of browsers that truly stood out–each for its own reasons. The list below contains real user reviews from G2’s browser software category. To be included in this category, the solution must 

• Be downloadable
• Translate HTML into readable content
• Support external plugins to display active content

Here are the ones that made the cut.

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.

1. Brave: Best for ad blocking and reach 

When I first opened Brave, it felt like stepping into a browser built with the user in mind. 

The first thing I noticed was the real-time stats on how the real-time stats on how many trackers Brave blocked, how much bandwidth it saved, and even how much time I’ve gained because of their trackers and ad blockers. The following screenshot is from within ten minutes of me using Brave. It’s oddly satisfying to see those numbers go up.

Brave stats on Ads and trackers blocked

And it wasn't just numbers going up. The difference that the trackers and ad blockers brought in was truly noticeable when I was using Brave.

I watched YouTube videos without getting bombarded by ads every two minutes, and I browsed websites without ads popping on the sites I browsed. It really made my browsing seamless and free of clutter.

News sites with ads on Chrome and without ads on Brave

Being a top leader in the web browser software grid, Brave offers users deeper and more detailed customizations. I could choose my default search engine and tweak everything from the background image to Brave’s unique stats.

The options to try their paid VPN and video calling service on the home screen were a little off-putting. But I could change the dashboard settings to remove them.

Customizing dashboards on Brave

Plus, with features like private browsing with Tor built right in, it’s clear Brave takes online privacy seriously. 

Browsing privately with TOR on Brave

I also loved other small perks like this media control feature on the toolbar that let me pause and play YouTube videos or any other audio while browsing other tabs.

The media control feature on Brave

Another feature I liked was the Leo AI chatbot on the browser. I could ask the chatbot to get a TLDR of a webpage, and I could also have conversations with it that I usually do with AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini.

The integration of Brave Rewards, where I can earn tokens by opting into non-intrusive ads, is a unique spin that adds fun to my browsing experience. I did not opt for it, but you can try it out.

That said, I’ve run into occasional compatibility quirks. A few websites, like my online banking platforms, didn’t load right with Brave’s shields active. I had to toggle them off for things to work smoothly manually.

According to several G2 reviews, this is a known trade-off that a handful of users have experienced, particularly on highly secure or interactive sites. It’s not a dealbreaker, just something worth keeping in mind if you frequent those services.

Speed-wise, Brave typically performs well, and many users on G2 praise how fast it loads most pages, thanks to built-in ad blocking. However, I’ve noticed that particularly resource-intensive websites can take a bit longer to load.

Again, I’m not alone here;  others have shared similar feedback on G2’s platform, suggesting that performance can vary slightly depending on the type of content being accessed. Still, for everyday use, the experience remains solid and reliable.

That said, I recommend Brave if you want a browser that prioritizes your privacy and gives you control over your online experience. 

What I didn’t like about Brave:

• Although the navigation was mostly seamless, some sites I accessed didn’t load properly with Brave’s ad blockers, so I had to disable them to access them. 
• The performance was fine mostly. But, occasionally, when I was loading resource-heavy sites, Brave was a bit slower. 

What G2 users dislike about Brave:

“Because of Brave’s ad-blocking feature and privacy setting, some websites may not function optimally on this browser.”

- Brave Review, Rohan S.

2. Google Chrome: Best for speed and flexibility

Google Chrome needs no introduction. It’s been my default browser for years.

I’ll honestly admit that while my search for browsers started with Chrome alternatives, after all the testing, Chrome still won in a number of areas despite its cons. 

I found Chrome to be the fastest and most reliable browser among all the ones I tested. A big plus for me is that it seamlessly integrates with everything in Google’s ecosystem. Syncing across devices? Check. Autofill passwords and forms? Check. Using Google Drive or Docs without a hitch? Double check. It’s like the browser that just works–no fuss, no confusion.

Google Chrome’s user interface

Google Chrome is one of the easiest browsers to use, with no steep learning curve.  Whether you're a casual user or a multitasking pro, it just works.

One of its standout features for me is its extension library. It is simply unbeatable.  From productivity tools like Grammarly to ad blockers and even quirky extensions for pranking, I could find any type of Chrome extension I wanted. 

Another feature that truly shines is Chrome’s Translate option. With a simple right-click on any page, I could instantly browse websites in any language without hesitation. It’s a game-changer for exploring international content seamlessly.

