• Standard Android browser. Poll: which browser is the best for Android

    This review will look at the most popular browsers for Android devices, including Chrome, Firefox, Opera and many others. A total of 10 applications were selected that have the largest market share in this segment.

    They were sorted by the number of downloads from Google Play. Before moving on to a detailed consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of each browser, it is worth deciding on the terminology and the set of criteria assessed when compiling the review.

    A browser is an application for viewing pages on the Internet and is one of the most important components of any modern mobile device. In recent years, the speed of wireless connections has increased significantly, which makes it possible to do more than just check email or browse text documents on the Internet using a smartphone or tablet, but also actively interact with other users, exchange files, watch streaming videos, etc.

    Often, well-known online services have their own clients for Android devices, for example, Instagram, Facebook, Skydrive and many others. Why then do you need a browser? First of all, it is necessary for services without a separate application for mobile platforms, i.e. most websites on the Internet.

    In addition, through a browser you can access mobile web versions of resources such as VKontakte, Dropbox or Facebook, which often do not differ in the set of functions from other methods of providing the corresponding services, but you do not have to install programs for each of them separately on your smartphone , which will definitely save space in the device’s memory.

    It should be taken into account that some services in the web version are deprived of part of their functionality, especially if they were originally developed specifically as mobile applications. For example, on Instagram you can post comments and likes through the browser, but you cannot add new photos.

    In the process of writing the review, a number of parameters of each browser were assessed on a ten-point scale. The main criteria were functionality, usability and speed.
    When giving an overall rating to the browser on the same scale, a number of minor parameters related to the functionality of the application were also taken into account, for example, support for plug-ins, the ability to compress traffic, as well as work with flash, etc.

    Video comparison:


    Firefox is a cross-platform browser available on large quantities operating systems, including desktop ones like Windows or Ubuntu, and mobile ones like Android. Firefox was originally an open source project. source code and was only available for desktop PCs.

    Over time, the emphasis has shifted towards functionality - above all, Firefox stands out among competitors a large number settings and downloadable add-ons that can make changes to the interface, provide script support, ad blocking and much more.

    A similar concept is used in Firefox for Android, however, the number of downloadable plugins and settings is somewhat less than in the case of desktop OSes.

    The interface of mobile Firefox is in many ways similar to that in the full version - the top panel contains a tab bar, address bar, as well as Refresh, Forward and Back buttons. In the upper right corner there is a button with a “+” sign to open a new tab and a main menu icon in the form of three vertical dots.

    A special square button with the number of open tabs indicated on it is used to go to the tab menu, where thumbnails of all open pages.

    In general, the interface is very convenient and well adapted for mobile devices, however, with a large number of open tabs, it may work with delays. First of all, this happens when you open any high-resolution media content in the browser.

    From a usability point of view, Firefox for Android does not cause any particular complaints - there are tools for managing favorite pages, bookmarks, a customizable “Top Sites” and synchronization with the desktop version.

    Firefox's calling card is functionality. The main menu item called “Options” presents a standard set of settings – data tracking, browser language, synchronization, etc. Expansion of functionality is achieved by installing plugins available from the “Tools” -> “Add-ons” menu.

    From here you can install tools for setting up proxies, alternative download managers, ad blockers, etc. It is worth noting that Adblock Plus Firefox for mobile is still often useless, and most of the plugins for PC are not available for mobile version browser.

    There are also no traffic compression mechanisms. Firefox has support for Flash on Android, but you'll need to install the app from Adobe's website to do so.

    IN at the moment Firefox is one of the best alternatives Chrome browser for Android. Despite falling market share in recent years, Firefox continues to retain a large percentage of its audience across all supported platforms.

    Opera is a cross-platform browser supported by a large number of different platforms, both desktop and mobile. Opera differs significantly from Chrome and Firefox in the sense that versions for different platforms do not adhere to a single concept or interface design rules.

    The version of Opera for Android has many differences from the version for desktop PCs. This is due to the fact that this browser developed on different platforms in different directions - the mobile version pursued simplicity and convenience, and the desktop version pursued functionality.

