The Best Browsers for Windows

Are you ready to abandon Internet Explorer for good? The browser that comes standard with most Windows platforms has long been the target of jokes from Internet users — while it is still a viable option, it gets outperformed in virtually every way by many of the other most popular browsers available.

So if not IE, what are the best browsers available for Windows? Here are a few of the most popular. Keep security in mind —as of July 1, 2016 TLS 1.0 will no longer be accepted for PCI compliance.  What this means is web servers around the world will not allow connections from browsers that don’t support the current security standards.

• Google Chrome. Since its inception, Chrome has bolted up the rankings of web browsers to become one of the most widely used applications available. It has excellent security features and sync capabilities with other devices, and really sent the “extension” feature into the stratosphere, giving the browser a great deal of customizability. While it is no longer the fastest browser on the market, it still is strong enough overall that it sets the standard for other browsers to meet. Most versions of Chrome, including the current releases are secure.
• Mozilla Firefox. Firefox was the “go-to” IE alternative before Chrome came around, but it’s still extremely popular today. Its latest designs are simpler than ever before, which really speed up browsing and operation. It contains a wide variety of features for greater customization. The biggest negative in reviews is that the Mozilla support team is tough to get a hold of. The latest versions of Firefox support current security standards, so make sure you are running the current release.
• Edge. The Windows 10 alternative to Internet Explorer, Edge has been hailed for having greater speed than IE with better security options and a greater potential for plugins. Currently the browser does not have as large of a user base as the others on this list, but it is also very new and has a lot of potential moving forward. All versions of Edge are secure.
• Opera. While more of a favorite for Apple users because of its sync options on iOS devices, it’s also an excellent tool for Windows desktop users, with a variety of cutting-edge features and good browsing speeds. Surprisingly, Opera is now the second-oldest web browser currently in use, but it has managed to keep up to date with constantly changing standards, which says a lot about its development team. The latest editions of Opera are secure, but make sure you are running the current release.
• Safari. This browser is mainly a Mac favorite, but many Windows users make use of it as well. Safari boasts impressive page load and launch times, and offers users an unobtrusive, easy browsing experience. The only downside is it lacks the customization options of Chrome or Firefox. The later versions of Safari are secure, so make sure you are running the current release.

Which is your favorite browser to use on Windows?