Have you been using Google Chrome as your primary browser and are looking for an alternative? Is it because Google Chrome eats up your computer’s resources? We have curated a list of some of the best Google Chrome alternatives.
| Top Software Reviews | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.Brave Browser | ||
| 2.Microsoft Edge | ||
| 3.Opera Mini | ||
| 4.Mozilla Firefox | ||
| 5.Tor Browser | ||
| 6.DuckDuckGo | ||
| 7.Avast Secure Browser | ||
| 8.Vivaldi | ||
| 9.Maxthon | ||
| 10.Aloha Browser | ||
Undoubtedly Chrome is one of the most loved and most used browsers. That said, it is still far from being the best. And, for various reasons, you might be looking for alternatives to Chrome. Maybe, because Chrome consumes a lot of system resources when you open too many tabs. If Task Manager is showing that Google Chrome is taking up too much CPU resources, it is time to think about an alternate browser.
Here, we have carefully curated a list of some of the alternatives to Google Chrome. To help you make an informed decision we have briefly listed the various aspects of each browser.
Why Look For Alternatives To Chrome?
Now that we are putting up a whole post on alternatives to Chrome, you might be wondering why switch to a new browser when you have been using Chrome for years. Here are some reasons –
- Chrome is a resource-hungry browser.
- Many browsers offer extra features such as free VPN, or better reading mode, or enhanced tab management.
- In the past, some problematic extensions have passed Google’s scrutiny and have made their way to the Chrome Web Store.
- Chrome sometimes falls behind to catch up with the latest trends and features.
Best Alternatives to Chrome
1. Brave Browser
The Brave Browser is one of the browsers which is better than Chrome, in terms of security. It also proves to be a better performer as it doesn’t consume as many computer resources as Chrome. With Brave browser, you get both a firewall and a VPN for which you don’t have to pay any extra cost. It is one of those browsers that rewards you for browsing.
Notable Features
- Block cookies, trackers, and ads.
- Tor mode facilitates anonymous network tracking.
- Make private video calls from within the browser.
- With Brave Wallet, you can buy, store, send, and swap crypto assets.
- Advanced privacy protection options such as reduced network server calls, partitioning, etc.
- Fast page loading.
- Malware and phishing protection.
- Fingerprinting blocked.
- Easy tab management.
- Fewer browser extensions as compared to Chrome.
2. Microsoft Edge
If you are looking for an alternative to Google Chrome on your Windows PC, needn’t go elsewhere. Your Windows machine itself has Microsoft Edge, a browser known for its features. It is optimized for speed, losing less memory and CPU resources. Not only is it a performance-based browser but it even takes user security and privacy seriously.
Notable Features
- AI assistant Copilot with which you can even summarize long PDF files. If you are looking to edit PDFs as well, here are some of the best tools.
- Immersive reader facilitating reading comprehension.
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps you stay protected by blocking malware and phishing attacks.
- Using Edge Workspaces you and your team can view the same websites and working files in one place.
- Collections let you organize and share web content – images, web pages, text snippets, etc.
- Annotate and highlight web content within Edge.
- Tracking prevention and InPrivate browsing for better security.
- Seamless Windows integration.
- Functionality to organize tabs vertically.
- It may not work well with older hardware.
Integrated into Windows PC
3. Opera Mini
Opera Mini is a browser that can replace the Chrome browser on your PC, at least when it comes to some features. It has better privacy features (It comes with a free VPN). It includes various unique productivity tools. And, just to make your switch from Chrome to Opera Mini easy, it even lets you import all Chrome extensions as well.
Notable Features
- Free VPN integrated into the browser.
- Connect devices and start sharing files.
- Integration of chat platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
- AI assistant Aria that works on OpenAI’s GPT.
- Lucid mode helps enhance online videos and images.
- Instant access to many social media platforms from within the browser.
- You can choose to go ad-free.
- Impressive speed test performance.
- Compatible with Chrome extensions.
- RAM usage is still higher than many competitors.
4. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is one of the oldest browsers on the list and can be considered a contender if you are searching for an alternative to Chrome. Over the years, it has come leaps and bounds in terms of library of add-ons, privacy control, and device management. The interface is based on the Firefox Quantum engine. And, as such it’s a browser applauded for fast download speeds.
Notable Features
- Free password manager.
- Private browsing mode to delete cookies and browser history.
- Bookmark manager helps organize bookmarks with tags and folders.
- Thousands of free themes to change browser look.
- Several extensions and add-ons.
- Access bookmarks, opened tabs, passwords, etc from any device.
- Reader view to enjoy clutter-free web pages.
- Easily block social trackers.
- Take screenshots from within the browser.
- High RAM usage.
Here are some more advanced password managers.
5. Tor Browser
Tor Browser is an easy way to access blocked websites. That said, we urge you to not visit websites that can get you into trouble. Tor makes it possible by routing traffic through a network of volunteer-operated servers known as nodes. Every node decrypts a layer of encryption before passing the traffic onto the next one. When the traffic reaches its final destination, it is difficult for anyone to track online activity.
