Best and Fastest Browser for PC [Top Picks 2024]
All the listed browsers have been tested by our team of experts
22 min. read
Updated on
Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more
Key notes
- The best browser for PC has to be fast, light, discreet, and with excellent security and privacy features.
- Even though there are many options on the market, the fastest browser for Windows 10 is also one of the safest.
- Make sure to read through the complete information to make an informed decision.
The most common software used on every PC is the Internet Browser. Choosing the best and fastest browser for a PC will imply understanding the underlying elements.
Various browsers are available for Windows 10, however, every modern browser should, to some extent, meet your everyday needs. Loading web pages isn’t rocket science now.
However, some of them are more concerned with users. In contrast, others focus on third-party extensions for customization and functionality. So, in today’s guide, we will break down each of them and discuss how they compare.
Most options on the market tend to be a jack of all trades but are not always successful. With that in mind, let’s dive into the most important aspects when choosing a good browser.
How to choose the best browser?
- Browsing speed – Loading webpages, buffering videos, etc., directly impacts the utility of the respective browser.
- Extensions/Addons – As these elements can expand the capabilities of the browsers, having many extensions available for download is a huge plus.
- Customization – Having great customization options allows you to make the respective browser feel like your own while ensuring a streamlined experience.
- Privacy & security – Navigating the web fast is essential, but not more so than the privacy and security level your browser offers you while using it.
- Impact on system resources – How well your browser will function also depends on what system configuration you’re using on your Windows 10 PC. Some browsers will affect your RAM and CPU more than others, so this is a crucial consideration.
- User experience – The overall user experience will consider all the above elements and a score will be assigned.
Considering all the above elements will ensure that you choose the best browser for your PC and that the individual choice will cover all your needs.
| Browser | Top Features | Privacy enhancements |
| Opera One | Battery usage optimization Web traffic compression for increased speed | Ad blocker, tracker blocker, free VPN, and easy access points for security controls |
| AVG Secure Browser | Reliable VPN encryption Privacy cleaning technology | Browser cookies block, stealth mode, AntiVirus integration, and faster results |
| UR Browser | 12 different search engines Chrome extension support | Built-in VPN, anti-tracking, and anti-profiling 3 levels of security and privacy are available |
| Firefox | Massive database of add-ons to choose from | Privacy-centered features (DNS protection and HTTPS redirects) |
| Edge | Immersive reader and page layout introduction | Customizable controls over data handling |
| Opera GX | Twitch + Discord integrations Custom themes and sounds | Unparalleled privacy when casually browsing the Internet or playing online games |
| Chrome | Highly customizable | Built-in tools to keep you safe while browsing |
| Vivaldi | Built-in calendar and email client | Built-in ad blocker and tracking protection |
| Brave | Fingerprint protection and Brave Rewards | Built-in VPN ensures that you can change your IP address and protect your privacy online |
| Tor | Portable and easy to use | HTTPS Everywhere and NoScript Automatic traffic encryption |
| Maxthon | Support for VBox and NBdomain | Blockchain identity manager |
| Midori | Lightweight and fine-tuned browser for low-end PCs | Integrated ad blocker and private browsing |
| Slim Browser | Browser with low RAM usage Tab management & easy text translation | Integrated ad blocker |
| Falkon | Sessions manager & theme support | AdBlock addon available |
| Waterfox | JavaScript & WebRTC customization | No telemetry data is collected |
What is the best browser for Windows 10 privacy?
Online privacy can not be attempted without a stable and safe security protocol.
Having all these options in one place is an excellent way to get a more visual overview of the features that interest you the most. In this case, the above table makes it easy to spot the top choices for the best browsers for Windows 10 privacy.
- Opera One – Great speeds, features, and security
- Opera GX – Amazing gaming features
- UR Browser – Great built-in tools
- Brave Browser – Designed to protect your privacy
- Mozilla Firefox – The addon king
Choosing any of these options will ensure privacy online, but going for Opera or Opera GX will most likely keep you protected and safe while browsing your favorite online content.
So, which browser does not track? DuckDuckGo is the default search engine for the Tor browser. The Tor Browser clearly stands for browsing without tracking, surveillance, or restriction.
However, there are more interesting choices for you to try if you want to browse completely anonymously and without trackers.
What is the best browser for Windows 10 Pro?
The main difference between the Windows 10 Home Edition and Pro versions is the level of security for the OS.
