Which Is The Best Browser? [MakeUseOf Poll]

Last week we asked about how often you shopped online. Surprisingly, it seems almost all of us shop online at least once per month!

We collected 149 votes: The most popular response, on 28%, was for shopping once every two weeks; 25% voters shop online once per month; 19% shop online more than once per week; 12% shopping once every three months; 7% voters never shop online; 5% shop once every six months; and 5% shop only once per year.

Full results and this week’s poll after the jump.


As you can see, MakeUseOf readers are clearly regular online shoppers.

This week’s poll question is: Which Is The Best Browser?

We’re not going to ask about the smaller browsers “” this is simply a showdown for the five most popular browsers.

Feel free to let us know why you chose your favourite browser “” Speed? Security? Features? Did you choose something different for your mobile? Let us know!

Tagged: • •

Angela Alcorn

Ange is an Internet Studies & Journalism graduate who spends way too much time messing with social networks (see AngelaAlcorn.com or @smange).

The comments were closed because the article is more than 90 days old.

If you have any questions related to stuff mentioned in the article or need help with any computer issue, just ask it on MakeUseOf Answers.

  • Anonymous

    Firefox’s awesome bar kills Chrome’s crappy search Google as a bookmark

    • http://www.internetgeeks.org/ Internet Geeks

      Yup no browser can beat firefox. So many plugins and super fast. Better than Chrome and Opera.

      • Ahmed

        yes, even firefox takes smaller ram and hard disk space compared to chrome.

  • pt3

    Firefox’s awesome bar kills Chrome’s crappy search Google as a bookmark

  • http://dhdaily.com Josh Fox

    I’d say with speed, security, and features as the main aspects, Firefox for security and features, Chrome for speed and security, and Links for more speed and security. I’ve found that you can usually only have 2 of the 3 in a browser.

  • Josh Fox

    I’d say with speed, security, and features as the main aspects, Firefox for security and features, Chrome for speed and security, and Links for more speed and security. I’ve found that you can usually only have 2 of the 3 in a browser.

  • ito

    I can’t decide which one I like best because I use three (4 actually) for different things. And I like some better than the others based on what I use them for. On my XP system Opera is the fastest one to open so I mostly use it for downloading anything and for the ease of use. Firefox I still use because it has my favourite rss feed and even though I might be wrong I still feel more safe on it than any other browser. :) I know… Also I use Chrome and ChromePlus portable, usually for quick searches or when the other browsers are busy with something else.

    I like them all and use them heavily every day although Opera is the one that has impressed me the most this year. I tried also Safari but in XP I do not like it.

  • ito

    I can’t decide which one I like best because I use three (4 actually) for different things. And I like some better than the others based on what I use them for. On my XP system Opera is the fastest one to open so I mostly use it for downloading anything and for the ease of use. Firefox I still use because it has my favourite rss feed and even though I might be wrong I still feel more safe on it than any other browser. :) I know… Also I use Chrome and ChromePlus portable, usually for quick searches or when the other browsers are busy with something else.

    I like them all and use them heavily every day although Opera is the one that has impressed me the most this year. I tried also Safari but in XP I do not like it.

  • John

    I use Firefox because I all my bookmarks are organized on it and I do not want to learn a new system just to serf. I have a fast cable ISP and browser sped will have little effect

  • John

    I use Firefox because I all my bookmarks are organized on it and I do not want to learn a new system just to serf. I have a fast cable ISP and browser sped will have little effect

  • http://twitter.com/zurijak Zuri K.

    I prefer Firefox for the security and customization. I often use Chrome though for the speed when Firefox decides to eat away at my memory and slow down computer response time. I’m really hoping Firefox will get on their game and get their browser under control. >.<

  • Zuri K.

    I prefer Firefox for the security and customization. I often use Chrome though for the speed when Firefox decides to eat away at my memory and slow down computer response time. I’m really hoping Firefox will get on their game and get their browser under control. >.<

  • http://www.windowspasswordrecovery.net/ Maggienasmith

    I prefer Firefox for it has many tool bars to use.

  • Maggienasmith

    I prefer Firefox for it has many tool bars to use.

  • cushcalc

    I like the look of Chrome but it crashes too often. Firefox works for me.

  • cushcalc

    I like the look of Chrome but it crashes too often. Firefox works for me.

  • http://www.perfectoled.com electronic signs

    I love opera .because it’s faster than others .and more safe

  • electronic signs

    I love opera .because it’s faster than others .and more safe

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1121254545 Christopher Patrick Pepin

    For anywhere that isn’t my home computer Chrome reigns supreme but at home Firefox beats all because I have it customized to the point where almost everything I do is faster, also the awesome bar is easier to use as a search tool then Chromes search tool.

