My 5 favorite web browsers - and what each is ideal for

Web browsers are one of the most important pieces of software we use every day, but we take them for granted. Most users settle for whatever defacto ships with their devices -- and that's a mistake. There are far better options available that improve upon the default in myriad ways.

Also: This might be my new favorite web browser

Over the decades, I've tried almost every browser that's come to market, from the most basic terminal-based to the very complex and bloated. Within that spectrum, there are some browsers that rise so far above the rest that there's no comparison between the bad, the mediocre, and the good.

For me, there are five good browsers that I wouldn't hesitate to use.

1. Opera

Opera is my go-to browser on Linux, and it has been for years. I originally migrated from my previous default (Firefox) because of tab management. Opera includes a feature called Workspaces, which makes managing tabs not only easy but also efficient. 

Also: 5 reasons why Opera is my favorite browser

Instead of having 30-60 tabs open in a single window (which can lead to confusion), I categorize my tabs into things like Work, Social, and Shopping. I can then dump all related tabs into each Workspace and work with a far less cluttered UI. And based on what I've seen in Opera Developer, the new theming system is absolutely brilliant. 

Although Opera doesn't have quite the security of other browsers on this list, it does offer forced HTTPS, malicious site protection, Secure DNS, and V8 security. Opera also performs very well. Outside of stripped-down, minimal browsers, Opera can compete with any modern option in the realm of performance. Plus, with the inclusion of Aria AI and the Opera VPN, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option. 

Use Opera if you're looking for outstanding performance, some of the best tab management on the market, and a built-in AI tool. Opera can be installed for free on Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and iPadOS.

2. Arc

When I'm using MacOS, you can bet the browser I'm using is Arc. Arc includes a Workspace feature (called Spaces), similar to Opera, but makes it even easier to move between those Spaces via a two-finger trackpad swipe to the left or right. You can also theme each Space, assign Spaces to profiles, export all open tabs in a Space to a folder, and even share your Space. 

Also: 5 ways Arc browser makes browsing the web fun again

Arc did exactly what it claimed it would do: Made browsing fun again. But more than that, the layout of Arc just makes sense. With configurable UI that is as minimal as it can get while still being useful, I find this browser to be not only in line with my aesthetics but also my workflow. 

Arc has found that perfect balance between beauty and practicality. Unfortunately, the Browser Company has big plans that may or may not include Arc. They believe Arc isn't familiar enough to users, so they're going back to the drawing board to probably craft something that's just another Chrome knockoff. Hopefully, they'll keep Arc in place, because it is my favorite web browser.

Use Arc if you're looking for a beautiful web browser that makes tab management a snap, and the idea of a minimal layout sounds like you're cup o' tea.

Also: 6 Android home screen launchers that are better than your default

The only caveat to Arc is that it isn't available for Linux. You can install it (for free) on MacOS and Windows.

3. Zen Browser

Look out, both Opera and Arc; there's a new fork in town, and this time it's focused on Firefox… with some serious improvements, the biggest of which is tab management. The developers of Zen Browser took a tip from Opera and Arc and added Workspaces to make tab management so much easier. On top of that, they've made theming the browser possible without having to install third-party extensions. 

Also: Zen Browser is the customizable Firefox I've been waiting for - here's why

Essentially, you can achieve the look of Opera Developer with the tab management of Arc. Zen Browser very quickly jumped the list to near the top, and I could easily see this browser becoming my default. Zen Browser also includes Mods, which are community-developed tweaks you can install that may change the behavior or look so that you can make Zen Browser very much yours. 

Use Zen Browser if you wish Firefox had better tab management and more options for theming. Zen Browser can be installed (for free) on Linux, MacOS, and Windows.

4. Firefox

And then there's the OG browser of the bunch, Firefox. This open-source browser has had its ups and downs over the years, but it eventually rose from bloat and poor performance to become the lean, fast app that it is today. 

Firefox has some of the best security available for a web browser and a vast array of extensions that add functionality and even change the theme. The nice thing about today's Firefox is that the developers have shrugged off the idea that a web browser needed every feature that could be dreamed up. Sure, it was fun seeing what developers could toss at a browser, but in the end, we just need software that works well… which is exactly what Firefox does. 

Also: 5 obscure web browsers that will finally break your Chrome addiction

The only caveat to Firefox is that tab management is way behind the curve. Sure, you can install an extension or two, but there's nothing to match Workspaces or Spaces. That lack of quality tab management is what keeps Firefox from being my default. 

Use Firefox if you want an open-source browser with plenty of security and performance. Firefox can be installed (for free) on Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

5. Tor Browser

When I need serious security, there's only one browser I even consider, and that's Tor Browser. Not only does it automatically anonymize your traffic, but it also encrypts it. Tor accomplishes this by using a decentralized network called Tor Network. There is no browser on the market that can best Tor for security and privacy. 

Also: 6 Android home screen launchers that are better than your default

Although Tor Browser might be light on features and look a bit out of date, when I need to feel confident that I'm using a truly secure browser, this is the only option I even consider. I admit that I only use Tor Browser when I need the utmost security, but I'm always glad it's there when needed. The only caveat to using Tor Browser is that its performance does take a hit in favor of security. But when the highest security is required, a slower browser is a price I'm willing to pay.

Use Tor Browser when you need the most powerful browser security on the market. Tor browser can be installed (for free) on Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.