Thus, choosing the right browser for Windows 10 Pro will involve a good balance between speed, customization, and ease of access.
Our first recommendation for Windows 10 Pro is Opera One, followed closely by UR Browser.
So even though these are at the top of the list, all of them are useful and efficient, so your decision will come down to your specific needs.
What are the best browsers for Windows 10 PCs?
Opera One – Great speeds, AI tools, and security
It’s hard to make an educated list of third-party browsers for Windows 10 and avoid mentioning Opera One. This lightweight browser kind of took Internet Explorer’s spot in the Big 3 group, alongside Chrome and Firefox.
It has made a lot of improvements over the years, but the focus on delivering the best and most secure performance even on slow internet speeds and privacy is still there.
Opera One comes with AI enhancements and built-in VPN support, the same as UR Browser. It’s simple to use and has the most customization options.
In conclusion, it’s so versatile that you can easily say it is an open playground if you decide to invest some time in making Opera look just the way you want.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Compressing web traffic for increased speed
- AI prompts technology
- Improved battery usage optimization
- Efficient memory usage and customization options
- Sync across devices
Opera One
Match your Windows 10 PC with a suitable browser that’s as modern and feature-rich as your OS!AVG Secure Browser – Privacy tuned by experts
AVG browser made it to the list for obvious reasons, such as its user-friendly interface, focus on privacy, and valuable malware prevention.
Firstly, it comes with anti-phishing tools to defend your PC against data leaks and requires supported websites to employ encryption to protect your data.
You can also navigate freely on every website and get HTTPS security and adware shield, plus free VPN anonymity for browsing safe.
In addition, there are digital security features that completely cover your activity. Namely, the digital fingerprint guarding and anti-tracking technology always assure your safety online.
Additional features:
- In-built VPN shield
- Privacy Cleaner to delete browsing data
- Stealth mode to prevent history storage
- Anti-fingerprinting
AVG Secure Browser
Switch to a 4x faster navigation, lightweight and private browser on your PC.UR Browser – Great built-in tools
UR Browser is an open-source Chromium-based browser project. However, instead of just being another copy of Chrome, it brings various built-in tools to the table and a special focus on privacy and safety.
The focus on privacy is what made UR Browser the best choice for us, and we are certain you’ll find it as important in this day and age of the internet.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Built-in VPN, anti-tracking, and anti-profiling
- Virus scanner and enhanced encryption
- Customizable UI
- 12 different search engines
- Chrome extension support
- Easily manages dozens of open tabs
UR Browser
Enjoy a top-range and fast browsing solution, 100% tailored for your Windows 10 PC.Mozilla Firefox – The addon king
The story of Mozilla Firefox is the story of a phoenix raised from ashes. Chrome’s most prominent rival was down, with an outdated platform and lack of optimization.
However, since Mozilla delivered Firefox Quantum, everything started going in their favor. Still hard to challenge Chrome, but more than enough to be a valuable alternative.
And Mozilla Firefox is, in every sense of the word, a practical alternative to Google Chrome.
The famous Firefox is these days the jack of all trades and the master of none. Especially when it comes to performance, which, arguably, sometimes surpasses Chrome.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Fast, reliable extension support
- Privacy centered features
- Tab Containers’ extension available to prevent tracking
- Great interface and optimal performance
Microsoft Edge – Fast browsing with good-looking UI
Finally, since it’s already there, preinstalled on Windows 10, we must mention Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft wanted to keep pace with the already-established browsers by replacing outdated Internet Explorer with the slick Edge.
However, until this day, users are hardly impressed with what Edge has to offer.
Until only recently, Edge was something that was there to install other browsers after reinstalling Windows 10. The Chromium-based Edge is already here and placed it in a much better spot.
The sole fact that Edge now has access to Chrome’s extensions makes it a very different beast in the competition.
In addition, running a first-party application on a system is always advantageous due to better integration with the rest of the system-wide features.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Immersive Reader
- Importing Data
- Page layout introduction
- Sync support across devices
Opera GX – Amazing gaming features
If this name rings a bell, it is because you have probably heard of and used Opera. Opera GX is a sister browser cut from the same block.
Hence it keeps all the stunning advantages users have enjoyed on the Opera browser. The most significant difference is that the GX version was made as a for-gaming browser.
It is the biggest and the best in this niche and includes very cool integrations for platforms like Twitch and Discord. This means you do not need to exit your tabs to use these services, making it a real multitasking monster.
We love the cool sound integrations. You get nice startup sounds and keyboard stroke sounds as well. And this is an addition to the standard offering you expect from any major browser.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Custom themes
- Messenger integration
- Music player integration
Opera GX
Take advantage of the fantastic built-in gaming tools in Opera GX and take your gaming on Windows 10 to the next level.Google Chrome – Customizable with thousands of extensions
Google Chrome doesn’t need a unique introduction to start with. It’s the sovereign leader in the web browser market, which speaks volumes on its own.
It’s been there for ages, and people are already well used to it. The advantages of using Google Chrome on Windows 10 are also quite obvious.
The multi-platform nature of Chrome makes it an excellent choice for those who like to keep their browser in sync with all devices. One Google Account to rule them all.
However, we can’t say we look kindly on Chrome regarding privacy. Google’s bread and butter is the data they collect.
Profiling and tracking are some things that are frequently talked about and, for a good reason, negatively expose Google’s policies.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Improved UI and performance
- Great extensions support
- Countless customization possibilities
- Built-in tools to keep you safe while browsing
Vivaldi – Extremely customizable
Vivaldi is the right choice if you’re looking for a multi-platform browser. The software has a built-in ad blocker and tracking protection, so you don’t deal with ads or tracking cookies.
The browser has an extensive interface, allowing you to stack tabs into two rows, which is perfect if you multitask.
That’s not all; you can also display two pages in a single tab, thanks to the split-screen feature. The interface is highly customizable, so you can make it as minimalistic or extensive as you want.
Any website can be added to the panel, allowing you to keep track of one page while browsing the other. Of course, thanks to the various available extensions, you can extend the browser even further.
Overall, Vivaldi is a fantastic browser, and if you’re a user who likes to customize the browser and fine-tune it, then this is the perfect choice for you.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Built-in calendar
- Feed reader
- Built-in email client
- Macros
Brave Browser – Designed to protect your privacy
Online privacy is important, and Brave Browser is the best choice if you want to preserve it. The software will automatically block malware and prevent tracking, so you can surf the web privately.
Of course, you can customize the level of protection as you wish. The browser will also block ads, so you won’t have to deal with them anymore.
Brave also has browser fingerprint protection that prevents websites from identifying you; if you want, you can even block scripts.
As for other features, we have to mention that the interface is customizable, so you can customize how your home page looks with just a few clicks.
Brave browser is an excellent choice for all users that need a browser that will protect their privacy, so be sure to consider it.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Tor integration for extra security
- Supports most Chrome extensions
- IPFS integration
- Brave Rewards
Tor Browser – For privacy enthusiasts
Another browser that focuses on user privacy is Tor. The browser has several privacy apps, such as HTTPS Everywhere and NoScript, that should protect your security.
The software is based on Firefox, so it has more or less all the features that Firefox has. However, it will automatically encrypt your traffic before sending it.
Doing so will keep your data and browsing history hidden from third parties, including your ISP. In addition, you’ll get a new IP address and be able to visit websites that aren’t available in your region.
The browser is straightforward to use, and a portable version is available, so you can use it without installing it on your PC.
Overall, this is an excellent browser for all users who want to protect their online privacy, so consider it.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Privacy-oriented
- Available on all major platforms
- Portable
- Easy to use
Maxthon Cloud Browser – Based on blockchain technology
If you need a browser focused on user privacy, you might want to try Maxthon. Unlike many other browsers, this one uses blockchain technology.
You can easily create and manage blockchain identities thanks to the blockchain identity manager. However, it’s important to mention that this browser also supports the NBdomain protocol.
With the VBox and NBdomain interface, the developers can build power apps that will run in the browser.
Regarding compatibility, you can easily import Chrome data to the browser, and there’s an extensive library of extensions to choose from, so you can easily enhance your browser.
Overall, Maxthon Cloud Browser is a unique browser, but it’s intended for users that rely on blockchain technology.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Uses blockchain technology
- Support for VBox and NBdomain
- Cross-device data sync
- Compatible with Chrome extensions
Midori – Great browsing speed for lower-end PCs
2019 saw the merger of the Midori project with Astian Foundation, followed by a complete redesign that used Electron instead of WebKitGTK. Midori browser is quick, lightweight, and safe and may be used on macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android, among other operating systems.