  • Christopher Patrick Pepin

    For anywhere that isn’t my home computer Chrome reigns supreme but at home Firefox beats all because I have it customized to the point where almost everything I do is faster, also the awesome bar is easier to use as a search tool then Chromes search tool.

  • Ops

    I use Firefox, Opera and Chrome, Firefox as default broswer.

    Chrome is very fast but for the privacy?
    Comparism of Iron and Chrome at privacy:
    http://www.srware.net/en/software_srware_iron_chrome_vs_iron.php

    Opera is super fast and versatile but now it has begun development of extensions.

    We will see in the future development of these browsers ;-)

  • http://elabee.co.tv Abi ??

    Chrome & Safari are awesome!! vote for webkit

  • Abi أب

    Chrome & Safari are awesome!! vote for webkit

  • Ops

    I use Firefox, Opera and Chrome, Firefox as default broswer.

    Chrome is very fast but for the privacy?
    Comparism of Iron and Chrome at privacy:
    http://www.srware.net/en/softw…

    Opera is super fast and versatile but now it has begun development of extensions.

    We will see in the future development of these browsers ;-)

  • http://www.thetechnologyexpert.co.uk/ Steve Butterworth

    Speed, simplicity and reliability are whats important. For that Chrome or Safari win every time.

  • Steve Butterworth

    Speed, simplicity and reliability are whats important. For that Chrome or Safari win every time.

  • http://pcgeekblog.com Gouthaman Karunakaran

    I love Chrome. But, I use Firefox very often. When it comes to surfing on the go I believe in Opera Mini.

  • Gouthaman Karunakaran

    I love Chrome. But, I use Firefox very often. When it comes to surfing on the go I believe in Opera Mini.

  • Dan

    If I was still with Windows I would’ve said Firefox. I love being able to customize etc. Now that I’m a Mac, sleek and streamlined Safari is perfect and now with Extensions I can also customize it in some cool ways.

  • Dan

    If I was still with Windows I would’ve said Firefox. I love being able to customize etc. Now that I’m a Mac, sleek and streamlined Safari is perfect and now with Extensions I can also customize it in some cool ways.

  • Internet Geeks

    Yup no browser can beat firefox. So many plugins and super fast. Better than Chrome and Opera.

  • Ahmed

    yes, even firefox takes smaller ram and hard disk space compared to chrome.

  • I G

    I have been using CAMINO for quite some times and so far so good (Knock on wood)!

    Steven

  • I G

    I have been using CAMINO for quite some times and so far so good (Knock on wood)!

    Steven

  • Mike

    for me it’s Chrome before Opera

    Chrome has all the extensions I need, easy configurable search engines and it feels more speedy, lightweight and stable than the competition

    Opera is my second favourite for it’s build in email client and synchronisation with MyOpera (haven’t used it since 9.6, so don’t know about the current status)

  • Mike

    for me it’s Chrome before Opera

    Chrome has all the extensions I need, easy configurable search engines and it feels more speedy, lightweight and stable than the competition

    Opera is my second favourite for it’s build in email client and synchronisation with MyOpera (haven’t used it since 9.6, so don’t know about the current status)

  • Xincome

    How about PaleMoon ? same as Firefox but little faster…

  • Xincome

    How about PaleMoon ? same as Firefox but little faster…

  • Anonymous

    I’ve got them all, but I only use Chrome (canary build) since it’s the fastest, and it does all I need it to do. FF is just way too slow on my half-year-old win7 notebook. I’m glad IE is last!

  • Richard Kokx

    I’ve got them all, but I only use Chrome (canary build) since it’s the fastest, and it does all I need it to do. FF is just way too slow on my half-year-old win7 notebook. I’m glad IE is last!

  • LOX

    do you know ? how i ?

  • Anonymous

    Firefox is the best. Takes less Windows XP computer resources. (I checked on Task Manager). Amount of Chrome like extensions are growing. Firefox has an add-on theme that puts the tabs on top. I use 3x3links as my new tab page on Firefox. 3x3links is highly customizable.
    Chrome is fun for the newness and usefulness of some extensions, and more screen space. It comes in second.

  • fashionplate

    Firefox is the best. Takes less Windows XP computer resources. (I checked on Task Manager). Amount of Chrome like extensions are growing. Firefox has an add-on theme that puts the tabs on top. I use 3x3links as my new tab page on Firefox. 3x3links is highly customizable.
    Chrome is fun for the newness and usefulness of some extensions, and more screen space. It comes in second.

