In a technology-driven world, the mobile phone has become a basic necessity for human beings. However, a smart device has no purpose if it has no web browser. A steady and secure browser is a gateway to the internet. Web browsers have made it easier for mobile users to browse any website.
The web browser is an internet surfing tool that allows you to access any site. The content you see on a computer’s website is readily displayed on the mobile screen with a web browser. Various web browsers are available, each with its own set of benefits.
Apple devices are known to be high-end smart gadgets with their own sets of built-in exciting apps. In addition, the apple app store has many third-party apps, from iMessage to the Safari browser.
This article explains some of the fastest iOS browsers that iPhone users can download based on their preferences.
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Why Choose Other Browsers for Your iOS Device?
No one enjoys glaring at a blank loading screen when they just want to browse a web page. Unfortunately, iPhone users had to live with that for ages. The Safari browser is one of the most advanced features of an iOS device. However, it lacks basic functionality.
While most iPhone users accept their fate and use Safari as their default browser, some prefer choosing an alternative based on speed, privacy, and security.
Luckily, the iOS device running on iOS 14 or later has given users the chance to replace the Safari browser as a default browser. The latest iOS update allows iPhone users to choose any web browser they like, whether Microsoft Edge, Opera browser, or Google Chrome.
How to Change Default Browser Settings
Before you explore the best web browsers for your iPhone, it’s essential to make sure you customize the default browser settings. Also, remember that these settings only apply to iOS devices running on iOS 14 or later.
Follow the steps below to switch the Safari browser from the default browser.
Step # 01 Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step # 02 Scroll down to the bottom till you spot your favorite web browser. Once found, click on it.
Step # 03 On the second last row, the “Default Browser App” option will be available. Tap on it
Step # 04 This option will display a list of all the browsers installed as the Safari alternative. You can choose your preferred one. Make sure a checkmark appears next to it.
As a result, any link you browse will be opened into your preferred Browser instead of Safari.
The Best Browsers for iPhone
Every user has a different browsing concern. For some, it may be the privacy; for some, it’s the speed. So we have rounded up some of the best iPhone browsers with different features.
- Safari
Best Browser for iPhone
Safari is Apple’s primary web browser for iPhone, iPad, and macOS. It was first introduced in 2003 and was temporarily available on Windows from 2007 to 2012. Safari was created for OS X and initially released in beta on January 7, 2003. Safari 4 was launched in February 2009 as a significant update.
It was launched with the introduction of the iPhone and iPad. The popularity of the Safari browser skyrocketed. It now boasts a majority of the market share of mobile browser usage. It allows you to access your browsing history and downloads through your Apple ID. In addition, you can sign in to multiple devices by entering your iCloud credentials. Some unique and advanced features of the Safari browser are:
- Tab and Bookmark Management
- Download Manager
- Reader View and List
Safari web browser is based on a Cocoa application that renders with WebKit on OS X. WebKit comprises two components: JavaScriptCore and WebCore, both of which are open-source software licensed by the GNU GPL. Apple also distributes the code under a two-clause BSD-like free-of-cost license.
A built-in share button in the Safari app allows users to rapidly share a website via message, email, or social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. In addition, Safari can recognize articles and offer them in a format that removes navigation and advertisements in favor of a more readable presentation.
- Google Chrome
Among Best Safari Alternatives
It is undoubtedly natural to have Google Chrome at the forefront of the fastest iOS browsers. Google Chrome is considered a surfing tech giant for browsing anything. It’s a freeware open-source web browser. This Browser supports around 47 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Arabic, etc.
Chrome is a lightweight browser designed from V8, a powerful and responsive JavaScript engine. It has an easy user interface that makes browsing a breeze.
It efficiently loads web pages faster through the WebKit rendering engine. Moreover, the access to Omnibox also makes it easy for iPhone users to go through the web quickly. The multi-tabbed browsing allows you to open and load multiple tabs simultaneously. The most sought-after features of the Google Chrome browser are:
- Automatic Translation and Spell Check
- Tabbed Browsing
- Account Synchronization from Multiple Devices
- Privacy-focused Browser (Incognito Mode)
Unlike other browsers, Google Chrome provides a separate privacy-focused browser called “Incognito Mode.” It allows you to search through different web pages and browse anonymously. The incognito mode gives you temporary control over your search engine and browsing history. Remember that anything you do in incognito mode doesn’t get saved by default. If you’re preparing an assignment or writing an email, send and keep it manually.
