As far as web browsing goes, handheld devices are taking over. With upgraded software and hardware capabilities, you can use your phone the same way you use a PC. You can surf the web, stream videos, or play flash games. All of that in a fast and safe manner. And on the move, which is the main advantage of mobile devices over their computing predecessors.
Android is the leader when it comes to the number of available apps. You’ll spend 20 years browsing and using all of them in some rough estimates. And in that abundance of apps, the leading spot is reserved for web browsers. We’ve all heard of Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. They are widely acknowledged solutions, with both mobile and PC versions.
Additionally, some other android-specialized browsers already made their names, like CM, Samsung Internet, Dolphin, and UC. They attract thousands of users every day. However, there are some less-known browsers that are valid competition to the famous ones. So today, we are presenting you the 10 most underrated Android browsers that are worth trying out, and deserve more attention from users.
Table of contents:
Top 10 less-known Android browsers
Habit
Habit Browser is one of the best all-around solutions available. Its main traits are a variety of customization, other apps integration, and speed. With the Habit browser, you can adapt the user interface to your liking. All the buttons order, toolbars, and address bars: are customizable. So, when it comes to modification of the browser’s UI, Habit is there at the top.
Another great thing that Habit brings to the table is integrated URL redirecting. Simply said, while browsing the web content, you can choose a different app to open a link anytime. For example, you can open an Instagram link with the Instagram app instead of with the browser itself. That way the browsing experience is vastly improved.
Additionally, all of that is done speedily and clearly. Habit doesn’t need other apps or add-ons to use gestures or Pie control features. However, a lack of implemented adblocker and occasional instability can cause mixed reactions. Otherwise, Habit is a great browser for all Android users.
Side note: Sadly, the browser is no longer maintained but you can still download it. Just don’t expect any updates for it and there’s a chance that some contemporary features found in other browsers are missing.
Flynx
Flynx is a game-changer in the web browser category. Its minimalistic nature and multitasking features make it one of the more distinctive browsers in the Store. Similar to Facebook Messenger, Flynx is a background-functioning bubble browser. While you are browsing Facebook or Twitter, Flynx can open any link and place them in bubbles on your screen. In addition, it does that in a useful and uncluttered way.
When you open a link with Flynx, the app stores site data so you can inspect it later. That way, you can open multiple ‘tabs’ in minimized form and access them with ease. The app is specialized in article reading because of the intuitive interface and offline accessibility.
Multitasking is Flynx’s middle name. It loads articles and links without interfering with the source app, like WhatsUp or Facebook. The Fast Read feature optimizes loaded articles for easy reading blocking all clustering adds. In comparison to its numerous features, the app is quite undemanding and well-optimized for even older devices.
It lacks some multi-device syncing features its competitors have and can get a bit laggy with multiple articles opened. If we exclude those minor flaws, Flynx is, besides Link Buble the best sidekick browser in the market. It makes your browsing more productive in an aesthetic way.
Side note: Sadly, the browser is no longer maintained but you can still download it. Just don’t expect any updates for it and there’s a chance that some contemporary features found in other browsers are missing.
Lightning
The first impression when you install Lightning is ”this app lives up to its name”. And it truly does. With its light domineer and simplistic interface, this open-source app is all about smooth and safe web browsing.
Screen viewing is improved with nicely hidden bars and toolbars. Although some users may find it a bit barebone features-wise, it contains all of the basic browser options packed in the 200KBs of space. Yes, that’s the download size of the app.
Security and privacy are the 2 most respected traits in modern time browsers. Lightning Web Browser certainly excels in that department. With support for Orbot and Tor proxy and implemented Incognito mode, you can rest sure that no one can track your sensitive information or location.
If you want a web browser that is created for simple use and speedy workflow, Lighting is a viable solution.
Side note: Sadly, the browser is no longer maintained but you can still download it. Just don’t expect any updates for it and there’s a chance that some contemporary features found in other browsers are missing.
Download Lightning on Play Store
Naked Browser
No matter how much RAM you have on your device, sooner or later you’ll encounter more than a few web browser lags and crashes. Why? Well, if we exclude games, web browsers are the greediest resource monsters. Even though Chrome is so popular, it irrationally consumes RAM while bombarding you with bloatware. And your dual-core budget phone simply is not equipped for the task. Alas, don’t worry cause Naked is here to the rescue!
So, what is Naked, you may ask? Well, for starters, it doesn’t include any inappropriate content whatsoever. The name well describes this app. It is bloatware-free, as simplistic as they come, and a web browser that’s mainly oriented toward budget devices.
The interface is similar to built-in web browsers on older Android versions. But, then again, you won’t expect any astonishing features from a minimalistic browser. It is fast and uses almost twice less RAM when compared to popular browsers. In addition, it is very safe to use since it doesn’t collect any sensitive information and infringes on your privacy.