I’ve also always appreciated tab grouping, which helps me keep my workspace under control when I inevitably go overboard with tabs. Chrome lets me organize them into collapsible groups, making it much easier to navigate and reducing the visual clutter.

Finally, the multiple profiles option is another lifesaver. It’s perfect for keeping my personal and work browsing completely separate, and switching between profiles is as simple as a click.

Tab groups on Chrome

I also recently found that Chrome also has a bunch of cool AI features, from using Google Lens to take pictures of web pages by simply using the right-click menu and search to chatting with Gemini on the Chrome address bar itself. It made my online search experience better. 

Searching with Google Lens on Chrome

And let’s not forget the little things that make Chrome fun, like the Dino game that pops up when the internet is down. It’s simple and addictive and has probably saved us all from frustration during unexpected outages.

Cute dinosaur game on Chrome

However, there are a couple of aspects that have started to wear on me over time.

One is how memory-intensive Chrome can be. When I have a bunch of tabs open, most of the time, I’ve noticed my system tends to slow down. It’s not just me; quite a few reviewers on G2 mention similar concerns around Chrome’s RAM usage, especially on devices with limited memory.

The other issue that’s become harder to ignore is privacy. While Chrome offers features like Incognito Mode, I’ve come to realize those don’t go as far as I initially thought.

Google’s privacy disclosures confirm that it may collect a wide range of personal data, from search terms and video views to ad interactions and even synced browsing history. At first, the trade-off didn’t bother me; part of Chrome’s appeal is how tailored and responsive it feels.

But over time, I’ve started questioning how much of my digital footprint is being tracked. Based on G2 feedback, there is a growing user awareness and concern around data collection and targeted advertising practices linked to Chrome.

So, where do I stand with Chrome? It’s still a fantastic browser for speed, ease of use, and flexibility. But it's no longer the perfect fit for someone like me who’s starting to care more about privacy. If you’re happy with the Google ecosystem and don’t mind a bit of resource drain, Chrome is still a great choice. But if you’re itching for something lighter or more private, it might be time to explore other options in this list.

What I didn’t like about Chrome:

• Although Chrome doesn't compromise data integrity, I was somewhat concerned about the extensive user data collection, as Google tracks much personal information for advertising purposes.
• Mostly, Chrome was a fast-performing browser. But occasionally, Chrome tended to be a bit slow, especially when I had multiple tabs open. 

What G2 users like about Chrome:

"I think the least helpful thing about Chrome is how much space it requires on my devices and slows things down."

- Chrome Review, Kahalia N.

3. Microsoft Edge: Best for CoPilot and feature-rich browsing

I’ll admit my first impression of Microsoft Edge wasn’t the best. The homepage felt a bit cluttered, with news headlines and shortcuts competing for attention.

However, once I spent some time tweaking the layout and personalizing it, the browser started to grow fast on me.

The initial user interface of Microsoft Edge before I personalized it

I absolutely loved the Copilot AI assistant. Whether it’s summarizing articles on sites, answering my questions, or even finding the best deals while I was shopping online, Copilot turned out to be incredibly handy. 

Using Copilot on Microsoft Edge

At first, I thought it was similar to Brave’s Leo AI assistant or Google’s Gemini. But Copilot did much more than both. I could create images or upload images to analyze, all on the browser while looking at other things, without navigating to a separate window. 

Creating images with Copilot on Microsoft Edge

Edge also had other features I didn’t see in Chrome and other browsers. I loved the immersive reader feature on Edge. This hides ads and pop-ups, highlighting only texts and images from a web page. While it is similar to the reading mode on Chrome, I felt Edge’s way of presenting is better than Chrome’s. 

The screenshot feature allowed me to capture either specific sections or the entire browser window with ease.

Screenshot feature on Microsoft Edge

 I also liked the read-aloud feature, which brought an audiobook-like experience to articles and web pages. It lagged a bit and wasn’t perfect, but I was still impressed. Also, given that Edge recently switched to being based on Chromium, I could access all extensions from the Chrome web store. 

And when the internet’s out? Edge has its own take on offline fun with a Surf game. It’s a pretty entertaining way to pass the time while waiting for the Wi-Fi to come back.

Playing Surf game on Microsoft Edge when the internet’s out

That said, a few things did stand out during my time with it. One was the default use of Bing as the search engine. While that works for some, I switched to a different engine after just a few queries.

