There are many options for internet browsers, and the right one for you may not be the same as the one for your friend or colleague. Some people like to browse privately, while others want to know everything about their connection speed. Some browsers are better for low CPU usage than others.
CPU usage can be a serious challenge because it varies from browser to browser and from device to device.
Which Browser Uses The Least CPU & Least Memory on Windows?
Microsoft Edge is the best low-CPU usage browser available compared to other browsers.
This browser is built into all modern versions of Windows, and it requires fewer resources than other browsers on the market. It can be downloaded for Mac as well.
Mozilla Firefox is also an excellent low-CPU usage browser, especially if you need to use your computer for intensive tasks such as video editing and graphic design. The reason Firefox is so helpful in these instances is that it allows you to easily open multiple tabs without draining too much CPU power.
Using these two browsers will ensure that you save on your monthly power bill and get a fast browsing experience.
We conducted a rigorous test on four popular web browsers, using a Windows computer with a quad-core CPU and 8GB of RAM. Our goal was to create a controlled environment for accurate comparisons. To achieve this, we opened the same five tabs in each browser. These included:
- A 4K YouTube video
- A Google Docs tab with a 400-character document
- Gmail
- A standard Google Search page
During the test, we monitored the CPU and RAM usage through the Windows Task Manager. We made sure no other apps were running in the background, ensuring the test focused solely on the browsers’ performance.
Here are the results of the CPU and RAM usage based:
| Browser | CPU Usage Rank | CPU Usage | RAM Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Edge | 1 | 35% | 1320 MB |
| Mozilla Firefox | 2 | 38% | 1460 MB |
| Google Chrome | 3 | 43% | 1530 MB |
| Opera | 4 | 49% | 2260 MB |
As seen above, Microsoft Edge is the best browser for low CPU and RAM usage, followed by Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera.
Opera GX is specifically designed for gamers and allows users to control CPU, RAM, and network usage. Brave is another lightweight browser that focuses on privacy and security.
Safari, available for macOS, is also known for its efficient performance, but specific CPU and RAM usage data is not available. Keep in mind that actual CPU and RAM usage may vary depending on the number of open tabs, extensions, and specific websites being accessed.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best browsers for low CPU usage, so you can keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.
- Mozilla Firefox – Fast, open-source browser with multi-process architecture to allocate resources efficiently
- Google Chrome – Fast, popular browser but can use lots of resources with many tabs/extensions
- Microsoft Edge – Uses less CPU than Chrome or Firefox for common tasks like video & scrolling
- Opera Browser – Chromium-based alternative to Chrome, compresses pages to reduce resource usage
- Chromium Browser – Open-source foundation for Chrome, clean and fast with support for extensions
- Safari – Apple’s simple, clean browser optimized for efficiency and performance
- Maxthon Browser – Veteran browser focused on speed and customization options
- Yandex Browser – Built on Chromium but uses compression and custom engine for speed
- Comodo Dragon – Chromium-based browser focused on security, speed and efficiency
- DuckDuckGo – Privacy-focused search engine with lightweight browser taking up little CPU
- K-Meleon – Extremely lightweight, customizable Firefox-based browser for Windows
1. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is a free, open-source browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation and is available for desktop computers and mobile devices.
Firefox has built-in privacy features that make it very secure, which means you’re less likely to have your personal information stolen from hackers.
When it comes to CPU usage, Firefox is the clear winner. Mozilla claims that Firefox’s new Quantum engine uses around 30% less CPU than Chrome, nothing to sneeze at! The specific way that this happens is that Firefox uses a multi-process architecture.
Each tab in your browser has its process, which means that when a single tab crashes (which can happen), the other tabs won’t crash with it. It also means that each tab has its memory allocation, so when your computer starts running low on memory, individual tabs will be shut down instead of the whole browser freezing up on you.
The best feature about this particular browser is how fast it loads pages – even on low-end devices like smartphones or tablets without powerful processors.
If you’re looking for something that’s not only fast but also secure, then look no further! As long as they follow their guidelines, anyone can modify the Firefox Source Code to add new features or consistently fix bugs in the existing codebase.
Firefox can be downloaded, installed, and used by any user free of charge on any device (Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.)
Check out the best browsers like Firefox.
2. Google Chrome
Google Chrome has a lot of features, which some view as bloat. But there’s a reason it’s the most popular browser out there. Based on Chromium, it offers great performance and stability, delivering a fast and reliable browsing experience.
It loads pages as quickly as any other modern browser and is often the first to receive new features from Chromium.
It also boasts an incredible library of extensions that can enhance your browsing experience with useful tools or add-ons. You can also use many themes to personalize the browser, including Google-made themes that match wallpaper images offered by Google Earth Pro, available free of charge.
The average consumer spends six hours a day on their computer, and they use many apps and programs to get through their day. As a result, they’re often subject to high CPU usage and decreased battery life if they don’t optimize their systems.
For example, most consumers are unaware that some Google Chrome extensions allow you to subscribe to services that will continue to send data even when you aren’t using the browser. This dramatically increases your CPU usage—especially if you’re used to keeping multiple tabs open at once.
Chrome has advanced privacy controls that allow you to select what information you share with websites during each browsing session for those who value privacy. It also has built-in functionality enabling you to translate websites into over 100 languages.
Thanks to an easy-to-use cloud storage function called Google Sync, you can also sync your bookmarks and settings across devices. To see which process takes up the most CPU resources, click on the menu button in Chrome (three dots) and then go to More tools > Task manager.
You can also get an overview of how much memory and CPU each tab is using by going to chrome://memory-redirect/
Google Chrome is a featherweight browser that is free to download for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Also Read: How To Set Chrome As Default Browser?
3. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is a cross-platform web browser which was first released in 2015 by Microsoft.
Microsoft Edge uses less CPU compared to Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome in common tasks like watching a video and scrolling web pages. It might be time to switch when you’re tired of your laptop fan blaring because of your browser!
Edge is also more efficient with battery power than either of these two browsers are. For instance, when scrolling web pages over a wireless connection, Edge consumes 31% less power than Chrome and 44% less power than Firefox.
How do you know if it’s time to switch web browsers? It’s easy: when your laptop struggles to play a video or browsing takes longer than expected.
What kind of impact can this have on you? Well, poor battery life, poor performance, and a noisy fan. If you use Chrome or Firefox and are sick of this happening, Edge might be the right browser.
Microsoft Edge is available on supported versions of Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Check Out: Edge vs Brave
4. Opera Browser
Opera Browser is a Chromium-based browser, so it’s very similar to Google Chrome in design and features. This is the perfect substitute if you like using Chrome but want to use fewer resources.
Unlike Chrome, however, it doesn’t store all its information in the engine. This makes it perform better than regular browsers while offering several features like VPN and optimized pages.
Because of this, even though it uses Chromium, Opera is still one of the best browsers for low CPU usage.
