Since using my first iPhone, I've become so accustomed to the default Safari browser that I completely forgot about the existence of similar applications. The same thing happened with the built-in Mail application in iOS, but we managed to solve everything with it by switching to the client from Google. But with the browser everything is more complicated: for a long time I tried to retrain myself and start using Microsoft Edge, but to no avail - with Safari it’s somehow more familiar. Only recently have I started to get used to Firefox on the iPhone. So how to choose a browser for iPhone and what to replace Safari with? Let's weigh all the options out there to see which browser is best.
Which browser should I use on iPhone instead of Safari?
Microsoft Edge iPhone
Edge for iOS has long had a bunch of features that only recently appeared in Safari
The first thing that attracts you about Microsoft's browser is the appearance of the main page. The buttons, icon shapes, and menu animations all remind me of Windows Phone, which is sorely missed these days. The browser runs on the Chromium engine - Microsoft managed to release an excellent application for both PCs and smartphones. You can manage all the options directly from the browser without going into the iPhone settings: choose a theme, a view for displaying the home page, or enable frequently visited sites.
In addition, in Edge you can enable “Reading aloud” the content on the page, turning a longread in our Yandex.Zen into a small podcast. The Bing translator also works in Edge and it is possible to activate AdBlock so that advertising does not interfere. Managing tabs has been quite simple for many years now - let me remind you that in Safari many features appeared only in iOS 15.
Tor VPN Browser
If you are looking for unlimited private internet access, then the Tor VPN browser is what you need. This is the only app on this list that supports VPN + TOR and lets you choose between the speed and ease of use of a VPN tunnel connection.
In addition to unlimited tunneling to the Internet through the tor network, this browser also detects and blocks pop-ups, automatically deletes cookies, cache and third-party data when you exit the application.
However, it's worth noting that most of its features are hidden behind in-app purchases. But that's the price you'll have to pay for secure Internet access.
Download Tor VPN Browser (
free
in-app purchases)
Mozilla Firefox for iPhone
Firefox works quickly, does not slow down and blocks ads
I've been using Firefox for PC for about 10 years now: it just so happened that in those days Chrome was already too heavy for weak netbooks, but Firefox handled it just fine and didn't freeze. My colleagues still think I'm crazy because it's better to use Chrome . The mobile version for iPhone is very similar in design to the desktop version, as a result of which you do not experience any discomfort. There are no crashes in the browser, with the exception of one a week earlier. Additionally, if you have an account in Firefox , you can sync your bookmarks, open pages, and passwords.
The app has enough privacy features to please those who are particularly concerned about it. Unfortunately, the application does not have extensions like the PC version. In private mode, no browsing information is saved, and all logins and passwords are only available when using Touch ID or Face ID. There is a night mode, when used, all pages become dark, and there is also built-in protection against pop-up pages and ads.
Firefox for iPhone
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Ghostery Browser
Ghostery browser is a lightweight web browser that blocks all social trackers, scripts and other common trackers. The browser provides powerful ad blocking and tracker protection capabilities and will effectively protect you from online tracking.
There is a Ghost mode that provides additional privacy protection by preventing websites you visit from being logged in your browser history. It also protects users very well from phishing attacks.
It also has DuckDuckGo as the default search engine for added privacy. However, in my use, I found the Ghostery browser to be a bit limited in features and a bit slower than Safari.
Don't get me wrong, it's not as bad as you'll notice. However, I felt it was a bit slow and you should know that before you decide to go with it.
Download Ghostery browser (free)
What is Firefox Focus
Firefox Focus doesn't store history and requires Touch ID if there are open pages
Firefox has a special mini version of the browser. Its main feature is increased confidentiality. The application does not have a tab switching or history function. You can't even save bookmarks. ad, content, and social media tracking by default . All trackers that Firefox Focus can be accessed at the click of a button. A top browser for those who are concerned about privacy.
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DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser
If privacy is right at the top of your agenda, look no further than DuckDuckGo. Yes, you read that right! This privacy-focused web browser offers advanced encryption to keep your personal information safe from hacking or data snooping.
While blocking all hidden third-party trackers, the app ensures your browsing session remains private and away from the eyes of the data tracker. In addition, DuckDuckGo also offers some interesting settings to speed up your browsing experience.
Download DuckDuckGo (free)
Google Chrome for iPhone
But Chrome can't handle ad blocking. Or doesn't want to
Probably the most popular browser for iPhone in our editorial office. It has everything you need: synchronization between devices, data autofill, built-in voice search, Google Translate and incognito mode so as not to save cookies, download and browsing history. It has many similarities to the desktop version - for example, Chrome for iPhone consumes too many resources, which drains the battery faster, and it does not support extensions like Safari. So, there is no ad blocking here. This is the most frustrating thing.
Our Telegram chat does not sleep: we communicate around the clock!
Brave Browser
Brave Browser is one of the best privacy-focused browsers and it is also fast. While most other browsers require you to configure settings or install third-party extensions to protect your privacy, Brave does all of this by default.
It provides privacy and security features such as HTTPS Everywhere (encrypted data traffic), script blocking, cookie blocking, and private tabs . It also blocks ads, pop-ups, and more.
Since it doesn't load all the scripts that show ads and track you, it even increases your browsing speed. This is one of the best browsers for iPhone when it comes to privacy and you should definitely check it out.
