With the entry of smartphones and tablets, internet access is mostly through mobile devices. To get the most out of your device, you need the right if not the best mobile web browser. But it's not that easy and most inbuilt browsers are so unsatisfying. So, how do you pick the best in a sea of mobile web browsers? No need to worry, below is an exhaustive review of top 10 mobile web browsers to help you choose the most convinient.
1. Chrome for Mobile: A Polished Browser
When writing anything to do with Google, care must be taken not to be over promotional. Why? Well, Google literally controls the internet and now the mobile industry.
For starters, it is the leading Search Engine out there, owns the largest online video tube (YouTube) and Android (one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world).
When it comes to web browsers, Google Chrome is also taking a big share. Not only is the default browser in all modern android gadgets (Version 4.0 or later) but also one of the top browsers for Windows and Mac computers.
Chrome on Android
There was a time when Google Search was the Default Search Engine in all Apple gadgets (i.e. the ones with internet capabilities). Even now, more and more iPhone users still depend on Google’s powerful Search Engine.
The intention here is not to say there aren’t other search engines because there are. Bing, MSN, Aol or Yahoo are all popular but not anything near Google.
Now imagine having the WebKit Engine (Google Chrome’s engine) on your phone or tablet? Gladly, that is possible and as mentioned earlier available for all Android and iOS devices.
Key Features of Chrome Mobile
There are several factors contributing to Chrome’s popularity, especially among the Android and iPhone users. Briefly, Chrome:
Is available for Android (version 4.0 or later) and iOS (Version 5.0 or later)
Is completely free via the Google Play (for all Android phones and tablets) or App Store (for iPhone, iPod and iPad)
Allows Unlimited Tabbed Browsing and a faster search. Its support for hardware acceleration makes it possible to render pages even faster
Is very secure and stable
Supports HTML5
Has the Chrome Developer Tools
Has the Find in Page feature that promotes easy navigation through search results on the same page
Supports easy sync of desktop history and bookmarking once you sign in to Chrome Mobile. Once synced, you can import your passwords, get smart suggestions or even view open tabs
Has the Incognito Mode which guarantees full privacy when surfing. In other words, Google Chrome for mobile also supports private browsing.
Shortcomings
Whereas it is true that Google Chrome for Android is among the best mobile browsers, there are some downsides when using this browser. For Example:
Chrome is only available on iOS and Android mobile platforms compared to compared to Opera Mini, One Browser or UC Browser
The full-screen mode might make some tabs disappear at times
Chrome has fonts recognition glitches
There may also be minor JavaScript Incompatibility issues associated with chrome
Verdict
Since the latest version for android is still at Beta stage, one can assume that chrome will be fine. So far, it is performing better than most mobile browsers and Stock Android Browser.
Android Browser is the default browser on earlier android phones. However, modern Android phones have Chrome for Android as the default internet web browser which is a good thing.
How to download and Install
As mentioned before Google Chrome for iPhone and Chrome for Android can be downloaded from iTunes and Google Play respectively. Fortunately, the App Store and Google play are inbuilt in iOS 7 and Android 4 gadgets respectively.
You need to select your store from the apps list on your phone or tablet and search for the latest version of Chrome. Chrome Mobile it is at version 30 today. Once you are on the Chrome page, simply download and install as prompted [next]
2. Firefox Mobile: A Powerful Option
Mozilla foundation doesn’t need any introduction when it comes to internet surfing. By any standards, Firefox is the second most used Desktop Web browser in the world (after Internet Explorer – the default web browser of Windows OS).
For a while Mozilla Firefox wasn’t into mobile internet technology. However, they joined this industry and not only brought the Gecko-Powered Mobile Browser but also developed an OS. As at now, there is a Firefox Operating System which, according to the organization, is open source.
Firefox On Android
The codes are available for all and Mobile companies have started producing Firefox Phones. Examples of Firefox phones include ZTE Open and LG Fireweb.
Since the focus isn’t on the Operating System, let’s see a few things about Firefox mobile browser. First, it is available to Firefox OS and Android phones.