Notable Features
- Various integrated privacy tools.
- Traffic is encrypted and relayed 3 times before it passes over the Tor network.
- Website fingerprinting.
- Block trackers – The cookies are deleted as soon as you are finished browsing.
- Access the Tor network at places where it is blocked.
- Access onion websites.
- Protection against malware.
- Highly dedicated to providing anonymity.
- Bypass home network sites.
- At times there are speed issues.
6. DuckDuckGo
Another alternative to Chrome that prioritizes user privacy is DuckDuckGo. It neither keeps track of user-profiles nor the searches conducted by you. Plus, it helps remove ads so much so that you can play YouTube videos without being bothered by ads. Next, to declutter search, it has a minimal interface. It is also open about how it works and the data it collects.
Notable Features
- All searches are private by default.
- Play YouTube videos without targeted ads.
- Burn redundant data with one button.
- Global privacy control.
- Block cookie pop ups.
- Stop ads before they load.
- Remove email trackers.
- Better speed than even some of the big browsers.
- Bock 3rd party trackers.
- Lack of personalization.
7. Avast Secure Browser
As one of the best Google Chrome alternatives, Avast Security Browser has many great features in place. For instance, it has a ‘Hack Check’ feature with which you can run your email address and check if your passwords were involved in a leak or not. What further adds to the credibility of the browser is that it is created by Avast security experts.
Notable Features
- Integrated VPN.
- Screen Sharing Mode hides personal data when sharing browsing screens.
- Privacy Guard blocks trackers and ads.
- One-click Blank Mode hides details like credit card details, passwords, etc from prying eyes.
- Automatic online ad-blocking.
- Get a unique browser profile so that websites can’t track you.
- Web shield blocks dangerous websites.
- Some risk prompts can be annoying.
8. Vivaldi
Created by key executives at Opera, Vivaldi is a Chromium-based browser. To start with, you can customize the UI for faster browsing. Next, you can group any number of tabs into two-level stacks. What makes Vivaldi an interesting browser is that every time you open the browser, you will discover a new tweak or a tool that can further enhance your experience.
Notable Features
- Quick notes lets you take notes easily.
- Highly customizable settings.
- Declutter tabs and sort them into social, hobbies, and work using Workspaces.
- Built-in Vivaldi mail.
- Tailor the user interface as per your needs.
- Tracker blocking.
- Best in class tab management.
- Not as appealing as many other browsers.
9. Maxthon
Maxthon is a privacy-based browser. It comes with a variety of features such as a free VPN, anti-IP address tracking, and ad blocking. It offers cross-platform synchronization so that your browsing experience stays consistent on all devices. It has a reading mode, which makes reading experience better, especially during the nighttime.
Notable Features
- Integrated password manager and VPN.
- Maxnote helps in organizing notes better.
- Tab Searchin quickly locates open tabs.
- The split screen helps divide you and facilitates multitasking.
- Ability to sync personal settings across devices.
- Snap Screen feature helps capture high-quality images.
- Mouse gestures offer intuitive navigation.
- Sometimes updates are not installed automatically.
10. Aloha Browser
Last but not least, we have Aloha Browser, a Chrome browser alternative focused on security and privacy. It helps lock down individual apps and tabs with passcode and has many security features that are not there even in mainstream browsers. It also comes with various advanced file management options. With this browser, you can even save and play video and audio files.
Notable Features
- Secure wallets, files, profiles, apps, and tabs with passcodes, biometrics, or both.
- The browser blocks redirects that send you to malicious websites.
- Free VPN with over 80 locations.
- Comes with HTTPS everywhere that directs you to websites that are secured using HTTPS only.
- Block vicious and annoying popups.
- Download faster with multi-threading.
- See how much time you have saved on trackers, blocked ads, and pop-ups.
- The free variant comes with ads.
If Not Chrome, Then Which Browser Will You Choose?
We’d again reinstate that Google Chrome is a decent and probably the most used browser. That said, you can always have more browsers as alternatives, the ones that specifically cater to your needs. Where you have browsers like DuckDuckGo and Brave that strengthen your privacy, you have more feature-rich browsers like Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox that enhance your overall experience.
Which is your favorite browser? Or, let’s put it this way, which browser will you choose as a replacement or an alternative for Google Chrome? Do let us know in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which are the browsers that can replace Google Chrome?
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose a browser as a replacement for Chrome. Brave, and Avast Secure Browser, for instance, are some of the privacy and security-centric browsers. Whereas, there are feature-rich browsers like Microsoft Edge and Vivaldi that cater to the overall browsing experience.
Q2. Is Brave faster than Google Chrome?
In many aspects, Brave is better than Chrome. To begin with, it blocks ads and makes the browsing experience faster. In the process, it also saves RAM and Wi-Fi bandwidth as well.
Q3. How do I stop Chrome from eating RAM?
There are many ways you can stop Chrome from eating RAM. You can start by closing unnecessary tabs. You can also get rid of extensions that you don’t need. There are also various settings with which you can prevent Google Chrome from using system resources.