Side note: Sadly, the browser is no longer maintained but you can still download it. Just don’t expect any updates for it and there’s a chance that some contemporary features found in other browsers are missing.
Brave Browser
After the first try to make an innovative breakthrough failed, Brave Software gave it the next shot by returning to fundamentals. But, don’t let that trick you. This browser, built on Chromium web browser base, excels in certain categories well over mighty Chrome itself.
First and foremost is the built-in Ad blocking feature. The leading principles behind Brave development are to provide complete privacy and stop tracking of user information. Of course, the browser blocks only overly intrusive ads, that can auto-install malware on your device. Your favorite site can still make income from your visits.
Interface-wise, the Brave looks a lot like Chrome with a specific color palette. It is quite fast and the developer claims that it is 2 (to even 4) times faster than popular browsers. You can try it out and see for yourself.
Brave can be downloaded on Play Store
Puffin Browser
As many tech professionals claim after numerous tests: Puffin is the fastest and most responsive Android browser in the market. This browser can easily overcome Chrome or Firefox on any given day. At least, performance-wise. Puffin rendering speed and load speed are remarkable.
Additionally, you can play the latest flash games in theater mode with virtual gamepad controls. Since it packs integrated flash, additional downloads are not needed. The virtual trackpad is another interesting option that can prove helpful while browsing, especially on large screens.
The user interface is intuitive and well-designed with few customizable features. Security-wise, Puffin offers an Incognito tab that will prevent tracking and protect your data. However, if privacy is your priority, some other solutions are much better in that category.
Side note: Sadly, although coming with some nifty features, Puffin is locked behind a paywall these days. You need to pay a monthly fee to use it and, in our opinion, it’s not quite worth the money.
Yandex
Yandex is, simply put, a Russian version of Google. The search engine is vastly popular in Eastern Europe. As same as the better-known Google, Yandex offers a browser solution for all possible platforms. Additionally, the Android version of Yandex Browser is based on Chromium, so they are even created on the same base.
Now, you may ask if is it worth using Yandex instead of Chrome. And the answer is yes, especially since it supports add-ons on mobile which is quite rare.
We already mentioned Chrome’s abuse of RAM and lack of privacy protection. Yandex is stable and undemanding, so it won’t deplete all your device resources. It offers a security system called Protect that will prevent all compromising sites from opening. In addition, it supports many add-ons, as mentioned.
You can install AdBlocker or other extensions usually accessible only on desktop versions. People are mostly satisfied with the address bar placed at the bottom of the screen, colorful backgrounds, and Reader mode.
Ghostery
If you are sick of trackers and have a strong stand on security while browsing, Ghostery is the right app for you. Many users are tired of the profiling that is conducted online, closely followed by gazillion ads and pop-ups.
Ghostery is, as the developer’s state, the consumer’s privacy advocate. And you must respect that. The browser is simple and convenient while trying to keep up the pace with the competition.
So, performance or UI are not the things that distinguish this browser. It’s security and privacy measures that make it a viable option.
Ghostery contains the largest tracker and script database of all privacy-oriented browsers. You can keep track of all trackers on every site you visit.
Side note: Sadly, the browser is no longer maintained but you can still download it. Just don’t expect any updates for it and there’s a chance that some contemporary features found in other browsers are missing.
You can obtain Ghostery on Play Store
APUS
APUS Browser is one of the best alternative web browsers available. Most of the light-weighted browsers are not this well designed and lack a lot of features. APUS has a few innovative solutions, and we will specially mention Download Manager and No Image Mode.
Additionally, you can install a lot of add-ons and get rid of ads with AdBlock. Tab switching is fluid and browsing speed is right there with the best ones.
In our humble opinion, the best feature is well-implemented download management that lets you download almost every type of media and store it on your device. Moreover, you can store it directly on an SD card, which is great.
The APUS functions well with other apps but on some occasions slows down overall device performance. If the Incognito mode and Ad Block are good enough for your privacy standards, this is the app worth trying.
You can download APUS on Play Store
DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser
The latest entry is reserved for our personal choice as the secondary browser and that’s DuckDuckGo. I, personally, use Google Chrome for work but tend to use more privacy-oriented browsers for everything else. The Firefox Focus was my choice for years but, these days, DuckDuckGo is probably the best choice.
It’s a simple and reliable Android browser, not as feature-rich as Chrome or Samsung Internet. However, when it comes to privacy, it’s without competition. It completely blocks website tracking and forces encrypted HTTPS (instead of outdated HTTP). Not to mention that it comes with a built-in ad blocker that does fairly good work.
Download DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser on Play Store
This was our list of best alternative browsers for Android. We must be honest, every big browser has a few things going for it and the discrepancy in the number of downloads is there for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, there’s a use for everyone. But, if you are using a budget phone old a couple of years or want some specific feature in your browser, this list should be helpful. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.
Do you have any browsers to recommend? Make sure to tell us in the comments section below and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in January 2017. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.