  • http://awesomewallpapers.wordpress.com/ Ben

    Firefox=addons/ Chrome=speed Firefox wins:)

  • Ben

    Firefox=addons/ Chrome=speed Firefox wins:)

  • Anonymous

    I personaly prefer Internet explorer. I like the look and feel. I do admit it is slow and lacks plug ins. I am now trying IE 9 beta. Its super fast and looks great. Since its new and some sites dont support it I have firefox as a back up. IE 9′s the best. Secure and fast. Can’t wait for the full version

  • james888

    I personaly prefer Internet explorer. I like the look and feel. I do admit it is slow and lacks plug ins. I am now trying IE 9 beta. Its super fast and looks great. Since its new and some sites dont support it I have firefox as a back up. IE 9′s the best. Secure and fast. Can’t wait for the full version

  • http://twitter.com/Z618 ????

    chrome then ff then opera fasho!

  • ヘイゼル

    chrome then ff then opera fasho!

  • http://www.wesleycomputers.co.uk Dean Pugh

    For simplicity and speed just browsing, chrome seems easier for me. But when developing websites, Firefox is the king for the firebug and other addons.

  • Dean Pugh

    For simplicity and speed just browsing, chrome seems easier for me. But when developing websites, Firefox is the king for the firebug and other addons.

  • Edumed

    Opera must have a marketing problem. Opera practically invented tabbed browsing, and is indeed the best and fastest browser around. However, people seem to give attention and discuss in depth about every Mozilla and Google itsy-bitsy feature, and do not even give Opera a try.

  • Edumed

    Opera must have a marketing problem. Opera practically invented tabbed browsing, and is indeed the best and fastest browser around. However, people seem to give attention and discuss in depth about every Mozilla and Google itsy-bitsy feature, and do not even give Opera a try.

  • RebeccaDoremus

    I use Chrome as my default browser and love the simplicity and clean interface. I have installed the tools I use into the main bar in Chrome, including my rss reader, bookmark sync, screen capture, internet trust (WOT), weather, phone, downloads, and share links. I use Firefox occasionally but it seems like every time I open it, there is an update that has to be downloaded, which then required more time than I wanted to spend doing what I needed to do …. so back to Chrome. I also have Safari, Opera, and Flock, and of course IE (last on my list of browsers).

    Recently I installed a browser named Epic. Although many of the features are for use in India, I found that the way this browser was designed and the speed … all in all a good browser. The bar on the right of the page has some very nice features, like job search … and the built in Anti-Virus/Security package is nice.

  • RebeccaDoremus

    I use Chrome as my default browser and love the simplicity and clean interface. I have installed the tools I use into the main bar in Chrome, including my rss reader, bookmark sync, screen capture, internet trust (WOT), weather, phone, downloads, and share links. I use Firefox occasionally but it seems like every time I open it, there is an update that has to be downloaded, which then required more time than I wanted to spend doing what I needed to do …. so back to Chrome. I also have Safari, Opera, and Flock, and of course IE (last on my list of browsers).

    Recently I installed a browser named Epic. Although many of the features are for use in India, I found that the way this browser was designed and the speed … all in all a good browser. The bar on the right of the page has some very nice features, like job search … and the built in Anti-Virus/Security package is nice.

  • FaithHack

    As a developer, I have to say that I like IE – I have billed out hundreds of hours working to make sites function correctly with Microsoft’s buggy, W3C standards hostile, security challenged, CSS brain-dead and screamingly slow browsers. Firefox and Chrome are great targets when you want to get things done and done right, but if you’re looking for billable hours – IE 6,7,8 and soon 9 are just the ticket!

  • FaithHack

    As a developer, I have to say that I like IE – I have billed out hundreds of hours working to make sites function correctly with Microsoft’s buggy, W3C standards hostile, security challenged, CSS brain-dead and screamingly slow browsers. Firefox and Chrome are great targets when you want to get things done and done right, but if you’re looking for billable hours – IE 6,7,8 and soon 9 are just the ticket!

