Google Chrome app comes pre-installed with most Android phone models. So, it is more likely you rely on Chrome browser app for all browsing activities. Moreover, Chrome syncs with your Google account allowing you to use customized browser settings and data across all your devices. While Chrome has all these great features, privacy and tracking is one of the big concerns when using Google products. If you are looking for different browser app, here are some of the top Google Chrome alternatives for Android users.
Google Chrome Alternatives for Android
You can find any of the below listed app from Google Play Store and install it on your phone.
1. Brave
This is another ideal browser app for blocking annoying ads, third-party scripts and cookies. The app comes with AI assistant, private search engine and a VPN. The Brave Leo AI assistant can answer your queries without storing your inputs. If you are not happy with Google search and Chrome, then Brave is the browser you need to look for.
2. DuckDuckGo
This is similar to Brave app focusing on privacy and comes with in-built search engine. Its App Tracking Protection helps other apps from tracking your browsing history to show personalized ads. You will also get ad blocker and tracker protection to get rid of unwanted tracking and browser the web anonymously.
3. Dolphin
This is another interesting browser app that comes with in-built ad blocker, Flash player and multiple tabs features. You can simply swipe from left edge to reveal a sidebar control pane showing bookmarks and history. You can also swipe from right edge to use the add-ons. There is a huge list of add-ons available for Dolphin browser for PDF conversion, screen capture, Dropbox, etc.
4. Yo Browser
Yo Browser is one of the best Chrome alternatives for Android with an excellent combination of privacy, usability and performance features. The app has a great user interface that is close to the Chrome UI. However, its “New Tab” page displays adequate details like history overview, saved bookmarks and quick links.
Yo Browser comes with packaged features including:
- Web Refiner to blocks ads.
- Web Defender to analyze and block data tracking.
- Privacy Meter.
- Speed Boost.
5. Opera Browser
Opera Browser for Android is another Chrome alternative that offers strong Ad blocking among other interesting features. The app allows you to block intrusive ads with tap of a button without installing any third-party add-on. Additionally, you can keep large number of open tabs without compromising the performance.
The app also allows users to customize the layout, save offline pages, sync content across devices and share tabs with connected PC. You can also use QR code scanning, voice search, auto-fill and private browsing mode.
6. Tor Browser
Tor browser is a great fit for privacy-centered mobile users. The app connects to a proxy network to hide all your browsing data from the websites you visit and your ISP. It uses multiple layer encryption to block web tracking and online spying. Moreover, it hides your location details making it a perfect choice for dark/ deep web browsing.
The only disadvantage with Tor is that it is slower than other browser apps.
7. Firefox Browser
Mozilla Firefox is popular among PC users, but it also exists in two mobile versions: Firefox Classic and Focus. Classic Firefox app provides number of features such as LastPass, Add-ons, Ad blocking and password manager among others. You can have more control over online privacy with features such as tracking protection and instant alerts in case of a suspected breach.
8. Firefox Focus
This is the browser with lightweight design to enhance privacy while browsing. The app has a minimal user interface that displays statistics about blocked trackers while hiding annoying ads. Besides, the app supports safe browsing, search suggestions, simple process to clear browsing data and other Chrome-like features.
Overall, Mozilla Firefox is a great replacement for Chrome in Android due to its privacy features and low resource consumption.
9. Via Mobile Browser
This lightweight browser app is merely 1 MB in size and consume less resources making it a good fit for devices with limited RAM and processing speed. You can also get an array of mobile browser features like Translate, Ad-blocking, offline pages and night mode browsing.
In addition to the standard features, Via browser supports Add-Ons and Ultra-Fast Browsing.
Summary
As mentioned, most Android models come pre-installed with Chrome or the browser app from manufacturer. Though these two are great options for browsing activities, at some point you may need features that Chrome or manufacturer’s browser cannot provide. Fortunately, there are lot of Chrome alternatives available for Android and you can choose the one depending on your specific need.
