6 obscure browsers that are better than Chrome

I’ve lost count of how many web browsers I’ve tested and used over the years. From text-based to the weird and wonderful, I’ve tried them all. Knowing how many web browsers are available, it never ceases to amaze me that some languish in the shadows of obscurity — even those that are superior to the ones most people use.

I believe that many of those alternative browsers aren’t more widely used because most people simply don’t know about them.

Also: I speed-tested 11 browsers – and the fastest might surprise you

Let’s fix that. Below are five web browsers worth your time to test and compare to your current default.

Let’s dig in.

1. Arc

Arc browser should not be obscure. I expect that anyone who tests out this alternative browser will want to make the permanent switch from whatever browser they’re using. Yes, Arc is that good. It took me all of five minutes to realize that Arc needed to be my default web browser on MacOS, and I haven’t regretted the decision yet.

Also: 5 alternative browsers that might just replace Safari on your Mac

What appeals to me most about the Arc browser is how well it manages tabs with a feature called Spaces. With Spaces, you can create different workspaces for related tabs and easily swipe right or left (on your trackpad) between them. You can also move tabs between Spaces and save Spaces as a folder.

Arc has a beautiful interface that makes other browsers look boring and uninspired. Arc performs as well as any browser on the market and is frequently updated.

Arc browser is available for free on MacOS, Windows, and iOS. Maybe someday, The Browser Company will see fit to create a Linux version of the browser.

2. Colibri

Colibri is a stripped-down browser with an uncluttered UI designed to be light, compact, and fast. Colibri is unique among modern browsers in that it doesn’t include tabs. You get one site per window, and that’s it. Want to visit a different site? You open a new Colibri window!

With Colibri, you sign up for an account to which you can save links, lists, and feeds. Toggle between the current site you are viewing and your account view to locate the site you want to visit from there. This system keeps the Colibri UI minimal and easy to use. Yes, this is a far cry from what you’re accustomed to, but once you get a feel for the flow and see the clean interface, you’ll soon appreciate this alternative browser for the fast, uncluttered tool that it is.

Colibri is available for Linux, MacOS, and Windows. You can request a download link for free at the bottom of the main page on the official website.

3. Maxthon

Maxthon combines several impressive features into a web browser that anyone would enjoy using. These features include text-to-speech, AI chat, reader mode, built-in notepad, pinned tabs, extensions, ad blocking, incognito mode, a free VPN, a built-in password manager, split screen, a video downloader, data cleaning, and a customizable UI with themes.

Also: Too many tabs? Try these browsers with better tab management than Chrome

With the built-in AI chat, you’re limited to the number of free queries you get. However, you can select the type of AI you want to use, including chats for technology, writing, well-being, and an alien just for fun. The AI chat feature has two modes: Fast Mode offers daily free uses, and Expert Mode requires diamonds (an in-app purchase) and charges based on the number of conversations.

Maxthon is based on Chromium and can be installed on MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS for free.

4. Aloha

Another fork of Chromium, Aloha brings a level of security that Chrome cannot match (at least without serious tweaking).

With Aloha, you get a VPN, ad blocking, passcode or biometric lock, a privacy report, simple data management, third-party security audits, HTTPS everywhere, and Private AI chat. There’s also page translation, reading mode, a media player, night mode, a built-in file manager, multi-threaded downloads, locked folders, Wi-Fi file sharing, profiles, themes, and much more.

Aloha also offers Premium access, which gives you a faster VPN (with more locations), auto VPN connect, more customizations, advanced file management, and more. Of all the alternative browsers, Aloha is the one that looks and feels most like Chrome, so if you’re someone who doesn’t crave change, this is a great option.

Aloha can be downloaded and installed for free on MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Find out more from the Aloha download page.

5. LibreWolf

If you had to guess which browser LibreWolf was based on, what would you say? If you said Firefox, congratulations! The big difference between LibreWolf and Firefox is that LibreWolf is focused primarily on privacy, security, and freedom. This browser was designed to protect against tracking and fingerprinting, with the addition of a few extra security improvements via patches and settings. LibreWolf also guarantees that it will send no telemetry and offers private searches via DuckDuckGo, Searx, Qwant, and more.

Also: My 5 favorite web browsers – and what each is ideal for

LibreWolf is configured to delete cookies and website data automatically on closing, features uBlockOrigin out of the box, strips tracking elements from all URLs, and so much more. You can read all about the privacy and security enhancements added to LibreWolf here. LibreWolf is for those who like the Firefox UI but want to get serious about web security.

LibreWolf can be installed for free on Linux, MacOS, and Windows.

6. Bonus: Ulaa

Recently, I discovered another obscure browser that I felt belonged on this list. That browser is Ulaa and is created by the makers of the Zoho suite of tools. Ulaa focuses on privacy, security, and speed. With Ulaa, you get anonymized statistics, a 24-hour security patch policy, protection against high-risk security threats, auto updates on all platforms, auto reset of browser IDs, geographical data isolation, zero data sent to third parties, no push client channel updates, no metrics reported, no motion sensors, no third-party account integration, no network time tracker, and much more. 

Also: I found the most private and secure way to browse the web – and it isn’t incognito mode

Consider Ulaa a Chrome clone with considerably more security. You can also run the browser in different modes, such as Work, Personal, Developer, Kids, Open Season, and Incognito. Another thing that sets Ulaa apart from many Chrome clones is that it’s insanely fast. I don’t think I’ve seen a browser render the ZDNET page faster. The page render speed is beyond any browser I’ve used to date.

Ulaa can be installed on Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS.