Strictly speaking, there is only one full-fledged browser for iOS - Safari. All alternatives are actually graphical add-ons and sets of Java scripts for the open source WebKit engine, which is the basis of Safari.
And it’s even more interesting how different developers, using the same platform and similar tools, can achieve results that are very far from each other, both in appearance and functionality. All seven browsers we mentioned for iOS (or rather, specifically for the iPad tablet with a large diagonal screen) differ primarily in their set of functions and controls. And even the loading acceleration technologies used, for example, in Opera Mini, are not as impressive here as in the “desktop” versions. But in terms of capabilities and usability, they all differ very clearly.
1.Chrome
One of the most popular alternatives to Safari on iPad is, of course, the main advantage of which is that it allows you to take advantage of the capabilities of your Google account. Yes, yes, oddly enough, among users of Google services there are many who prefer iOS rather than Android.
Through mobile Chrome, you can sync bookmarks, passwords and other data with the desktop version of this browser, so if you fundamentally prefer Chrome, then this is what you need.
Otherwise, this is still an add-on to the Safari engine, so don't expect fast page rendering or any extensions supported in desktop Chrome.
2.Opera Mini
The “mini version” is best known for its “turbo mode,” in which user requests pass through the company’s cloud servers, where they are compressed, resulting in many pages loading faster than the original ones. The “side effect” of this feature is that it allows you to access resources blocked by local providers, and for this alone you can fall in love with Opera Mini once and for all. However, compression does not work correctly with all content: on some sites the layout is broken, headers and fonts are distorted, and some scripts do not function. But if you access the Internet on slow mobile connections or on tariffs with traffic restrictions, then these shortcomings can be forgiven, since the savings with Opera Mini can be significant.
In all other respects, Opera Mini is nothing outstanding; it has only a standard set of functions: saving pages for offline viewing and synchronizing with the desktop version. In addition, this browser has two separate fields for entering web addresses and search queries, which already looks quite old-fashioned.
3.Coast
The free one was developed by Opera programmers specifically for the iPad. This is not just another modification of Opera Mini, and it has a single input field for the address bar and search queries.
Coast- a full-screen browser that, when launched, displays “tiles” for popular sites. There are simple gestures to go to the previous and next pages, save a page to the tablet's memory, and quickly call up the Favorites panel by clicking on the icon at the bottom of the screen.
All browser functions work very quickly, but the same cannot be said about the page loading speed: it is the most ordinary. Coast also does not boast any original features: it is a simple browser for those who regularly visit a small number of sites. As for the design, some will definitely like it, but others will definitely not.
4. Puffin
The only browser for iOS that supports Flash. Do we really need it? Probably not very much anymore. Moreover, even the most primitive flash games in Puffin are incredibly slow, and it’s time to forget about this technology as if it were the day before yesterday.
Among the small bonuses, it is worth noting the ability to download files from Puffin directly to your cloud on Dropbox, so that they will immediately be available on all connected devices.
5. iCab
Addressed to active Internet users: it is richly stuffed with all sorts of additional functions. In design, iCab is reminiscent of Safari and fits perfectly into the graphic style of iOS 7. However, iCab generally has a lot in common with Safari: for example, you can directly add pages from it to the Safari reading list. There is a full-screen mode with translucent navigation buttons.
iCab provides support for multiple user accounts with their own settings, passwords and even color schemes. A complete list of all iCab features would take several pages, so it is not surprising that you will have to pay for this browser - however, only 66 rubles. So if you're looking for a versatile Swiss Army knife, the iCab is definitely your best bet.
6. Dolphin
Dolphin, as befits a modern mobile browser, supports bookmarks (tabs) and gesture control, and you can even come up with some unique gestures (symbols) to go to specific sites. Synchronization is provided between the desktop and portable versions of Dolphin, and even synchronization with desktop Safari, Firefox and Chrome after installing the appropriate extensions.
7. Sleipnir
There is also a synchronization function with the desktop version: to do this you need to create a free Fenrir Pass account. Full screen mode is provided. The browser has built-in support for popular online services, including Dropbox, Evernote, Facebook and Twitter.