    The interface of Opera for Android is very laconic - the top panel of the main screen contains the address bar, icons for the tab menu and the main menu. Below are three categories – “History”, “Express Panel” and “Recommendations”, switched by swiping to the sides.

    In general, Opera Mobile is very minimalistic - in the main menu there are items such as “Downloads” and “Settings”, as well as statistics on saved traffic. The interface is more or less convenient from a usability point of view, although it would be more logical to place the “Forward” and “Back” navigation buttons near the address bar rather than leaving them in the context menu.

    Opera Mobile dates back to smartphones with Java support applications, so the same concept is used here as in UC Browser - the emphasis is on ease of use and saving traffic. At the same time, Opera has much fewer settings and they fit entirely on one page.

    From a functionality point of view, this browser does not show itself in the best possible way– no support for add-ons, ad blocking, no customization tools. The advantages include support for Flash, similar to Firefox (you will need to install a separate application from Adobe in Google crawl Play), the presence of a private mode and extensive settings for traffic compression mode.

    In addition to Opera Mobile, there is also Opera Mini - even more minimalistic and less functional, but aimed specifically at smartphone users. The Mini version has a night mode and most of the features of Opera Mobile, but lacks Flash support, and the interface is visually somewhat closer to the older versions for Java and Symbian.

    Maxthron is a multi-platform browser that supports operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android. A distinctive feature of this browser is the ability to synchronize data on all devices used.

    The appearance of Maxthron for Android is similar to the version for personal computers- on the top panel there is an address bar and navigation tools, except for the “Forward” and “Back” buttons located at the bottom of the main browser screen along with the “Favorites” icon and a button in the form of three horizontal stripes to open the main menu.

    In the center of the display there is an area for displaying web pages, where menus can also be opened quick access with icons of frequently used sites and a “News” tab for updating data from news resources. Clicking on the “+” icon at the top right of the display opens a new tab.

    In general, the interface is moderately convenient, except that the main menu, which opens half the screen, is not best option display from a usability point of view.

    Functionally, Maxthron copes with the basic needs of the user, and there is no traffic compression, installed extensions, or ad blocking on the pages being viewed.

    The advantages include support for Flash without installing additional software from Adobe, the presence of a secret mode in which history is not saved, as well as night and full-screen modes for displaying pages.

    You can change the display orientation in a couple of clicks without opening the settings menu, which provides standard options such as choosing a language, deleting history, etc. Among other things, it is worth noting synchronization and work with the cloud. In case of unexpected session interruption, open tabs can be stored online.

    Maxthron is positioned as a cloud browser and, unlike Opera or UC Browser, in terms of development concept, it keeps up with the times. This app may not have a lot of settings and different features, but the benefits of cloud synchronization definitely make up for some of the other shortcomings.

    Next Browser

    Next Browser is a web browsing application from the GO Launcher Dev Team, known for its GO Launcher, the most popular application in its segment at the moment. This browser has a wide range of customization options and installation of custom add-ons.

    From a usability point of view, Next Browser is very well designed, which is not surprising given the GO Launcher Dev Team's experience in launcher development.

    The main screen of the application contains the address bar and navigation buttons, as well as icons for going to the tab menu and calling up the main menu containing items such as New Tab, New Incognito Tab, Extensions, Settings and others.

    In general, the interface is very similar to the classic options in type Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. The speed of work is at a high level; there are no problems when opening a large number of tabs and navigating between them.

    You can dwell on the functional features of Next Browser in more detail. First of all, it is worth noting the presence of installable extensions, including a page translator, full-screen and night modes, and much more.

    However, the total number of add-ons is only slightly more than 10 and cannot be compared with Mozilla Firefox. Access to installed plugins can be obtained from the “Extensions” item in the main menu of the browser, from there you can enable night mode, take a screenshot, etc.

    Next Browser doesn't have many settings. In addition to choosing a search engine, screen properties and standard settings confidentiality, for example, clearing history, you can check a special box for enable Flash, which allows you to display relevant content on pages without installing any software.

    Next Browser also supports private mode, but traffic compression and ad blocking are absent here. The latter is somewhat strange given the mechanism of downloadable extensions and can very likely be corrected by writing a corresponding plugin in the future.