- Microsoft Edge
Best Performance
It’s common to find Mircosoft Edge an unfit app on your iPhone. However, Microsoft Edge recently underwent a complete transformation, and the users admit that what they see is impressive. The Edge now has better functionality in a mobile browser while remaining just as fast.
It also contains responsive and interactive multiple options for accessing text media compared to other browsers.
Users can also manage their privacy through its tracking prevention of three-level. You can easily hide your browsing history from third-party apps and prevent the sites from following you online. One of the most advanced features in Microsoft Edge is the ability to organize similar websites and pages in one folder and name them.
The best feature of Microsoft edge is the built-in Ad blocker extension. The common concern of every browsing user is annoying Ads. With the built-in Ad block extension from the Edge, you can remove the ads from your favorite browsing sites such as; Facebook, YouTube, Dailymotion, etc. In addition, the feature also blocks ads from virus malware and hacking advertisers.
The Edge eliminates annoying ads that remove excessive data. As a result, It delivers more fast browsing data on the web pages. Having a Microsoft account can also let you have access to some great features of the Edge, including
- Integrated Support with iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows
- Reading Support
- Vertical and Sleeping Tabs
Another exciting feature includes the Read Aloud feature. It’s an excellent browser for someone with weak eyesight. The feature can read every text media on the web page.
- Firefox Focus
Best for Unlimited Free VPN
Firefox Focus is yet another fastest and best Safari alternative. It’s an open-source and light web browser compatible with mobile phones and windows pc. Developed by Mozilla, Firefox Fox can eliminate unnecessary tabs and block vicious browsing trackers. The features that make the Firefox Focus a perfect Safari alternative are:
- Ad and Social Tracking Tool
- Customize Cookies
- Ad Blocking
Though Firefox Focus offers advanced features, it doesn’t provide a proxy for browsing data. As a result, you won’t be able to hide or mimic your ID location or browsing data usage. Luckily, it offers users access to free unlimited VPNs. Mozilla offers VPNs from over 30 countries where you can choose your preferred service location.
With the built-in free VPN, Firefox Focus can be used as a standalone best browser for blocking intrusive content and protecting browsing tracks.
- Opera Browser
Best for Speedy Browsing
Famous for the best browsing of the desktop version, Opera offers the modern and fastest web browser that’s the best Safari alternative. Unlike Chrome and Firefox, Opera doesn’t have a range of extensions or customization freedom. However, it contains well-executed, innovative, and advanced features. All the features in Opera are handy.
Opera, formerly known as Opera Touch, delivers smooth browsing performance and several helpful features. In addition, Opera provides a friendly, straightforward user interface, making it a great browser to search, shop, and watch. The features listed below make Opera Mini Browser the web browser for every iOS device.
- Web Pinboard Collection
- Snapshot Tool
- Video Pop-out
Most of the time, we open multiple web pages and find it difficult to search for a specific one. The Opera web browser offers a tab preview feature that lets you take a quick look inside a tab. This makes browsing so much fun and easy.
Another great feature of Opera is the Opera Turbo feature. If you’re working with a crowded internet connection, Opera Turbo allows you to compress the web content you are browsing. As a result, it saves unnecessary data usage and delivers speedy browsing.
The last thing to remember is that Opera is a desktop browser, while the Opera mini browser is a mobile browser.
- Aloha Browser
Best for Private Browsing Mode
Aloha has gained popularity quickly as a newcomer in the world of the best iPhone browsers. IOS users love this web browser because it prioritizes private browsing mode. After Firefox, Aloha is the only browser with a built-in free VPN. Some valuable features of the Aloha browser are:
- Blocks Ad Management
- Media Player with VR
- Free Unlimited VPN
Aloha browser is the most private Browser that has integrated VPN service support. In addition, the minimal design and first-class interface allows users to download anything beyond their expectations.
The built-in VPN features offer a strong layer of privacy through high-class encryption (256-bit). You can easily browse websites that are restricted in your region.
In addition, the Aloha browser is a reliable choice for those who prefer online safety and security. It encrypts your internet connection to prevent third-party sites from tracking your online browsing history and activity.
- Brave Browse
Best with Build-in Ad Blocker
Brave Software Inc. designs another reliable option for the iPhone browser; the Brave Browser is developed on chromium, the Google-based open source web browser. It is among the best browsers for iPhone.