I know it’s a minor adjustment, but I would have preferred a smoother out-of-the-box experience. According to G2 reviewers' feedback, you need to tweak the settings right away to better suit your preferences.

I also noticed occasional slowdowns when juggling multiple tabs and streaming media-heavy content. It wasn’t constant, but enough to be noticeable. Based on sentiment in several G2 reviews, this kind of performance dip under load has been a shared experience among power users. It’s not a significant drawback, but it’s worth mentioning if your workflow relies heavily on multitasking or media streaming.

Lastly, while Edge has certainly stepped up its game in terms of features and compatibility, I couldn’t help but notice that its data privacy policies feel quite similar to Chrome’s. Microsoft, like Google, still collects a fair amount of user data, and for those who value tighter control over their digital footprint, that’s something to be aware of. Several reviewers on G2 have voiced similar sentiments, acknowledging the issue with its telemetry and tracking practices.

So, would I recommend Microsoft Edge? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for.  If you’re someone who values productivity features, seamless integration with Microsoft services, and a built-in AI assistant like Copilot, then Edge has a distinct edge (pun intended!). It’s feature-packed and brings some genuinely useful tools to the table, like the immersive reader and screenshot options.

That said, if you prioritize privacy or prefer a more minimalist browser experience, Edge might not be the best fit.

What I didn’t like about Microsoft Edge:

• While Microsoft Edge offered a seamless experience, I had to switch from Bing as the default search engine, which was a bit annoying right from the start. 
• While Edge has a lot of great features, its privacy isn’t the best, and I’m not completely comfortable with the data it collects. 

What G2 users dislike about Microsoft Edge:

"The biggest disadvantage of Edge, I feel, is that it uses the Bing search engine as its default search engine."

- Microsoft Edge Review, Tushar J.

4. Mozilla Firefox: Best for private browsing

Now, here’s something I didn’t realize until recently: Mozilla Firefox isn’t Chromium-based. In a world where almost every browser–Chrome, Edge, Opera–runs on the same Chromium engine built by Google, Firefox stands out for using its own open-source engine. That kind of independence is rare, and honestly, it’s something I can respect.

Knowing that Firefox stands out from the crowd made me even more curious to see how it compares to the competition today. And it didn’t disappoint me. 

From the moment I started setting up Firefox, it was clear this browser takes privacy seriously. The first tab it opened was its Privacy Statement. Firefox also nudged me to install privacy-focused extensions like Privacy Badger at the outset. As I explored its features, I noticed that Firefox has some built-in cookie blockers that can automatically block 2000+ trackers. 

This left a strong impression that this is a browser that genuinely cares about your data and wants you to know it. I felt it was one of the best browsers for private browsing without getting tracked. 

Mozilla Firefox user interface

One feature that I absolutely loved was the pop-out window for YouTube videos. As someone who’s always multitasking, this was a game-changer. I could keep a video playing in a small window while still browsing other tabs. 

Playing YouTube videos as a pop-up

That said, Firefox hasn’t been without its drawbacks in my day-to-day use. One thing I noticed fairly quickly was how much memory it consumed,  especially on my MacBook. When I had several tabs open (my everyday browsing style), Firefox started to feel sluggish.

It wasn’t quite as heavy as Chrome, but it came close. According to G2 reviewers, this higher RAM usage is a known concern among multitaskers and those running resource-intensive tasks like video streaming or gaming. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but can get in the way of a seamless workflow.

Another area where Firefox still needs to catch up is its extension library. While it supports most major add-ons and continues to grow, I found the selection to be more limited than what’s available in Chrome’s Web Store.

A few niche tools I regularly rely on just weren’t there. Several users on G2’s browser comparison pages have pointed out this same gap, noting that while Firefox covers the essentials, it can fall short for more specialized or productivity-focused extensions.

On a lighter note, one thing I missed, was the presence of a fun offline game. Chrome’s Dino game has saved me from boredom during unexpected outages more times than I can count, and I was genuinely surprised Firefox didn’t have a similar quirky fallback. Obviously, it’s not a critical feature, but it’s those little touches that add personality to a browser, and it left me wishing for something similar.

All that said, I think Mozilla Firefox is a solid choice. If you value privacy and simplicity, it’s worth a shot. It’s not perfect, but it does what it does well. And knowing it’s not part of the Chromium crowd makes it stand out. For me, it’s become a solid contender for everyday browsing.