The browser allows you to choose from over 1,500 themes to customize your user interface and make Opera your own. You can also use built-in features to change how you use the internet, such as mouse gestures that let you move through tabs with just a few clicks.
If you’re looking for a unique tool that lets you browse the internet in ways other browsers don’t support, this may be for you. For example, the Opera Link feature allows you to synchronize your data between the web browser and mobile apps to access bookmarks and open tabs.
This browser’s developers have been working hard to ensure the software doesn’t have hog resources; the Opera Turbo mode is designed to speed up your browsing by using an Opera-owned server to compress pages before they load on your computer.
This saves you data and reduces CPU usage while browsing—and you don’t even have to do anything! The Opera Browser has no login, subscription payment, data limit, and is free to download.
Explore the top alternatives to Opera browser here.
5. Chromium Browser
Chromium is a free software project from Google that aims to build a safer, faster, and more stable way for all users to experience the web.
Google Chrome draws its source code from Chromium, an open-source web browser project. There are minor differences in features and licensing between the browsers, but they share most of the code and features.
The Chromium browser is compatible with many of your favorite extensions, like Todoist, Reply, and HubSpot Sales, just a few, and has an intuitive user interface that makes loading websites as simple as clicking on a link.
Chromium is written in C++, Java (for Android app), JavaScript (for extensions), C++/JavaScript (V8 engine), Assembly (for low-level GPU programming). It uses Skia as a graphic library on the Windows platform.
Chromium supports all standard web technologies such as HTML5 video, HTML5 audio, HTML5 animations, and HTML5 3D graphics (WebGL, 2D Canvas, 3D CSS3 JavaScript).
Also Read: Opera GX Review – Is It Any Good?
6. Safari Browser
A free web browser developed by Apple, Safari is a simple and fast browser that uses WebKit as its rendering engine. It has a clean interface, so you don’t have to waste time getting rid of unnecessary buttons and features.
The Safari browser takes any opportunity to help you get a better browsing experience, CPU usage, and fun fact.
It uses a powerful web browser engine that helps you get the best out of your computer and internet connection by using what is needed to get the job done.
The engine lets you browse while keeping your computer running at its highest capacity without buying expensive hardware upgrades.
The browser also has an easy-to-use interface that allows you to quickly find and access the most important information without spending time searching.
It has a history feature, which allows users to search for links they visited in the past without remembering the name of the particular site. And it has a built-in RSS reader.
Safari is available on Mac OS X, iOS, iPad, and Windows operating systems.
Explore: How To Reinstall Safari On iPhone?
7. Maxthon Browser
Maxthon is a free web browser that has been around for a very long time. It is also one of the fastest browsers, so if you’re looking to use a browser that doesn’t hog your CPU while offering you great speed, then Maxthon will be perfect for you.
Maxthon has been around since 2003, and it has been working on making the best possible browsing experience ever since.
There are some features in Maxthon that may not be found in other browsers, but it does all the usual stuff, such as letting users open several tabs simultaneously (among other things).
Maxthon’s ad-skipping feature and its new video-optimized browser allow you to play videos faster with fewer lags or stops, saving on CPU usage.
The best thing about this browser is its high level of customization, which allows you to make it look and feel however you want to. You also get additional plugins and extensions from the official website of this browser.
Also Read: Is Opera GX Safe? Tips To Use.
8. Yandex Browser
Yandex Browser was developed by Russian internet giant Yandex and has been available since 2012. This browser is based on Chromium, the same project that Google Chrome is built on, and it’s also open-source.
Yandex Browser uses two engines to help speed things up; Blink, the rendering engine in Chromium, and Spark, a browser engine written specifically for Yandex.
It’s important to note that while this browser has many features you won’t find in other browsers (like Opera), it lacks some key features that would otherwise make it a great option for a low-resource browser.
Yandex Browser uses less of your computer’s CPU than other popular browsers like Google Chrome so that you can enjoy a better browsing experience without all the lag.
Yandex Browser uses less of your computer’s memory—which means it doesn’t slow your computer down while using it. It also means that when you have multiple tabs open, they don’t make your browser slow to a crawl.
This is all thanks to its Turbo mode, which compresses web pages before loading them on your screen, so data loads faster and uses less of your computer’s resources.
The biggest drawback to using this browser is its lack of support for tab groups or panorama, which are very useful if you have many tabs open. Yandex browser is available for free download on Windows, Linux, and Android.
Explore: Opera GX vs Chrome
9. Comodo Dragon Browser
CPU usage can be a tricky metric. Your CPU is the little brain of your computer, and it’s responsible for managing all the information your computer processes. Your browser will take up a chunk of your CPU to run various processes when using the internet.
Everyone’s heard of the popular browser, Dragon Browser; now I’m proud to present my take on the same concept: Comodo Dragon Browser. It’s a freeware browser that takes browsing to a whole new level with an incredibly efficient and advanced browsing experience while consuming as few resources as possible for maximum performance.
Dragon has been getting lots of attention lately, especially regarding its user interface. It was also featured in a famous video game award show, praised for its user experience.
Dragon is built on cutting-edge security technologies. The Comodo Dragon Browser for Android keeps your data secure by implementing blockchain technology and malware protection. The new Android browser is based on the WebKit engine, which has a high level of security.
It provides an unparalleled user experience, supporting high-performance browsing and offering next-generation web features such as in-app video playback and secure streaming.
Also Read: How To Add Safari Back To The Home Screen Of iPhone?
10. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a search engine founded as an alternative to Google in 2008. It offers users the ability to set their preferences to eliminate tracking and personalization, which is one of the main ways it distinguishes itself from its competitors.
If you’ve been using Google Chrome, you can use DuckDuckGo with no problem. Here’s what else you need: Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.8 or higher, Ubuntu 12.04+, Fedora 21+ (Linux), Android 4.4+ (KitKat), iOS 8+, Windows Phone 8+, or Firefox OS 2.1+ (mobile).
DuckDuckGo uses less CPU than half of what most browsers take up! This means that you’ll have more power available for other tasks like watching videos online or playing games without worrying about your browser slowing everything down.
Also Read: Brave vs DuckDuckGo
11. K-Meleon
K-Meleon is an extremely fast, lightweight, customizable web browser. It is based on the Gecko layout engine developed by Mozilla. K-Meleon is free, open source software released under the GNU General Public Licence and is designed specifically for Microsoft Windows (Win32) operating systems.
The Gecko layout engine is an open source code library that has been developed by Mozilla. This means that K-Meleon also supports most of Firefox’s features, such as bookmark sync, tabbed browsing, and add-ons.
K-Meleon’s user interface is very simple, with a toolbar and menu bar at the top of the main window. It aims to be user-friendly, highly customizable, and extensible. The menu bar can be hidden or customized by adding or removing commands.
The main menu can be configured to have up to five toolbars on each of the four sides of the window and one floating toolbar that can be moved anywhere in the main window area. Each toolbar can include buttons for commands from menus and from extensions like macros, scripts, or third-party plugins.
