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Features Compared: All of the Major Browsers Go Head to Head!

Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

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With so many good browsers available today, it’s hard to sort through all the great features and functions to find the one that works best. Many factors can determine the best browser for you, whether you’re a casual user, a serious researcher, a parent wanting to protect your children, or a business person.

Let’s take a closer look at the features available on some of the most popular browsers available today:

Features Compared: All of the Major Browsers Go Head to Head!

What features set each of these browsers apart from the competition?

Browser Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, there are some major differences. Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Vivaldi work with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux systems. Internet Explorer is limited to just Windows. Safari is only functional with Mac OS X, having eliminated Windows system version support. The newest player on the stage, Microsoft’s Edge, is only functional with Windows 10, not on older Windows operating systems.

Let’s take a closer look at the features and special functions of each browser.

Chrome

As the early leader in browser innovations, Chrome remains the leader in extension breadth. Chrome provides seamless interaction with other Google products such as Gmail or Google Drive.

Edge

It’s new, so it doesn’t have the vast libraries of add-ons and extensions as its competitors. This browser does have a clean “reader mode” that makes sitting back for a nice read much more enjoyable.

Firefox

As an open-source browser, Firefox offers frequent updates about every six weeks. Firefox has some extensions that make it stand out in the crowd, including support for Macbook Retina and grouped tabs. Given the extension history for Firefox, it remains the most customizable of all current browsers.

Internet Explorer

When you want to put a pin in it, IE is the way to go. The Microsoft stalwart lets you pin websites to a Windows 8 task bar. What sets IE apart with its pinning is the right-click feature, which lets you customize menus for specific pages such as Facebook.

Opera

Opera is all about bundling and privacy. Built-in ad blocking and VPN functions keep surfing results private and fast. The Speed Dial is what truly sets Opera apart. A customized touchscreen home page, Speed Dial lets you construct the all-in-one-place page that has all of your favorites arranged and accessible.

Safari

The Apple browser lags behind some of its competitors when it comes to customization. If you’re an iCloud user, Safari lets you integrate across platforms. Its Reader tool lets you read articles without bothersome ads or other clutter.

Vivaldi

Another new entry to the browser wars, Vivaldi does not support extensions by default. What sets Vivaldi apart right now is the ease of its customization and its notes feature that lets you track information about a specific URL or add a site as a sidebar.

With so many different options, there is certainly a browser that’s right for you. When browsing, you want to be sure you stay safe. To learn more, check out The Best Antiviruses of 2016.

Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

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