Best Android Browsers: 7 Alternatives to the Stock Browser

Evaluating Android Browsers for the Asus Prime Tablet

Upon initially setting up my Asus Prime tablet with Android ICS, the first application I launched was the pre-installed browser. My intention was to assess the capabilities and features offered by the device’s native browsing application.

The browser’s performance didn’t elicit strong negative reactions, but it also failed to generate significant enthusiasm. It included standard functionalities expected of contemporary browsers, such as tabbed browsing, bookmarking options, and straightforward navigation.

However, the browser lacked distinctive features. In modern mobile browsing, I prioritize access to advanced tools like voice search, intuitive gesture controls, and a remarkably swift browsing speed.

Seeking Superior Android Browsers

Consequently, I embarked on a search to identify Android web browsers that surpassed the capabilities of the native ICS browser. Several applications discovered during this process have previously been highlighted on MakeUseOf, and rightfully so.

These browsers have consistently demonstrated leadership within the mobile browser landscape, establishing themselves as top-tier options for a comprehensive mobile browsing experience.

The Top 7 Android Web Browsers

I am now ready to present a curated list of the 7 best Android web browsers designed to optimize your mobile browsing experience. This is particularly beneficial for users with larger-screen Android tablets.

• These browsers offer enhanced features and performance.
• They provide a more streamlined and efficient browsing experience.
• Consider these options to elevate your mobile web access.

The following browsers were selected based on speed, features, and overall usability.

Choosing the right browser can significantly improve your online experience, especially on a tablet device.

The 7 Best Android Browsers

The standard ICS browser offers a simple user experience. Upon launching, users readily find multiple tabs, bookmarks, search, and favorites icons, alongside a settings menu located on the browser's right side. This menu allows for quick toggling between desktop and mobile browsing modes. When utilizing a tablet, I consistently preferred maintaining desktop browsing enabled.

Given my frequent browsing over Wi-Fi networks, data usage and bandwidth limitations were not concerns.

The bookmarks section within the ICS native browser is adequate – presenting a full-screen display of icons representing all saved bookmarks. Similar layouts are used for browsing history and offline-accessible "saved pages."

These are functional attributes, making it a suitable browser for those seeking a basic experience. However, if enhanced performance and features familiar from desktop browsers like Chrome or Firefox are desired, installing an alternative browser is recommended.

Chrome

Frequent users of Chrome on desktop or laptop computers will find a familiar experience with the Android version. Initially available as a beta, Chrome is now a fully-fledged application for Android devices.

It retains the intuitive design users expect – streamlined tabbed browsing, voice search activated via a microphone icon in the URL bar, and convenient access to settings, incognito browsing, and more through a dropdown menu on the right.

Preliminary tests involving loading substantial websites like CNN and other news platforms demonstrated that this mobile iteration of Chrome significantly outperforms the native browser in terms of speed.

Firefox

Currently available on the Play Store, Firefox also offers a beta version. I tested the beta version and found it highly appealing. I am now deciding between regularly using mobile Chrome or mobile Firefox on my Android tablet. While the tabbed browsing implementation is somewhat unconventional, the performance and the adoption of a similar interface to Chrome – with quick menu access on the right – are commendable.

The integrated "Save as PDF" functionality is a useful addition, as is the quick "Request Desktop Site" option, particularly beneficial on tablets. As previously noted, tabbed browsing is arranged in a left-side pane, allowing for quick opening and closing of tabs.

The developers likely implemented this design to conserve vertical screen space, but I personally prefer tabs positioned at the top, as I don't believe they occupy excessive space to justify this left-side approach. Conversely, the left pane provides preview icons for all open tabs.

Maxthon

Surprisingly, Maxthon emerges as a leading contender on this list. A recent review by Jessica highlighted its strengths. Users can choose between the standard Maxthon browser or a dedicated tablet version. I was eager to explore the tablet version and was pleasantly surprised. The clean design, with readily accessible tabs at the top, rivals that of Chrome.

Unique features offered by Maxthon include a "night-reading" mode, accessible from the right dropdown menu. This mode allows adjusting screen brightness for comfortable reading in dark environments, minimizing eye strain. I particularly appreciate this feature for reading in bed without disturbing others.

Similar to Chrome and Firefox, Maxthon provides a customizable "new-tab" page with quick access links to favorite websites.

After evaluating Maxthon – which also exhibited excellent speed – I found myself torn between Firefox, Chrome, and Maxthon. The ability to define custom gestures is particularly appealing, making me lean towards Maxthon with each use.

Skyfire

Skyfire presents a slightly different style compared to most browsers. The URL bar is positioned at the top of the page, and its behavior requires some adjustment, as the tab and navigation system differs from standard browsers.

Considering my use of a tablet, where I sometimes rely on mobile page versions instead of always being connected to Wi-Fi, I appreciate the ability to instantly switch between Android/Desktop modes with a single tap.

The browser's handling of tabs is somewhat unusual – displaying the number of tabs within the tabs icon. Tapping the icon reveals a ribbon displaying all open tabs, or allows opening a new tab via the "+" sign.

Page loading speeds are very fast, earning Skyfire high marks for performance. However, I would recommend it primarily to users seeking a departure from the look and feel of typical browsers like Chrome and Firefox. It demonstrably outperforms the native Android browser.

Dolphin

Dolphin is another browser I tested based on positive feedback from Bakari. It features a simple, user-friendly interface while offering ample features to warrant its inclusion on this list.

Beyond standard browser functionalities, tapping the small dolphin icon in the lower-left corner provides instant access to "Sonar" or gesture features. Gesture settings allow defining URLs directly to custom gestures.

Sonar incorporates a voice search feature, enabling users to navigate to websites by simply speaking a word or address. This is comparable to Chrome's voice search, but I appreciate the convenient access to both features from the same page.

The only drawbacks I observed with Dolphin were slightly slower page loading times and the inability to find an option to switch between mobile and desktop page views – a feature I consider essential. Nevertheless, it remains a viable option for Android smartphone users seeking an alternative to the native browser.

Puffin Free

I initially hesitated to recommend a browser named "puffin," but I must admit, the name is deceptive. This is not a simplistic browser; it readily competes with established players like Chrome and Maxthon.

Observe the quick keyboard and mouse applications at each corner of the display, providing functionality typically needed on websites that can be challenging to manage with touchscreens.

Need to click a field inaccessible via touchscreen? Activate the mouse and click. Struggling to highlight and copy text? Puffin enables keyboard-based text selection and copying. These features are highly valuable.

Puffin also supports gestures. For example, dragging three fingers up or down scrolls the page, while pinching three fingers zooms in or out. The most impressive feature is activated by long-pressing two fingers on the screen.

This enables "screenshot" mode, allowing cropping a section of the browser display and saving the image to your device or sharing it on social networks.

This is a remarkable feature, significantly enhancing Puffin's standing among native browser alternatives.

Opera Mobile

No comprehensive list of mobile browsers would be complete without mentioning Opera. While I haven't been a dedicated Opera user on desktop, a quick trial of Opera Mobile on a tablet reveals its superiority over many other options.

It boasts a clean interface that differs from Chrome or Firefox, and the tabbed button displays larger thumbnail previews of open tabs than most browsers.

The new-tab page offers large, clear thumbnails of customized page links.

My favorite aspect is the placement of the settings and features menu on the upper left, rather than the right side common in other mobile browsers. Furthermore, the menu is organized with graphical buttons instead of a simple text list, providing quick access to bookmarks, history, saved pages, recent downloads, and even a "find in page" search feature not universally available in mobile browsers.

Hopefully, this provides a thorough overview. It's evident that established browsers remain prominent, but several lesser-known Android web browsers are making significant strides. I am seriously considering Maxthon as my preferred mobile browser, provided it seamlessly loads my favorite websites, including MakeUseOf.

Are any of these mobile browsers your preferred replacements for the native Android browser? Do you have other recommendations? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!

Image Credit: hand pressing mobile via Shutterstock