Most of us rely on well-known browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. But did you know there’s a whole ecosystem of alternative browsers offering features you never knew you needed? This article introduces you to some specialty web browsers that might just change the way you surf the web.
Good to know: here’s how to open a magnet link in any browser.
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- 1. Maxthon
- 2. Lunascape Phoebe
- 3. Opera GX
- 4. Epic Privacy Browser
- 5. SeaMonkey
- 6. WebbIE
- 7. Kirix Strata
- 8. Arc
1. Maxthon
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Maxthon is a Chromium-based browser that focuses on privacy. While its interface doesn’t look as modern as Chrome or Firefox, it comes bundled with some interesting features that you might appreciate.
The browser is equipped with anti-IP address tracking and a free VPN for safe browsing (available via pre-installed extensions). It can also detect malicious extensions, suspicious websites and files. There’s also a note-taking panel that you can activate. As a writer, I found this feature particularly useful.
The browser also boasts an easy split-screen mode for multitasking and lets you customize your experience considerably. Maxthon also taps into the AI trend by offering an AI assistant that can wear several “masks” such as a psychologist or tech guy (some masks require in-app currency.)
Maxthon is available on mobile too and comes with a built-in ad-blocker.
2. Lunascape Phoebe
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Lunascape Phoebe is a browser that aims to provide a lightweight, privacy-focused browser inspired by the simplicity of single-engine browsing. Mainly, I was drawn in by the browser’s pristine design – perfect for someone who adheres to minimalism like myself.
Lunascape Phoebe’s developers promise a speed boost of 5% to 25% compared to standard browsers. From my experience, it delivers. Navigating pages feels effortless and swift. The browser comes with a built-in capture option that lets you screenshot the displayed page. It also promises superior privacy by pledging not to send users’ data to servers or websites. In addition, Lunascape is available on mobile where it offers a built-in adblocker, as well web3 wallet for cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
At one point, Lunascape included the Orion project, which, unfortunately, is no longer under development. This was a triple-engine browser designed for users who needed to switch between engines for web development, compatibility, or other specific tasks. In comparison, Lunascape Phoebe focuses on delivering speed and simplicity.
Tip: take a look at our list of reasons why Opera might be a better choice over Edge or Chrome.
3. Opera GX
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Opera GX is a fork of the popular Opera browser that’s geared towards gaming. It features a series of unique options that you won’t encounter in any other browser. For instance, the GX corner which highlights new and upcoming games that you can play directly in your browser.
This browser includes a left-aligned sidebar brimming with features. I find Mods especially fun, as they allow you to modify sounds, wallpapers, and themes. For improving performance, Opera GX has GX Cleaner, a tool designed to speed up your browser experience.
In addition, the sidebar lets you effortlessly connect to your social apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp. Since this is a gaming browser, you’ll also find an icon for Twitch. Beyond that, Opera GX has workspaces, pin boards and leverages AI through Aria – a virtual assistant that can handle tasks such as text rephrasing and image generation.
4. Epic Privacy Browser
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
As the name suggests, privacy is the major focus of the Epic Privacy Browser. Epic strikes me as a Chrome clone in terms of looks with minimal differences (it’s a Chromium-based browser, after all), so you’ll feel right at home if you decide to switch.
Privacy features are neatly nestled under an umbrella button located next to the address bar. Epic features a built-in web proxy and an ad-blocker. But if you wish to take advantage of these features, you’ll need to enable them from the toolbar. The browser also includes tools to block trackers and third-party cookies, as well as provide fingerprint protection. Even better, Epic embeds a VPN function (in the form of an extension).
5. SeaMonkey
Platforms: Windows
SeaMonkey is a longstanding browser that remains a solid choice even today. It is developed by none other than Mozilla – the company behind the popular Firefox browser.
With its retro interface, SeaMonkey evokes memories of classic browsers. It is tailored for advanced users who value the convenience of managing nearly everything from a single platform.
To that end, SeaMonkey combines multiple tools into a single suite including an email client, an RSS client, an HMTL editor, and even an IRC client. Further, you can expand its capabilities with add-ons and customize its look with themes. The browser includes a pop-up blocker that allows you to browse without being bombarded by advertisers.
Tip: here’s how you can copy and paste on sites that won’t let you do so.
6. WebbIE
Platforms: Windows
If you’re looking for a straightforward browser without overwhelming features, WebbIE might be just what you need. With WebbIE, you can view web pages in a default “text only” mode.
This unique browser strips all the common media features and churns out text without the need to click a mouse. WebbIE appeals to the “read mode” audience and provides you with enough features to tweak the zoom angles, colors, and font sizes on web pages.
The browser may look old-fashioned, but its ability to load web pages at lightning speed surprised me. That said, I did experience a few freezes, though they self-corrected eventually and I managed to go back to browsing. I’d say you should try Webbie especially if you’re a user with older hardware or devices with limited resources. At the same time, if you prefer a distraction-free browsing experience without multimedia and other flashy design elements, then you’ll certainly appreciate WebbIE’s simplicity.
7. Kirix Strata
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Kirix Strata is an open-source browser that’s known as a “data browser.” It’s essentially a hybrid between a regular web browser and a database tool, designed to help users access, manipulate, and analyze data directly from the browser.
On top of the standard browsing capabilities, Strata connects seamlessly to various databases including MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server or DB2, as well as local files like CVS and Excel spreadsheets.
Moreover, the browser can extract and manipulate data directly from web pages, making it a powerful tool for researchers and analysts working with online data. Strata also supports creating reports and exporting data in various formats.
FYI: Windows screensavers are coming back with these awesome options!
8. Arc
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Finally, I have to include in this list the Arc browser. It’s simply beautiful and features a customizable layout that just makes sense to me. For me, Arc’s standout feature is the capability to create personalized spaces, enabling you to seamlessly manage work, hobbies, and more, conveniently access through the sidebar.
Arc comes with a built-in ad-blocker extension so you can enjoy browsing with annoying ads from the get-go. In my opinion, the Arc browser is geared towards maximizing productivity. It brings features like pinning your favorite web pages at the top of each Space, split view, and Peek, and allows you to preview links from your pinned or favorite tabs.
Keeping up with the times, Arc also includes Max, an AI feature that lets you ask questions about the page you’re viewing or helps you organize tabs.
Some of these browsers we’ve talked about in this article have an AI component. Which is why I recommend that you also read our post detailing all the ways to use AI in your browser. At the same time, if you like storing your passwords in your browser, check how to actually see the password instead of dots, in case you need a refresher.
All images & screenshots by Alexandra Arici
Alexandra Arici –
Staff Writer
Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.
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