Not Just Chrome! 8 'Fancy' Web Browsers 2025 You Should Try Now

Most people choose the browser they’re used to or the default settings on their devices, rather than the one that best suits their needs. These familiar web browsers are comfortable and easy to use, leaving us with little reason to question whether we’re using the best tool available. Until we notice some problems.

Browser performance is slowing down. Everything becomes sluggish when opening too many tabs or when handling heavier tasks. And most importantly: ads are increasingly invasive and your privacy is almost “read” every second? That is the time you should consider opening your heart to explore other options. And then you will see that the world of browsers is actually much richer than the name Chrome or Coc Coc, from Waterfox to Vivaldi, each name has its own advantages, unique features and different levels of privacy and performance. If you are ready to leave the “safe zone” of Chrome or Coc Coc, let me take a look at the 8 best web browsers of 2025 that you should try right now!

1. Opera web browser

When it comes to Opera, many Vietnamese people are still unfamiliar with it, but in the world, Opera has long been considered one of the "veterans" pioneering browser innovation. Although its market share only fluctuates around 2%, Opera possesses many interesting features that not everyone knows.

From its early days, Opera laid the groundwork for basic features that virtually every browser has copied, such as CSS, integrated search, and tabbed browsing. Opera works well on every platform, from Windows, macOS, Linux to the mobile browser Opera Mini, which is famous for its ability to save data by streaming compressed versions of web pages. Thanks to the Chromium rendering engine, Opera rarely has page rendering errors and maintains fast and stable performance.

Opera's strong point is its superior privacy protection. The built-in VPN (essentially an encrypted proxy) routes traffic to hide your IP address. Opera also blocks ads, cryptocurrency miners, and tracking scripts, providing a double benefit: protecting your privacy and reducing data usage.

Opera's Speed ​​Dial serves as a visual start page, while the quick-access sidebar integrates Spotify, WhatsApp, and more. My Flow lets you send webpages, files, and notes between devices. Pinboard is similar to Edge's Collections, while video pop-ups and Workspaces help you keep tabs organized by purpose.

Notably, Opera is not out of the AI ​​trend. The browser integrates Aria — AI generated right on the sidebar, helping you look up, summarize information or come up with ideas quickly. In addition, Opera has a cashback feature when shopping online, a built-in cryptocurrency wallet, and an Opera GX version dedicated to gamers. This is really a browser worth trying if you need innovation and diverse utilities in a lightweight interface.

2. Microsoft Edge web browser

Since Microsoft “killed” Internet Explorer and switched to Edge based on Chromium, all prejudices about Microsoft browsers have gradually been removed. Edge today is no longer a “follower” of Chrome but a truly powerful, intelligent and AI-driven competitive option.

Edge inherits the best of Chromium: speed, extensibility, and a rich library of extensions. But Microsoft has added many features that are unique to Edge. The most prominent is Copilot - a built-in AI chatbot that allows you to summarize the web page you're reading, create text, design images, or search for information right in the sidebar without opening a new tab.

Edge's customizable sidebar also doubles as a productivity hub: you can add messaging apps, social media, search engines, and collaboration tools without leaving the web page you're browsing.

Edge also scores big on memory performance. Startup Boost opens the browser faster, while Sleeping Tabs automatically puts inactive tabs to sleep, freeing up RAM and increasing laptop battery life. Efficiency mode extends battery life when working on the go.

In terms of security, Edge maintains an easily customizable start page, a distraction-free web reading mode called Immersive Reader, which reads text aloud with natural Neural Voices. The Collections feature supports saving and sharing images, notes, web pages, and then exporting them directly to Word, Excel, or OneNote, which is extremely useful for research and study.

In addition, Edge also supports IE Mode to run old web applications, suitable for business users. Features such as automatic coupons, vertical tab groups, split windows, screenshots and even Clarity Boost specifically for web gaming make Edge a "big step forward" compared to what Chrome or Coc Coc offer.

3. Firefox Browser

When it comes to privacy-focused browsers, Firefox is still the leader. Developed by Mozilla, a non-profit organization, Firefox operates independently of Google Chromium, using its own Gecko engine. This gives Firefox greater control over security and privacy issues without having to compromise with the Google giant.