K-Meleon has a built-in macro language that allows users to customize the browser without having knowledge of programming languages such as C++ or JavaScript.
Also Read: Best Web Browsers For Samsung Smart TV
Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.
Do your device’s RAM and CPU resources remain over-stressed by the browser you use, which adversely affects the overall performance of your device? One way to address this issue is to upgrade your hardware, but that’s not always a viable solution. The other option is to opt for a browser that uses fewer resources.
In this article, we’ll compare the RAM and CPU resources consumed by different browsers on Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS; so you can see which browser uses the least resources on your device.
How Will the Test Be Conducted?
For easier comparison, we will run the same processes on all browsers and keep them consistent across all devices. A YouTube video, WhatsApp Web, a Reddit video, and a blog-based website will be the processes we will run on each browser.
We’ll use a new profile or guest mode on each browser to eliminate resource consumption by extensions and other browser processes. We will not run any other resource-intensive processes on our device when the test is in progress to avoid their impact. Also, the hardware acceleration will remain disabled.
Nonetheless, since multiple factors contribute to a browser’s resource consumption, the strain a browser puts on devices with the same operating system may differ.
For example, a browser using more RAM on a Windows device from a specific manufacturer might use less RAM on a device with more efficient RAM. To provide a baseline, we will list the specifications of the devices used in the test.
Which Browser Uses the Least Memory and CPU Resources on a Windows Device?
For Windows, we will analyze the resource consumption of Edge, Opera, Firefox, and Chrome browser to determine which one you should use. The following image shows the specifications of the Windows device we are running this test on:
Here are the RAM and CPU consumption figures for all browsers on a Windows device when running one YouTube video, WhatsApp Web, a blog site, and a Reddit video:
|
Browser Name |
RAM Usage (MBs) |
CPU Usage (Percentage) |
|
Microsoft Edge |
825-900 |
3-7 |
|
Opera |
850-950 |
12-34 |
|
Mozilla Firefox |
950-1000 |
5-11 |
|
Google Chrome |
900-1000 |
7-25 |
Microsoft Edge consumes the least CPU resources compared to other browsers, and Opera is the most processor-intensive browser on Windows. Moreover, even though all browsers consume nearly the same amount of RAM, Edge and Firefox’s RAM consumption fluctuates the least, whereas Opera and Chrome’s fluctuate more.
Verdict: Based on the above results, Windows users should opt for Edge if they want to put the least burden on their CPU. For low memory consumption, you can either use Firefox or Edge. Nonetheless, since Firefox stresses your CPU a bit more, it’s best to use Microsoft Edge on a Windows device.
If you use a browser that consumes lots of CPU resources and can’t switch to another for some reason, turn on efficiency mode for the browser’s processes. It’s a feature introduced in Windows 11 that makes the processes low-priority, making the processor allocate fewer resources, thereby limiting their CPU usage.
Which Browser Consumes the Least Memory and CPU Resources on ChromeOS?
For the Chromebook operating system, ChromeOS, we will analyze the resource consumption of Opera, Firefox, and Chrome. Microsoft Edge is not available by default, so we’ll exclude this browser. The following image shows the specifications of the Chromebook we are running this test on:
After running the same processes on ChromeOS as we did on Windows, here’s the breakdown of resources consumed by different browsers:
|
Browser Name |
RAM Usage (MBs) |
CPU Usage (Percentage) |
|
Opera |
700 |
17-30 |
|
Mozilla Firefox |
— |
100 |
|
Google Chrome |
550 |
7-35 |
Firefox has become unresponsive even after running only one YouTube video and reached 100% CPU usage, almost causing the Chromebook to crash. Therefore, you should avoid Firefox on a Chromebook.
Opera consumes slightly fewer CPU resources, while Chrome strains it more. Opera, on the other hand, consumes more memory than Chrome.
Verdict: If your Chromebook’s processor isn’t powerful, you can choose Opera. Chrome is a good choice for users having limited memory at their disposal.
Which Browser Consumes the Least RAM and CPU on macOS?
For macOS, we will analyze the resource consumption of Safari, Opera, Firefox, and Chrome. In the following image, you can see the specifications of the macOS device we are using for the test:
Below, you can find a breakdown of the resources consumed by each browser when running the same processes on a MacBook:
|
Browser Name |
RAM Usage (MBs) |
CPU Usage (Percentage) |
|
Safari |
79.1 |
4.28 — 7.77 |
|
Opera |
169.9 |
8.29 — 16.06 |
|
Mozilla Firefox |
432.5 |
6.67 — 11.0 |
|
Google Chrome |
130.0 |
5.55 — 8.33 |
Safari outperforms all other browsers in terms of less strain on the hardware. Given that it is an Apple product, one would expect it to perform more efficiently than other browsers.
Verdict: Considering Safari consumes the least CPU and RAM resources, it should be the default browser for all Apple users. As an alternative to it, your next best choice should be Chrome rather than Firefox or Opera.
What About Using Less Popular Browsers?
Although we have tested the resources consumed by popular and mainstream browsers, you can also choose less popular or private browsers if they are more efficient.
Browsers such as Brave, DuckDuckGo, and Vivaldi consume a minimum number of resources yet offer nearly the same features as mainstream browsers. Thus, you can use a less popular browser if you find it less resource-intensive.
But how can you test which browser consumes the least resources, aside from those we have already tested?
How to Test Other Browsers’ Resource Consumption Yourself
To check how much strain any browser puts on your device’s hardware, follow these steps:
- Close all running processes on your device.
- Open the relevant resource monitoring app on your device: Task Manager in Windows, Activity Monitor in macOS, and Diagnostics in ChromeOS.
- Launch the browser you wish to test the resource consumption of and run a few processes on it.
-
Observe how many resources your browser consumes in the monitoring app.
- To compare this browser’s resource consumption with others, run the same processes on other browsers and compare their results.
Use the Most Efficient Browser
Browsers consume the most resources and hinder our user experience the most. Hopefully, our evaluations comparing the resources consumed by different browsers will help you choose the right one for your device. Furthermore, if the less popular browser consumes fewer resources on your device, you might be better off using it.
Make sure you optimize your browser fully, regardless of which one you choose. An optimized browser can perform better than one set to its default settings.
Just like other device components your web browser can also put unnecessary load on your system resources making it slow and sluggish. A heavyweight browser can eat your system memory and cause excess battery drainage.
What you need in such situations is a lightweight browser for Windows that can work as efficiently as a mainstream browser without draining system resources.
If you are struggling with your current web browser refer to our list of best lightweight browsers that promises full-fledged navigation experience at a lightning speed. Read the complete article to find the top 17 lightweight browser for PC and enjoy browsing without any compromises with the speed.
What Are the Best Lightweight Browsers for Windows in 2024?
