Alternative Browsers List

I started this hub because there are a lot of browsers out there. Many web browsers are under used but have lots of functionality.

Please note: I am only including those browsers that are still being used and or developed.

As you will see browsers generally fall into one of three categories.

• Text based.

Why would anyone want to use a text based browser today you ask? Because they are much faster! No Java, no Flash. You're in and out quickly. Some text based browsers have no graphic support at all. Others support picture viewing outside the browser. Some are as fully functional as a text browser can be, and include some graphic support along with Java and even support cookies. Another reason to use a text based browser is limited resources. Let's face it, we all know people who are still using 20 year old computers and they have limited capabilities. In such cases, text based browsers are perfect.

• Graphical Minimalist

These browsers do most things. Some have little or no support for Java or cookies. Others can support those items and are minimally configured to enhance speed, efficiency, and/or privacy. Like their text browser cousins they are very fast. But if it's glamor you're looking for a minimalist browser is not for you!

There are two options for the minimalist. Option 1; get a currently developed minimalist browser that has the full support and attention of it's developers so if you need help you can find help. Or option 2; get an older browser that is no longer supported but whose interface is familiar to you. I don't recommend option 2 unless you are either comfortable with not getting support, or you can take over development of the browser yourself.

• Fully Functional Modern

As the description implies these browsers do everything we expect them to do today. They come in a variety of flavors and are supported, and are still being developed.

Generally speaking, many Windows and Linux web browsers use one of three image rendering and HTML interpreting engines. The Main Engines are: Webkit (Linux/Unix), Mozilla Gecko (Made for all operating systems), and the Microsoft engine (using Internet Explorer). However there are a lot of browsers that use none of these. In other words, there are other choices.

I have seen a lot of dissension among purists who don't like browsers that are disguised to look like a fully functioning browser but really use browsing engines of well known browsers. In their defense it is only fair to point out that even if they are just shells, they add functionality and provide for language and cultural differences. They can supplement privacy, and frequently have add-ons and plug-in features.

There are many many browsers out there. And while this hub is intended to be a data resource, it is hardly meant to be complete. There are new browsers being developed everyday for many needs and reasons.

You probably have your favorite(s) but I bet you never heard of all of these. I have categorized this list by platform I hope you enjoy it. I am open to suggestions.

Please Note: HubPages tables are not link enabled so I was unable to link the listed sites, but the listed url's below will work for copy and paste in your address bar or you can search the web if you like.

The following browsers can be used on more than one platform. If I have missed any browsers or details I apologize. Please think of this as a work in progress.

For the most part these browsers are commercial or proprietary. Many need to be purchased for use or are available on trial basis before you buy. There are a few browsers I left off this list on purpose because they involve giving away a lot of personal information before you can even get to the download page. These pages may have been written with the intension of getting your information and selling it to third parties, or using it for other reasons.

All browsers on this list for Linux/Unix are Open Source or are free as defined by the Gnu/GPL License. I had to do a lot of research but I came up with a pretty good list. There are probably others. Let me know if I missed any.

This is a short list. As far as I can tell Mac mostly uses Safari, and Safari is available for other platforms. There are a few other browsers written for Mac only. See the following table: