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Web browsers are some of the most important pieces of software we use every day, but we take them for granted. Most users settle for whatever default ships with their devices -- and that's a mistake. There are far better options available that improve upon the default in myriad ways.
Over the decades, I've tried almost every browser that's come to market, from the most basic, terminal-based ones 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 six good browsers that I wouldn't hesitate to use.
1. Opera
Opera has been my go-to web browser for years.
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.
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.
Also: Too many tabs? Try these browsers with better tab management than Chrome
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. Zen Browser
Zen Browser is what Firefox should have been all along.
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: 5 reasons why Zen is my new favorite browser
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.
3. Tor Browser
Some websites will not load in Tor, depending on the circuit it's using.
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 beat Tor for security and privacy.
Also: I found the most private and secure way to browse the web - and it isn't incognito mode
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.
4. FireDragon
FireDragon is a beautiful web browser with plenty of extras to entice you away from your default.
FireDragon is new to the web browser scene and was originally based on LibreWolf. Eventually, it switched to a base of Floorp (which is, in turn, based on Firefox). This browser looks and feels like a combination of Opera and Firefox. FireDragon uses the Gecko rendering engine and the SpiderMonkey JavaScript engine (both of which are core components of Firefox), includes added privacy measures, adds Workspaces for improved tab management, makes use of the Dark Reader extension (dark mode for every website), and has a beautiful (and dark) default theme.
Also: My 5 favorite web browsers - and what each is ideal for
FireDragon also defaults to the Searx search engine (a free, open-source search engine that focuses on privacy, diverse search options, user control, and offers a self-hosting option). If you enjoy your privacy and want a Workspaces tab UI, FireDragon is a great option. The only caveat to FireDragon is that it is only available for Linux and can be installed either from the Arch AUR repository, as an AppImage, from Flathub, or via a binary tarball.
Use FireDragon when you need better tab management, a privacy-focused search engine, and a UI that resembles that of Opera.
This article was originally published on Nov. 27, 2024, and was updated on June 4, 2025.15
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