Download Brave Browser (free)
Yandex.Browser for iPhone
If you use the Yandex branded application to set up Yandex.Station, and have just learned about the existence of a separate Yandex.Browser, know that you are not alone. The company has so many applications that are similar in functionality that it is incredibly difficult to understand. However, it has its advantages.
Yandex.Browser is too overloaded, unlike other browsers
- “Turbo” mode to save traffic when loading pages.
- Smart search that predicts the request.
- Clear design and pleasant layout of the main page with a news widget and an “Alice” activation button.
- Reviews about the site. On the left in the address bar you can read what users think about the resource.
- The options have everything and even more: from the “Share” function to page translation.
The browser works quickly even on not the most powerful iPhones and iPads. It's cool to switch tabs in the form of a carousel. Unfortunately, advertising seems to be blocked, but it still comes across. In this regard, Safari with AdBlock is much better.
What browser do you use and why? Share in the comments.
Aloha Browser
If you are a privacy lover and are looking for a web browser with a built-in free unlimited VPN, then Aloha Browser is what you need. Yes, it is a browser app that focuses on privacy and hides your footprint on the internet. In terms of user experience, the interface is quite simple and looks very similar to something like Google Chrome.
A few notable features of the Aloha browser include ad free web surfing environment , a built-in VR player that allows you to play VR videos, and more.
You can also choose the premium version of Aloha and get an expanded set of features. But either way, you can't go wrong with Aloha, and we highly recommend trying something like Safari or Chrome as an alternative if you want something new.
Download Aloha Browser (free)
Google Chrome
The browser from the creators of the search engine is considered one of the most popular. It is used by more than 55% of smartphone owners. When calculating, the company took into account mobile applications and PC versions. Developers constantly release updates and fix bugs, so Google Chrome is one of the most stable programs. The browser is available for smartphones running Android, iOS and Windows.
Users are most attracted to the app by:
- works smoothly and correctly displays pages written in modern programming languages, including HTML5;
- low requirements that do not load the device’s RAM;
- voice assistant activated by the phrase “Ok Google”;
- the ability to save traffic;
- synchronization of all user devices if the same browser is used everywhere.
Interesting fact!
Google is so confident in the security of its products that it has promised $1 million to anyone who can hack at least one program.
Onion browser
Onion browser is also a free and open source Tor-powered web browser for iOS. Like Tor VPN Browser, Onion browser also allows you to access the Internet securely and cost-effectively. Onion browser allows you to access the Internet via Tor and protects your privacy from website tracking.
Onion browser also protects your traffic from unsecured wireless networks and ISPs and allows you to access .onion sites that are only accessible through Tor.
Download Onion Browser (free)
⇡#The most social
In terms of close integration with social services and media resources that are widely in demand today, the American Skyfire is confidently in the lead, presented in the App Store in two editions, one of which was created with an eye to the widescreen iPad. The browser is characterized by the ability to find a common language with Facebook, Twitter, Delicious, Google Reader and dozens of other popular services among online audiences, as well as close “friendship” with mechanisms for quickly exchanging information and searching for interesting content, taking into account the preferences of the user and the Internet community. The second distinctive feature of the program, which puts it a step above the rest, is the ability to view Flash videos due to the preliminary conversion of multimedia data into a format supported by the iOS operating system (using the computing power of Skyfire servers) and subsequent playback of videos using HTML5. The pleasure of keeping your finger on the pulse of the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress is inexpensive: for an assembly for Apple smartphones, developers ask three dollars, the version for a tablet PC costs a little more - five evergreen monetary units.
Puffin
Year of release: 2011 Developer: CloudMosa iPhone, iPad : Free Includes in-app purchases
According to numerous synthetic tests, it is the Puffin that is ahead of all its competitors in terms of page loading speed. Speed is the main advantage of the browser, and the improved JavaScript engine shows truly impressive results.
Puffin supports the latest version of Flash (in the cloud, with customizable compression levels), and thanks to an improved encryption algorithm, it makes browsing the Web secure even when using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Among the features of the Puffin browser, it is worth noting the presence of a virtual joystick and a touchpad that imitates a computer mouse.
- Flash support;
- high page loading speed;
- many additional settings;
- reliable data encryption algorithms;
Advantages:
- Flash work sometimes affects browser performance;
- Difficulties with streaming video.
Flaws:
Verdict: The fastest browser for surfing, but we strongly recommend trying the free version before purchasing.
Dolphin
Year of release: 2009 Developer: MoboTap iPhone, iPad : Free Includes in-app purchases
The first version of the browser from the American company MoboTap was released back in 2009. The priority direction was chosen to be the development of software for the Android and iOS mobile platforms.
Among a fairly wide range of capabilities, the main feature of Dolphin is gesture support. For frequently used sites, it is possible to bind a specific gesture, after entering which the required page will be instantly opened. The optional Sonar package (59 rubles) allows you to expand your search capabilities by shaking the device and voice commands.
In addition to a high level of security and the presence of a private mode (all browsers in question are equipped with “Incognito” tabs), Dolphin allows you to set different color themes and provides the ability to display pages in the “Night” and “No Images” modes.
Advantages:
- Gesture support;
- many page display modes;
- ability to block unwanted windows;
- availability of topics;
- high performance;
- lack of plugins and Read mode;
- periodic crashes.
Flaws:
Verdict: a good alternative to standard Safari with advanced functionality.