    Puffin Web Browser

    Puffin Web Browser – popular browser for Android, which features built-in Flash support and optimization for the mobile interface.

    From a usability point of view, Puffin Web Browser is a very dubious option. For example, when you open the main menu by clicking on the button in the upper right corner, the main display area darkens, and corresponding items with icons appear on the right third of the screen.

    The main functionality in the form of navigation buttons and an address bar with a set of open tabs is available from the main screen of the application, but for everything else you will have to open a not-so-convenient menu with 21 items, including “Settings”, “Help”, “History” and etc. Some items duplicate the functionality of the top panel.

    Despite the developers' statements, the speed of both the interface itself and the browser, including Flash content, leaves much to be desired. While working, there are periodic delays, especially when opening several tabs at the same time.

    In the settings menu you can clear history, form data, turn Flash on or off, but in general there are very few settings, and the menu is extremely inconvenient - all navigation through it in landscape mode is carried out only on the right third of the display, while the fonts are large and you need to scroll several times content down to move to the last items.

    In this regard, the developers’ non-standard approach to design user interface did not justify itself.

    In addition to the aforementioned Flash support, there is also a private mode, and traffic compression, ad blocking and installation of extensions are not provided in Puffin Web Browser. It’s also worth noting the tricky conditions Flash works(7-day trial period, etc.), which were introduced to promote the paid version of the application.

    In general, a rather contradictory browser - on the one hand, it has quite standard functionality, on the other, significant flaws in the interface and low operating speed make Puffin Web Browser not the most attractive option for users of mobile devices.

    Boat Browser

    Boat Browser - the last hero this review. He stands out user-friendly interface, aimed at smartphone users, and Flash support out of the box.

    The main screen of the application contains elements familiar to each browser - address bar, search, navigation buttons, etc. If there are no open tabs, a menu in the form of thumbnails of frequently visited resources is displayed in the center of the display.

    There are two other menus that you can switch between by swiping. One of them provides data on frequently visited resources, and the other presents the most popular search queries at the moment.

    With speed special problems no, as with usability, although the main menu, opened by clicking on the bottom panel icon second from the right, could be located more compactly, without occupying the lower half of the display.

    It is worth noting a special customizable panel, the contents of which can be edited manually. It is accessible by clicking on the button in the lower left corner of the display and can not contain any browser tool.

    The functionality of Boat Browser provides all the basic needs of the user. In addition to the aforementioned Flash support, there is a private mode, the ability to disable loading images, search by page content, etc. However, there is no traffic compression, ad blocking, or plugin support.

    In the settings you can change the download folder, clear the history, select search engine etc. The total number of settings is small, and the visual design of the interface leaves much to be desired, although on the product page on Google Play the developers promise to add changeable color schemes in the near future.

    In general, this browser does not particularly stand out from the rest. The only things that can be noted are the menu of the most popular search queries that is updated in real time and a convenient, but not the most colorful interface.

    Results

    As a result of grading on a ten-point scale and considering five functional parameters of each browser, only 4 candidates received the maximum score - Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, UC Browser and Dolphin Classic. At the same time, no ideal browser was found among the ten tested; the maximum overall score was 9.

    Each application eventually had its own shortcomings, for example, Chrome does not support Flash in any form, and Opera provides extremely limited functionality.


    Ratings and functionality


    We tried to evaluate each browser as objectively as possible and highlight all its strengths and weaknesses, in the table below you can see the final ratings for each browser.


    This table discusses the functional features of each browser in the review.

    In terms of popularity, Chrome has no competitors, which is quite expected, given the fact that this browser is often present on Android by default. It is followed by Firefox and UC Browser; the remaining applications in this segment have not yet crossed the 100 million downloads mark from Google Play. Next Browser, Puffin Web Browser and Boat Browser round out the list with 5-10 million downloads.

    Among the leaders in overall assessment, two groups can be distinguished: those focused on mobile devices and cross-platform browsers. The former here include UC Browser and Dolphin Classic, the latter – Chrome and Firefox. Distinctive features are the set of supported platforms and the approach to interface design.