What I didn’t like about Mozilla Firefox:

• Although Firefox offers a high-speed experience, it tends to use a lot of RAM, which slows down my computer when I have multiple tabs open. 
• I also noticed that it doesn’t have the same wide range of extensions as Chrome, so I sometimes have to settle for less robust tools.

What G2 users dislike about Mozilla Firefox:

"The biggest problem is the consumption of hardware resources. A lot of memory is used even with inactive tabs, which slows down weaker computers."

- Mozilla Firefox Review, Milosz Z.

5. Opera: Best for fast performance and built-in VPN

Now, Opera was launched even before I was born, in 1995. So, I was a little skeptical about whether it would have kept with times when I wanted to test it out. But it was surprisingly good. 

The home page felt a bit dated at first, with its bold icons and shortcuts, but once I started digging into its features, I quickly saw why Opera has managed to stick around for so long. It is packed with features and gives tough competition to other modern browsers listed here. 

Something I absolutely loved about Opera was the built-in ad and cookie tracker blocker. Similar to what I’ve seen in Brave, Opera didn't make me search for extensions. These privacy tools are baked right in. I could turn on the ad blocker as I was setting up the browser itself. 

Turning on the ad blocker on Opera when setting it up

What’s even better is the visual feedback: when I clicked on the shield icon in the top toolbar, Opera showed me exactly how many ads and trackers were blocked on each page with their details. 

Details on Ads and trackers blocked on a page when using the Opera browser

But what makes Opera better for me on top of the ad blocker is the built-in free VPN. Yes, Opera provides a free VPN. It’s simple to set up and perfect for an extra layer of privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Though it doesn’t match the speed or configuration of premium VPNs, it definitely gets bonus points from me. I could access other regions' sites that I could not access via Chrome when I was using this VPN on Opera. So, it was truly a blessing. 

I also noticed that Opera includes features I’ve enjoyed on Edge and Firefox, such as reading mode, screenshot tools, and pop-out YouTube videos.

YouTube video playing in pop-out on Opera browser

 Also, did I mention the three different AI chatbots I could access on the side? Yes, Opera lets me access ChatGPT, Chatsonic, and its own AI assistant, Aria, to have a conversation while browsing. All these features made Opera feel like a well-rounded and versatile choice for my use.

Chatting with AI chatbot Aria while browsing on Opera 

That said, performance wasn’t always consistent in my experience. When I had too many tabs open, especially during heavy browsing sessions, Opera occasionally froze or became completely unresponsive. There was even a time when my MacBook wouldn’t shut down properly because the browser wouldn’t close, no matter how many tabs I tried to force-quit.

It was one of those moments where you need the browser to be responsive and efficient, and it simply wasn’t. According to several G2 reviewers, similar freezing issues have surfaced during high-memory usage, which suggests I wasn’t alone in facing this kind of hiccup.

I noticed that G2 feedback also mentioned issues with the user interface. While Opera takes pride in offering more tools at your fingertips, I found it a bit too busy.

Compared to Chrome's minimalist design or Edge's sleek look, Opera’s sidebars and multiple tool panels felt cluttered. I know some users appreciate having quick access to everything;  G2 feedback reflects that, but personally, I prefer a cleaner layout that lets me focus on the content, not the interface. The extra shortcuts and panels just didn’t align with my workflow.

In terms of speed, Opera performs adequately for most browsing tasks, but it didn’t feel quite as snappy or responsive as Google Chrome. G2’s user insights suggest that while Opera holds its own, it often ranks just behind Chrome in terms of raw speed and page load efficiency. 

What I didn’t like about Opera:

• While performance wasn't a hassle overall, I experienced a bit of issue when opening too many tabs, causing the browser to lag and become unresponsive. 
• Another thing i noticed is that the user interface felt a little outdated and cluttered to me, with too many tools on the sidebar. 

What G2 users dislike about Opera: 

"What I dislike about Opera is that it has fewer extensions compared to other alternatives, and sometimes I don't see pre-loaded images on websites, and when I open too many tabs, Opera gets stuck sometimes.”

- Opera Review, Praveen R.

6. Apple Safari: Best for fast browsing and data security

I’ll admit, Safari has always been that browser I used only when I had to. But since it’s on my Mac, I figured it was time to give it a proper test. 

