TOP 10 Browsers for Windows

- Seamless Browsing Across Platforms

Maxthon MX5 Cloud Browser is a web browser developed by Maxthon. The browser highlights its main features of faster browsing while securing personal information and being ad-free. Users are also able to synchronize their personal information online between their computers and mobile devices at the same time with its cloud browsing functionality.

Main Functionalities

Maxthon MX5 Cloud Browser helps users to work online on any platform, whether on desktop or mobile devices. It is built with Dual Rendering Engines so that anyone can get their online content in an instant. The secret behind the well-balanced read rate as well as multi-element page content lies in the Webkit and Trident web engine. The web browser is capable of downloading any online content quickly such as videos for later offline viewing. 

More Complex Features

Maxthon MX5 Cloud Browser still retains every essential tool and functionality of standard web browsers today while running very fast and having unique features. The search bar is at the top,  the suggested pages are at the bottom, the window is situated at the upper right side and the tools and options are placed on the upper left side. Opening tabs show the web browser toolbar for a minimal and less cluttered page. Users can resume their activities from desktop to mobile devices since every activity is recorded.

Maxthon Exclusive Contents

Users can sync across platforms to handle online activities like emails, file sharing, and even communication. The Maxnote is for bookmarks management where users save their favorite websites while editing the viewing method. The Passkeeper provides password securing with password generation that has a very encrypted combination. It fills the generated password for making any new accounts. The UUMail is a centralized email service where it can host all different email accounts. Users can manage their various accounts like categorization, custom rules, messaging, and even the creation of virtual email addresses. These 3 Maxthon features enable fast switching since the tabs are running above the web browser interface. The web browser offers its own custom skins and web extensions to enhance the online surfing experience. Users can change the skin of this web browser so that it looks personalized and unique. Most of them are made by users too. The extensions meanwhile function like any other web extensions found on popular websites. Each of them serves different kinds of functions such as cache eraser, media downloader, social media shortcuts, translator, and so on.

Advance Browser Across Platforms

Maxthon MX5 Cloud Browser is packed with advanced features to make itself distinguishable from others. It has a very fast response combined with syncing and Maxthon-exclusive contents can make itself a reliable online companion at home or outside.

- A free app for Windows, by Sordum.org.

Edge Blocker is a free software for Windows, belonging to the category 'Add-ons & Tools'.

About Edge Blocker for Windows

This app has been published on Softonic on November 7th, 2019 and we have not had the opportunity to test it yet.

We encourage you to try it and leave us a comment or value it on our website. This will help a lot the rest of our users!

Edge Blocker is available for Windows 10 and above. The current version of the software is 1.5, and you can get it only in English.

- Free private web browser

When it comes to web browsers, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox reign. However, nowadays, more and more alternatives are released on the market, providing new features that focus on user security and privacy protection. Gate Browser is yet another player in the field. A Chromium-based utility, it simplifies browsers to a level where users need only a couple of buttons to work with it. This browsing application offers private browsing—which, unlike regular browsing, is cleaner. It does not save history or cookies. Moreover, it protects users against cryptocurrency mining malware. The app is also very clean since it has no add-ons that make the browser heavy.

Worry-free browsing

Gate Browser works to provide users with a worry-free browsing experience. The app clears your history and cookies after each session, so you don't have to go through the trouble of clearing them. As additional protection, the app comes with a built-in download blocker. With this, you can avoid inadvertent or malicious downloading of harmful—and sometimes internet-filtering—software. 

Gate Browser comes with a default dark color scheme. However, users can change it to a white theme by using the switch under the Close button. Right near the Theme Changer switch, users can find a trash icon. Users can use this icon to clean the entire history without closing the browser. There is also the Shield icon, which represents crypto-mining protection. This function is permanently activated, so you are always protected whenever you use the app. 

To conclude, Gate Browser is a great alternative if you are looking for a secure web browser. The app is very simple and easy to use, as it has only a few buttons that you need to fiddle with. However, it lacks a few helpful tools, including the bookmark bar and extension manager. In the end, the app is only for safe browsing, as it does not let you save any of your preferences and frequently visited websites. 

- Fast and Secure Web Browser

There are many web browsers available for the Windows operating system. Most of them have more or less similar layouts, features, and functions. In fact, most of the time, the only way to differentiate them is through the browsing speed and add-ons that they offer. If you are looking to try a new browser for your computer, here is another one to include in your list. 360 Browser is a web browser from 360 Internet Security. This feature-packed app revolutionizes web browsing with an incredibly fast Webkit engine, along with various customization options to better suit your preferences. It is a fast, secure, and smart yet simple and intuitive browser. 