Here, we have shortlisted some of the top-rated, resource-friendly and fast browsers that you can install on your windows device. Go through the list and find out the perfect lightweight browser for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
1. Midori Windows Browser
Highlight Features:
| HTML5 support | Start-up Settings | Minimalist UI | Open-source | Incognito Browsing |
Enjoy an array of mainstream browser features with this light browser for windows. Midori is an open-source browser and is well known for its class apart functionalities like RSS support, bookmark, and spell checker capabilities.
Another beautiful thing about Midori is that its default search engine duckduckgo does not collect any user information. Minimalist and a straightforward UI also backs its worldwide popularity.
2. UR Browser
Highlight Features:
| Safe Browsing | HTTPS Redirections | Customized Experience | Fast Downloading Speed | Removes ads & Cookies |
Next on our list of best lightweight browsers for Windows is the UR browser. This chromium-based browser is backed with a powerful-suite of multiple features. Privacy-focused search engine, built-in VPN connection along with an integrated virus scanner makes it an all-in-one lightweight browser that can perfectly suit all your requirements.
In addition to this, it also sends alert messages while visiting suspicious sites and blocks all annoying ads from your browser. Enjoy fast browsing seed with this highly customizable and lite browser for Windows.
3. Microsoft Edge
Highlight Features:
| Browser Extension Support | Superior Privacy | Built-In Browser for Windows 10 | Highly Customizable | Edge HTML Engine Layout |
Microsoft is not a new name and is known as the trump card of Microsoft against Google Chrome. It is the default browser of Windows 10 and does not hog on your device resources. Although it is a light browser for Windows it does not compromise on loading speed.
Known for its superior privacy features it safeguards your device from suspicious websites and malicious ads. Microsoft Edge also comes with multiple customization options and can easily sync with various browser extensions.
Enjoy seamless working and modern web experience with its Edge HTML Engine Layout.
Read Also: Know About New Microsoft’s Chromium Edge Browser
4. Slim Browser
Highlight Features:
| Ultra-fast Speed | Ad blocker Capability | Online safety | Easy Integration | Plug-in Compatibility |
Next on our list of lite browsers for PC is Slim Browser. If you are looking for a sophisticated, native, and fast browser then Slim Browser is what you need.
Enjoy 10x download speed and protect your digital life by blocking annoying ads. It also comes backed with a fully customizable toolbar and one-click Facebook integration. Fast downloading of Youtube videos in MP3 and MP4 formats, easy installation of extensions, browser plugin along with easy text translation are few other notable offerings of this lite browser for PC.
5. Opera
Highlight Features:
| Free VPN | Cross-Device Data Synchronization | Private Browsing | Customizable features | Ad-Blocker |
Another light browser for Windows that you can pick is Opera. It promises optimal resource usage and fast downloading speed no matter how many extensions you download.
Its ad-blocker capabilities prevent annoying ads and trackers. To add on to the privacy levels it also comes with auto-upgrade features and a built-in VPN connection that can easily maintain your anonymity and encrypt your online activities.
It is simple to set up and use. Make Opera your browsing companion and enjoy a clean, efficient, and powerful browsing experience.
6. Comodo IceDragon
Highlight Features
| Robust Security | Dns Server Integration | Lightning Fast Browsing | Web Page Scanning | Virtual Container |
If the above mentioned lightweight browser for Windows has not met your requirements then try our next pick. Comodo IceDragon is popular for its superior and robust security feature which keeps you protected from all possible viruses.
It is integrated with Comodo’s DNS server which ensures error-free conversion of website URLs to IP addresses. Apart from this it also scans your browsers crash and performance reports to scan your web-page for any threats.
It also uses a virtually created container that breaks all the contact of your device with the browser, this means no unwanted or harmful software gets installed on your device.
Read More: Best Lightweight Mobile Browsers For Android
7. SeaMonkey
Highlight Features:
| Voice Interaction | Robust Password Manager | Easy to use HTML Editor | Easy Navigation | Open Source |
SeaMonkey is another light browser for Windows that promises optimized browser functioning and loading speed. A built-in email client and built-in editor helps you in easy navigation and also assists you in developing a web-page of your own.
It is also powered with a password manager tool along with voice interaction, mouse gestures and restore sessions functionalities. It is an open-source lightweight browser for Windows but can result in stability issues as time.
8. Vivaldi
Highlight Features:
| End-to-End Encryption | Customizable Keyboard | Color Themes | Ad-Blocker | Stable Performance |
Vivaldi is one of the newest entrants in the category of lightest browser for Windows but has enough to give its competitors a big fight. It comes with greater customizable features including tab arrangement, color themes, and notes.
Vivaldi works on the Google Chrome engine and is well known for its reliability and stable performance. It also ensures the utmost privacy and helps you browse privately by blocking unwanted ads and trackers. All the data enchanted on the Vivaldi browser is protected with end-to-end encryption.
9. Lynx
Highlight Features:
| Text-Based Browser | Easy Working | Oldest Browser | Keyboard shortcuts for easy Navigation |
Another smallest browser that you can pick for your Windows device is Lynx. It is one of the oldest Windows browsers and uses various command-line tools. Setting it up is fairly easy and its straightforward design adds on to its simple working.
It is a text-based browser and does not pressurize your system resources. So if you can barter a graphic user interface with a text-based interface then Lynx is a good choice.
10. Torch Browser
Highlight Features:
| Integrated Sharing | Apt for hyper-active internet Users | Torch Facelift | Built-In BitTorrent | Embedded Player |
Next on our list of lite browsers for Windows PC is Torch. It is perfectly apt for heavily-active users and supports seamless loading at a lightning-fast speed. It is an open-source and media-oriented browser application.
It comes with an in-built BitTorrent feature which helps in easy management of downloads. Along with it you also get access to additional features like Torch Games and Torch Music which adds on to your browsing experience. You can also play online songs before their download is complete with its Torch Player feature.
Manage online media in a hassle-free manner with its integrated sharing and download accelerator feature.
11. Maxthon Cloud Browser
Highlight Features:
| Dark mode | In-built Ad blocker | Screen capture facility | Note-Pad | Multi-engine web browser |
Maxthon Cloud Browser is an extremely great browser that offers some of the best features than other opponent tool does. It includes a built-in tool for blocking random ads, offers a screen capture facility, note pad, dark mode, reader form, and many other features. Apart from this, Maxthon Cloud Browser utilizes its own cloud services to sync the users’ data among the devices. And, Maxthon Cloud Browser has its own multi-account password administrator, named Magic Fill. If you want to make Maxthon sync your data on all other devices, then you are required to create an account on Maxthon-based cloud services.
