A web browser is the software you use to open and view websites. If you're reading this page, you're using one right now. Whether you're checking emails, watching videos, or reading the news—it's all done through a browser.

Choosing a web browser

A Quick Look Back

In the early 2000s, Internet Explorer was the most common browser. It came pre-installed on Windows PCs, so most people just used it. But things started to change when other browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome came along. These newer browsers offered better speed, added features, and more flexibility. That’s why many websites started working better on them than on Internet Explorer.

Now, Internet Explorer has been replaced by Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and newer devices. Edge is faster, safer, and more modern.

Why You Should Use More Than One Browser

Not every website works well in every browser. Sometimes a page won’t load properly or a button won’t work. If this happens, switching to a different browser can fix the problem. That’s why it’s smart to have at least two browsers installed on your device.


Best Browsers for Different Devices

Using a PC or Android? Try Google Chrome

Chrome is fast, secure, and free to download. It's the default browser on many Android phones. If you have a Google account, Chrome lets you sync your bookmarks, passwords, and history across all your devices. It updates itself, so you're always protected from the latest threats.

Using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? Try Safari

Safari is built into all Apple devices. It’s quick and safe, with handy features like Reader View, which removes clutter from web pages, and Reading List, which saves articles to read later. You can’t use Internet Explorer on Apple devices, but Chrome works well as a second option.

Other Great Browsers

Firefox

Made by Mozilla, Firefox is a solid choice for Windows, Mac, and Android. It’s updated often and supports new web tools. It's also built by an open-source team, which means it's designed with user privacy and security in mind.

Opera

Opera has been around since 1994. It’s a fast, reliable browser that works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Some websites may not load perfectly in Opera, but it’s still a good backup browser to keep on hand.

Choose a browser that fits your needs. Use two if possible, so you have a backup. Whether it’s Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Opera—you’ll be ready for whatever the web throws at you.