More and more mobile device users are using their gadgets. Now this no longer surprises anyone, since the number of iPad owners is growing at warp speed. The activity of specialists developing software for them, namely browsers, is also intensifying. It cannot be any other way, since the iPad is already based on the function of instant access to various flash information located on web pages. Naturally, any iPad user has his own preferences and interests in this matter. There are plenty to choose from, but it’s still quite difficult to determine for the iPad. Let's try to do this together.
The main browser is Safari, which is the default on all Apple devices. Naturally, he also has competitors. Let's look at some of them.
This browser is a one-page browser. In some way that only he understands, he clears web pages of all advertising junk. As a result, a text appears in front of you, cleared of unnecessary distracting information and spam. The main graphics of the site itself are preserved in full.
Externally, InstaWeb is similar to Google's browser. The interface is so simple that it can be understood without translation, and all necessary operations are performed. In terms of speed, functionality and cost, it is one of the best browsers. It works practically without any brakes, since the built-in flash player is almost flawless in operation.
Google Chrome for iPad
Chrome, like any browser for iPad, takes some time to master. For example, it’s not entirely customary to work without bookmarks. By the way, the quick access panel itself cannot boast of significant versatility. But this is successfully compensated by high performance, which does not always work properly if you quickly increase the screen size. The voice input function could also use improvement; sometimes it’s easier in the search bar.
Dolphin Browser HD
Many iPad users agree that it is better in some ways than others, although it is not perfect. Still, it has all the previously familiar functions. There is a quick access panel, bookmarks, and its own feature. In the upper right corner there is a conventional “Signs” icon. When you click on it, a black board appears, similar to a school board. On it, you can imitate with your finger a conventional gesture installed in the browser or invented by you, which will immediately display the desired page corresponding to it. It must be admitted that, compared to others, this application can deservedly bear the title of “Best browser for iPad tablet.”
The best browsers for iOS
Statistics show that at the end of 2011, more than 50% of all Internet traffic came from devices (iPod touch - 2.32%, iPad - 24.53%, iPhone - 25.24%). Such metrics indicate quite clearly that the web browser on devices with an apple on its back is one of the most used applications.
Safari
First on the list, of course, is Safari. The reason is simple - it is a standard browser installed by default. In addition, it copes well with its main task, that is, displaying web pages.
Its interface is not overloaded with unnecessary options, but is easy to understand. At the top, as is customary, there is an address bar, to the right of it is a field for entering a search query. At the bottom there are keys for navigating through tabs and pages, a button to open the bookmarks bar, and another one to open access to the following additional functions:
Also with the release of iOS 5, Safari added two more exciting features. One of them is the “Reading List”, which allows you to save links to articles of interest for reading later. For convenience when working with navigation, all saved links are divided in the list into “unread” and “all others”. Plus, under each of them there is a brief description of the page to which this or that link leads.
Video about comparing Safari, Chrome, Opera browsers on iPad:
The second option that appeared with the fifth version of iOS is Reader. It is necessary for the most voluminous articles on the screen of electronic gadgets. Web pages are displayed without annoying you with unnecessary advertising and other unnecessary information. The text with pictures is formed in a special way and appears in the form of an easy-to-read page, typed in a font that is pleasing to the eye.
Opera Mini
If there is a question of saving Internet traffic (especially in roaming), then most users, first of all, remember this Norwegian development. The fact is that Opera Mini appeared on mobile phones long before the advent of Android and . At first it was distributed as a Java application, or rather, a MIDlet. The Opera mini interface can be considered old-fashioned, but you can’t deny its ergonomics. For example, it is quite convenient to create bookmarks with one click on the asterisk in the address bar. However, the main advantage of this browser is very fast page loading thanks to the traffic compression option, which allows you to save yourself from large expenses on mobile Internet. Therefore, it is deservedly recognized as the best flash browser for iPad. The disadvantages include not always high-quality drawing and sometimes not very smooth scrolling of web pages.
iCab Mobile is one of the few cases where the developers managed to load the mobile browser with functions to the fullest, but at the same time it is really convenient to use, and the navigation is intuitive.