Revolutionizing Web Browsing

360 Browser promises to provide users with a fast and intuitive browser. The app comes with an easy-to-navigate interface that looks similar to Google Chrome. The homepage shows you the icons of the websites you’ve recently visited. If you want to see your browsing history and other app setting options, you only need to click the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner of the browser. 360 Browser offers a choice between the Webkit engine and the Internet Explorer mode for avid internet users. By doing so, it optimizes the best webpage experience for its users.

Aside from faster browsing, 360 Browser also boasts its tight browser security. It has an anti-phishing and malicious URL filter that detects and warns you about websites that are potentially harmful to your device. It also scans any downloaded file for malware. To make it even better for you, the app has recently added an Ad-Filter, which saves you from dealing with annoying ads that hinder your browsing. 

360 Browser offers these advanced features without compromising its look. It comes with various themes so you can personalize the look of your browser. If you want to enjoy a new style of browsing, this app is worth a try.

- Free teaching, training, and online assessments

Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a reliable, free, and useful internet browser environment to conduct online assessments securely. The education program transforms a basic computer into a secure workstation. In order to support an anti-cheat mechanism, the tool controls access to various resources, including system functions, access to third-party apps, etc. This helps prevent unauthorized access to resources during an examination.

Simply put, SEB is a teaching software and training tool developed by Educational Development and Technology (LET) and ETH Zurich. With this utility program, you can temporarily turn a workstation into a secure testing system, which runs smoothly in the form of a web browser environment. Compared to Respondus, NANO, and BriskBard, this program has a major advantage in the education domain.

A powerful learning management system

Safe Exam Browser is a hassle-free web browser environment to conduct online examinations securely. The program transforms a computer into a secure system. In addition to this, it regulates access to a range of resources, such as third-party applications, websites, system functions, and more. 

SEB runs smoothly on a local Windows computer. It uses an internet connection to build a secure link with a learning management system (LMS). In most cases, SEB is compatible with leading web-based LMS or other online exam systems. For instance, learning management systems like OpenOLAT, ILIAS, and Moodle feature a quiz mode compatible with the program.

What are the components of SEB?

The teaching software comes with three components. The main components include a browser interface and a kiosk application. These run on an exam tablet or computer. The kiosk app locks the exam device, while the browser component communicates over a LAN or internet connection with the quiz module on a server.

It’s important to note that apart from locking down the computer, the kiosk app starts the Safe Exam Browser and third-party applications. The software needs to control multiple OS functions, and therefore, has been designed in a system-specific manner.

The education program displays and loads the learning management system’s exam page. In order to do so, it uses a preset URL and doesn’t offer navigation elements like search engine field, address bar, etc. Currently, the Windows version of the program utilizes the Mozilla Gecko engine, either in the form of XULRunner or Firefox. On the other hand, the program uses the WebKit engine on iOS and macOS.

Most online exam tools contain a range of quiz modules, which can be used to conduct online examinations and assessments. Safe Exam Browser relies on skins or extensions to the quiz modules in ILIAS or Moodle for secure access. While using these extensions, the user interface of the learning management system is reduced to only containing navigation features and skipping undesirable functionalities like messaging.

With this training tool, an exam can be configured to run just with SEB, not any other internet browser. Earlier, the SEB and LMS extensions had to be installed separately to achieve such connectivity. With Safe Exam Browser, these have been integrated into the latest versions of various learning management systems.

What about the configuration?

Safe Exam Browser is the perfect platform for conducting secure examinations on unsupervised computers, such as students’ own tablets, PCs, and other devices. The program runs smoothly on multiple operating systems, including iOS, macOS, and Windows. In the latest version, SEB comes with a customized configuration for each examination. It’s protected by high-end encryption.

With a comprehensive authentication feature, the learning management system can verify that a specific, unchanged SEB version and accurate exam settings are used for assessment.  This leads to secure and fair online examinations, especially when almost everyone today is now working or studying remotely.

The latest version of Safe Exam Browser is a unified platform, which comes with a range of new features, a simplified exam system interface, and compatible configuration files. The program takes into account various operating system differences and ensures seamless integration on all devices.