It is available across many platforms, including Android, iOS, Linux, etc. The main focus of brave Browser is blocking annoying ads and unnecessary tracking. It has an automatic built-in Ad-block feature that promotes speed and security. Some other off-the-grid features that make the brave Browser the best web browser for any device are:
- Brave Search
- Brave Browser supports Synchronization
- Built-in Crypto Wallet
The shields are the most innovative security approach in the Brave search bar. Other features in the shield include block scripts, cookie control, ad-blocking, browsing tracks, and more.
The Brave Browser is 3x faster and more responsive than Google Chrome. In addition, blocking ads and privacy trackers allows fewer data to browse, making it quicker and safer. Another exciting feature of Brave is the data import. You can easily import your browsing history, bookmarks, collection, and settings from your old Browser to brave.
- Puffin Browser
Best for Data Encryption
The puffin browser may look like a standard web browser, but it does more than a regular browser. It’s an excellent browser for accessing websites stuffed with data or if you have a low-end mobile device or poor connection.
It works quite differently than other web browsers. For example, when a person types a URL bar into the Browser, the web server forwards a CSS, HTML, and JavaScript code to the user’s web browser. The search engine then converts these codes into web pages the user is trying to search. Some features that set the Puffin browser apart from other best browsers for iPhone are:
- Virtual Game Pad
- Mouse Cursor Emulation
- Data Compression
Through this unique approach, Puffin minimizes the risk of malware, unwanted ads, and dangerous cookies. However, you must subscribe to its paid version to access ad-free browsing. However, the accessible version of Puffin is also safe to use. This is because it encrypts the data into its cloud server.
- DuckDuckGo
Best for Search Engine
DuckDuckGo, Inc. owns DuckDuckGo; this search engine was launched in 2008. Since then, DuckDuckGo’s traffic has continued to grow exponentially. Among other Safari alternatives, it’s one of the most reliable options. On DuckDuckGo, more than 102 million searches are made daily as of January 19, 2021.
DuckDuckGo is as secure as a search engine, and it’s not a new, fly-by-night operation. It’s one of the few search engines pre-installed in all significant online browsers and has high user confidence. Some exciting features of DuckDuckGo are:
- Ability to Shorten and Expand Links
- Password Manager
- Quick Stopwatch
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine. Simply go to duckduckgo.com instead of google.com or bing.com to use it. After that, you search as you usually would. DuckDuckGo, on the other hand, pledges to respect your privacy and not monitor you.
DuckDuckGo is a non-tracking search engine that prioritizes privacy. This search engine competes with Google, Bing, and Yahoo and rapidly expands. However, according to DuckDuckGo, the IP address linked with a search is not even logged in the company’s server logs. In addition, DuckDuckGo doesn’t have an accounting system, and it doesn’t link your search history to a personalized cookie.
According to DuckDuckGo, private information is never shared with its partners. When you use DuckDuckGo to search, its servers communicate with Bing (and its other partners), but those partners do not see your IP address or have any information about you.
- Cake Browser
Best for Multi Tabs
Cake Web Browser is another best browser for iPhone users; unlike Chrome, Firefox and Safari claims to have been created from the ground up with privacy in mind. Mobile-first design is not a new notion. It’s no secret that since the beginning of 2017, mobile traffic has accounted for more than half of all website traffic.
The Cake Browser is a new web browser created specifically for mobile users. Cake Browser is a swipe-based mobile browser developed by Cake Technologies, a software firm based in Provo, Utah, founded in 2016. Cake Browser displays search results as preloaded web pages rather than a list of clickable links. The features of the cake browser include:
- iOS and Android Compatible
- Anonymous Browsing
- HTTPS Support
The standard search categories with swipeable results include web, picture, video, news, and commerce. In 2017, Cake Browser was published in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Taiwan as a test market. In 2018, it was made available all around the world.
Cake Browser, which debuted at the end of January 2018, is a complete game-changer in the search engine industry. They discarded the usual mobile web browser layout for a more user-friendly interface that makes it much easier to use your phone to access the internet.
Final Verdict
The web browsers described above are among the best browsers for iPhone. Most of them are supported and compatible with the Apple ecosystem. However, It all comes down to personal preference. Whether you have a privacy concern or looking for a speedy browsing experience, we have narrowed down some best browsers to suit your needs.