Firefox blocks third-party cookies, social media trackers, and even browser fingerprinting, a sophisticated spying tool that lets companies identify you through unique digital characteristics. Firefox is also transparent with a personal privacy report that shows you who's trying to track you online.

In addition to privacy, Firefox is also loved by the community for its speed, lower RAM usage than Chrome, and huge ecosystem of extensions. One interesting plus is Multi-Account Containers, an extension that allows you to log in to multiple accounts on the same website in different tabs without opening a new browser.

In terms of features, Firefox supports cross-device sync, password management, bookmarks, an easily customizable interface with multiple light/dark themes, and toolbar adjustments. Integrated Pocket allows you to save web pages for later reading with just one click, while Reader View helps remove unnecessary elements to focus on the text.

Not stopping there, Firefox supports PDF editing, PiP videos with subtitles, HDR format, AV1... The mobile version of Firefox is also smooth and syncs tabs quickly. Recently, Mozilla has also focused on improving speed, streamlining menus, and launching Firefox View - a tab that syncs websites between computers and mobile devices, providing a consistent experience.

4. Tor Browser

When it comes to near-absolute security and anonymity, Tor Browser is a must-have. It’s not the choice for those who need lightning-fast speeds, but it’s an essential tool for those who want maximum privacy.

Tor Browser encrypts your traffic multiple times and routes it through a global network of Tor relays, making it nearly impossible to trace your IP address. Every website you visit is isolated to prevent digital fingerprints and trackers. Therefore, an important rule when using Tor is not to install additional extensions or tweak settings to avoid being “revealed” through unique signs.

Tor also opens the door to the dark web: hidden websites (.onion) that you can’t find through traditional search engines. Tor’s biggest drawback is speed: routing through multiple relays creates high latency. However, for users who prioritize anonymity, like journalists, activists, or anyone who cares about privacy, Tor is a great choice.

5. Waterfox Browser

If you’re a Firefox diehard but looking for a lighter version, Waterfox is a great choice. Developed from Firefox, Waterfox maintains its commitment to “open source for the open web” while eliminating all remote data collection and analytics.

That means: no personal data is sent back to the server. Waterfox also maintains good compatibility with old Firefox extensions, while maintaining fast, stable performance and low resource consumption. This is an ideal choice for those who love the “purity” of open source and want to avoid commercial elements.

6. Zen Browser

Amidst a “forest” of long-standing browsers, Zen Browser emerges as a breath of fresh air in 2025. Inspired by Arc Browser, a promising but discontinued project, Zen brings a philosophy of “calm” and productive web browsing.

Zen's signature feature is workspaces, which help you separate and organize your projects, work groups, or personal interests. Important websites can stay pinned to your desktop, no matter how you switch workspaces.

Zen is not only beautiful with its minimalist, aesthetic interface, but it is also open source, privacy-focused, offers more customization than traditional browsers, and is easier to use than Vivaldi. If you like a “mindful” browsing environment, Zen is the name to try.

7. Vivaldi Browser

If you’re a tinkerer, Vivaldi is definitely a customization paradise. Unlike Chrome, Edge, or Safari, which only allow you to customize the interface on the fly, Vivaldi lets you tweak almost everything: from tab positions, mouse gestures, keyboard shortcuts, to themes, dashboard layouts, etc.

Vivaldi also includes a number of useful tools without the need for additional extensions: VPN (Proton VPN), notes, full-page screenshots, a calendar, RSS feed management, and even a mail client interface. The new tab page has a customizable dashboard that lets you keep track of your email, calendar, news, and favorite websites all in one place.

8. Safari

For Apple users, Safari is still the optimal choice. Built specifically for the macOS and iOS ecosystems, Safari takes full advantage of the WebKit engine, consuming fewer resources and battery than Chrome or Edge.

Safari is no slouch when it comes to security. Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which blocks social media widgets from tracking you, and fingerprinting help protect Apple users while surfing the web. The ability to play 4K HDR videos, sync tab groups, Live Text, image recognition, etc. make Safari a great browser for enjoying multimedia.

Chrome or Coc Coc are not bad. But obviously, they are not the only options and sometimes not the optimal choice for your actual needs. Each browser on the list above offers a different experience: faster, more private, lighter or more innovative so you don't have to worry about ads, data collection or battery drain.