And, android being one of the most popular Operating Systems in the world could just popularize this rather new mobile browser. In addition, the stability and speed of Mozilla Firefox for desktop are packed into this little gadget.
Key Features of Firefox for Android
Here are a few pros of Firefox Mobile:
It has faster page rendering and load times. Firefox Mobile uses the powerful Gecko Engine to render pages faster
It is completely free and Open Source
Allow Tabbed Browsing so that you can access multiple sites at the same time. RSS feeds, and unmatched speed-dial functionalities are included on the ‘Awesome Screen’. You can also share tabs with NFC-enabled handsets. By the way, NFC stands for Near Field Communication and facilitates sharing of identification data between devices in close range.
Has a search bar and speed-dial functionality to improve your browsing experience
Supports Web APIs (Application Programming Interface) and HTML5 (the latest Hypertext Markup Language used in most modern websites)
Enables you to control your internet privacy through built-in malware and phishing protection. In fact, features like Do Not Track ensures you only share what you want with other internet users.
Supports Add-ons and other personalized features and
Allows easy sync of Desktop Firefox Browser history and bookmarks with this mobile browser
Support Night Mode for improved night reading experience
Firefox for Android is enabled for WebRTC or what you would call a Real-Time Communication capability. It is mainly a project of Mozilla, Google and Opera.
It is the default browser in Firefox phones like LG Fireweb or ZTE Open
Shortcomings
Though it is still early to critic Firefox Mobile, there are issues worth pointing out and which the developer needs to work on if this Mobile Browser is to achieve the same success the desktop version has. For example, Firefox Mobile is:
Not cross-platform i.e. It only Supports Firefox OS and Android
New and prone to crashes and compatibility issues
Verdict
Coming from a trusted and popular developer like Mozilla, Firefox for Android is a browser worth giving a short. In fact, the Awesome Screen and it intuitive features bring unparalleled user experience. It is therefore one of the browsers to watch, especially if it can be available on other mobile platforms.
How to Download and Install
It is the default browser for Firefox phones thus no need for download. For Android users, you only need to search for Firefox via Google Play, download and install as instructed. Ensure you have a stable internet during installation. [next]
3. Internet Explorer Mobile: Browse Faster
If Windows phones were as popular as Windows PC, then Internet Explore Mobile would be the leading browser for phones across the world. Sadly, that is not the case as Internet Explorer is restricted to Windows Phones.
Briefly, windows phones run on the world’s most popular Operating System i.e. Windows. While it may have its challenges, a big percentage of computer users have only known this OS. So, it is a reprieve when Microsoft decided to go Mobile and availed both the OS and the web browser on mobile devices.
Internet Explorer Logo
From the engine to theme, Internet Explorer Mobile is a replica of the desktop version. Let’s look at some of the features of the browser which has been described as fast, lean and modern by top review sites (such as Wired, Tech Radar and Softpedia among others).
Key Features of Internet Explorer Mobile
Apart from being fast, lean and modern, Internet Explorer Mobile is:
Free for all Window phones such the Nokia Lumia Series. In fact, it is the default browser for Window Mobile phones.
Has an easy to use User Interface and the best use of screen real estate/or the available browser screen. This browser makes use of the small screen by not including the many search bars or bookmark icons found on other browsers.
Supports Touch Swipe which enables the user to swipe back to the previously visited webpage
Has history feature so that you can track your web browsing session or simply revisit a previously visited url
Has Favorite feature that allows the user to save pages for later reading.
Is secure and support change of privacy and browser settings. It also has anti-phishing tool and InPrivate browsing option.
Shortcomings
As sleek as this browser may seem, there are some areas that it does perform poorly. For example, Internet Explorer Mobile has:
Poor rendering of HTML 5 pages as it is yet to be compatible with most Smartphones
Some font recognition issues just like Chrome
Bing search engine may not give the same results as Google Search
Not available for iPhones, Java handsets and Android Phones
Verdict
For Window Phone owners, Internet Explorer Mobile remains the best choice. This isn't to say that there aren't better browsers out there to use (e.g. Maxthon Mobile).