SEB for Windows

For Windows, Safe Exam Browser comes with a unique kiosk application. When you click the functionality, it opens up a standalone Windows desktop. Moreover, it blocks system commands, such as keyboard shortcuts, right mouse button clicks, etc. The second component in this version is Firefox, which runs in XUL runtime mode. The application connects seamlessly to the learning management system with a pre-configured start URL. It’s worth mentioning that the teaching software’s browser doesn’t contain a search field or URL or navigation controls.

SEB for Mac and iOS

As compared to the Windows version, the online exam tool for iOS and macOS is available in the form of a monolithic application. It uses an internet browser framework instead of the standard browser runtime. Additionally, it uses the reliable WebKit engine, which also works with Safari and other leading open-source web browsers. Apart from this, the iOS and macOS version of SEB connects to learning management systems in the same way as the counterpart.

The education program allows teachers to restrict students from accessing resources and tools while taking an online examination or assessment. While using this training tool, students are unable to access other websites, apps, system tools, search functions, and programs. Considering everything, Safe Web Browser is a good choice for hassle-free e-assessments and online examinations.

A good program for conducting online assessments

Safe Exam Browser is one of the leading learning management systems, especially if you’re looking to conduct a secure and safe online examination or assessment. With multiple features and exam systems integrated into the software, you can easily control all the functionalities with ease. Additionally, you can prevent unauthorized access to resources used for cheating. Overall, Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a good choice for Windows PCs.

- Free, Chromium-based browser

When it comes to web browsers derived from the diverse and reliable Chromium platform, Google Chrome has certainly taken the spotlight. However, there are other alternatives based on Chromium out there that have their unique tools and features. The Chedot browser is one of those. Characterized by the funky icon that depicts a Che Guevara bird, this app offers more than your basic internet browsing tools. It has a bundle of interesting features that you don’t often see even in mainstream browsers. 

More than your usual browser

Chedot offers five specialized tools that work to enhance your browsing experience. The first tool is a VPN service integrated to allow you to access geo-restricted websites and hide your IP address. The second tool, meanwhile, offers quick access to your Facebook account and various sections of it. But what makes the app more amazing is the fact that it lets you download music and videos. With the third tool, called the Media Downloader, you can download YouTube videos in both MP4 and MP4a formats. More, you can also save music from the popular music streaming service, SoundCloud. 

The fourth tool in the app is called the Download Manager. As the name suggests, this feature makes it easier for you to keep track of all the items you downloaded. Finally, the fifth tool is a screen capture tool. With it, you can effortlessly grab the entire window or selected areas within it. This tool also comes with a small set of annotation functions, which allows you to enhance your screenshots. 

While all these might sound great, there are a few things regarding the browser that you need to be aware of. To start, the first tab in the app is locked. While you can use it to browse the internet, you cannot close it or have it unpinned. More, there is a custom intro screen that will pop up whenever you start a new tab. This start screen displays various categories and lots of ads. To make it worse, you cannot deactivate this custom intro screen. 

A promising alternative

If you are looking for an alternative to Google Chrome, then Chedot is worth a try. To summarize, this browser lets you visit geo-restricted websites, download videos and music, take screenshots and even access your Facebook easily. However, while it might be promising, there are some annoying usability issues that you need to put up with.

- Fast and efficient Windows web browser

BriskBard is a free web browser program developed by an indie developer named Salvador Diaz Fau for desktop use. Its main objective is to enable users to save time and effort by integrating ten powerful applications in one browser software. For a more efficient and faster Internet experience, you will do all your daily Internet tasks such as accessing emails, newsgroup channels, and IRC clients, as well as transferring files via FTP or managing contacts in just a single click.

Feature-packed and intuitive

BriskBard browser is rich with features. Apart from the features mentioned previously, this tool can also provide a media player wherein you can listen to your favorite music and watch any movies you desire, all-in-one place. Through the RSS and Atom feeds, it gathers all the news and displays it as on-screen notifications for every fresh headline it obtains. If a certain website contains RSS and Atom feeds, you can opt to subscribe to them by simply clicking the orange feed icon.

It comes with a clean and intuitive multi-tabbed user interface that enables you to access various Internet tasks with ease. You will have the freedom to move or open them at your disposal. It also serves plenty of quick access buttons that will lead you to use handy functions such as who.is, telnet, name resolver tab, or contact organizer. Furthermore, it even allows you to customize the color of the service or client for easy and instant identification.

Bear in mind that it also permits you to use bookmarks and grants you total control over the downloads and uploads you carry out using your preferred FTP client. On another note, you can manage all types of messages with simple chats with your friends to multiple email clients that support POP3, SMTP, or IMAP protocols.

