Top 10 Web Browsers for Business

February 03, 2024 | Editor: Adam Levine


Web browser is a software for viewing web pages on the World Wide Web and using web-applications. Web browsers for business should provide additional security and administration features.
1
Google Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier. Deploy and manage Chrome for your organization.
2
The free, non-profit browser for your desktop and mobile devices. Firefox is created by a global non-profit dedicated to putting individuals in control online. We’ve always designed Firefox to protect and respect your private information. That’s why we’re proud to be voted the Most Trusted Internet Company for Privacy.
3
Search faster in the address bar. No need to go to a website to search for pictures of adorable penguins. Stay put and save time by entering your search in the handy address bar. You’ll get search suggestions, results from the web, your browsing history, and favorites right on the spot. Microsoft Edge is the only browser that lets you take notes, write, doodle, and highlight directly on webpages. Add a few secret ingredients to a recipe right on the screen to share with your fellow amateur chefs, collaborate on a new project with your coworkers, or have fun with your kids—the web is your palette.
4
Brave is a free and open-source web browser developed by Brave Software, Inc. based on the Chromium web browser. It blocks ads and website trackers, and provides a way for users to send cryptocurrency contributions in the form of Basic Attention Tokens to websites and content creators.
5
The Opera browser is a fast, simple and safe way to get around on the web. Download it for free at the official Opera Software site.
6
Vivaldi browser is a fast, private and secure browser that blocks ads and trackers. It puts you in control with unique features.
7
Safari is faster and more energy efficient than other browsers. Innovative features make your experience on the web better than ever.
8
Waterfox is a high performance browser based on the Mozilla platform. Made specifically for 64-Bit systems, Waterfox has one thing in mind: speed.
9
A custom version of Firefox, focused on privacy, security and freedom.
10
Pale Moon is an Open Source, Firefox-based web browser available for Microsoft Windows and Linux, focusing on efficiency and ease of use.
11
The Tor Browser lets you use Tor on Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux without needing to install any software. It can run off a USB flash drive, comes with a pre-configured web browser to protect your anonymity, and is self-contained.
12
Awarded "Best Browser" in three consecutive years. Fast, secure and ad-free. Dual Rendering Engines, displaying pages in no time. Smart switch between Webkit & Trident, balance both read speed and multi-element page content
13
The quick, convenient, and secure browser from Yandex. SmartBox will search for anything you need, while Tableau takes you straight to your favorite sites. Smart yet simple browser for all devices

Latest news about Web Browsers for Business


2023. Palo Alto has acquired secure browser Talon



Palo Alto Networks has acquired Israely startup Talon Cyber Security for $625 million. Talon Cyber Security specializes in developing enterprise browsers tailored to secure distributed workforces. Their technology allows organizations to safeguard work-related activities without interfering with personal device usage or compromising user privacy. By integrating Talon's solutions with Prisma SASE, Palo Alto Networks aims to establish a secure connection for all users and devices, ensuring consistent security across various applications, including private ones, regardless of the user's identity or the device they use for work.


2023. Vivaldi launches an iOS version of its browser



Vivaldi, a popular alternative browser, has released its iOS version, following its 2018 launch for Android devices. Due to the current requirement for iOS browsers to use WebKit as the core engine, Vivaldi has adopted the same engine for its iOS version. One of the standout features of Vivaldi for iOS is its desktop-like tab bar, allowing users to easily view open tabs without navigating to a separate tab switcher. If this view isn't preferred, users have the option to disable it in the settings. The tab switcher provides access to open tabs, private tabs, synced tabs across different Vivaldi instances, and recently closed tabs. Additionally, a long-press on the tab switcher enables users to quickly open a new or private tab or close the current tab.




2023. Microsoft is bringing AI Copilot features to Edge



It appears that Microsoft is striving to establish Edge as the leading browser for business. The company recently announced several AI-powered enhancements for its Edge browser, with the most significant being the integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot. This enterprise-focused AI system will be seamlessly embedded within the browser. The main objective of Microsoft Copilot is to leverage AI technology in order to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. By accessing and analyzing various Microsoft data sources such as calendars, chats, emails, and documents, Copilot assists users through conversational requests. For instance, if you ask it to "inform my team about today's updates to our product strategy," it will generate a response based on relevant information from the day.