    For Firefox and Chrome appearance reminds me of them computer versions, while UC Browser and Dolphin are better suited for mobile devices with small screens and are not supported on PC. When sorted by overall rating, the “Golden Raspberry” deservedly goes to Puffin Web Browser, which is noted for its inconvenient interface and lack of functionality. high speed work.

    In terms of functionality, Firefox is the absolute leader - no other browser for Android is able to offer the same number of installable extensions.

    In terms of functional features, the leader was UC Browser, which received a “+” for each of the evaluated parameters. Dolphin Classic received the fewest points in this table - only one “+” and that for Flash support. Also, according to the summary table No. 2, the leader of the popularity rating, Google Chrome, was somewhat surprised - among 10 browsers, it is the only one that does not support Flash

    You must understand that Android devices are not unified - therefore it is impossible to say unequivocally which browser for the Android platform is the best. The same browser can work comfortably on one device, but on another it will freeze or be inconvenient. The developers of the browsers discussed in the review tried to create their product and each browser is worth a look.

    In order to determine the best browser for Android, you should consider several options. Although each of them has its own merits.

    Therefore, it is best not to give preference to a specific application, but to choose several of the best ones, compiling, for example, the TOP 10 programs for working with the Internet, which can be downloaded for free on Google Play.

    No. 1. Opera Mini

    One of the most popular Russian-language browsers for smartphones is Opera Mini.

    It is available on almost all platforms, starting with the outdated Symbian OS, and, of course, is present on Android smartphones.

    The main advantage of the application is the high page loading speed it provides, obtained by using its own servers to transfer data.

    Due to this, we can say that Opera Mini is the fastest browser in the review and saves users money, mobile traffic which is limited.

    No. 2. Google Chrome

    When deciding which browser is better, one cannot do without mentioning the products of Google, which is considered one of the best and most widespread applications for accessing the Internet.

    By default, it is built into most versions of the Android OS, especially on phones Samsung Galaxy and HTC One.

    The program has many advantages, including:

    • Beautiful looking interface;
    • Ease of switching between tabs;
    • High speed;
    • A good collection of extensions (in 2017 there were even more of them, whereas just a couple of years ago there was no possibility of connecting them at all);
    • Good functionality;
    • Sync with Google services, including translator and voice search.

    At the same time, Chrome also has a special security system in the form of a filter for websites.

    And also - information compression technology, which slightly speeds up loading and, although not as advanced as Opera, is still quite useful by saving traffic.

    Using incognito mode with Chrome browser You can visit pages anonymously.

    To do this, it is enough to use both the mobile version and the full version from one account.

    No. 3. Mozilla Firefox

    The Mozilla browser may not be the best, but it is in the top five most popular applications to log into the network on both PCs and mobile devices with the Android system.

    This is evidenced even by the statistics of its downloads from Google Play, which exceed 50 thousand.

    In terms of speed, it lags behind both Chrome and Opera, but due to some of its features it is much more convenient to work with Mozilla:

    • Due to the Gecko engine, the application supports most modern page display standards;
    • Among the extensions there are almost the same as in the desktop version, including ad blockers and antiviruses;
    • Just like Google, the data is synchronized with the usual Mozilla browser on PC using a shared account.

    At the same time, the browser works with Flash support, which allows you to optimize the viewing of films and videos online.

    No. 4. UC Browser

    Among the browsers that can be installed on a smartphone with Android OS, this one is distinguished by the ability to watch videos offline.

    There is also a built-in file download manager with the ability to stop it and resume it the next time you start it.

    Here the user can take advantage of multi-touch support, night mode and additional browser themes.

    UC Browser also has a built-in PR code recognition utility.

    Today this mobile browser can be called one of the most functional.

    And the only disadvantage of using it is the lack of sufficient protection against viruses on Android.

    No. 5. Dolphin Browser

    However, there is a quite effective version for Android, with many add-ons, widgets and synchronization with most popular social networks.

    Some of them are even capable of saving web pages to PDF format, which not all browsers on a PC can do, not to mention programs for tablets and smartphones.

    Application users have the opportunity to use the built-in cloud service Box.

    With all these advantages, Dolphin Browser looks quite decent, works quickly and is controlled using gestures and the Sonar voice function.

    It is also capable of creating backup copies of its settings on external map memory.