12. Lunascape Orion
Highlight Features:
| Auto-switch between engines | Full-screen mode | Fastest browsing speed | User friendly | Triple engine support | Quick access |
Have you ever wished to access Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox in one program? Now, you must be thinking about how it can be possible at all. Isn’t it? Then, you can access Internet Explorer’s Trident, Firefox’s Gecko, and Safari’s Webkit within one program. Yes, you have heard right! That’s exactly what Lunascape does. It has the support of the triple engine i.e., Gecko, Trident, and Webkit. It is designed with the latest technology parameters and algorithms hence comparatively it is faster than others. However, you can set one particular engine to be accessed whenever you open Lunascape Orion. But, switching between the engines is very quick as well.
13. K-Meleon
Highlight Features:
| Feasible for beginners | Multiple tabs support | Amazing speed | Easy to use and navigate | Open-source | Extremely lightweight |
The Next name on this list of the best lightweight browsers for Windows is K-Meleon. The tool is quite amazing and offers an open-source structure for you. You can edit the coding base of the tool using this open source and use the tool as required. The tool is quite reliable. however, built for 32-bit operating systems only. k-Meleon respects your privacy and does not share any browsing data or surfing data with third-party websites or apps and otherwise. The interface of the browser is customizable as well and allows you to get the best out of the tool with ease.
14. Brave
Highlight Features:
| Easy to use | Supports multiple tabs | Lightning fast speed | Easy to navigate | Freeware | Ultra lightweight |
The last name here on the list of the best lightweight browsers for Windows is Brave. This lightweight browser is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. While you use the browser, it will block all the ads to enhance your surfing experience. Moreover, the browser also blocks cross-site trackers for enhanced performance.
This is one of the best tools that prohibits phishing attacks and malicious files from getting into your computer. Moreover, the anonymized network routing by the browser using the Tor mode offers utter privacy to your data and surfing history.
15. Opera One
Highlight Features:
| Utter Privacy | HTTPS Redirections | Personalized Experience | Fast Downloading and Uploading Speeds | Fewer ads |
In addition to this, it prohibits all irritating advertisements from Opera One and delivers warning messages if it detects that a user is visiting a website that may be malicious. Enjoy a lightning-fast surfing experience with this Windows browser that is both highly configurable and lightweight. The Opera One makes its way to the next spot in our list of the top lightweight browsers for Windows. This Internet browser, which is based on Chrome, is equipped with a robust collection of a variety of functions. It is an all-in-one lightweight browser that can fully meet all of your needs, complete with a search engine that prioritizes privacy, a built-in virtual private network connection, and an integrated virus scanning.
16. Falkon
Highlight Features:
| Supports extensions | Customizable UI | Lightning fast | Safe to use for all | Fewer ads |
Here’s another addition to this list of the best lightweight browsers for Windows. Falkon, just like its name, is a very fast web browser that allows you to surf freely using the internet. The interface of the browser is quite basic yet offers lightning-fast operations. You can download this tool on Windows, Linux, and other operating systems.
17. GNOME
Highlight Features:
| Super Lightweight | Easy to use | Fewer popups | Works with older OS | Open-source |
The next best lightweight browser for Windows is the GNOME browser. This is an open-source browser that allows you to surf the internet very easily. The browser can also run high-end websites on your device with ease. Also, the tool allows you to save yourself from annoying ads and retain privacy.
Faqs – Lightweight Browsers
Q1. What is the lightest browser for Windows 10?
In the sea full of options for different browsers available online we have fixed it for our users by listing the best lightweight browser for Windows 10, 11, or older version systems. Go through the list and find the one that matches your definition of lite browser for PC and download it from the official website.
Q2. Which browser uses least memory on your device?
Depending upon the size and other available data Opera uses the least resources of your Windows and still provides the best user-experience and speed.
Q3. Does Chrome use lot of the system’s RAM?
When compared to the above mentioned light-weight browser alternatives, Chrome indeed uses a significantly higher amount of RAM. In addition to this if we download and add multiple extensions to chrome it can get heavier.
Q4. Is Opera Lighweight browser?
Yes, Opera is a well know alternative in the list of lightweight browsers as it only consumes minimal resources of your device.
Q5. Is Brave Lighter Than Chrome?
Yes, Brave is a lighter web browser than Chrome. It puts less strain on your device’s performance than Google Chrome. Brave uses 66% less memory than Google Chrome.
Conclusion
So, this is folks, enjoy effortless and fast browsing experience with our lightweight browser for Windows. All the options mentioned above guarantee fast speed, robots working, less resource usage, and superior privacy.
Pick the best-suited lightweight browser for your windows device to trade-off with a mainstream browser.
Introduction:
With the ever-increasing demand for faster browsing speeds and lower memory usage, lightweight browsers have become quite popular among Windows users. These browsers are designed to be swift, responsive, and easy on system resources. In this article, we will discuss the top 15 lightest browsers for Windows 10 and 11 to help you find the right one for your needs.
All these browsers have small installation packages, lower RAM usage compared to mainstream browsers like Chrome, quick operations, and other useful features.
Why Do You Need a Lightweight Browser for Windows PC?
With webpages and web apps becoming more complex by the day, the system requirements for browsers are constantly increasing. Mainstream browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge keep adding new features and require ample computing resources. While this enables enhanced functionality, it takes a toll on system memory and processing power. This is where lite web browsers for PC come into the picture.
These browsers are optimized to deliver maximum browsing performance while using up the minimum system resources. Such lightest browsers for PC have small install sizes and open swiftly without hogging RAM or CPU cycles.
This makes lightweight browsers ideal for older computers with limited hardware capabilities. They are also suitable for users who value speed and a clutter-free browsing experience above bells and whistles. The trimmed-down interfaces and uncluttered feature sets of the best light web browsers allow for smooth and distraction-free usage.
Top 15 Lightweight Browsers for Windows 10 and 11 PC
1. Opera
Opera is a pioneering browser for Windows PC and laptop with over 20 years of experience and innovation behind it. Opera uses the Blink browser engine developed by Google. It comes packed with unique features like a built-in VPN, ad blocker, social messengers, and a crypto wallet. Opera also has a data-saving mode and battery saver for laptops.
Key Features:
- Built-in ad blocker
- Battery saver
- VPN
- Crypto wallet
- Messengers
Pros:
- Packed with extra features
- Good customization options
- Lower memory usage
Cons:
- Too many built-in features can clutter the interface
- VPN limited to the United States and Europe
2. Firefox
Firefox is an open-source, lightest browser for PC developed by Mozilla that offers a balance between speed and features. Firefox uses a Gecko browser engine that complies with current web standards. It has a clean interface and is highly customizable with themes and add-ons. Firefox also comes loaded with privacy features like tracking protection.
Key Features:
- Fast page loading
- Tab browsing
- Private browsing mode
- Tracking protection
- Customizable interface
Pros:
- Light on system resources
- Open source with no privacy issues
- Supports extensions and themes
- Regular security updates
Cons:
- Extensions can slow it down over time
- Higher memory usage than other lightweight browsers
3. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 10 and 11 built with speed and resource efficiency in mind. Microsoft Edge uses the Chromium browser engine for wider compatibility. It offers smooth performance and integration with Windows 10/11 features. Edge also has vertical tab grouping, smart copy, and other handy tools.