2023. Microsoft launches new Bing and Edge browser with ChatGPT



Microsoft is intensifying its efforts to compete with Google by making significant advancements. In an official announcement, the company confirmed the integration of OpenAI's GPT-4 model into Bing, fulfilling long-standing rumors. This integration introduces a ChatGPT-like interaction within the search engine. As expected, the updated Bing now presents a chat option in its toolbar, leading users to a conversational experience reminiscent of ChatGPT. Additionally, Microsoft is launching a fresh version of its Edge browser, incorporating these new AI capabilities into the sidebar. With this enhanced browser, internet users can now leverage AI assistance to summarize search results and engage in conversations with AI chatbots to obtain answers to their queries, among other functionalities.


2022. DuckDuckGo’s Mac app is open to public with new features



DuckDuckGo, the privacy-focused browser for Mac, has introduced new enhancements and features. One notable addition is the "Duck Player," which safeguards users from targeted ads and cookies while watching YouTube videos. Although YouTube views will still be counted, none of the videos will contribute to the user's YouTube advertising profile, ensuring personalized ads are not displayed. The updated browser also includes other new functionalities such as pinned tabs, a bookmark bar, the ability to access locally stored browsing history, and convenient built-in features like email protection and password management through the open-source password manager, Bitwarden. Additionally, the browser now automatically handles cookie pop-ups on a significantly larger number of websites.


2022. Microsoft’s Edge browser gets shared Workspaces



Microsoft has introduced several notable updates to its Edge browser, focusing on enhancing the user experience. Among these updates, Edge Workspaces stands out as a significant feature currently available in preview. This feature enables teams to collaborate by sharing browser tabs. Microsoft emphasizes its usefulness when onboarding new team members to an ongoing project. Instead of sharing numerous links and files, teams can simply share a single link to an Edge Workspace. This workspace will contain various links and files related to the project, offering a centralized and organized collaboration environment. As the project progresses, the shared tabs are updated in real-time, ensuring everyone stays up to date. While similar extensions have been introduced in the past, they have not gained significant popularity. It is worth noting that teams also utilize alternative methods to share links and files, such as through platforms like Confluent and others.


2022. Mozilla brings free, offline translation to Firefox



Mozilla has introduced a new translation tool for Firefox that eliminates the need for cloud processing by conducting machine learning-based translations directly on users' computers. This significant advancement is a departure from relying on industry giants like Google and Microsoft for translation services. The tool, called Firefox Translations, can be easily added to the browser. Upon initial use, it may download necessary resources and potentially update models for improved translations, but the actual translation process occurs locally on the user's computer, rather than in a remote data center.


2021. Vivaldi 4.0 launches with built-in email and calendar clients, RSS reader



Vivaldi has consistently stood out as one of the more intriguing Chromium-based browsers, primarily due to its commitment to providing power users with a privacy-focused experience. Today, the Vivaldi team is unveiling version 4.0 of its browser, accompanied by an array of exciting new features. Notably, this update introduces the beta versions of built-in mail, calendar, and RSS clients, further enhancing the browsing experience. Additionally, Vivaldi is launching Vivaldi Translate, a privacy-conscious translation service hosted on the company's own servers and powered by Lingvanex. These additions highlight Vivaldi's dedication to providing innovative tools within a privacy-centric framework.


2021. Sidekick Browser wants to be a productivity-honed ‘work OS’ on Chromium



When it comes to working with multiple browser tabs and windows, the experience can often be frustrating and filled with friction. Recognizing this challenge, Sidekick Browser aims to alleviate these issues by introducing a productivity-oriented layer on top of Chromium, positioning itself as a "work OS". Rather than dealing with the chaos of numerous scattered windows and tabs, Sidekick Browser allows users to work within apps that reside directly within the browser. Popular apps such as Slack, Skype, and WhatsApp can be pinned in a vertical stack within the sidebar, providing easy access and seamless switching between them. Additionally, Sidekick Browser offers support for multiple logins, fine-grained notification controls, and the ability to perform comprehensive searches across all integrated third-party apps directly from the browser interface.


2021. Microsoft Edge now starts up faster and gets vertical tabs



The much-anticipated vertical tabs feature in Microsoft Edge is finally available to all users. Furthermore, the updated Edge browser now offers significant performance improvements, with Microsoft's preliminary tests indicating a potential speed boost of up to 41%. To achieve this, the Edge team has implemented a background loading mechanism that initiates the browser when you sign in, allowing it to remain operational even after closing all browser windows. Should you prefer not to use this feature, it can be easily disabled to suit your preferences.