    This flash browser not only allows you to watch movies directly in it without downloading or launching other applications, but also works well with browser games in full screen mode.

    And, unlike many of its analogues, Dolphin has a built-in news feed with constantly updated materials.

    It will be a good option for fairly powerful devices.

    No. 6. Javelin

    Looking at this application, you can immediately notice a very good and bright interface.

    It can be called a real visual splash, although this is not the main thing - the ease of use of the application is also excellent.

    You can move through the pages with light touches of your fingers.

    And among the built-in extensions there are quite a few interesting features and filters that will save you from unnecessary information.

    No. 7. Puffin

    A bit reminiscent in concept of the Dolphin Internet browser, Puffin has an attractive and user-friendly interface and many features.

    And on powerful phones he is also just as fast.

    The application also works quite acceptable on older, single-core processors with 256–512 kB internal memory, without losing page layout and reducing image quality.

    This becomes possible thanks to its own cloud service, which optimizes the flow of information.

    Other features of Puffin include:

    • Full flash support, necessary for both gaming and watching videos;
    • Traffic protection;
    • Emulation of a mouse manipulator;
    • Availability of many extensions and several interface themes.

    Puffin is a good choice for weak smartphones and tablets

    Goals, methods and conditions

    The purpose of this testing is to identify the browser that can render web pages the fastest. The following popular web browsers were selected for this:

    • Google Chrome 49.0.2623.105,
    • Dolphin Browser 11.5.5,
    • Mozilla Firefox 45.0.2,
    • Naked Browser 1.0 build 112,
    • Opera Browser 36.1.2126.102083,
    • Puffin Browser 4.7.4.2567,
    • UC Browser 10.9.0
    • InfiKen Labs Flynx Browser 2.0.1,
    • Ghostery Browser 1.3.2,
    • Mercury Browser 3.2.3.

    The experiments were carried out on a Nexus 6P smartphone under Android control 6.0.1 Marshmallow. Before starting the test, the gadget was reset to factory settings. During the tests, the smartphone did not have any third-party software except for the above browsers and a utility for measuring the amount of free RAM.

    Before each stage of the test, the smartphone was rebooted, after which all data, settings, cookies and cache of the tested browser were destroyed. Thus, we can talk about fairly “clean” experimental conditions in which the influence of extraneous elements was minimized.

    SunSpider 1.0.2

    The first test used was Sunspider 1.0.2, which measures JavaScript performance in real-world scenarios in the browser. Measurements are carried out in milliseconds: the lower the value, the faster the speed of JavaScript execution in the browser. The first result is already surprising, but you’ll see what happens next!

    Mozilla Kraken 1.1

    Kraken Benchmark is based on the SunSpider benchmark code, but Mozilla programmers have modified it quite significantly. In their opinion, this is the only way to achieve the most accurate results, reflecting the speed of completion of those tasks that occur in real life. In this test, Puffin Web Browser also wins by a noticeable margin.

    Browsermark 2.1.3

    The third benchmark measures the browser's overall performance. The speed of completing tasks that we encounter during daily surfing is tested: loading blank page, changing the screen orientation, working the browser with JavaScript, CSS, DOM, WebGL and Canvas. This time the browser that scores the maximum number of points wins.


    Peacekeeper

    This is a very famous browser performance test from Futuremark. It consists of five sequentially executed test groups aimed at testing various types tasks facing a web browser. For each group of tests, separate ratings are calculated, on the basis of which an overall rating is formed. A higher score means better performance programs. Once again, Puffin Web Browser delivers outstanding results.

    Memory consumption

    RAM consumption is an important characteristic, especially for those devices that have a small amount of memory. The first test measured how much RAM each browser required when opening one empty tab. Here, the outsider won an unexpected victory in all previous Dolphin Browser tests.

    But when you open five tabs with different sites, the picture changes dramatically. Here the record belongs to Chrome, the desktop version of which is so fond of being accused of excessive consumption of RAM. Please note that the favorite of the “speed” tests Puffin in this case is in the penultimate position.

    Results

    The graphs of the test results inexorably show that Puffin Web Browser claims to be the fastest browser for Android. However, this is only true if your gadget has enough RAM. If you cannot boast of its surplus, then it is better to opt for Google browser Chrome. It showed average results in terms of page processing speed, but was surprisingly economical.

    Personally, the results of these tests surprised me. What about you?

    Browsers are an integral part of browsing the Internet. They allow you to use services that do not have their own clients, and provide access to mobile versions of well-known resources. Many browsers have been created based on Android, and sometimes users are faced with the question of which one to choose. We decided to compile a rating of browsers 2016, selecting the most popular ones based on the number of downloads, data taken from Google Play. When compiling the rating, in addition to popularity, performance, functionality, convenience, and presence of flash, compression function, plugin support and some other criteria. We present our version of the top ten of 2016 to help you determine the best browser for Android.


    In terms of the number of downloads, it is several times ahead of its competitors. This popularity is explained by the competent marketing of the developers who, in fact, created Google Chrome and the Android OS. On most Google devices Chrome is now the default and provides access to various services.

    The browser interface for Android resembles the usual one for a PC: at the top there is a panel of tabs that can be closed by clicking on the cross. Below is an address field, buttons for scrolling forward/backward, and a refresh button. You can open the welcome page from search bar or from the menu of visited sites. The bottom panel provides access to the bookmarks menu and browsing history. The main menu is located under the button with 3 vertical dots at the top right. It contains settings items. The interface is convenient, the speed is good, the transitions are smooth. The browser functions well and copes with its assigned tasks.

    Traffic compression and private mode are supported. Thanks to the HTML5 format, video files can be viewed. A nice feature is tab syncing for those who use Chrome on other devices.

    Flaws:

    • Absent Adobe Flash, which is why many games based on it are unavailable.
    • There is no manual connection setup via VPN or proxy.

    Despite the shortcomings, basic characteristics Google Chrome demonstrates excellent capabilities, which brought it to the first line of the top best browsers 2016.

    2. Firefox

    This browser is cross-platform and works on many operating systems. In the beginning, it was a PC-only project with open source code. Then the developers turned their attention to functionality. Now, in 2016, Firefox features many add-ons, add-ons that change the interface, providing support for ad-blocking scripts. The mobile version has fewer plugins and add-ons, but still more than in competing browsers.

    The interface of Firefox for Android is similar to the full version. At the top there is an address bar, a tab bar, buttons for updating, moving forward and backward. The main menu button has an icon in the form of three vertical dots. The tab menu contains thumbnails of open pages.

    The interface is practical and convenient, but with multiple tabs open at the same time, the browser can slow down, especially when a page with high-resolution media is open.

    Firefox is equipped with synchronization with the desktop version. Here you will find funds for installing a proxy and blocking ads.

    Flaws:

    • no traffic compression mechanisms;
    • some plugins do not work in the mobile version, only on desktop PCs;
    • Flash needs to be installed.

    Despite the existing disadvantages, the browser became a worthy competitor to Chrome in 2016 and continues to remain popular for Android users.

    3. UC Browser

    UC Browser is designed to work with web pages specifically on mobile devices. Many platforms are supported, including Android. The highlight of UC Browser is its focus specifically on mobile devices, this is reflected in the interface. A PC version was not developed.

    The main menu has a set of standard functions: address bar, search field, buttons for updating, moving back, forward. The main menu and tab bar are also located at the top.

    The operating speed is optimal, the interface is practical. There is a night mode. The developers placed an emphasis on usability for devices with low resolution and low Internet access speed. That’s why there are different add-ons: you can reduce the image quality, the fast mode is activated if desired, it is possible to turn off everything when viewing, except text information. Special item“Traffic” helps you track the volume of data.

    The settings are standard, there is a notification function. Can connect many additional functions. Supports Flash and traffic compression.

    4. Opera

    There are general and special settings. In general, a standard set, including language selection, history, cleaning. In special areas there are privacy controls and javascript blocking.

    The interface is high quality, performance is good. Tab management and navigation are excellent. The functionality is decent. Reducing traffic is done through a function that disables loading images.

    A nice advantage of the browser was the availability of alternative design themes and Flash support without installation requirements. Cons:

    • no ad disabling;
    • no traffic compression;
    • no installation of add-ons,
    • no night mode.

    Convenient, simple, browser performs its functions well.

    6.CM Browser

    CM Browser ( Clean Master) - development of Cheetah Mobile for Android, minimalist browser. Light weight installation package, excellent optimization - product advantages in 2016. The developers stated main feature CM Browser has high performance. The interface is not entirely convenient for some users due to the navigation buttons located on the bottom panel, while the address bar is located separately at the top. The main menu blocks most of the application when opened. In the main menu you will find “History”, “Options”, “Downloads”, “Bookmarks” and other standard functions.

    The tab manager is designed in the form of a rotating wheel: navigation is done via swipe. There is Flash support, download protection, and a page translator.

    Flaws:

    • there is no support even for standard add-ons for other devices;
    • traffic compression is not provided;
    • Ad blocking is not enabled;
    • few settings.

    Due to its simplicity and low functionality, the browser may seem inconvenient. This is compensated by high speed and light weight.

    7. Maxthron

    Maxthron is supported by different OS. A big advantage that allows it to be included in the top 10 of 2016 is synchronization across all devices.

    The “Back” and “Forward” buttons are located at the bottom of the screen, as well as the “Favorites” button, the main menu button with a pattern of three horizontal stripes. The "+" button opens new tab. A slight discomfort is caused by the main menu opening in half the screen.

    Maxthron functionality is up to par. Supports Flash without requiring you to install additional software. There is a secret mode that does not save browsing history. The display orientation can be changed without opening the settings menu with a couple of clicks. Synchronization and interaction with the cloud service are enabled.

    Flaws:

    • no installation of extensions;
    • no ad blocker;
    • traffic compression is not provided.

    The developers position Maxthron as a cloud browser. The small number of settings and functions are compensated by the possibility of cloud synchronization.

    Maxthron is one of the few browsers that supports Flash

    8.Next Browser

    Next Browser was developed by a company known for its launcher, a program that replaces the operating system shell and expands it - GO LauncherDevTeam, which determined its popularity in 2016. The interface is of high quality, this is not surprising for the creator of launchers. The performance is high, there are no problems when opening several tabs.

    The functionality is wide. You can install extensions. There is a checkbox to enable Flash, which can be done without installing software. Private mode supported.

    Disadvantages include the lack of traffic compression and ad blocker.

    9. Puffin Web Browser

    The popularity of the Puffin browser in 2016 was determined by its built-in Flash and optimization for mobile devices. The main menu has 21 settings, including various standard functions.

    The work speed is sufficient. The settings menu allows you to clear your browsing history and turn off Flash. There is a private mode. There is a virtual mouse pad, game mode. There is a paid version, but the free one works quite well.

    Flaws:

    • there is no traffic compression;
    • no ad blocker;
    • Installation of extensions is not provided.

    Disadvantages are compensated Adobe support Flash, a built-in proxy that allows you to open sites blocked in Russia for viewing.

    10. Boat Browser

    A convenient browser aimed at smartphone owners, supports Flash. When there are no open tabs, miniature buttons for frequently visited resources are displayed in the center of the display.

    Performance is good. The interface is quite convenient. There is a manually customizable panel to which you can add any browser tool.

    Flaws:

    • there is no traffic compression;
    • no plugin support;
    • no ad blocker;
    • non-colorful interface.

    To summarize, we note the most functional browsers of 2016 Google of the Year Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, UC Browser. It is difficult to single out which is the best browser for Android 2016; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Google Chrome has become the most popular today, but the lack of Flash forces users to search additional browser for video files, normal operation games.

    Having conquered a huge segment of the multimedia device market, operating system Android is firmly established in tablet computers, cameras, serious phones, laptops, players and so on and so forth. The advantages of the platform are obvious - ease of manipulating applications, convenience when working with files of any format, full Internet support using 3G and Wi Fi technologies, power and efficiency. It's no wonder that a whole army of developers is concerned with creating the best web browser for Android OS.

    We, in turn, will try to illuminate the question of which browser is better for Android, since Internet surfing is one of the main purposes of mobile devices. The presented review is based on an analysis of most specialized resources and user ratings.

