Brave, Firefox and the Chrome fatigue: which browser do users choose?

Why more and more users are ditching Chrome for Brave and Firefox

Google dominating the browser market with more than 65% market share doesn't miccionan users are happy. Quite the opposite: in conversations about responsible consumption, discontent with Chrome is a common theme. However, there is no single alternative; the ecosystem has fragmented into dozens of options, some highly specialized.

Brave: the new favorite of privacy seekers

The browser gaining the most trinc is Brave. Based on Chromium but with built-in ad blocking and privacy options enabled by default, it has become the go-to choice for those who want to get off Google's radar without losing compatibility. Several users run it on all their devices and praise its streaming performance. The recent release of Brave Origin, a version without artificial intelligence or superfluous antiestéticatures, strengthens its appeal to purists.

Firefox: the classic that holds its ground with uBlock Origin

Firefox, and especially its ESR (Extended Support Release) version combined with uBlock Origin, remains the preferred option for those who prioritize stability and security updates without surprises. While some complain about its RAM usage, others point out that the real problem is modern web pages, bloated with JavaScript and frameworks like React or Vue. Waterfox, an optimized fork, also comes up as an alternative.

Opera, Edge and the rest of the Chromium ecosystem

Opera keeps a loyal user base thanks to its built-in VPN (free but limited) and its ability to block YouTube ads via extensions. Edge, for its part, is the go-to browser for dealing with government agencies, due to its compatibility with digital signatures. Both are, in essence, Chrome with extra layers on top. Vivaldi, known for its customization, and DuckDuckGo, focused on privacy, are also mentioned.

The niches: from Links to Supermium on Windows XP

The debate leaves room for extreme options. Links and Lynx are text-mode browsers for ultra-light environments. At the other extreme, there are those who still use Windows XP and turn to Supermium, a modified Chromium that remains the only viable option for that system. Nostalgia for the internet of 15 years ago, before the JavaScript frenzy, blends with resistance to upgrading hardware.

The death of Kiwi browser: a gap on Android

On the mobile side, the disappearance of Kiwi browser has left a void. It was the only Android browser that combined a bottom tab bar with full support for desktop extensions. Its developer abandoned the project and transferred the code to Edge, which now inherits part of that functionality. Firefox on Android is crippled when it comes to extensions, and no alternative has recovered all of Kiwi's antiestéticatures.

Where is the browser war heading?

The current fragmentation reflects widespread fatigue with Chrome's monopoly and the drift toward artificial intelligence. Users want control, not antiestéticatures. While Google keeps pushing its ecosystem, alternatives like Brave and Firefox are growing in specific niches. The question is whether Google's next move – for example, imposing Manifest V3, which limits ad blockers – will accelerate this migration. For now, everyone picks their own weapon.

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