Key Features:
- Vertical tab grouping
- Collections
- Immersive reader
- Built-in coupon finder
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast
- Good compatibility with Windows
- Useful built-in tools
Cons:
- Falls short of privacy compared to Firefox
- Still catching up with extensions
4. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a highly innovative one of the best light web browsers for Windows PC focused on customization and power user features. Vivaldi is built on Chromium and allows extensive UI customization with accents, themes, and positionable interface elements. It packs power user tools like tab stacking, notes, and a dedicated screenshot tool. Vivaldi also has a built-in mail client.
Key Features:
- Utterly customizable interface
- Tab stacking
- Notes and screenshots
- Built-in mail client
Pros:
- Innovative feature-packed browser
- Fast and stable
- Great for power users
Cons:
- Too many features can seem overwhelming
- Relatively new browser with a small user base
5. Pale Moon
Pale Moon is an open-source lightweight browser for Windows focused on customization and speed. It uses the Goanna browser engine which is a fork of Firefox’s old Gecko engine. It is highly customizable and supports many old Firefox extensions. Pale Moon has options to tweak the advanced configuration.
Key Features:
- Optimized for speed
- Support for legacy Firefox extensions
- Highly customizable
- Advanced configuration options
Pros:
- Very lightweight and fast
- Extensive customization options
- Good browser for older hardware
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with newer websites
- Small development team
6. Maxthon
Maxthon is a seasoned multi-platform, lightest browser for PCs with a focus on speed, security, and cloud services. It uses a hybrid browser engine combining Chromium with its own proprietary Maxthon engine. It emphasizes security and privacy with tools like ad blockers and fingerprint protection. Maxthon also offers cloud sync and cross-device functionality.
Key Features:
- Hybrid browser engine
- Secure browsing tools
- Cloud sync and services
- Support for extensions
Pros:
- Fast and stable performance
- Good balance of features and speed
- Enhanced security and privacy
Cons:
- Interface feels dated
- Smaller extension library
7. Brave
Brave is an emerging privacy-focused lightweight browser for Windows PC with a built-in ad blocker and crypto wallet. Brave is built on Chromium and blocks ads and website trackers by default to protect privacy. It has a built-in crypto wallet and allows users to earn BAT tokens for viewing opt-in ads. Brave also offers a stripped-down Reader mode.
Key Features:
- Built-in ad blocker
- Crypto wallet
- Earn BAT rewards
- Reader mode
Pros:
- Excellent for privacy
- Innovative crypto features
- Clean and fast browsing
Cons:
- Still a relatively new browser
- Limited customization options
8. Waterfox
Waterfox focuses on ethical values, speed, customization options, and community feedback. Waterfox uses Firefox’s Gecko engine and strips out telemetry while adding under-the-hood optimizations. It is an open-source lightest browser for PCs with an emphasis on user control and choice. Waterfox offers extensive customization options like themes, add-ons, and about:config tweaks.
Key Features:
- No telemetry or data collection
- Speed optimizations
- Support for browser extensions
- Customizable configurations
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast
- Privacy focused values
- Active community engagement
Cons:
- Not beginner friendly
- Small development team
9. Slimjet
Slimjet is designed for speed by incorporating website pre-fetching and Cloudflare’s DNS. Slimjet uses the Blink browser engine to deliver fast performance. It has website pre-fetching to speed up page loading along with Cloudflare DNS integration. Slimjet lightest browser for PC and also offers add-on support and a reader mode.
Key Features:
- Website pre-fetching
- Built-in ad blocker
- Cloudflare DNS
- Reader mode
- Extension support
Pros:
- Very fast page loading
- Light on system resource usage
- Clean and intuitive interface
Cons:
- Fewer customization options
- Relatively new with a smaller user base
10. Comodo Dragon
Comodo Dragon prioritizes security without compromising on speed and stability. Comodo Dragon is a lightweight browser for Windows based on Chromium with added security features baked in. It has domain validation, script blockers, and privacy controls. Comodo Dragon also offers malware scanning and website certificate validation.
Key Features:
- Built-in security tools
- Script and malware blocking
- Secure DNS
- Privacy controls
- Site certificate validation
Pros:
- Fast and secure browsing
- Very lightweight
- Feature-rich for security
Cons:
- Too many security prompts for some users
- Interface needs modernization
11. CentBrowser
CentBrowser offers streamlined browsing using the Chromium engine sans Google services. CentBrowser strips out Google services for reduced memory usage. It has a clean interface with a built-in media downloader and extension support. CentBrowser loads pages swiftly while remaining very portable.
Key Features:
- No Google services
- Media downloader
- Portable and lightweight
- Extension support
Pros:
- Blazing fast
- Tiny install size
- Streamlined and bloat-free
Cons:
- Very barebones
- Limited feature set
12. Basilisk
Basilisk revives Firefox’s classic legacy with advanced customization and old-school charm. It is one of the most lite web browsers for PC. Basilisk browser uses Firefox’s old Gecko engine built purely for customization and speed. It has support for legacy Firefox extensions along with userChrome.css modifications. Basilisk appeals to users who liked Firefox’s pre-Chrome era.
Key Features:
- Firefox’s classic Gecko engine
- Support for legacy extensions
- UserChrome.css tweaks
- Customizable toolbars
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly customizable
- Classic no-nonsense browsing
Cons:
- Legacy technology lacks new standards
- Minimal default settings
13. Torch
Torch offers Chrome-based browsing with built-in media features and torrent support. Torch Browser is based on Chromium but adds multimedia downloading tools for social media sites. It also integrates multimedia-sharing features along with a built-in BitTorrent client.
Key Features:
- Multimedia downloader
- Media sharing tools
- Integrated BitTorrent client
- Chrome-based browsing
Pros:
- Great for media handling
- Lightweight and fast
- Handy built-in tools
Cons:
- Too focused on BitTorrent
- Some bloatware during the installation process.
14. Google Chrome
Google Chrome lightest PC web browser delivers a no-frills browsing experience with speed optimizations. It is built using Chromium stripped down for maximum speed and minimalism. It forgoes unnecessary features to reduce memory usage. Chrome also implements site-specific browser functionality.
Key Features:
- Bloat-free Chromium
- Site-specific browser mode
- Nothing but pure browsing
Pros:
- Extremely fast and responsive
- The address bar doubles up as a search bar for fast web searches
- Very low resource usage
- Chrome has a huge library of extensions and add-ons for customization.
- Clean and distraction-free
Cons:
- Being by Google, it collects a lot of user data. Privacy controls are limited.
- Background updates happen frequently whether you want it or not.
15. Falkon
Falkon is an open-source, lightest PC web browser focused on speed and minimal resource usage. Falkon utilizes the QtWebEngine framework for speed and stability. It has a clean interface with support for themes and plugins. Falkon offers robust customization via config flags. It’s designed for Linux but runs well on Windows too.