The issue is that Internet Explorer Mobile is so customized for Windows phones than any other browser out there. And again, Microsoft will hopefully sort all the glitches in their latest release
How to download and Install
Simply visit Microsoft mobile download site and download the necessary updates to your phone. At Microsoft App Store, you only need to follow a few simple steps to download and install Internet Explorer Mobile. It is advisable to use Wi-Fi or reliable internet connection to guarantee smooth download and installation.[next]
4. Safari For Mobile: The Market Leader
A product of one of the technology giants, Safari is not just any other web browser. As strange as this may sound, this is the most popular web browser as far as browsing on Smartphones is concerned. Why?
iPhone is among the most sold phones in the world, and it happens to have Safari Mobile as it default browser. Default in this case points to a preinstalled app. It thus goes without say that every iPhone owner has used Safari Browser once in a while or will continue using it if they choose not to download different browsers.
Many people love Apple because of simplicity and quality, qualities that are well reflected on their mobile browser. For instance, a recent survey by Fixya showed that Safari is the most user-friendly mobile browser.
The survey also looked into Chrome (available for Android and iOS) Opera (Cross-platform), Internet Explorer Mobile (default browser on Window Phones) and Stock Android Browser (default browser on most android phones).
Based on user reviews and the number of concerns expressed, it appeared that Safari gives Smartphone users the best browsing experience. Users who download safari have also increased.
Key Features of Safari Mobile Browser
Safari has the largest market share by the virtue of being on every iPhone and iPad. However, there are additional features that propel its popularity. For instance, Safari Mobile:
Has a very simple User Interface
Is free and pre-installed on all iOS internet-enabled gadgets e.g. iPhone 5s and iPad Air
Allows multiple actions on a single page i.e. you can share, bookmark and email a page without opening another tab
Supports Tabbed Browsing, Reading List (the feature that enables you to save a page for later reading)
Is secure as it can block third-party data and cookies, allow private browsing and supports the Do Not Track privacy standard.
Has built-in power-saving technologies to encourage longer surfing hours
Avail free update from iTunes (Apple’s App Store)
Shortcomings
As reputable as the company is, there are some issues with Safari browser, which may adversely affect the user experience. For example, it:
Has small Screen Space i.e. features are closely packed unlike in Opera or Firefox
Doesn't support Flash and thus a substandard video integration compared to Stock Android Browser or Chrome
May have some glitches here and there (as reported by some users)
s available only available on Apples’ iOS platform thus locking out millions of Android, Windows and Java phone owners.
Verdict
Though it lacks the video rendering abilities of Android Browser, it still gives the iPhone user the simplest and friendliest surfing experience. You should only be concerned with Safari Mobile Browser if your mobile device runs iOS and the latest OS X Mavericks. Otherwise, go for the other mobile browsers such as Opera, UC Web and Chrome.
How to download and Install
You might not need a fresh installation in most cases as Safari is pre-installed on the iPhone and iPad. However, you can get the latest updates via iTunes or the App Store. The Safari download or update process is usually an easy one and doesn't take long if your internet is good.[next]
5. UC Browser: Trusted By Over 400 Milliion Users
While most people prefer brand names and popular products, others look at the quality and not just the name. UC Browser has both the popularity and offers amazing mobile browsing experience. It is also arguably the fastest growing Web 2.0 browsing in the world.
According to their website, the browser has attracted over 400 million users across the globe. The fact that the company has physical addresses in India, United States and China just attest to the level of seriousness and will to grow even further.
A screenshot of UC Browser on Android
So, what is UC Web Browser? Well, it is a cross-platform browser for Android, Symbian and Java phones and tablets by the fastest growing mobile browser developer i.e. UCWeb Inc. This browser uses the company’s proprietary U3 Engine to deliver faster and secure mobile surfing.
While the intention of the post isn't to promote UC Web Browser, it is difficult to ignore that about.com rated it at first place barely a year after its release Similarly, it has always appeared as a top product at Getjar from 2010.
Personally, I started using this browser when it was at version 7 for Java phones and still using it at version 9 (which is the latest for Java phones).
