4 Internet browsers that users swear by in 2026

Choosing a browser for many users involves jumping straight to the default operating system configuration, like Microsoft Edge or Apple’s Safari. Some might even venture further and take over Google Chrome. However, a subsection of users is dedicated to researching and finding the best option for their needs among Internet browsers, and after taking a look at the decisions and reasonings of these experienced users, we have compiled a list of browsers that you should consider.

You won’t find the defaults here, unless of course you’re coming from Linux, where Firefox reigns supreme. Internet browsers are also undergoing a slight change again, as artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI attempt to create AI-powered web browsers. These leverage the large language model and its agent software to automate browsing experiences. These will also not appear here, as it has been reported that they can and will “replace” LLM content.

We’ll also make it clear whether a browser is still tied to Google’s Chromium engine. Various browsers, new and old, have adopted Google’s web engine to power Internet browsers for compatibility. If you’re considering ditching Google Chrome yourself, the choice quickly becomes slim. Even Microsoft has given up on moving forward with its own system, adopting Google’s for Edge.

Regularly mentioned by experienced users on the dedicated browser Reddit forum, Firefox remains the king of alternative choices far from Google, Microsoft or Apple. Developed by Mozilla, Firefox was originally the browser that picked up the pieces after Netscape Navigator lost its battle against Internet Explorer. Since 2004, Firefox has often been the reference for many experienced users on the Web.

It’s not difficult to understand why either. Despite recent events at Mozilla, such as its dive into AI or questionable management choices, Firefox has almost always remained faithful. For example, its most recent additions included new AI-based settings that, unlike Google or Microsoft, can be completely disabled via a kill switch. It’s not the fastest browser on the market, but it’s feature-rich. Users appreciate its high level of customization, whether through extensions – with an ad block that fully functions as intended – or layout. In recent updates, Mozilla added its own VPN and split-screen view for even more productivity. As Firefox is open source, there are also forks, like Zen or Waterfox, which bring new browser features.

Mozilla’s transparency and strong privacy features earned it a 4/5 rating from TechRadar in 2025. It also took second place on TechRadar’s list of best browsers. Aside from the power user base, the browser’s simplicity and excellent fundamentals have elevated it above much of the competition. TechWise Insider also praised its speed when browsing the web.

Tor is a browser dedicated to accessing the “deep web”. Although scarier than it seems, Tor only allows access to the side of the web that isn’t documented or indexed on search engines, like Google. Yes, this will also allow you to access the “dark web”, which is just a cool nickname given to the most notorious – and often illegal – elements of the deep web, often only accessible via “Onion links”.

The Tor Browser attempts to make you anonymous online, at the expense of speed and usability. Rather than just sending your data through a direct tunnel, it sends it through different nodes around the world to reroute traffic. Additional security can also be implemented, called bridges, which can help you obfuscate your data, again at the expense of speed. As many dedicated users will tell you, even Tor isn’t entirely private. Connecting to the wrong node, going to a particular site, or even keeping JavaScript enabled can potentially give away a clue as to who you are. Use it at your own risk and understand that a tool is only as good as the person using it.

Expert reviews on the subject from PC Mag and TechRadar praise Tor’s privacy toolset, as well as the browser’s “simple” interface for its rich security tools. Although it received an average overall rating on PC Mag due to its slowness due to the aforementioned node structure, its extensive security level is highlighted as a positive point.

A newer browser, Helium, has gained popularity as a good alternative to Brave. Users said Brave was cluttered with unwanted features, especially crypto wallets and AI. However, Helium is built on Google’s Chromium browser, but has reportedly been “de-Googled”.

Helium is an extremely clean and modern browser. It adds automatic updates and can even turn websites into “apps”, which will only load that website in its own instance. Due to its early nature – launching in 2025 – it is also currently very lightweight and flexible in terms of customization, including changing where tabs and the address bar can be moved.

While some browsers, like Brave, feature their built-in ad blocker, Helium comes with the big gun: uBlock Origin. This is the go-to ad blocker for Firefox, and it was for Chrome before Google updated how extensions work with the Chromium engine. You will be able to watch YouTube without interruption, rather than being faced with a giant block of endless advertisements. Early adopters of Helium increasingly praised its cleanliness in terms of user interface. Dave’s Computer Tips gave it a boost with its speed and lightness. Without too much bloat, users have found that Helium is genuinely snappier than its competitors.

Closer to browsers like Arc, Vivaldi wants to be the one-stop shop for browsers and tools. If you work intensively through web applications and rarely opt for dedicated software, this browser might be for you. Unlike Helium or other non-traditional browsers, Vivaldi is actually created by former Opera employees, including Opera’s co-founder.

Again, built on Google’s Chromium, this is another privacy and productivity focused browser that legitimately stands out from the rest. Vivaldi comes with optional connection bonuses, like a VPN from Proton, but also has many features that don’t require transmitting information. Note-taking, translation, and tabbed searching all come as standard, with customization options praised by its users.

Vivaldi was praised for his leadership, with the browser’s stance against generative AI drawing applause. In 2024, PC World described it as an “ideal blend of power and versatility” regarding its enormous amount of customization options. Editors also hailed it as the best option for Chromium browsers, with its functionality on mobile and all PC types being a huge draw. Similar to Firefox, you can also divide your browsing sessions into groups or “Workspaces”. Rather than abandoning everything once you’re done, Vivaldi will simply move them to a new workspace so you can focus on the next task at hand. You can also “pause” a session, so you can take a real break from the screen.