Midori Browser stands out from other internet browsers due to its integrated ad blocker, minimal RAM use, and low resource usage. It also incorporates a password manager and many more features.
One of the best features of the Midori Browser is the community, which has many Telegram users eager to assist others. In addition, the Astian Team individually engages with users, providing support, assistance, and a more intimate and direct relationship with users.
Your privacy is totally in your hands as you have the flexibility on what can be shared or not while browsing.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Private browsing
- Extensible and customizable interface
- Bookmark management
Slim Browser – Low impact on system resources
This is not one of your go-to browsers, and we may say it is struggling for a chunk of the market share, yet we have it on our list for a good reason.
The option to organize your favorite Web sites into distinct groups and launch them simultaneously is one of SlimBrowser’s most helpful features.
So, for instance, you can have a collection of your preferred sports websites and open them all in a single click instead of individual launches – indeed, a nifty little solution.
A spell checker and ad blocker are also included, and the browser features a function that is especially useful for managing several tabs. For example, you may move and resize each tiled window to see all open Web sites in a vertical or horizontal orientation.
It packs many features, leading to its downside: a clustered interface. However, if you can get past this, it becomes an excellent browsing option.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Website and text translation
- Several plugins & themes
- A Download Manager
Falkon – Open source and Chromium-based with low RAM usage
The Falkon browser is an open-source and free internet browser. It’s built on the Qt WebEngine, a Chromium web browser wrapper; hence you can expect some of the fluidity and functionality associated with Chromium browsers.
It is famous for being the default browser for both openMandriva and KaOS. The user interface of the browser is the main reason we enjoy it. Even though it’s a lightweight browser, your user interface looks good. Just the functions you need are shown on your screen, leaving the rest clear.
If you wish to remove the advertising when surfing a website, the AdBlock addon included works effectively; it is very customizable and consists of a few cool features.
A huge omission is the lack of add-ons from Firefox or Chrome. It makes you a bit limited in feature expansion.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Theme support
- Sessions manager
- Bookmarks and history management
Waterfox – Great UI with good browsing speed
Waterfox is a 64-bit internet browser built on Firefox ESR. It marks a turning point in the history of browsers being the first to be made available in such a way. Other browsers often support only 32-bit browser versions.
Based on Firefox’s open-source project, the NPAPI plugin and the standard XUL Firefox extension work properly with Waterfox.
Since Waterfox integrates with Bing, it utilizes the Bing search engine by default, although any browser’s search engine may be changed to one that is more appropriate.
The pocket function was removed from Waterfox, and they brag that no telemetry data is collected or sent to Mozilla.
Finally, you may activate and deactivate JavaScript in Waterfox and change WebRTC settings from its main menu.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Encrypted media extensions
- No Startup profiling
- Disabled web runtime
How do the best browsers for Windows 10 compare?
We have compiled two valuable sections to decide what browser will fit you best on Windows 10.
We considered various aspects in this section, including but not limited to the RAM and CPU, the latest update, and available software versions.
As you can see from the table above, Opera One and UR Browser are both excellent options. Opera One is the best browser for Windows 10 because of its security, speed, features, and privacy rapport.
What is the best browser for Windows 10 systems with low RAM?
As older systems might have under 2GB of RAM available for everyday usage, choosing a browser that doesn’t reduce much from that value will ensure that you can use your system without issues.
Here is our selection:
- Maxthon Cloud Browser – The second place in our list is taken by Maxthon, which uses 290-336 MB of RAM and offers a good-looking UI.
- SlimBrowser – Even though it’s essential in its design, this browser only requires 347 MB of RAM to run and uses the least CPU.
- Midori – Close behind, we have Midori, which uses 355 MB of RAM but offers a better interface.
- Falkon – This browser uses 387 MB of your system’s RAM and provides a more engaging experience when compared to the other option in this list.
This list will allow you to make an informed decision to find the best balance between RAM usage and the realizability of the respective browser.
What is the best browser for a Windows 10 laptop?
Choosing the best browser for a Windows 10 laptop will imply having all the tools you need for your device’s mobility not to be affected and providing good browsing speeds and customization options.
Here are our picks:
- Opera One – This browser offers access to a fantastic array of features, including a VPN, ad blocker, social media and messenger integrations, etc. All these features and options ensure that your laptop’s mobility will not depend on the software you use to browse the internet.
