Browser extensions are great for personalizing your day-to-day search engine routines, offering add-on developers a chance to shine with improvements to a web browser’s base mechanics. These external software features can serve various purposes with enhancements like spellcheckers, ad-blockers, productivity monitors, and games, all wrapped up and ready for installation. Browser extensions have traditionally been associated with the PC platform as opposed to mobile because the latter utilizes a control interface that lacks the inherent complexity of a mouse and keyboard, or at least, it used to.
These days, mobile browsers are far more flexible with extensions, so there’s no reason why you can’t reap the benefits on your bargain Android phone. And there are tons of quality extension-courting browsers to choose from. We’ve gathered a few of our favorites that show off how taking advantage of browser extensions can work wonders for enriching web surfing while also showing other browsers how it’s done.
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Are browser extensions safe?
Like any modding software, browser extensions can come from trustworthy and sketchy sources, and while the majority of extensions are harmless, there is always a slight risk involved in opening up software to external influences. You won’t have to worry about anything malicious from services like Gramerly, for example, but there are certain extensions to steer clear of. This is why prior extension research is a good idea, taking into account both its origin and developer. Like with the best open-source platforms, the overwhelming majority is safe so long as you use common sense and think before you click.
1 Microsoft Edge
A reliable app with great potential
Microsoft Edge has a fantastic extension library on PC, and while the selection on its Android sibling has much fewer options for the time being, what few mods it has are very useful and easy to find. Simply open the app, open the options menu, select extensions, and help yourself. Users currently have access to an ad blocker, universal video speed control, and optional dark mode for any web page; not bad for a free beta feature. While Edge is a great all-around app for browsing, its extension support displays an admirable dedication to exterior creativity, making it well worth a try if you fancy a change of scenery.
2 Firefox
A classic browser on your Android device
Firefox is a textbook example of a service that has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady level of quality on PCs and now Android. Getting your hands on Firefox’s impressively long list of extensions couldn’t be easier; open the app and select Add-ons in the top corner menu. The extensions on display heavily focus on performance enhancement and the bolstering of browsing privacy, with an in-app link to an exterior Mozilla browser extension storefront. Said storefront presents a broader array of extension types, organized in cohesive categories, not unlike the Google Play Store. Even if you aren’t a devoted fan of Firefox’s PC version, the app’s in-depth extension support is more than enough reason to give it a try.
3 Kiwi browser
An open-source extension machine
Kiwi Browser does a great job at making web browsing as swift and peaceful as possible with its short loading times and peerless pop-up blocker. The app supports extensions downloaded straight from the Chrome web store, as well as from the files of your own device. The browser add-on interface offers four extension options: respective links to both the Chrome web store and the file folder on your device, a directory option to pinpoint specific file locations for easier installs, and an update option that automatically installs the latest updates on your extension library when pressed. Kiwi Browser ships ready to embrace both the open source and official channel sides of browser extensions, granting access to a mountain of content while leaving the door open to bring your own.
4 Lemur browser
Your very own browser extension hub
While Lemur browser’s default presentation is a bit bland, the immense variety of add-on potential makes it pretty obvious why. Lemur Browser provides the best of both the Chrome web store and the Edge extension home, supporting extensions from both storefronts. Like Samsung Internet, the app has a menu for viewing your browser extensions, like feature widgets, along with helpful links to Google’s and Microsoft’s respective storefronts. This makes the Lemur browser very versatile, with access to two huge extension libraries giving it an edge over other browsers.
5 Samsung Internet
A solid browser for Samsung users
The Samsung internet browser has become insanely popular since dropping its Galaxy exclusivity, and while the app works well on mobile devices, its extensions shine the most on Samsung phones. Non-Samsung devices only have access to external ad blockers, which are useful while browsing but hardly an impressive spread. Samsung’s users receive a larger library of browser extensions listed on the Galaxy store, with special emphasis on useful utilities like financial management apps and language translators. Samsung Internet also has a shortcut feature that lets users view and manage their extensions more quickly. While they aren’t going to redefine the experience, the Samsung Internet app takes advantage of its extensions and makes them easy to find.
Discover what your browser can do
It can be quite a jarring change to try out a different web browser, particularly if you’re a regular of the Chrome and Edge comfort zones. Browser extensions work to maintain a certain level of familiarity across multiple web surfing apps, so you don’t have to abandon everything that you’re used to. Browser extensions are a great way to causally venture outside your comfort zone, seeking out your additions to a familiar interface. If that isn’t good enough, new content is continuously being worked on, so there’s always something new to find and add to your favorite browser.
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