2021. Beam raises $9.5M to build a web browser that collects ideas



Beam, a browser that revolutionizes the way users initiate web sessions and browse the internet, has recently secured $9.5 million in Series A funding. Beam is a knowledge-centric web browser designed to address the issue of mindless web browsing. Many individuals often find themselves spending significant amounts of time online without gaining valuable insights or taking any notes. With Beam, each search initiates a new browsing session represented by a note card. These note cards summarize your findings, with the search query serving as the card's title, and the most relevant websites displayed at the top. Less pertinent content is listed towards the end of the note. Users have the ability to add text, remove links, reorganize information, and transform their note cards into comprehensive, fully-fledged notes without even realizing it. Beam empowers users to make the most out of their web sessions by seamlessly capturing and organizing knowledge along the way.


2020. Microsoft’s Edge browser is coming to Linux



When Microsoft made the decision to transition its Edge browser to the Chromium engine, it made a commitment to make it available on all major platforms. Initially, Linux was not included in that list, but towards the end of last year, it became evident that Microsoft was actively developing a Linux version. As of now, Linux users have the option to obtain the browser either from the Edge Insider website or through their native package managers. Linux users will enjoy the same Edge browsing experience as users on Windows and macOS, along with access to its integrated privacy and security features.


2020. Google Chrome update brings better tab management, QR codes, plus performance improvements



Google is enhancing the usability of Chrome's tabs and tab groups, aiming to make them more convenient and efficient. Behind the scenes, these improvements promise faster page loading times by up to 10% and a reduction in the impact of idle background tabs. Chrome now allows users to collapse and expand their tab groups, enabling them to focus on the tabs they need to access immediately. Additionally, a new QR code feature will be introduced in Chrome for desktop, accessible through a QR code icon in the Chrome address bar. Furthermore, Google will soon release a highly anticipated feature that enables users to directly fill out and save PDF forms within Chrome.


2020. Microsoft Edge gets a Pinterest integration, sidebar search and automatic profile switching


The Microsoft Edge browser is introducing a range of exciting new features. Firstly, it will integrate with Pinterest, enhancing Edge's collections feature. Alongside the Pinterest integration, collections will now allow users to send items to Microsoft's OneNote note-taking tool in addition to its existing Word and Excel integrations. Another notable addition to Edge is Sidebar Search, which enables users to conduct searches within a sidebar without the need to open a new tab in the main browser window. This sidebar will remain visible as users navigate between tabs, making it a convenient feature likely to be emulated by others in the future. Moreover, Edge now offers automatic profile switching, catering to users who frequently switch between personal and business accounts within the same browser on their device.


2020. Google Chrome now allows to organize tabs to groups



Google Chrome is introducing a fresh functionality to enhance your tab management. With tab groups, you can conveniently organize, label, and even assign colors to your tabs. To utilize this new feature, simply right-click on a tab and select "Add tab to group." From there, you can either choose an existing group to move the tab to or create a new one, which you can name and label. Furthermore, Chrome browser now includes a feature to block ads that deplete your device's battery life or unnecessarily consume your internet bandwidth.


2019. Opera became more secure with built-in tracking protection


The latest release of the Opera browser introduces a new tracker blocker feature designed to enhance your online privacy by making it more challenging for advertisers and other entities to track your browsing activities. A notable advantage of this feature is its ability to accelerate your browsing experience. According to Opera, enabling both the tracking protection and the built-in ad blocker can lead to a page load speed improvement of up to 23 percent. By default, the new tracking protection feature is deactivated, similar to the existing ad blocker. The tracking feature relies on the widely used EasyPrivacy Tracking Protection List, which has been available for several years.


2019. Firefox gets enhanced tracking protection, desktop password manager


Firefox is introducing one of its most comprehensive series of releases designed to prevent advertisers and other entities from tracking your online activities. Additionally, these releases make it more challenging for Facebook to monitor your online behavior. By default, Enhanced Tracking Protection, based on the Disconnect list, will block all third-party tracking cookies. You have the option to choose a strict setting that may impact the functionality of certain websites, or you can customize your own settings. Furthermore, Mozilla is expanding its Lockbox password manager to include desktop support. Previously, Lockbox was only available as a mobile app, but Mozilla has now launched a Firefox desktop extension for it. The name of the password manager has also been changed to Lockwise. Currently, Lockwise provides a straightforward password management experience, although it may not offer the same extensive features as Dashlane, 1Password, LastPass, or similar alternatives.


