Best Web Browsers

Sticking with what you know?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8

The vast majority of people use Internet Explorer. If that's you, ensure you're at least using its latest Internet Explorer 8 browser which brings it somewhat up to speed with the competition - with boosted tabs and more. Though if your firm's intranet is very old school there can be issues, so check before upgrading at the office.

Its trump card is in the popularity of the IE brand; IE8 is now the world's most popular browser, so web developers have to ensure their sites look proper in it. Given Microsoft's unwillingness to support the emerging web standards which make developers' lives easier this is harder than it looks.

Yet there's no harm being a bit more adventurous and trying one of the others too, you can have both on your computer no problems. In benchmark tests IE8 lags behind (see DailyTech's test), using up far more memory and achieving far slower load times than any other browser here, and thus if you've an older or slower machine it's best avoided.

Download a free copy: PC only

Best for add-ons - one for everyone!
Firefox 3.6

Mozilla's Firefox has gone from strength to strength since it launched in 2005, and the latest version, 3.6, is the most accomplished ever. While generally it's a bit slower in operation than Chrome, Opera and Safari below (see LifeHacker's browser test, which eschews IE8 entirely), it's widely compatible and very stable.

Yet where Firefox really jumps ahead is in customisability; there are innumerable add-ons and widgets you can download for it, all concerned with making certain tasks easier, be it getting the latest news or redesigning websites on the fly. Have a look through its Recommended Add-ons page to get a taste of what's on offer; popular extensions include Adblock Pro, which does what it says on the tin, and Read It Later, which downloads full pages for you to peruse without cluttering your bookmarks. Again, all of these add-ons are free, and it's easy to chuck them away if they don't suit.

Features-wise it ticks all the boxes too, with tabbed browsing, a private browsing mode, top quality security measures, and masses of developers working to keep it ahead of the game. Mac and Windows versions of the software are equally well-regarded.

Download a free copy: PC/Mac

Auto updates, cleanest interface
Google Chrome 4

Now in version 4, Google's open source Chrome browser is a testament to minimalism, reducing the multiple taskbars and search boxes seen in other browsers down to just one; its pithily-entitled 'omnibar'. This leaves more screen space for the important stuff, and the browser to do its work behind the scenes.

It's good work too; in tests Chrome has proven faster than all but Opera 10.5 (below) at loading web pages on PC, and it has won plaudits for its light, slick interface and usability. Importantly, it'll also auto-update itself, so any new patches that become available will install themselves while you browse. Good news, at least as long as you trust the search giant (you can opt out if not).

Even though many options appear hidden, Chrome isn't light on features; it has an 'incognito' mode for private browsing, and it's based on a 'walled garden' style tab system, whereby if one tab crashes it shouldn't affect the others. Plus, with the might (and sheer bottomless pit of cash) of Google behind it, it's a pretty good bet, and even more so if you use other Google services, with which it integrates seamlessly.

As it's relatively new it still has a fairly small market share, meaning developers pay it less attention and some websites designed for IE might look a bit skewiff in it, especially some webmail clients it seems. However, it's gathering more users fast, and quickly building a library

A Mac version is also available, but as this is still in beta you may be better off sticking with Apple's own Safari for the time being.

Download a free copy: PC/Mac beta

Fastest on Mac
Apple Safari 4

Apple's Safari, which comes bundled with Macs, or as a free download for Windows, has now reached version 4. The interface is typical Apple, with more shiny reflections and design tricks than you can shake a Philippe Starck juicer at, and a smart 'Top Sites' screen which keeps track of the sites you visit most. That said, Chrome still offers users far more screen space to play with as standard.

Safari's not just a pretty face; speed-wise it's on a par with Google Chrome for Macs, though all those pretty reflections use up more system resources... In terms of features it matches the others pound for pound, with tabs, private browsing and plenty of bookmarking features, including iTunes-style 'cover flow'.

Last year Apple moved into the Windows market and lauched Safari 4 for PC, with all the same features. While it's a great option here too, the competition's a bit hotter so it's one to try out and compare before choosing.

Download a free copy: PC/Mac

Blistering speeds, great for low powered machines, but not quite ready yet
Opera 10.50

Opera has long been the great-but-overlooked browser, only finding favour with those techies who appreciated its 'speed is everything' approach. Yet perhaps that's set to change (at least a bit, anyway) with the launch of version 10.5.

Currently in beta testing (meaning use it at your own risk), yet still freely downloadable, preliminary tests show that Opera's clever new Carakan script engine and Vega graphics library have made it even faster than Chrome on PCs. What's more, it looks gorgeous too, taking design cues from Chrome and Windows 7's Aero interface itself and maximising screen space.

Another great feature is its 'turbo' mode, which compresses images on the server side for quicker downloading, ideal if you've a slow connection. There's also a built-in email client (disabled by default), and top notch standards support, making this one to try out when the full version's released. Currently it's only available on PC.

This is a great browser for people who have low powered machines - like old PCs or new netbooks.

Download a free copy: PC only

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