When it comes to browsing on Android, most people stick with the default option, Google Chrome, and never look back. But the Android browser market is far more diverse and competitive than it seems.
To see how the popular alternatives stack up, I spent a month using popular Chromium-based browsers on my Google Pixel 8: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, and Brave.
My goal was to see if the challengers could offer a better experience than the market leader, and my findings may surprise you.
Google Chrome
The familiar face
As the pre-installed browser on all Android devices, Google Chrome is the one I spent the least amount of time getting to know. It was already there, a familiar presence I have used for years on both my phone and desktop.
Chrome’s design on Android is also a key part of its appeal. It’s built on Google’s Material You UI and blends perfectly with the rest of the interface. It’s a dynamic one that subtly changes to match my wallpaper. It also offers handy home screen widgets.
My biggest issue with Chrome is the address bar that’s placed at the top. It’s hard to reach and doesn’t feel intuitive at all.
For all its convenience and polish, Chrome on Android can feel a bit basic. It gets the job done, and it does well, but lacks the advanced privacy controls of Brave and the deep customization of Vivaldi.
Brave Browser
When privacy is the top priority
While Brave gets the basics right, the core of its appeal on Android is the built-in ad and tracker blocker.
The interface is neat and clean, where I can go over important stats right on the home page and access other controls from the bottom.
I also love the option to easily switch between search engines on the fly. This gives me more control over my data and search queries without having to dig into settings.
There is also the Brave Rewards program, which allows you to opt in to privacy-preserving ads.
In terms of user experience, Brave on Android is a lot like Chrome. It’s based on Chromium, so the transition was smooth.
While it lacks some of the unique, power-user features of Vivaldi, its focus on speed and privacy (open source nature) makes it a compelling alternative.
The only major con is its UI. It’s nowhere near as good as Chrome or Edge.
Vivaldi
High on customization
After the no-nonsense efficiency of Brave, Vivaldi was a breath of fresh air. Its most striking feature on Android is its dedication to productivity.
The robust tab management is quite handy for someone who manages dozens of tabs. I could group all my research tabs for a single topic and keep them organized. It kept my interface clean and made it easy to switch between different projects.
Like Brave, I can pass my queries through different search engines with a single tap.
Whether it’s tabs, the start page, the address bar, or themes, Vivaldi is high on customization. You won’t have a hard time customizing the feel and look of Vivaldi to your liking.
I also liked the built-in reader that removes all the distractions with a single tap.
Other productivity tools include the built-in translation feature, Notes to jot down quick ideas, password management, and more. You can’t go wrong with it.
Microsoft Edge
Packed with productivity tricks
If there is a browser that has truly undergone a transformation, it’s Microsoft Edge. The biggest strength of Edge on Android is its smooth, well-rounded performance. It’s fast, stable, and efficient.
For a user who wants a modern browser without any frills, Edge delivers. It has a clean, minimalist UI that’s easy to navigate, and while it’s not as customizable as Vivaldi, it offers handy options, such as the ability to change shortcuts in the All Menu.
Edge also has some unique features that differentiate it from its rivals. The Collections feature, for example, is a fantastic tool for research. I can quickly save links, images, and notes into a single, organized group.
The reader mode is also thoughtfully implemented. I can remove annoying content, tweak font size, background, and more.
Edge’s biggest selling point is its deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. If you are a Windows user who uses Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and other services, Edge feels like a natural extension of the workflow.
The great browser experiment
After spending a month with these browsers on Android, it’s clear that the one-size-fits-all approach of Chrome is no longer the best option for every user.
For the privacy-conscious user, Brave stands out as the clear winner. Its built-in ad and tracker blocking, combined with features like shields and an optional VPN, provide a level of security and speed that others can’t match.
On the other hand, Vivaldi is the champion of customization and productivity with unique add-ons.
And finally, Microsoft Edge has quietly evolved into a capable browser. Its tight integration with other Microsoft services and Windows OS is quite handy.
Ultimately, the best browser for you depends on your priorities. For me, it’s Microsoft Edge that earns a place on my home screen, Windows taskbar, and Mac Dock.
