Adblockers and data savers: Five alternative smartphone browsers

Fewer and fewer smartphone tasks are being handled through browsers. But that doesn't mean there are still plenty of great features to use in browsers, from adblockers to data savers and VPNs. — dpa

Check the weather forecast, read some emails, watch a quick video clip – few smartphone users will still do these things with a browser.

As dedicated apps continue to flourish, browsers are playing a less important role for mobile users than they do on a desktop computer. But a look at the features shows there is still plenty of nifty ways to get things done in mobile browsers.

Syncing your settings: Chrome

Google's market leader is pre-installed on many Android devices and scores for good performance. "Chrome is so popular because it works on all popular platforms," says consumer goods tester Christian van de Sand.

Anyone logged in through their Google account can sync their bookmarks or currently open pages to various Android or iOS devices and operating systems. On the other hand, "Chrome is not any faster than Safari," says tech reporter Joerg Geiger.

Browser extensions and privacy: Firefox and Firefox Focus

This open-source browser for Android and iOS devices from the Mozilla Foundation doesn't play a major role on mobile devices. Still, it has its plus points. "Unlike Chrome for Android, Firefox for Android has the advantage that the browser also supports extensions," tech reporter Kim Rixecker says.

That means users can do things like install an adblocker. Synchronisation across different devices is also possible if, as in the case of Chrome, you log in with a user account.

Mozilla's specialist browser Firefox Focus meanwhile is more designed for the "privacy corner", Geiger says. "The goal is to block advertising and prevent the tracking of users."

This is achieved using open source white- and blacklists. One of the browser's functions allows users to delete all session data at the tap of a button.

Gesture control: Dolphin

This browser from US company Mobotap relies on gesture control. Users can define for themselves what commands they want to use for what functions.

For example, you could open a specific page or scroll up or down by drawing a heart or an arrow on the screen. Voice commands are also possible. This Android and iOS browser also allows syncing with Chrome, Firefox and Safari via desktop extensions.

Save data: Opera

The Norwegian browser has a handy feature for people who surf a lot: it helps to save data. "Opera is interesting because it gives you the ability to reduce data volume," says van de Sand.

This is done by compressing websites and videos on Opera's servers. The data is then displayed on the user's screen with a slightly lower resolution. Anyone looking for more anonymity while surfing can additionally download Opera's VPN client, offered in a separate Android and iOS mobile app.

The pre-installed browsers: Safari and Chrome

While iOS devices come with Safari, Chrome is typically the top choice for Android devices. But any Apple users who want to switch to an alternative browser have to put up with restrictions.

"There are alternative browsers for iOS, but they all use Safari to display web pages," says Rixecker. "Safari alternatives for the iPhone differ only in their user interface and some convenience features." Apple cites security concerns for these restrictions. Android is a bit more open in this regard. — dpa