A total of 59.72% of people access the internet from a smartphone device in 2021, according to Statista data. And, there are nearly 5 billion active mobile internet users worldwide. These numbers show one thing: people are more likely to surf the web from smartphones. Making the browser a staple for every mobile device.
Currently every smartphone is equipped with a default browser. For Android smartphones, it is certain to have the Google Chrome browser, which unfortunately is not liked by a number of users. For those looking to find an alternative to Google Chrome for Android devices, here is the list
1. Firefox
Firefox is one of the best Android browsers in 2022, as evidenced by more than 100 million downloads and 4.69 million reviews on the Google Play Store. What makes it a top option is its emphasis on privacy.
This has been his top priority since version one in the early 2000s. Firefox is capable of blocking no less than 2000 third party tracking cookies, crypto mining scripts, and social trackers from accessing valuable data.
Firefox mobile also comes with built-in add-ons, unlike Chrome whose mobile app doesn't support extensions. The only drawback in this Firefox browser is that it sometimes feels slow and difficult to reload pages.
2. Vivaldi
Even though Vivaldi is based on open-source Chromium code like Google Chrome, it offers a completely different experience. Vivaldi comes with a unique look and customization, which allows you to change the appearance of web pages.
You have a two-tier tab stack for a seamless browsing experience, the option to position your tabs and address bar at the top or bottom and the ability to choose between a light or dark theme and mode.
There are also other features that users can enjoy, from the ease of switching between different search engines by simply clicking the search bar to arcade games that can be played directly.
3. Brave
Launched in 2019, Brave now has over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store. Among the highlights of this app are the built-in VPN and ad blocking capabilities which are very annoying.
Brave also has its own crypto wallet, Brave Wallet, where you can store and track your crypto assets. Another thing that makes Brave stand out from its competitors is the unique way it handles targeted advertising.
Instead of bombarding you with ads, Brave actually lets you decide whether to view or block them. If you choose to view ads, you will get points that can be exchanged for prizes.
4. Tor
Originally released in 2018, Tor comes with all sorts of privacy tricks to allow you to browse the internet freely and safely. At the top of the list is multi-layered encryption, allowing you to remain anonymous while surfing the web.
This one browser also blocks annoying third-party trackers and ads, hides valuable data from people watching your connection, and lets you access sites that were originally blocked by your local internet service.
Despite these nifty features, the browser interface looks clean and minimal, unlike other mobile browsers with cluttered home pages. Tor is undoubtedly a great app for protecting personal data.
5. Opera
Having been around for almost three decades, Opera is equipped with an ad blocker that not only stops ads but also removes most cookies and privacy dialogs.
Another noteworthy feature is the built-in VPN, allowing you to increase your anonymity online without having to download a separate app. Plus, Opera has data-saving features that most mobile browsers don't have.
This is very useful for speeding up your browsing experience when using a limited data plan or slow internet connection. Despite these useful features, Opera's weakness is that it's limited to external apps that open automatically via links.