Key Features:
- Qt-based browser engine
- Low on RAM usage
- Customizable interface
- Plugin support
Pros:
- Blazingly fast performance
- Very lightweight and portable
- Open source codebase
Cons:
- Smaller user base and extension library
- Limited feature set
Conclusion
When choosing the best light web browsers for your Windows 10/11 PC, it is important to assess your priorities. Factors like speed, customization, privacy, security, and features will help determine the best and lightest PC web browser as per your specific needs.
Those wanting breakneck speeds may prefer Nichrome or Falkon. Customization lovers can opt for Pale Moon or Vivaldi. Privacy-conscious users will benefit from Firefox or Brave. Casual users needing a well-rounded option can try Microsoft Edge or Opera.
With this diverse selection of the top 15 lightweight Windows browsers, you are sure to find one that ticks all the right boxes.
FAQs
Q1. Why use a lightweight browser?
These use up less RAM and CPU, resulting in faster response times. They are perfect for older PCs and ideal for a clutter-free browsing experience.
Q2. Are light web browsers less secure?
Not at all. Many lightweight browsers offer robust security and privacy-enhancing features. Some like Comodo Dragon even have enhanced security baked in.
Q3. Will lightweight Windows browsers work with extensions?
These support Chrome extensions to varying degrees. Some like Pale Moon cater specifically to legacy Firefox extensions. Only the most barebones options lack extension support.
Q4. What are the most customizable browsers?
Vivaldi and Pale Moon offer the most customization options for interfaces, themes, configurations, and extensions. Other honorable mentions include Basilisk, Waterfox, and Brave.
Q5. Which lite browser has the smallest resource footprint?
Falkon and Nichrome are the lightest on system resource usage. Other top options for low memory and CPU usage include CentBrowser, Maxthon, and Slimjet.
Earlier, browsers were considered only a medium through which we could access the internet. But now, the scenario has changed to a huge extent. These internet browsers have become a way to get into the middle of extensive knowledge and learn everything. You can find it with a few clicks and taps in your browser, no matter what you are looking for.
Everything seems perfect, but the main issue arises when your browser starts giving you some trouble. You might be getting the results, but they are not worth it if your browser takes ages to load them. This is when people search for some of the fastest browsers that can help them get quick and accurate results.
There are plenty of browsers available online from different creators. Every browser claims itself to be the fastest one with no issues. To make it easy for you to choose the right one, we have a list of the best light browsers for Windows.
If you are using a Mac computer, learn the best browsers for Mac here.
1. UR Browser
UR Browser is a light browser for Windows with enhanced privacy protection. The main aim of the UR browser is to protect your privacy with different techniques. Trackers, cookies, and ads can reduce your browser’s loading speed. With UR browser, your websites will be loaded with excellent speed and function at optimum performance levels.
Different websites might require different levels of privacy. UR Browser provides three levels of privacy – Low, Medium, and High Privacy. You are also allowed to adjust the privacy levels for different websites as per your preference. So, every specific website will always load in that particular state of privacy only in your browser.
Best for: maintaining specific privacy for different websites
Price: Free
Pros
- Enhanced online privacy protection
- Faster website loading
- Alerts for dangerous websites
- Built-in virus scanner
- Available for Android and iOS
Cons
- No frequent updates
- Limited customization options
2. Opera
Opera is the lightest web browser for Windows 10 that will take up pretty little space on your system. On top of performance and speed, you can also install different extensions on Opera without impacting your browsing performance. Opera is considered the perfect choice if you are looking for the maximum number of customization options.
This is why Opera is considered the best customizable and the lightest web browser for Windows 10. There are many features to look for in the Opera browser, like the built-in ad blocker, crypto mining prevention, battery saver, compression mode, and much more.
Best for: the highest number of customizations
Price: Free
Pros
- Built-in ad blocker
- In-built tools for detecting threats and malicious content
- Snapshot facility to take screenshots in the browser
- Best lightweight browser for PC
Cons
- Privacy and security concerns
- Updates are brought in after a very long time
3. Brave
Brave is an extended version of online privacy so that you are not followed anywhere online. You can browse privately with no one able to track your activities. Brave is the lightest browser Windows with online privacy made pretty simple. You can get enhanced privacy like private search, VPN, ad-blocking, and incognito window with a single click.
Switching from other browsers to Brave will only take less than 60 seconds of your time as you can quickly transfer all your bookmarks, extensions, and saved passwords from your previous browser. You won’t have to see any unnecessary pop-ups or advertisements while surfing the internet or watching anything.
Another excellent feature of the Brave browser is that you can earn crypto tokens for your attention. There is a browser-native wallet to store all your earned crypto assets.
Best for: safest browsing with crypto rewards
Price: Free
Pros
- Less data consumption as compared to other browsers
- Crypto reward system for browsing
- Open-source software
- Online privacy is made simple with a single click
Cons
- Several features are still in the beta stage and are being developed yet
- Limited number of extensions available
4. CCleaner Browser
CCleaner Browser is another lightweight browser that you can install on your devices for smooth and efficient surfing. You can use this lightweight browser for Windows 7 and above. The browser is a secure one to enhance privacy and efficiency brought to you by the makers of CCleaner.
The CCleaner Browser uses up to 50% less memory so that if certain tabs are not in use, then those tabs will be closed by the browser as per your RAM availability. The browser uses less CPU and RAM while the battery is low. This will extend your battery life up to 20%. Anti-fingerprinting will hide your browser’s information to avoid online tracking.
Best for: smooth browsing with no ads, no tracking, and no junk
Price: Free
Pros
- Uses approximately 50% less memory
- Extends your battery life by 20% when running on a low battery
- Mask your browser information and avoid online tracking
Cons
- Available only for Windows systems
- No themes are available
5. Torch
Torch is the best lightweight browser for PC that you can use to browse and do other internet activities. If you are looking forward to downloading torrents, you should consider using the Torch browser over any other browser available on the internet. If downloading more is what you are looking for, this is the perfect browser.
You will be amazed by the availability of tools in Torch, such as media grabber, torch facelift, built-in torrent downloader, and much more. This is what makes it one of the fastest browsers for browsing online. It is chromium-based software, which means that you can trust this browser when it comes to security. On top of that, the browser also has a download accelerator that will speed up all your downloads. The best thing here is plenty of add-ons and extensions you can add to the browser.
Best for: downloading torrent files and accelerating downloads
Price: Free
Pros
- Availability to listen to your favorite music for free
- Easy sharing with drag-and-drop features
- Plenty of built-in tools to explore
- Easy to download torrent files
- Download accelerator for speeding up the download speed
Cons
- Not built for cross platforms
- Media grabber faces several issues while functioning
6. Vivaldi Browser
Vivaldi is not a very well-known browser, but it is a worthy browser to be on this list of top lightweight browsers for Windows. The founders of Opera recently launched the Vivaldi browser. It started to gain a vast amount of popularity among users because of its adaptive UI, mouse gestures, chrome extension support, and several other prominent features.