A smart browser and manager tool

BriskBard is a slick browser and management tool that enables you to access your favorite service and clients without necessarily logging in or using bookmarks. It is an extensive software that allows you to quickly and efficiently manage all of your daily Internet tasks, starting from the typical browsing of the web. 

- Adobe Flash Player's substitute

Ruffle for Chrome is a browser extension that can emulate a Flash Player for any of your modern web browsers such as Google Chrome. It is a perfect replacement for the widely popular Adobe Flash Player that already got discontinued. Built using Rust's programming language, it ensures better memory management and is more secure, as well. However, keep in mind that this is still under active development and the developers continuously release nightly development for constant improvements.

Is Ruffle safe?

Ruffle offers a more secure program than Adobe Flash Player, which is popularly known for its security issues. Thanks to the memory safety insurance from Rust, users are now protected from all the safety pitfalls that Adobe Flash Player had been famous for. Apart from the tighter security it provides, it is guaranteed to be easy to use and install, as well. This is an open-source project so, expect that its entirety is made thinking of the community's benefit.  

The browser extension tool has the capability to automatically detect all the existing flash content on a web page and make it work immediately without any additional configuration from the user. For websites that still rely on flash content, it enables seamless and transparent upgrades. This entire project is made by volunteers who are eager to preserve many websites and plenty of content that will no longer be accessible when the official Flash Player was formally discontinued.

Bear in mind though that the binary file of this extension is not available on  Chrome Web Store yet as it's still under development. To install its demo version into your Chrome browser, you will have to extract the downloaded zip file. After that, you will need to navigate to chrome://extensions/ and activate ‘Developer’ mode in the top right corner. You will then click 'Load unpacked' and select the folder you extracted the extension to.

Better alternative

Even in its early stages of development, Ruffle can now be considered a revamped version of Adobe Flash Player especially in terms of security. It is built in Rust programming languages that guarantee memory safety. This program is becoming increasingly essential now that Adobe Flash Player was officially discontinued. With this tool, websites that have flash content will be able to work properly and more securely than ever before. This extension is highly recommended and is a must-have.

- A hassle-free web browser for privacy

CCleaner Browser is a secure web browser developed by Piriform Ltd. The program comes with a built-in security system, specifically designed to improve your browsing experience. Moreover, it keeps your data secure and away from the prying eyes of advertisers. The leading software comes with various security features, including anti-tracking, anti-phishing, HTTPS encryption, and more. Every feature can be easily customized from the tool’s ‘Security and Privacy Center.’ With a simple interface, CCleaner has become a good choice for safely and conveniently browsing the internet.

Included adblocker, video downloader, and other features

When it comes to internet browsers, you can choose from multiple options, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, UC Browser, etc. However, each one of these options has become a hunting ground for advertisers around the world. If you’re looking for software that packs privacy and security features, CCleaner Browser will be a good choice.

How to get started?

Once you’ve downloaded the lightweight installation package, you will see the setup window. You can choose the preferred language, and select your existing browser to import all the data. CCleaner even adds shortcuts to the home screen, making it easier to access your bookmarks, files, documents, etc.

The installation doesn’t take more than a few seconds. Once you’re done, the home screen displays a few prompts about your security and privacy. The program also claims to be up to 4 times faster than other web browsers for Windows 10 PCs. 

What are the privacy features?

Like most leading applications, CCleaner Browser download comes with a ‘Security and Privacy Center,’ which features a wide range of security-oriented tools. If you have the CCleaner disk space manager installed on your system, it can be opened from this section of the program.

To help you get started, each feature or functionality in this panel comes with a detailed explanation of the usage. This helps you decide if you’d want to enable certain features or not.

The browser boosts your privacy with ad-blocking, anti-phishing, anti-fingerprinting, anti-tracking, etc. You can enable HTTPS encryption to establish more secure connections, and block Flash content to ensure safer and faster browsing.

The program offers another utility feature, which deals with cleaning cache, browser history, cookies, and junk files left behind by websites or plugins. It’s recommended to use this feature on a regular basis to free up disk space and protect your privacy.

Unlike other browsing apps, CCleaner Browser also features a Webcam Guard, which gives you control over the websites that can access your PC’s camera. There’s even a Password Manager for auto-filling login information and storing certain details, speeding up the login process to multiple websites.

What about the Stealth Mode?

Just like Chrome’s Incognito mode, this web browser comes with a ‘Stealth Mode’, which keeps your browsing history secure. It lets you browse the internet privately, and clears the history of web searches, websites visited, cookies, and other critical information.

