Web Browsers: Reviews

Updated July 2011

Rabid web surfers need a browser that is quick and secure, and reviews show a wide disparity in performance between the top competitors. Over two dozen sources offer head to head comparisons and feature rundowns, leading us to name web browsers ideal for different types of users - even if you have an ancient computer.

Firefox 5

Best browser overall

Free

Estimated Price

Firefox is the most-recommended web browser for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux users. Mozilla's new "rapid release" approach means more frequent updates and faster improvements. Though it's not the fastest browser, reviewers give Firefox the edge over Google Chrome, largely because the Mozilla browser accepts more add-ons and plug-ins, which allow you to customize functionality. Firefox is recommended over Safari for Mac users, and its mobile app is well-liked in reviews.

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Google Chrome 12

Fast, secure browsing and search

Free

Estimated Price

If quick page loads and tabbed browsing are your priorities, reviewers recommend the stripped-down Chrome browser for its blazing speeds, superb built-in search features, private browsing and task manager to help prevent crashes. Chrome also makes it possible to use Google desktop applications offline. The Chrome web browser is also lauded for its innovative malware and fraud protection.

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Opera 11

Best browser for older, slower computers

Free

Estimated Price

If you are using an older computer, some of the latest, flashiest browsers will actually slow your browsing, not speed it up. The less well-known Opera 11 web browser is recommended partly because it requires less memory and loads faster on older computers than other browsers. Stackable tabs and thumbnail previews are among the features reviewers appreciate. Reviewers also praise its mobile version.

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RockMelt

Social networking browser

Free

Estimated Price

RockMelt replaces the now defunct Flock in this very small corner of the browser world, those optimized for social networking. Updates from Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other news feeds are integrated into the browser and a "share" button lets you send updates to those social-networking sites. A mobile app for the iPhone is also available.

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