    • http://netsavoir.com/ Angela Alcorn

      Hah – That’s a great attitude. :)

  • Angela Alcorn

    Hah – That’s a great attitude. :)

  • Ubuntuandstuff

    I did my own review at ubuntuandstuff.blogspot.com

  • Marek Pepke

    Opera:
    - mouse gestures (now easier to learn with graphic guides) – I couldn’t browse without them, I would feel like a cripple.
    - easy customizable searches in location bar – faster than fast, you don’t have to look for search from list and then write what to search, simply type letter or two and search what you want. Also select word/sentence on page and search from context menu. If you want to add new search, just click Create new search. So simple and useful.
    - tab stacking – OH YES! Clear and organized.
    - side panels – mail, windows(tabs), transfers, bookmarks, chats, dictionaries, schedules etc. all in one place
    - intelligent “Next” button and “Go to parent directory” – faster browsing
    - ads blocking – built in, not obvious way to install prepared list, but functionally works like AdBlock in Firefox
    - Speed Dial – adjustable amount of links, very useful. I have not one home page, but 20.
    - Opera Turbo – when connection is slow or I want to save some kilobytes (GPRS)
    - Opera Unite – nice thing, when I want to send something to someone, creates mini web server (I don’t use for other things)
    - Opera Link – to synchronize desktop, laptop, and portable Opera
    - trash can for closed tabs – easy accessible and with easy, intuitive shortcut: Ctrl-Z
    - fully adjustable graphic interface – zero wasted space, increased functionality
    - transparent skin – I love it :D
    - thumbnailed tabs – not necessary, but still nice thing
    - mail client – simple, but that doesn’t bother me, easy to use
    - Opera Dragonfly – a little bit worse than Chrome’s Javascript Console, but it has some unique features and is here from start
    - nice integration with Windows 7
    - I already used to high speed of rendering
    - some things I use unconsciously
    Yes, I actively use everything on that list. On mobile phone I use Opera Mini with tabs, synchronized bookmarks

    I know, that some features could be existing in other browsers with use of extensions, but I don’t want to search web for inconsistent features, that maybe are that good as here.
    I like, that everything is in Opera and size of installation package is still less than 10 MiB, it doesn’t seem to slow it down.

    I’m still aware of some bugs and lack of stability (mostly because of Flash), that’s why I sometimes use Chrome for sandboxed tabs. But I’m awaiting this feature implemented in Opera.

    Maybe if I didn’t know Opera, I would use Chrome. But now I don’t want use any other browser, because simply doesn’t exist any better (for me).

    Cheers.

  • Marek Pepke

    Opera:
    - mouse gestures (now easier to learn with graphic guides) – I couldn’t browse without them, I would feel like a cripple.
    - easy customizable searches in location bar – faster than fast, you don’t have to look for search from list and then write what to search, simply type letter or two and search what you want. Also select word/sentence on page and search from context menu. If you want to add new search, just click Create new search. So simple and useful.
    - tab stacking – OH YES! Clear and organized.
    - side panels – mail, windows(tabs), transfers, bookmarks, chats, dictionaries, schedules etc. all in one place
    - intelligent “Next” button and “Go to parent directory” – faster browsing
    - ads blocking – built in, not obvious way to install prepared list, but functionally works like AdBlock in Firefox
    - Speed Dial – adjustable amount of links, very useful. I have not one home page, but 20.
    - Opera Turbo – when connection is slow or I want to save some kilobytes (GPRS)
    - Opera Unite – nice thing, when I want to send something to someone, creates mini web server (I don’t use for other things)
    - Opera Link – to synchronize desktop, laptop, and portable Opera
    - trash can for closed tabs – easy accessible and with easy, intuitive shortcut: Ctrl-Z
    - fully adjustable graphic interface – zero wasted space, increased functionality
    - transparent skin – I love it :D
    - thumbnailed tabs – not necessary, but still nice thing
    - mail client – simple, but that doesn’t bother me, easy to use
    - Opera Dragonfly – a little bit worse than Chrome’s Javascript Console, but it has some unique features and is here from start
    - nice integration with Windows 7
    - I already used to high speed of rendering
    - some things I use unconsciously
    Yes, I actively use everything on that list. On mobile phone I use Opera Mini with tabs, synchronized bookmarks

    I know, that some features could be existing in other browsers with use of extensions, but I don’t want to search web for inconsistent features, that maybe are that good as here.
    I like, that everything is in Opera and size of installation package is still less than 10 MiB, it doesn’t seem to slow it down.

    I’m still aware of some bugs and lack of stability (mostly because of Flash), that’s why I sometimes use Chrome for sandboxed tabs. But I’m awaiting this feature implemented in Opera.

    Maybe if I didn’t know Opera, I would use Chrome. But now I don’t want use any other browser, because simply doesn’t exist any better (for me).

    Cheers.

    • http://netsavoir.com/ Angela Alcorn

      Thanks for such a detailed response! I pretty much use most of that using Firefox extensions, but I’m sure it’s much quicker on Opera. Might be time to change!

  • Angela Alcorn

    Thanks for such a detailed response! I pretty much use most of that using Firefox extensions, but I’m sure it’s much quicker on Opera. Might be time to change!