Today it is extremely difficult to find a worthy alternative to Safari, and there are two main reasons for this. First, Safari is the default for opening links in almost all apps (at least those that don't have a built-in browser). Secondly, and here it is worth paying tribute to Apple's designers, Safari is one of the few iOS browsers that looks modern and is scaled for the user's convenience.
However, Safari also has a lot of shortcomings. As we already mentioned in the best apps for iPad Pro (2018), Safari is updated extremely rarely - only with the release of a new version of iOS - and sometimes you have to wait literally years for bugs to be fixed or new features added. In addition, the functionality of mobile Safari is significantly reduced compared to desktop browsers.
If you want more control over your browser's interface and settings, consider iCab Mobile. This application is not new. Not at all, the first version of iCab Mobile was released back in 2009, and now the current build is 9.11.3, released in July of this year.
Interface and functionality
The first thing that greets you in the browser (besides the vintage iCab site as the default start page) is a huge number of buttons and settings. Fortunately, understanding most of them is not difficult.
The icons at the bottom of the screen speak for themselves. The leftmost key calls Action Menu, where you can manage tabs and forms, add a page to the Today or Quick Launch widget, and much more. Panels follow Personal data And Reading list. In the latter, you can add pages to your reading list not only in iCab Mobile, but also in Safari, which is convenient if you prefer to read in the default browser.
The next two icons are an alternative way to navigate between tabs and full screen mode. In the settings you can enable the status bar in full screen mode if you need it. Icon with a puzzle piece - menu of modules (extensions for iCab). Here you can use connected modules - for example, add a page to Pocket or Evernote to read later.
Finally, the last three icons are Downloads, Dark Mode and Settings. It would seem that the purpose of all three is extremely clear, but here I would like to note the ability to save files in Dropbox and copy them to the clipboard, as well as create rules for downloads. For example, you want all books in .EPUB format to be automatically moved to the Downloads folder on your smartphone. Just a couple of taps is enough to add such a rule!
Important Features
It’s convenient that the search can be configured directly, forgive the tautology, in the search bar. You can choose whether to show search results in a separate tab or in the current one, change the search engine, or even switch to page search mode (!). A nice bonus is that in search mode, an additional autocomplete line appears on the keyboard with symbols and popular domains: com, net, edu, etc.
It's definitely nice to be able to customize the interface to suit you. And we are talking not only about navigation elements, but also about design. If you find modern design too boring, you can switch to classic and change the color of contrasting elements.
In the Privacy settings menu, you can see how much space the cache takes up and clear it with one touch. The same goes for browser history, tabs, and search. It’s nice that you don’t need to go into your smartphone’s settings to do this, as is the case with Safari.
Finally, the last feature of iCab Mobile that I would like to talk about is the ability to change users. In addition to the admin, you can also add a guest profile with limited access to settings and separate browsing history and open tabs. You don’t need to close your personal tabs before giving your smartphone to another person - you just need to switch the user to Guest, this is done in two taps.
Conclusion
iCab Mobile is a great option if you are looking for a mobile browser that is as close in functionality as a desktop one. However, this app definitely looks better on larger screens due to the large number of icons and tab system.
The iOS App Store is filled with third party browsers that are quite good. Some browsers make your browsing safer by preventing online trackers from tracking your browsing habits. Some offer an easy-to-use interface, and some work better with Google accounts. The browser war is stronger than ever, and if you are finding it difficult to choose the best iPhone browser for your device, this article will help you. In this article, we have listed all the best iPhone web browsers along with their weaknesses so that you can choose the one that suits your needs. So, without any delay, here are the 12 best browsers for iPhone that you should use in 2019.
Best iPhone Browsers You Should Use in 2019
1. Google Chrome
Google Chrome took the Internet by storm when it launched in 2008 for desktop computers. Since then it has matured a lot and has become the most popular browser. If you swear by the Google ecosystem, which most of us do, Chrome can synchronize all your bookmarks and history on all your devices. It can also sync your open tabs if you're signed in using the same iCloud account on multiple devices, such as Safari. Chrome can also translate web pages on the fly, so you never have to worry about your foreign language anxiety (although learning foreign languages can be cool!).
