Which browsers are there?

You open your browser almost automatically: email, news, online banking, streaming – everything runs through this one programme. But if someone asks you which browsers actually exist, you might only think of one or two names. In fact, the choice is much bigger, and the differences are more important than you might think.

Find out which internet browsers there are, how they differ and which browser suits your everyday life – whether you use Windows 10, still use Windows 7, macOS or mainly your smartphone.

16.12.2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes

What is a browser, anyway?

A browser is the application that turns technical code into what you see on the screen: text, images, buttons, forms and videos. Without a browser you would only see characters and numbers – it is the translator between the internet and you.

Modern browsers differ mainly in:

• speed and performance
  
  
• data protection and security
  
  
• convenience features such as password managers and synchronisation
  
  
• availability on different devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
  
  

So when you think about which browser suits you, it’s not just about speed, but also about how well the browser supports you in everyday life and how carefully it handles your data.

Which internet browsers are there today?

If you search for “which internet browsers are there”, a few names come up again and again. The four best known are Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox. In addition, there are alternatives such as Opera, Brave or Vivaldi.

Google Chrome – the fast all-rounder

Google Chrome has been one of the most widely used browsers worldwide for years. It is considered fast, handles modern websites well and remains stable even with lots of open tabs. If you already use Gmail, YouTube or Google Drive, you benefit from the close integration with your Google account and from your data being synced across several devices.

At the same time, Chrome is often in the spotlight when it comes to data collection and tracking. If saving data and limiting tracking is important to you, it can make sense to configure Chrome consciously or to combine it with a second, more privacy-friendly browser.

Safari – the natural choice for Apple fans

On Mac, iPhone and iPad, Safari is the standard solution. The browser is deeply integrated into the system, often saves battery and is very responsive. Apple places strong emphasis on data protection, and Safari offers features that make tracking more difficult and protect your privacy.

However, Safari mainly lives in the Apple world. If, for example, you work with a Windows laptop but use an iPhone privately, a browser that runs in the same way on both systems can be more practical.

Microsoft Edge – the modern Windows browser

The former Internet Explorer has been replaced by Microsoft Edge. Like Chrome, Edge is based on the Chromium platform, looks more modern, is fast and comes pre-installed on Windows. Many people simply stick with Edge because it works well without any extra setup and integrates seamlessly with Windows.

If you’re wondering which browsers exist for Windows, Edge is often your first point of contact – and for email, online banking, shopping and streaming it is more than sufficient in many cases.

Mozilla Firefox – the privacy-friendly alternative

Mozilla Firefox is developed by a foundation and does not belong to a classic tech corporation. As a result, the focus on data protection and transparency is very strong. You can block trackers, manage cookies strictly and fine-tune many security features.

Firefox is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS and can be customised flexibly with extensions. If privacy is your main concern when choosing a browser, Firefox is a very strong candidate.

Opera, Brave and other alternatives

Alongside the “big four” there are browsers with specific focuses. Opera, for example, includes a built-in VPN, an ad blocker and a sidebar. Brave consistently focuses on blocking ads and tracking, which can protect your privacy and also save data.

These alternatives are ideal if standard browsers give you too little control or if you want to try out new approaches to browsing.

Which browsers are there for Windows?

Many users don’t just search in general for “Which browsers are there”, but specifically for “Which browsers are there for Windows”, especially for Windows 10 and Windows 7.

Which browsers are there for Windows 10?

On Windows 10, you’re very flexible. Typical options are:

• Microsoft Edge
  
  
• Google Chrome
  
  
• Mozilla Firefox
  
  
• Opera
  
  
• Brave
  
  
• Vivaldi
  
  

The question is less whether a browser is “suitable for Windows 10”, and more which priorities you set. If you want as little effort as possible and simply a fast, stable browsing experience, Edge or Chrome are good options. If you value data protection, it’s worth testing Firefox or Brave – ideally you use them in parallel for a while and compare which one you feel more comfortable with.

Which browsers are there for Windows 7?

With Windows 7, the main issue is not the range of browsers, but the system itself. Some browsers can still be installed, but Microsoft no longer provides security updates for Windows 7. As a result, vulnerabilities arise that are not fixed.

Even a well-configured browser can only protect an outdated operating system to a limited extent. So if you still surf with Windows 7, the crucial question is less which browser you choose and more when you switch to a current system.

Browsers on your smartphone: mobile browsing

Today, many people are online more on their smartphone than on their laptop. That’s why the question “Which browsers are there” always needs the mobile perspective as well.

On Android devices, Chrome is usually pre-installed and is well suited for everyday use. In addition, you can install, for example, Firefox, Brave or the DuckDuckGo browser if you want stronger tracking protection. On iPhones and iPads, Safari is the standard browser: fast, stable and closely integrated with iOS. Many people combine Safari with a second browser, for example to separate certain accounts or to sync across platforms.

Especially when you’re on the go, these decisions make a difference – for example in terms of data usage, protecting your privacy or switching conveniently between devices.

Data protection, security and sustainability

When you choose a browser, design and speed matter, but data protection, security and, to some extent, sustainability are becoming increasingly important.

Most up-to-date browsers now offer:

• a private mode without local history
  
  
• protection mechanisms against trackers and harmful websites
  
  
• settings for cookies and website permissions
  
  

Browsers like Firefox, Brave or the DuckDuckGo browser put these features particularly front and centre and show you, for example, which trackers have been blocked. This gives you more insight into what’s happening in the background.

For some users, sustainability is also an issue. Projects such as Ecosia fund tree planting through search ad revenue. Browsers that consistently block ads and tracking also often reduce data traffic, which indirectly saves energy. If you want to make your browsing habits more conscious, it’s worth taking a look at these alternatives.

Which browser suits you?

In the end, what really matters is how well a browser fits your everyday life, your way of working and your values.

If you mainly want everything to be fast and straightforward, without having to change lots of settings, you’ll usually be well served by classic all-rounders like Chrome or Edge. If you work primarily with Apple devices, Safari is often the most efficient solution, because the browser is optimised for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

If privacy is your top priority, you’ll often feel more comfortable with Firefox, Brave or the DuckDuckGo browser. These let you strictly limit tracking and give you more control over which data you share. And if you enjoy tailoring lots of things to your own preferences, a highly customisable browser like Vivaldi could be interesting.

You don’t have to make a final decision for exactly one browser. Many people deliberately use two: one for everyday use and a second, with particularly strict settings, for online banking, shopping or other sensitive activities. That way, you combine convenience and security on your own terms.

Conclusion: the best browser for your everyday life

The question “Which browsers are there” quickly leads to a long list of names. More important, however, is finding the right combination of features, data protection and convenience for you.

Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox are established options for everyday use. Alternatives such as Opera, Brave, Vivaldi or the DuckDuckGo browser provide additional possibilities – for example when it comes to protecting your data or customising the interface. On Windows 10 you’re free to choose, while on Windows 7 you should always bear in mind that the system itself is no longer up to date.

The best approach is to try two or three browsers, use them in parallel for a while and see with which one you feel most comfortable – when working, browsing, streaming and on the move.

Browser and internet plan: the perfect duo

Whichever browser you choose, you’ll only really enjoy browsing with a stable and sufficiently fast internet connection. If pages keep freezing, video calls stutter or streams only play in low quality, the problem is rarely the browser – almost always it’s the connection.

That’s why, alongside choosing your browser, it’s also worth taking a critical look at your internet plan. A reliable connection, good Wi-Fi at home and sensible security options turn your favourite browser and your digital everyday life into a coherent overall package – and help you stay online quickly, safely and with less stress.