    Ergonomics and design – the most important indicators in assessment software for mobile devices Android OS. And this is understandable - the screen size is small, sensory method information input dictate their requirements for the design and layout of control tools (tabs, drop-down menus, etc.). Therefore, a simple and understandable presentation of the main browser functions is one of the components of user success.

    Operation speed– another of the main elements influencing the choice of software. It is clear that the latest web development standards should not negatively impact productivity. Work in this direction is complicated by the difference technical characteristics of this or that device, imposing its own limitations on the capabilities of web browsers.

    Functionality– this concept should be understood not as the ability to comfortably browse web pages, but as the presence of various functions, for example, for working with user bookmarks, storing passwords, a download manager for various files, etc.

    Additional features– the arsenal of this toolkit can vary significantly among different applications, and the choice of these parameters is directly dependent on the preferences of a particular user.

    Best browsers for Android (top 5)

    Sleipnir Mobile Web Browser

    In our review this free application fifth place allocated. Sleipnir Mobile is fast, smooth and lightweight, intuitive, has all the functions necessary for an Android browser. Customizable tabs and a wide range of options make browsing fruitful and fast. You will also be pleased with the ability to synchronize bookmarks between devices, and support for flash, etc. The lack of Russian localization significantly reduces the rating.

    OverScreen Web Browser

    The fourth position is OverSkreen, which managed to win the recognition of users with a large set of functions that make it possible to view and interact with several user tabs at the same time, easy setup according to your requests, providing a safe environment for comfortable Internet surfing. In addition, the application has its own Adobe Flash, which is very important for fans of games and online videos. A nice interface, an expanded bookmarking system and pop-up tips are three more pluses for your karma. However, there was also a fly in the ointment - in in this case, this is also the lack of Russification.

    CM Browser

    Third place rightfully goes to , which owes its popularity to its small size (only 1.7 MB), good optimization and high-speed operation. The average set of functions did not in any way affect the comfort when browsing websites, protection from malicious downloads, the presence of a translator and font size adjustment. Users voted with fifty million downloads, which best indicates the demand for the application.

    Firefox Browser

    In our ranking it came in second position, which is supported by its well-deserved worldwide popularity, which fully applies to the mobile version. Fast and smart, it ensures complete web browsing security. Support for “Do not track” functions coupled with “Awesome page” helps display recently visited tabs. Accelerated page loading, synchronization of bookmarks and passwords between devices, a fabulous smart search system and convenient setup“to suit you” are strong arguments in favor of a browser from Mozilla.

    Opera browser

    Judging by the comments of users, “Opera” clearly does not reach the first place, but it would also be unfair to send it to third. Therefore, we considered it justified if “Firefox” shares the second step of the pedestal with “”, delighting you with a cool interface, quick opening pages, navigation tips and interesting new products in the form of a selection of special news available directly from the start page. Overall, it's definitely worth a try.

    Google Chrome browser

    "" consistently tops all rankings, having all the necessary features and tools for an excellent mobile web browser. Here you can use voice search and use the address input line to quick search, and synchronization, which allows you to transfer saved passwords or bookmarks to all devices at the user’s disposal. In addition, text scaling, form auto-filling, faster browsing and full JavaScript support, etc.

    However, it is also worth taking into account the administrative resource, because Google Chrome, being the brainchild of the transnational giant Google, is installed by default in most smartphones on the Android platform. That’s why many people don’t try to experiment according to the principle “they don’t seek goodness, they don’t seek goodness.” But in vain! After analyzing user reviews, we came to the conclusion that Chrome could well be complemented by two more worthy applications.

    UC Browser HD (UC Browser)

    Will please you with excellent file manager With powerful control downloads, convenient web browsing, RSS news function, cloud synchronization, smooth and intuitive web surfing, automatic text enlargement and many more “goodies” and consistently stable operation.

    Dolphin Browser

    It is completely justified to settle down in the company of the best browsers for Android devices. “Dolphin” captivates with a fair number of add-ons and add-ons, the ability to synchronize data with Twitter, Google, Facebook and Evernote accounts, its own cloud service Box, a nice design and much more. In addition to fast work, you will probably be pleased with voice function Sonar and the ability to create a backup copy of the settings available on your gadget on an SD card.

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