Key features of UC Browser
You may be wondering why this new browser is gaining popularity day by day. Here are some positive things about UC Browser:
It works in almost all the major Mobile Operating Systems (Android, iOS, Symbian, Java, Windows Phone, and Blackberry etc). It is also available for iPad and other Android Tablets
It is free and comes preinstalled in some new phones brands (as seen in some Tecno Smartphones and hundreds of other cell phones)
It is available in more than 10 languages
It allows Tabbed Browsing and supports Multitouch Gesture when using tabs (on Touchscreen phones)
It has copy and paste features and allows one to select and send web excerpts as SMS to mobile numbers
It has a simple speed-dial screen, search bar with a voice command (found in Smartphone versions)
It has a download manager and offers cloud Storage
It can save Passwords and Usernames for easier page access
Shortcomings
Based on my experience, this rather faultless browser is:
Unstable when it comes to real-time news feeds
May fail to connect when the UC Servers are down
Prone to minor technical glitches
Verdict
If you’re looking for a fast, secure cross-platform mobile browser, then UC Browser should be among your first choices. Being free irrespective of the multitude of functionalities is a big plus. Now, as long as the developers are dedicated to refining the browser UC Web will always be a good mobile app to download.
How to Download and Install
Just like in Opera Mini, you must direct your phone browser to wap.ucweb.com. Alternatively, you can get it from Google Play (for android Users) Ovi Store (for Symbian and Nokia users in particular) or Getjar (the largest independent app store in the world) for generic devices or java phones.
Once you are at the download page, you will be directed to the most suitable version for your gadget/phone. The entire download process won’t take long provided you have a working internet connection.
Just don’t download from sites that want you to subscribe to emails or ad-supported sites. As mentioned before, UC Browser is free to download and use (read terms of use). [next]
6. Opera Mini: Most Popular Mobile Browser
Nowadays, people prefer mobile devices to traditional desktop computing gadgets. In fact, the rise of in the use of laptops, notebook, netbook, tablets and smartphones is evident. Mobile technology has ensured uninterrupted access to the internet.
With mobile devices you don't have to miss other computing services while not at home or in the office. As technology advances, even a laptop is nowadays considered heavy and being abandoned slowly as people crave for lighter and smaller internet gadgets.
Opera Mini Interface
While a Laptop or Desktop PC can easily use a full Web Browsers, Web 2.0 or the mobile web has a different requirement. Fortunately, all internet enabled phones, phablets and tablets have an inbuilt browser.
Now, some of these inbuilt browsers are capable of supporting HTML 5 and Flash while others are just too simple for that (especially default browsers of most cell phones or feature phone). It is not strange for users to look for alternative mobile browsers elsewhere.
Unlike desktop web browsers, the mobile browsers still struggle with compatibility and page rendering issues among other glitches. So, the user should be well informed before they download any mobile browser.
The article starts with the most popular and stable cross-platform mobile web browser i.e. Opera Mini. This browser is developed by the Norwegian Firm that develops the desktop browser by the same name. Briefly, Opera Mini is stable, faster and beautifully designed.
Key Features
Opera is very popular among feature phones, Java based phone and Symbian phone users due to the fact that it:
Is available in different versions to suit as many phones as possible. It is highly optimized for iOS 7 which runs iPhone 5s. Opera mini also give a great performance with Samsung Galaxy S5
Allow tabbed browsing and supports both touchscreen and keypad phones
Fastest due to the page compression technology it uses
Allow page zooming
Has an unmatched support for HTML 5
Is free to download and use.
Shortcomings
While Opera Mini is cross-platform, it also has its share of shortfalls. For instance, Opera Mini:
May not be secure as data has to pass via Opera servers
Doesn't Support Flash thus cannot stream videos from YouTube
Poor video rendering and integration which lowers the user experience
Occasional Page Loading Issues or even crashes
Depends on opera’s servers and thus prone to server glitches
Verdict
Apart from a smaller screen space and few security concerns here and there, Opera Mini is one of the best mobile web browsers. Its interface and support for HTML 5 is excellent. In fact, supporting almost all mobile platforms makes it the preferred choice for many.
