Apps that add to your browsing experience

Whether you’re on a desktop computer or a mobile device, internet browsers are among the most-used apps. But while they all serve as a portal to the internet, each browser has different strengths and weaknesses. These four browsers can add features not included in the stock browsers that came with your iPhone or many Android devices.

Google Chrome

(iOS, Android; free)

If you use an iPhone or iPad, Safari is your stock internet browser. If you own a Samsung device, your stock browser is Samsung internet. But many users opt to switch to Google Chrome, the world’s most popular desktop browser. Chrome seamlessly syncs with your desktop bookmarks and Google search history to enhance your mobile browsing. Chrome also does a good job spotting malicious websites.    

Firefox

(iOS, Android; free)

This venerable desktop browser took a long time to introduce a mobile version, but the iOS and Android versions are now excellent choices. Many people prefer Firefox because unlike Google and Apple, the browser is owned by Mozilla, a not-for-profit company. As a browser, Firefox has a full set of features and can import bookmarks from your desktop browser.

Microsoft Edge

(iOS, Android; free)

Edge was introduced as a part of Windows 10 and has become a key weapon in Microsoft’s mobile internet strategy. The Android and iOS versions are aimed at Windows desktop users who use Edge and want a unified browsing experience from desktop to mobile. Its best feature: Do something on the mobile version and pick it up right where you left off when you return to your Windows PC.

DuckDuckGo

(iOS, Android; free)

DuckDuckGo is an increasingly popular internet search engine, and its browser is especially popular with internet users who want to remain anonymous. Subnamed the “Privacy Browser,” DuckDuckGo will block hidden ad trackers and let you know when you are being tracked. Unlike Google and Microsoft, DuckDuckGo doesn’t track your internet browsing. As a browser, DuckDuckGo doesn’t have all the features of its competitors, but it has more than enough to let you find what you want.