Chrome also has a pretty good one voice search built-in feature so you can search the Internet using your voice. The user interface is quite nice, with tab browsing, an easy way to switch between bookmarks and history, and an incognito mode. The Omnibox features an address bar and a search bar, followed by icons of your latest websites.
If you are looking quickly and without frills An alternative web browser for iOS, Google Chrome is a great option. The only feature I'm missing from Chrome for Android is a data save mode, which can't be built into Chrome for iOS due to Apple restrictions. I also miss Reader mode from Safari/Firefox when browsing in Chrome.
Download Google Chrome (free)
2. Mozilla Firefox and Firefox Focus
Mozilla pioneered the web browser revolution even before Chrome. Like Apple and Google, Firefox lets you sync all your passwords, history, open tabs, and bookmarks across all your devices with a Mozilla account. Firefox for iOS offers all the goodness of Firefox on the desktop, like private browsing and adds some iOS-specific tricks.
Safari on iOS is fast, easy to use, and syncs data between your devices out of the box. Indeed, the standard browser for iPhone and iPad is very good. But there are worthy alternatives that have more features, are better integrated with certain services and are simply more comfortable to use. We scoured the App Store for third-party browsers and found the 5 best.
Chrome
iPhone + iPad | 70.7 MB | Free | DOWNLOAD
One of the most deserving candidates to replace Safari is Google's Chrome. The popular browser last week acquired convenient gestures for moving forward/backward through pages from the edge of the screen.
Chrome is tightly integrated with Google services and is available on OS X, iOS, Android, Linux and Windows. The browser synchronizes tabs, passwords, favorites, history and other data, which will appeal to device owners on different platforms. By the way, even if you have Safari on Mac and iPhone, both browsers will be friends and work through Handoff.
The browser interface is made in Google's proprietary Material Design, so it is not only convenient, but visually pleasing to use. Among the useful features of Chrome, I would like to note a pop-up panel when scrolling from top to bottom, which allows you to quickly open/close a tab and refresh the page by swiping.
It is convenient to type website addresses and enter search queries in the browser thanks to a panel with Internet symbols (dot, .com, etc.).
Opera Coast
iPhone + iPad | 35.8 MB | Free | DOWNLOAD
Opera's Coast browser offers an atypical approach to using the Web. In the program, you find yourself as if in a separate operating system, where websites are applications.
The main page contains icons with programs, that is, favorite pages, if we draw an analogy with traditional browsers. Here you can change their order and set background images.
Window with tabs - multitasking menu.
Coast attracts with its concept, speed and quality of work. Beautiful interface with smooth animations and high page loading speed. Everything we love.
The web address input field displays a selection of current news, does a great job of suggesting sites, and ends search queries.
Mercury Browser
iPhone + iPad | 54.9 MB | Free | DOWNLOAD
One of the most sophisticated browsers in the App Store. Mercury Browser has everything a demanding user might need: support for extensions, AdBlock, the ability to change User Agent, reading mode, themes, offline reading list, full screen mode, support for cloud services, gestures and much more.
Almost every component in Mercury Browser is customizable. For example, you can choose to display tabs like on a computer or leave the classic iPhone thumbnails.
The search window supports working with third-party sites.
A widget in Notification Center provides quick access to your favorite sites.
Mercury Browser is packed to the brim with features, but this did not affect the browser's performance. The program is fast, you can browse the Internet comfortably and at high speed.
Yandex.Browser
iPhone | 66.1 MB | Free | DOWNLOAD
The browser of the same name from the Russian search engine stands out due to its different placement of the address bar. It is at the very bottom, which eliminates the need to reach up each time to enter the address.
This is a balanced browser, without any outstanding features, but fast, convenient and neat.
The main screen of Ya.Browser is divided into beautiful blocks with sites from your favorites.