How to download and Install
Opera Mini is a cross–platform mobile browser thus giving the user enough download options to choose from. Here is the brief description of the supported Operating Systems to help you choose the right download option:
Java (J2ME) - Found on Nokia Asha, LG T510 and ZTE F160 among thousands of other handsets. Very few phone manufacturers are still using this platform
Symbian S60 - Which was the best choice for Samsung, Sony Ericson, Nokia and Motorola before they upgraded to Android or Windows Mobile
Blackberry OS – Currently at version 10.2, Blackberry OS is the only OS used in Blackberry phones. Examples of such phones include Blackberry Bold, Curve, Q5, Q10, Z10 and Z30 among others
iOS –Currently at version 7 is Apple’s operating system. It is therefore the only OS running the iPhone 5, iPad Air, iPod among other gadgets from Apple Inc.
Android – Owned by Google and considered the most popular OS (especially when it comes to Smartphone’s), Android is at version 4.4.2 (KitKat). Examples of popular phones running on this platform include Google Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One, Sony Xperia Z1 among others
Windows Phone –At version 8 (i.e. Windows Mobile 8) is the OS found in Nokia Lumia 1020, Limia 1520 and Lumia Icon among other Lumia Series and Huawei Ascend W1. The OS is developed by Microsoft.
Other Proprietary Mobile Operating System found in LG or ZTE and Chinese phones
To download Opera Mini, simply visit m.opera.com using your phone’s inbuilt browser. You will then be direct to the best version (e.g. 3.0 Basic for low-end phones and 7.0 for powerful Java phones or Android) for your handset.
Simply choose the correct language and download the file. Run and install as directed. Just make sure you don’t violate the Terms of Use
[next]
7. Opera Mobile Review: Understand The Premium Version
Not to be confused with the free Opera Mini is the Opera Mobile. According to the Opera Website, both Mini and Mobile versions use the Presto Browser Engine and works with the major Mobile Operating Systems.
Opera Mobile On A Tab
You shouldn’t however, expect to use Opera Mobile on phones other than Windows Mobile (has Internet Explorer Mobile as the default browser), Android or Symbian/S60.
So, where is the difference between the otherwise similar Mobile Browsers? Well, they actually differ in terms of how they download pages.
While Opera Mini download pages via Opera server, Opera Mobile’s server is installed on your phone thus capable of downloading pages directly from the source. Opera Mobile also renders page like a desktop browser unlike the Mini Version which compresses pages.
Key Features of Opera Mobile
As earlier mentioned, Opera Mobile:
Offers better page rendering
Has excellent HTML 5 support
Has a reliable customer care and support
Has inbuilt server/allows direct fetching of pages
Is more stable
Shortcomings
Just like Opera Mini, this browser has challenges that users might want to know before download. For example, Opera Mobile:
Is not free
Lacks support for flash
Has poor video integration and rendering. You can’t stream videos directly from the page you are visiting.
May not be as fast as Opera Mini due to the quality of page rending it offers
Doesn’t support Java phones or iOS 7
Verdict
If you are a windows phone user or own other high-end Symbian phones (e.g. Sony Ericson and Nokia) then this is the best option for you. Since it not free, Opera Mobile users should have Wi-Fi to cut down the data cost.
Otherwise, it is more stable, and user can get live support in time. While it is still important to mention that this version of Opera Browser doesn’t support Java phones or Apple gadgets, it is still among the best mobile browsers out there.
How to Download and Install
The following versions of Opera Mobile are currently available for download via m.opera.com
Opera Mini 10 Keypad for Windows Mobile
Opera Mini 10 Touch for Windows Mobile
Opera Mobile 12 (Symbian/S60)
Opera Mobile 12.1 (Android 1.6+)
Opera Mobile 16 (Android 2.3+)
Provided you have you visited the above url via your phone’s default browser, you will be directed to the most suited version and prompted to download (of course after choosing the language). Just as with Opera Mini, run Opera Mobile after download and install as prompted.[next]
8. Dolphin Browser: So Revolutionary And Fast
If the number of downloads at Google Play is anything to go by, then Dolphin Browser is arguably the most popular android browser.