- UR Browser – Having a nice set of features that almost aspire to those of Opera, UR Browser is still a valid option for Windows 10 laptop users, as it offers excellent privacy settings, customizable UI, and even a built-in VPN service.
- Mozilla Firefox – One of the most well-known browsers on the market, Firefox allows you access to a database of tens of thousands of extensions/addons, which ensures that you can extend the browser’s capabilities almost indefinitely.
- Microsoft Edge – With the revamped architecture, UI, features, and capabilities, Edge has become one of the best browsers on the market and will work great for any Windows 10 operating system.
- Opera GX – This version of Opera One, called Opera GX, includes all the capabilities of the mother browser but adds a series of great gaming-related features like a RAM and CPU limiter for in-browser gaming.
Choosing a browser from the list will require you to understand what kind of tools you need, depending on whether you want built-in tools or extensions.
That being said, if you want to choose an all-rounder without worrying about the details, Opera One is the best choice, followed closely by Opera GX in case you’re interested in gaming.
What is the best browser for Windows 10 with a VPN?
Protecting your online privacy should be at the forefront of everybody’s to-do list, so choosing the right browser with a built-in VPN for your Windows 10 OS is crucial.
Here are the best options available:
- Opera One– Considering all aspects of this browser and the fact that it has a very powerful built-in VPN as well, Opera is by far the best choice in this category.
- UR Browser – Even though it can’t be compared with our first choice, UR Browser still has a solid built-in VPN that ensures you can protect your online privacy with just a few clicks of the mouse.
- Opera GX – This browser was created for gamers, but it still boasts the powerful built-in VPN from Opera, making it our second recommendation.
- Epic Browser – Not as well-known as other options presented in this guide, this browser offers decent VPN capabilities and will save you the hassle of installing this extension or other third-party software with this capability.
- Avast Browser – Even though the Avast Browser is not as well-known as the Avast Antivirus, the browser uses a built-in VPN service that will be able to mask your IP address.
We would kindly recommend Opera or Opera GX to ensure that the VPN service will be able to actually hide your online identity and even allow you to access geo-restricted content from across the world.
What is the best browser for Windows 10 battery life?
Your device’s battery life will depend on various factors like the number of processes running in the background, usage of resource-heavy apps, changes to the system settings, the brightness of your screen, etc.
If you would like to explore this information more in-depth, feel free to check out our best tips and tools to extend the battery life on Windows 10 devices.
We considered all these elements when choosing the best browser options, and here are the results:
- Opera GX – Even though it is not the most RAM-friendly browser out there, Opera GX is the ultimate browser for extending battery life on your laptop by allowing you to customize and limit the usage of RAM, CPU, and even the network.
- Opera One – Overall, this browser offers the best bundle of valuable features, including customization options that allow you to tweak the RAM and CPU consumption. Still, it can not be compared with our first choice.
- UR Browser – Miles away from reaching the capabilities of Opera and Opera GX, UR Browser still provides some good customization options which allow you to change the battery consumption.
- Microsoft Edge – This browser has evolved a lot since the Internet Explorer times and is now one of the fastest browsers on the market, and uses a low amount of CPU, thus increasing the device’s battery life
Which browser is safest?
A good browser should shield you against phishing websites, web trackers/cookies, spyware/adware, screen loggers/keyloggers, and dangerous adverts because there is a lot of malware, hackers, and data thieves online.
- Tor Browser – The software is based on Firefox, so it has more or less all the features that Firefox has. However, it will automatically encrypt your traffic before sending it.
- Mozilla Firefox – This browser is built around privacy and security. It allows you to browse without tracking and offers an excellent private browsing option.
- Opera One – Overall, this browser offers the best bundle of valuable features, including customization options that allow you to tweak how you interact with the internet and protect your data.
A large number of built-in features, customization options, and outstanding stability will ensure that your online experience will be taken to the next level.
That was our list of browsers to use on Windows 10. Hopefully, it helped you with your choice. But, in the end, humans are creatures of habit, and it’s not common to switch from a browser you’ve used for years.
The best thing is that all of them are free, so you can test them in no more than 10 minutes and make an informed decision.
Which is the best browser for Windows? We hope we answered this question with our list, but the final choice will always be yours.
Finally, what’s your favorite browser to use on Windows 10? Tell us in the comments section below.
User forum
0 messages