Additionally, the program blocks tracking scripts from recording clicks and movements over the internet. Once you shut down the ‘Stealth Mode’ windows, the browser also clears downloaded history and temporary files.

The anti-phishing and anti-tracking features are enabled by default in the internet browser’s ‘Stealth Mode.’ This means ad networks and webmasters are unable to follow your account, and malicious websites can’t acquire your private information.

What are the advanced features?

The latest version of the program comes with revamped anti-fingerprinting technology. CCleaner Browser disguises your browser fingerprint, preventing websites from tracking your movements and identifying your user profile. This lets you avoid annoying ads and disruptions targeted at acquiring your personal and financial information after visiting a website.

The built-in ad blocker prevents advertisements from loading on website pages. This enriches your browsing experience and keeps information like IP address, Windows version, etc., secure and private.

It’s important to understand that advertisers track people across different websites. This is primarily done to collect data about your preferences. The information is sold to third-party vendors, which leads to disruptive advertisements on your screen. It not only compromises browsing behavior but provides important information about your system to strangers.

From the ‘Advanced Settings’ section, you can manage the program’s ad blocker settings, create customized rules and filters, and apply third-party filters. CCleaner Browser also checks every website for malicious or unsafe content, keeping your PC safe from dangerous hackers and spammers.

The software gives you a detailed ‘Threat Report’, giving information about various statistics, including a number of dangerous elements found, a number of files scanned, quality of websites visited, and more. The browser’s anti-tracking feature protects user privacy with a Do Not Track mechanism.

Overall, CCleaner Browser is an excellent choice for a safe, secure, and faster browsing experience. Compared to other platforms, this one comes with multiple features focusing on privacy and security. Additionally, it integrates with other products from Piriform to scan and clean your system.

The simple interface of the program is a bonus addition and lets you maneuver multiple controls and features easily. Everything has been displayed in large-sized icons, letting you quickly access advanced settings, functionalities, and tools. Since the program is lightweight, it doesn’t affect your system resources. While using the program, you will rarely experience any lags or crashes.

A secure and private browsing experience for Windows

CCleaner Browser Download comes with an intuitive GUI. Like most leading web browsers, it’s based on Chromium. Thus, if you’re already familiar with Google Chrome’s interface, you’ll be able to use CCleaner without any issues. Even the enhanced functions of the program are beginner-friendly and don’t require a steep learning curve.

CCleaner Browser lets you bookmark pages, downloads, and extensions. Most importantly, everything is handled by dedicated managers, while last visited tabs can be re-visited from the ‘History’ section. Without a doubt, the program is an excellent choice to transition from any other internet browser.

- A perfect alternative for Adobe Flash Player

Written in Rust programming language, Ruffle for Firefox is a Flash Player emulator that can be used for all modern desktop operating systems and web browsers. Unlike Adobe Flash Player who has had various security issues, this Firefox add-on uses the safety of the newfangled browser sandbox and the memory safety guarantees of Rust. This browser extension brings Flash Player back into the internet, given the official discontinuation of Adobe Flash Player in 2021.

How do you use Ruffle flash?

Before using this Flash Player emulator, you have to make sure that you have completely removed the Adobe Flash Player from your computer. Once done, you can immediately proceed with installing the extension tool on your Firefox browser. This program is still in its development stage thus, you can't see it available on the Firefox browser add-ons site yet. So, you have to download its file directly from the developer's page.

As Mozilla doesn't allow the installation of unsigned extensions, you need to download the Firefox Nightly browser to make this tool work. Type about: config in the address bar and look for a setting that is labeled 'xpinstall.signatures.required.' Lastly, you must change its value to false in order to successfully install this add-on to your Firefox browser. After the installation, you can access this from its icon and toggle it off or on from there.

Just like what Adobe Flash Player used to deliver, all the Flash content that requires flash player access can now be used again, thanks to this emulator. It automatically detects all Flash content present on a website and polyfill it into a Ruffle player. To go into full-screen mode, you only need to right-click on any flash content and choose 'Enter Fullscreen.' With no extra configuration required, the tool will instantly work once activated.

The best substitute

Ruffle came out at the right time just as Adobe Flash Player was officially getting pulled out of the market. Although it's still under early development, it offers better memory management and security compared to the widely-popular Flash Player from Adobe and its widely known security issues. For Firefox browser users, you should ensure that you have the Firefox Nightly browser to successfully install and operate this unsigned extension tool.