2019. Opera Touch brought website cookie blocking to iOS



Opera Touch for iOS has introduced an important new feature: cookie blocking. This feature enables the blocking of intrusive dialogs that request your consent for website cookies. These dialogs can be particularly troublesome on mobile devices, often completely interrupting the ability to view content. In contrast, desktop websites typically present a pop-up banner at the top or bottom of the page, which can be (somewhat) ignored. With the widespread implementation of cookie dialogs due to Europe's GDPR regulations, many users find them excessively intrusive. Currently, dismissing these prompts requires an additional click, which slows down web browsing—especially when quickly navigating through multiple websites in search of specific information.


2019. Opera for Android added built-in VPN



In 2016, Opera introduced a free VPN app for Android, which was later discontinued. However, Opera is now bringing back the free VPN service as part of its Opera browser for Android. The feature is currently in the testing phase and is gradually being rolled out to Opera beta users. Once activated, users can select their desired virtual location, although the options may not be as extensive as those offered by commercial VPN services. Users can choose to appear virtually located in Europe, America, or Asia. Opera assures users that it does not retain any usage logs. Additionally, Opera already provides a free and unlimited VPN within its desktop web browser. Similarly, the mobile browser allows users to bypass the VPN when accessing search engines.


2018. Firefox will now alert you when one of your accounts was hacked



Earlier this year, Mozilla introduced Firefox Monitor, a service designed to inform users if their online accounts were compromised in recent data breaches. By simply providing your email address, Firefox Monitor utilizes the Have I Been Pwned database to display any potential concerns and details regarding the compromised data. Today, Mozilla takes this initiative further by allowing users to sign up for alerts notifying them if their accounts appear in any future known breaches. Mozilla emphasizes that Firefox Monitor is just one of many upcoming data and privacy features planned by the organization in the coming months. With increasing user concerns about privacy and the extensive data collection practices of Google's Chrome browser, Mozilla positions itself as a neutral force in the browser market, and this approach has been well-received.


2018. Firefox ends support of Windows XP, Vista



Mozilla has made the decision to discontinue support for Windows XP and Windows Vista in its web browser, Firefox. This means that security updates for these outdated operating systems will no longer be provided. The termination of support for Windows XP and Vista took effect with the release of Firefox ESR 52.9 on June 26. Subsequently, Firefox ESR 60.2 was introduced on September 4. Mozilla offers Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) specifically to cater to customers, primarily business users, who prioritize stability over the inclusion of new and flashy features. Unlike the regular Firefox version, each ESR release solely receives security updates throughout its lifecycle. Mozilla typically maintains both the previous and current ESR versions for approximately 12 weeks, with the transition occurring once a year. The overlap period between Firefox ESR 52 and ESR 60 started on May 7, coinciding with the launch of the latter, and concluded on September 4 when security patches were no longer provided for Firefox ESR 52. Currently, Opera remains the only top-five browser that continues to support Windows XP.


2018. Tor Browser comes to Android



The Tor browser, known for its anonymity features, has now been officially launched for Android users. However, in order to use the app, users will also need to download the Tor Project proxy app called Orbot. Tor Project's browser ensures anonymity by employing a decentralized network of relays that bounce a user's data, effectively anonymizing their internet activity. As a result, it becomes exceedingly difficult for advertisements, location trackers, and even government surveillance to track an individual's online movements. Following the introduction of the Tor browser for Android, Orfox, a long-standing Tor Project-approved browsing app, has announced its plan to phase out by 2019.


2018. Google Chrome gets a fresh look, better omnibox, and more



Google Chrome is introducing a redesigned look and an array of fresh functionalities, including an enhanced omnibox. The browser now features more rounded corners and a revamped color palette, presenting a visually pleasing interface. The tab design has been optimized to improve the visibility of site favicons, facilitating seamless navigation. Notably, on iOS devices, where Chrome has long awaited attention, the toolbar has finally found its rightful place at the bottom of the screen, closer to the user's thumbs. Excitingly, the update brings new customization options as well. Users can effortlessly change the background image and site suggestions on the "new tab" screen. Autocomplete functionality receives a long-awaited upgrade, now displaying site favicons in the dropdown list. Moreover, Chrome will provide answers to certain queries directly within the autocomplete list, even before the user presses the Return key.