Safari’s interface is exactly what I’d expect from Apple—clean, minimal, and free of distractions. There’s no clutter, and no excessive bells and whistles, which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you like your browsing experience. On the one hand, I liked the simplicity—it works. Navigating through tabs and settings feels smooth.

But on the other hand, I found myself wanting a little more–maybe some features to make it feel less... barebones. 

The user interface of Safari

One thing I appreciated was its resource efficiency. Safari is incredibly light on my Mac’s battery and system resources. If you’re someone who keeps multiple tabs open while working on a MacBook, this is a huge plus. It’s not the fastest browser out there, but it does the job without draining your battery or heating up your device. I also like the translations for web pages in foreign languages.

Translation of German language webpages on Safari

Another plus of Safari is the built-in cookie blocker and the privacy report that shows me the number of trackers it blocked, similar to Brave's.

Privacy Report on Safari home page

However, that same tight integration quickly became a limitation for me. Since I also use an Android phone, Safari’s lack of cross-platform flexibility became a real issue. I couldn’t sync tabs, bookmarks, or history across my devices, which disrupted my workflow.

Based on multiple reviews on G2, users who operate across mixed-device environments often list this challenge. For those who aren’t fully committed to Apple hardware, this lack of interoperability is a significant drawback.

Beyond compatibility, I noticed that Safari tends to lag behind other browsers regarding advanced features. While it covers the essentials well, it doesn't currently offer things like AI integrations, customizable workspaces, or built-in collaboration tools, which are the features Chrome and Edge now include.

According to product comparisons shared on G2’s site, Safari is often praised for speed and security, not innovation. I couldn’t help but feel like I was missing out on capabilities that could boost my productivity.

Customization is another area where Safari lacks a bit. The interface is clean and easy to use, but when it came to adjusting themes, toolbar layouts, or installing visual extensions, the options felt limited.

G2 reviewers have noted this too, with several reviews mentioning that while Safari delivers consistency and polish, it lacks the flexibility that power users often look for in a browser.

Overall, Safari does an excellent job within the Apple world. But for someone like me, who needs cross-platform support and more advanced tools to stay efficient, it fell short of becoming my default browser.

What I didn’t like about Apple Safari:

• Safari is only available for Apple users, which I find a bit limiting since it restricts me from using it across different devices and operating systems. 
• Although Safari is fast and reliable, I found Safari to be too simple, lacking the advanced features that other browsers offer, which sometimes makes it feel a bit basic.

What G2 users dislike about Apple Safari:

"What I dislike about Safari is that, unlike Chrome, it has limited cross-platform availability and limitations. Hence non-Apple syncing is either not available or not reliable. This makes working difficult on mixed-platform/device setups. Another problem for me is the update for the whole ecosystem, which is not a great option always."

- Apple Safari Review, Richa S.

7. Vivaldi: Best for extreme browser customizations

A lot of people recommended Vivaldi to me, raving about its customization options. I was skeptical at first, wondering how much more I could really customize a browser. But once I started using it, I quickly realized they weren’t exaggerating.

From tab placement (top, bottom, left, or right) to deciding themes and blocking ads and trackers, Vivaldi gave me control over almost every aspect of my browsing experience right from the setup. 

Customizing the Vivaldi  browser while setting it up

I could customize my browser features minutely through settings, from appearance and themes to keyboard and mouse movement shortcuts. 

Of all the browsers I’ve tried, I think I like Vivaldi’s workspace and tab organization options the most. The ability to create workspaces for different tasks felt incredibly easy to use and practical, making it a standout feature in my browsing experience.

Organizing workspaces on Vivaldi

I absolutely loved the note-taking feature integrated right into Vivaldi’s sidebar. It’s such a simple yet genius addition. I could jot down thoughts, save snippets of text, or even attach screenshots—all without leaving the browser. As someone who often takes notes while researching, this was a total game-changer.

Notes-taking feature on Vivaldi 

That said, the experience wasn’t without a few bumps. I noticed that Vivaldi tended to run slower than other browsers I’ve used, i.e., page load times were longer, and overall responsiveness felt just a bit behind.

For everyday tasks like opening multiple tabs or switching between media-heavy sites, it wasn’t as fluid as I’d hoped. G2’s reviewers noted this as a recurring observation, while many love the feature set, some report performance trade-offs, particularly on older machines or when multitasking heavily.