Dolphin on Android
This intuitive Android browser is the product of Mobotap Inc (a San Francisco-based technology firm priding itself in the development of ‘the most revolutionary mobile browser’).
According to the company’s site, Dolphin aims at transforming the way people experience the mobile web. Well, there is much to support that statement.
First, the over 80 million downloads on Google Play and more than 50 million downloads at iTunes just show how popular the browser is among Android and iOS users.
Key Features of Dolphin Mobile Browser
Now, let’s take a sneak preview into some of the reasons why people love Dolphin Mobile Browser. The fact that it is free for use on your iPhone 5s or HTC One aside, Dolphin Browser has:
Android Gesture which allows the user to open certain sites by drawing symbols. For instance, one can access a favorite dating site by simply drawing the heart symbol. Similarly, one can scroll down or up the page by drawing the respective arrows
The powerful Sonar Voice Command feature which navigates web pages based on what one says. For instance, the browser will open a New Tab by you just telling it
Has the Share and Save to Evernote or box features to improve organized mobile surfing
A sync feature known as Dolphin Connect that allows you to import bookmarks, passwords and history from computers and other connected devices. One only needs to install the appropriate desktop extensions to enjoy this feature
An App store where you can easily access hundreds of popular sites like Twitter, Facebook , Wikipedia and Amazon among
Supports Android or iOS Add-ons, Flash Video and Tabbed Browsing
Jetpack for faster speeds and excellent HTML 5 rendering
Both Desktop and Mobile view mode and has one of the best User Interface to boost user experience and satisfaction
Sidebar to allow launching of additional features. This also means it makes a good use of the screen real estate
Dolphin Key to allow access to the browsers setting tabs and other feature through a single swipe.
Shortcomings
Irrespective of the many positive features mentioned above, there are some issues with is browser. For example Dolphin web browser:
Is not easy to use and customize
Automatically replaces the default browsers
May show ads depending on the version one uses
Verdict
When all things are considered, dolphin Browser is a recommendable download. In fact, it is not strange for even the best app to have some bugs and technical hitches. As long as the developers agree to continually monitor and fix them, Dolphin is a wonderful app.
How to download and Install
Simply visit the Google Play or iTunes and search for Dolphin among browsers. Accept the Terms of Use and download. In both cases the process takes shorter if the internet speed is good and stable.[next]
9. One Browser: The Most Versetile Browser
If you are looking for a simple, fast, free and cross-platform browser, then One Browser should feature in your choices. According to the developers (i.e. Tencent Mobile International Limited), this browser is just a normal app delivering extraordinary things browsing experience.
From One Browser HomaPage
Since its release, phrases like ‘blazing fast’, ‘superb video rendering’ and ‘the most versatile browser yet’ have been used to describe this browser. In fact, its description at both Google Play and iTunes points to a dual engine that makes it the fastest browsers yet.