2018. Microsoft Edge gets password-less authenticator



Users of Microsoft Edge now have the convenience of logging into their favorite websites without the need for passwords. Microsoft has introduced a new web authenticator that leverages features such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and special PINs. This authentication method, accessible through Windows Hello, is similar to the authenticators launched by Google and Firefox several months ago. While this feature represents a significant advancement for Microsoft, the company is playing catch-up, as reflected by Edge's current market share of 4.19 percent. The Web Authenticator's virtual nature ensures that if someone gains access to a user's device, they cannot log in since there is no longer a locally stored system to exploit. The entire security process is outsourced to Microsoft as a trusted third party.


2018. Microsoft improves anti-phishing skills of Edge competitor - Google Chrome



Microsoft has made a significant move by offering a valuable asset of its Edge browser to its competitor Google. They have released an add-on called "Windows Defender Browser Protection" (WDBP) that enhances Chrome's ability to detect phishing attempts. This free extension can be easily installed on Chrome running on Windows, macOS, and, following a post-launch fix, even on Chrome OS. Similar to the security measures integrated into Edge, this add-on leverages Microsoft's SmartScreen technology to alert users about potentially harmful websites that may attempt to download malware or lead to known phishing URLs through email message links.


2017. Microsoft Edge comes to Android and iPhone



Microsoft has officially launched its Edge Browser for iOS and Android, serving as a successor to Internet Explorer. The mobile version encompasses numerous familiar features from its desktop and tablet counterpart, such as Favorites, Reading Lists, and New Tab Pages. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced some new tools to enhance the user experience. One notable addition is Roaming Passwords, enabling users to synchronize passwords seamlessly across mobile and desktop platforms. Another noteworthy feature is the dark theme, which provides a black desktop interface as an alternative to the default white/gray design, offering a more eye-friendly experience for certain users. The inclusion of Edge represents a significant element of Microsoft's new mobile strategy. Notably, the integration of Edge and Cortana into iOS and Android aims to facilitate smoother interactions between existing smartphones and Windows 10 PCs, benefiting Windows 10 users.


2017. Firefox released new ultra-fast web browser to take on Google Chrome


Mozilla's latest browser, Firefox Quantum, delivers an incredibly fast browsing experience. In a comprehensive test conducted by the open-source project WebPageTest, Firefox Quantum outperformed Chrome in loading numerous popular websites, including Yelp, Shutterstock, Ask.com, and even Google Search itself.  (Although Chrome remained faster in loading most Google and YouTube pages). Moreover, Firefox Quantum stands out by utilizing approximately 30% less memory compared to its competitors, such as Chrome, Edge, and Safari, on Windows operating systems, and only slightly more memory than Chrome on macOS. This means you can have significantly more tabs open without worrying about your browser crashing or slowing down. However, Mozilla's focus extends beyond speed and memory optimization. Extensive user research has influenced the browser's interface, resulting in Firefox Quantum incorporating several small yet significant features that cater to user browsing patterns.


2017. Google launched Chrome Enterprise Bundle



Google has introduced the Chrome Enterprise Bundle, a solution designed to simplify the deployment and management of its Chrome browser for IT admins in businesses. This comprehensive package includes a single installer for the Chrome browser, the Chrome Legacy Browser Support extension (which enables the use of ActiveX widgets), and a collection of administrative policy templates. Notably, Google's browser now offers official support for Citrix's XenApp virtualization platform and Windows Server with Terminal services. With these enhancements, IT administrators will find it more convenient to implement Chrome within their organizations, streamlining the deployment process.


2017. Opera unveiled browser of the future


Opera, the Norwegian browser company that was acquired by a Chinese investment consortium last year, has unveiled a new experimental browser called Opera Neon. While Neon retains the same underlying Blink rendering engine, which is also utilized by Google Chrome, Opera, and Amazon Silk, its main focus is on visual enhancements. The browser launches with a start page that mimics your desktop wallpaper, creating a window that resembles your actual desktop. On the left-hand side, a set of tools is provided, including a video pop-out feature that allows you to play videos while browsing other pages, and a snap-to gallery that enables you to crop and save any part of a web page for later use. One particularly useful addition is the ability to browse two pages side by side, which stands out among Neon's new features.


2016. Mozilla launches Firefox Focus - private web browser for iPhone



Mozilla has unveiled a new mobile web browser for iOS called Firefox Focus, placing utmost importance on private browsing for users. This mobile browser takes a proactive approach by automatically blocking ad trackers and erasing browsing history, including passwords and cookies. By doing so, the browser aims to provide a streamlined browsing experience and potentially faster page loading times. The elimination of ads and web trackers can reduce page clutter and enhance overall performance, according to Mozilla's claims.

Editor: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com