Vivaldi is considered an excellent option for all Windows, Linux, and Mac users because of its privacy-oriented development. Being a lightweight browser, you will notice plenty of saved memory that was being eaten up by heavy browsers that you were using earlier. The best thing about Vivaldi is that you get complete control over management and customization of the appearance.
Best for: super-fast browsing with enhanced customization options
Price: Free
Pros
- Availability of various customization options along with various vivid themes
- Functionality of built-in notes
- Screen capture tool is also built-in
- Supports over 50 different languages
Cons
- No option is available for syncing bookmarks and passwords
- Too many features that might be unnecessary at some point
7. SlimBrowser
SlimBrowser is a robust and secure browser for Windows that helps you surf without any issue with ads. SlimBrowser is the lightest web browser for Windows 10 because of its lightning-fast engine. The browser is integrated with various virus scanners and password management techniques to prevent your data from being hacked online.
SlimBrowser can download YouTube videos at an enhanced speed in MP3 and MP4 format. The use of an ad-blocker built-in browser prevents all the annoying ads from popping up on your screen while surfing the internet. This browser is compatible with all the plugins that have been developed for Mozilla Firefox.
Best for: downloading YouTube videos at lightning speed
Price: Free
Pros
- Lightning speed for downloading YouTube videos
- Using the fastest engine for running
- Integration of techniques to prevent hacking
Cons
- Some basic features are missing
- Not able to save data and also consumes too much data
8. Maxthon
If you are a fan of the classic Internet Explorer, then the Maxthon browser is a lightweight version that you can install right now. Some of the features that make it perfect for you are parental controls, drag-and-drop functionality, and automatic filling out of credentials.
On top of that, if you are thinking about exploring the cyber world, then the Maxthon browser is a good choice for preventing your identity along with providing faster performance. Maxthon uses a dual rendering engine to display the URL immediately, which makes it a perfect light browser for Windows.
Best for: multilingual support with a dual rendering engine for fast surfing
Price: Free
Pros
- Available for multiple platforms
- Supports more than 10 search engines
- Allows split-screen browsing
- Supports 50+ different languages
Cons
- Ad-blocker is not very effective
- Not able to significantly stop malware downloads
9. Waterfox
Waterfox is another lightest browser for Windows 10 and other versions of Windows. This browsing platform is based on Firefox and provides control to the users to browse the web smoothly. You can add all the old and new Firefox add-ons in this browser.
You will get complete tracking protection in Waterfox, and you will also be able to sync with your regularly used Firefox account. On top of that, you will also receive frequent security updates brought up by the developers. With Waterfox, you won’t have to worry about privacy in this digital world.
Best for: users who are looking for the perfect Firefox alternative
Price: Free
Pros
- Super-speed web browsing
- Import plugins and history automatically
- Built-in language configuration
- Limited data collection
Cons
- Issues of lagging and freezing
- Slow security updates
10. SeaMonkey
As there are plenty of browsing programs to choose from, you might wonder which one to choose. If you are looking for a light browser for Windows, you should consider downloading the SeaMonkey browser that has been recommended even by developers.
The reason behind its extensive popularity in the market is the availability of various features like a chat room section, web page editing tools, contact book, and email client. Advanced users find these features to be some of the excellent ones because now they don’t have to utilize system resources.
Best for: advanced users who are looking for advanced browser features
Price: Free
Pros
- Completely compatible with all Firefox add-ons
- Options to customize toolbars and choose from different mouse gestures
- Built-in password manager, session restore, and voice control features
Cons
- Outdated interface
- Startup speed is pretty sluggish
11. Lunascape
There are plenty of browsers with different features available in the market. If you are looking for a lightweight browser for Windows 7 and other versions that have a combination of all the set of best features from different browsers, then you should have a look at the set of features offered by the Lunascape browser.
Lunascape is well-known for its fast speed and excellent browsing experience packed along with the browser. The most amazing thing about Lunascape is that it is a muti-engine browser. So, you can use Gecko from Firefox, Google Chrome’s Webkit engine, and even Internet Explorer’s Trident in one single place.
Best for: users looking to utilize multiple engines
Price: Free
Pros
- Option to switch between multiple engines with a click
- 5-25% faster display of websites as compared to typical browsers
- No browsing data is sent to the websites
Cons
- Lagging issues due to plenty of features
12. Slimjet
Slimjet is a completely customizable browser available for users looking forward to customizing the look and feel of their browser as per their choice. With Slimjet, you can expect a faster and ad-free surfing experience at lightning speed. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about your data being exploited in front of big companies because Slimjet doesn’t send any data back to its servers.
Slimjet is a powerful and lightweight browser with astonishing features like a high-speed download manager, intelligent form filler, fully customizable toolbar, online video recorder, advanced anti-tracking options, one-click Facebook integration, photo enhancement, and a few more. You can expect loads of features in this browser.
Best for: users who are looking for a feature-rich browser
Price: Free
Pros
- Built-in ad blocker
- Resumable downloads between different sessions
- Completely customizable new tab page
- Translate even a selected portion of text to any language
Cons
- Doesn’t support any other languages except for English
FAQs About Lightweight Browser for Windows
What is the best browser that you can use with Windows 10?
There are plenty of browsers available in the market to choose from. The best thing you can do is look for the lightest web browser for Windows 10 and see how it works for you. This is because lightweight browsers are often filled with all the features, and you can also save up a lot of space used by typical browsers.
Which is the safest browser for Windows systems?
There is no browser available that will claim itself to be unsafe. If you are thinking about finding out whether a browser is safe or not, all you need to check is whether they are sending the user’s data to other parties. On top of that, you can also check if there are protection features built-in in the browser or not.
Which browser makes use of the least resources?
If any particular browser uses fewer resources, you can expect it to run with excellent speed. As per user reports, it has been known that Opera is the most memory-efficient browser that is closely followed by Mozilla Firefox. Opera is said to use up only half the virtual memory that Google Chrome is using.
Which is the most widely used browser in the entire world?
Google Chrome has managed to stay at the top of the list of most used browsers in the world because of its connectivity on all platforms, as well as enhanced security. As the browser is linked with Google itself, there are no questions about its privacy and robustness.
Conclusion
With the era of the internet and browsing advancing further, new and efficient browsers are coming up very frequently in the market. If you are wondering which is the best lightweight browser for PC, you will be able to find the right answer very quickly by going through this list of best lightweight web browsers for Windows.
Also Read
- Best IPTV Players for Windows
- Best Ad Blocker for Microsoft Edge on Windows
- Best GIF Maker & Editor Software for Windows
- Best PC Cleaner Software for Windows
- Best Windows Password Recovery Tools