Key Features of One Browser
Apart from being available for iOS 7, Java, Blackberry 10, Android 4.2 and Symbian S60 Operating systems (and of course being free), One Browser has the following advantages:
Fully and excellent support for HTML 5
A Smart View feature that renders pages in basic view especially when one is on slow network
A powerful Download Manager that supports background download even during calls. In fact, the browser supports Multi-threaded Downloads
Support website view switch i.e. easy change between Basic and Desktop Views
A modern User Interface with numerous skins to change as one wishes
Allows customization of fonts as well as capture selected parts of the page or the entire page for use
A Night Surfing Mode for comfortable reading at night
An enhanced connectivity to wireless networks in the most stable way possible
Favorite sites are embedded on the browser for easy navigation and access. One Browser also supports browsing history and bookmarks
Features like Auto-Completion Of Urls, Tabbed Browsing, Embedded Search Engines (e.g. Google, Bing, Yahoo, Aol) and Advanced Compression Technology only help to set this browser apart
Shortcomings
It is without doubt that One Browser is not flawless. There are things that still need improvement or fixing. For instance:
It doesn’t support Window Phones and thus locking out thousand of Windows Phone users
There are security and technical glitches that need to be fixed especially on rendering
How to download and Install
Since this is a cross platform Mobile Browser, the right download site depends entirely on the type of the phone one is using. The following information from the developer's site might help you choose the right download package:
Android Version 3.5 – has a download manager and Evernote integration
Blackberry Version 3.0 – free browser for Blackberry business phones
Java version 3.1 – has a powerful download manager
Symbian S60 Version 5 – for most high-end Nokia, Sony Ericson and Samsung phones (those not using Android or Windows Mobile OS)
iOS Version 2.1 – for iPhone and iPad
All android users should look for One Browser on Google Play just like Java users can get if from Getjar or any other credible jar site. Alternatively, you can visit one-browser.com on your phone’s inbuilt browsers and select your phone brand and model for the most appropriate download.[next]
10. Maxthon Mobile Browser: A Worthy Alternative
While Maxthon Cloud Browser for mobile devices may not be as popular as Opera, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari it is not a new in the block. The lack publicity might be attributed to the rampant internet monopoly where major players hold tight to their market share.
Screenshot Of Maxthon Mobile
On the other hand, their non-vigorous marketing strategies may be the reason why you haven’t heard of Maxthon yet. Popularity or not, Maxthon for Mobile is just as refined as any other browser would be.
Before getting lost into excusing this mobile browser’s alleged lack of popularity, it is important to know a few things about Maxthon Cloud Browser. First, it is developed by Maxthon Limited (a technology firm in San Francisco California, USA).
Their product, a web browser by the same name, has won several awards and has positive reviews from major reviewers. As they put, this browser is faster and fun.
After using the desktop version for over 6 months, I can confirm with authority that they are good when it comes to speed and apps (easily accessible at their web app store). You can also add as many apps as you wish to the sidebar.
Interestingly, most of the Maxthon desktop features are available in the mobile versions. This makes it one of the best Mobile Web browsers out there worth trying on Windows Phone, iPhone and Android.
Key features of Maxthon Cloud Browser
Here are the main features that make Maxthon a worthy competitor in an already flooded field:
It is available for Android, iOS and Windows Mobile phones
It has several Cloud services such as Cloud Push (for sending messages and images ), Cloud Share, Cloud Download, Tabs and Sync features
It is capable of Full Screen Browsing with Multi-Tab Gestures. It also allows page size adjustment for better browsing experience
It has a fully loaded and easy to use App Center
It has the Super Gesture feature for closing, creating, restoring and switching tabs. One can also create their own gestures
It has Smart Reading features such as Night Mode, Reader Mode (with adjusted fonts) and Read-Ahead which automatically pre-loads pages for faster browsing experience
Maxthon supports RSS feed, Offline Download and content sharing
It is fully customized for Windows Phone 8 and iOS 7 and Android 4.2
It ensures privacy, switching screen orientation and has brightness control features even on the iOS platform
Shortcomings
Maxthon, like other mobile browsers has its own flaws. For instance:
It doesn’t Support Java and Blackberry platforms
It is not that refined on Windows Phone and has some crashes and delays
It is slightly slower on Windows Phone 8.
Verdict
Apart from the glitches on Windows phone 8, Maxthon Cloud browser is excellent on Android and iOS. In addition, it is free and has a wealth of cloud technology that is very difficult to ignore. Fortunately, their team promises to fix all the issues through regular updates.
How to Download and Install
There are three (3) download and installation options for Maxthon users:
Windows Mobile users simply need visit Windows and select Maxthon browser under the Apps Section
iOS users, Apple’s iTunes is the download site. Search for Maxthon and download as instructed.
Finally, Android users can easily download and install Maxthon directly from Google Play. Whichever download method you are suing, make sure you read the terms of use and instructions on how to get started.
You can also visit their website to get more reviews and instructions on how to download. Alternatively, you can download Maxthon 3 Cloud Browser for desktop and test it you
Remember to share your experience or questions about the top 10 Mobile Web Browsers via the comment box.