While powerful, the customization also came with a learning curve. There were so many options, from color themes and UI positions to command chains and tab stacking, that I spent more time tweaking than browsing.

For someone who wants to get up and running, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Several G2 users have noted similar sentiments, describing Vivaldi as “feature-rich but not always beginner-friendly.” I could see how newcomers or more casual users might find it challenging to handle.

Most reviewers also mentioned the UI drawbacks.  With side panels, buttons, and menus everywhere, the UI started to feel a little crowded. I liked having access to tools at my fingertips, but I also found myself craving the simplicity of browsers like Chrome or Safari, where the design takes a more minimalist approach. While the users praised the interface utility, it’s occasionally criticized for visual clutter and cognitive load.

That said, if you love the idea of customizing your browser down to the tiniest detail, like forcing all the websites to open in dark themes (yes, you can do it), Vivaldi is the perfect choice.

What I didn’t like about Vivaldi:

• Although Vivaldi offered customization, but I found it to be slower compared to other browsers, especially when it comes to loading heavy websites. 
• I felt the extreme customization options can be a little overwhelming, and I imagine they might be even more confusing for someone who isn’t tech-savvy. 

What G2 users dislike about Vivaldi:

"When you first start using, it can be a bit confusing as it offers so many options that it can be a bit overwhelming, but over time you learn everything you need to know."

- Vivaldi Review, Arya Y.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about browser software

1. What is the best browser in 2025?

The best browser depends on your needs. If you value speed and a massive extension library, Google Chrome is a strong choice. For privacy, Brave and Firefox stand out. Microsoft Edge excels in productivity and AI features, while Safari is ideal for Apple users. Opera offers built-in tools like a free VPN, and Vivaldi is perfect for users who want extreme customization.

2. Which browser is best for privacy?

Brave and Firefox are the top contenders for privacy. Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, while Firefox offers Enhanced Tracking Protection and customizable privacy settings.

3. Which internet browser is the fastest?

Google Chrome is known for its speed, but Brave often feels faster due to its ad-blocking capabilities. However, speed may vary depending on your system and internet connection.

4. Are all web browsers free?

Yes, the browsers reviewed in this article—Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Opera, and Vivaldi—are all free to download and use.

5. What browser uses the least RAM?

Safari is the most lightweight browser on macOS, making it ideal for Mac users. For Windows users, Edge and Firefox are less resource-intensive compared to Chrome.

6. Which browser is best for Mac?

Safari is the best choice for Mac users due to its seamless integration with macOS and minimal resource usage. However, Chrome and Firefox are also excellent options for those who need cross-platform compatibility.

7. Can I use Safari on Windows or Android?

No, Safari is exclusive to Apple devices like Macs, iPhones, and iPads. If you need cross-platform compatibility, consider Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.

8. Which browser has the best features for productivity?

Microsoft Edge is ideal for productivity with features like Collections, the Copilot AI assistant, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365. Vivaldi also excels with its workspaces, split-screen tab view, and built-in tools like Notes.

9. What is the best private browser?

The best private browser in 2025 are Brave, and Firefox. Brave has built-in ad and tracker blocking and strong focus on privacy without needing extensions. Firefox is another excellent option with its Enhanced Tracking Protection and non-chromium foundation, which minimizes data collection.

10. What is the best browser for Windows?

For Windows users, Microsoft Edge stands out with its productivity features and integration with Windows. Brave and Firefox are excellent choices for privacy-focused users, while Chrome offers speed and compatibility with extensions.

Browse like a boss

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from testing and reviewing all these browsers, it’s that the “best browser” is entirely personal. What works for me might not work for you and that’s perfectly fine. Your choice depends on what you prioritize most.

If speed and extensions are your thing, Chrome is tough to beat. And if you want some Chrome alternatives, there’s plenty to choose from. For those who value privacy above all, Brave and Firefox are excellent options. Edge impressed me with its AI integration and productivity tools, while Vivaldi redefined my idea of customization. Opera stands out for its built-in features like a VPN and media player, and Safari’s simplicity makes it a natural fit if you’re fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem.

In the end, it’s about finding a browser that feels like home for your needs. Why not explore a few and see what clicks? Who knows - you might find your new favorite way to browse just like I did.

Want to secure your online browsing activity? Check out my review of the best free VPNs to browse safer and smarter!