Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Miles Archer

(22,654 posts)
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 10:34 PM Jan 19

What is your go-to, favorite Web Browser?

I use everything on the list I've provided, because old habits die hard. I've been a Web Designer since the late 90s, and the only way to ensure a satisfactory site is to test it in multiple browsers.

I'm a stickler for security and privacy. I use NordVPN, and most of my browsers are armed to the teeth with privacy extensions.

Because these extensions (and sometimes the VPN) will "break" a site, I keep one browser "vanilla" (no extensions) and with sites like "Album Art Exchange" (downloadable art for tagging your MP3 files), they BLOCK VPN use...I have to turn it off when I go there.

I like the "Workgroups" functionality in some of these browsers, but more often than not, Brave is my primary.

I'd be interested in knowing what you use, and what makes it your favorite.


38 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
Chrome
3 (8%)
Edge
1 (3%)
Firefox
22 (58%)
Opera
2 (5%)
Vivaldi
0 (0%)
Zen
0 (0%)
Waterfox
0 (0%)
Librewolf
0 (0%)
I use multiple browsers
2 (5%)
OTHER (please specify)
8 (21%)
Show usernames
Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What is your go-to, favorite Web Browser? (Original Post) Miles Archer Jan 19 OP
Why would I ever respond to this? johnnyfins Jan 19 #1
Why would you not? Srkdqltr Jan 19 #2
Oh yeah, that's right, I assumed my nefarious motives in posting this would go undetected. Miles Archer Jan 20 #10
I use Brave True Dough Jan 19 #3
"Fingerprinting" may not mean anything to the average web surfer, but... Miles Archer Jan 20 #11
I'm also using the Brave browser. TexasTowelie Jan 19 #4
Other: Brave Eugene Jan 19 #5
Duck duck go flying rabbit Jan 19 #6
Duck duck go TommyT139 Jan 19 #7
I use that also, but there was no deliberate reason for not including it... Miles Archer Jan 20 #12
I use an ad blocker with private window on Firefox. mysteryowl Jan 19 #8
Duck duck go LastDemocratInSC Jan 20 #9
right now firefox. i also uised to use macspefic browers such as floc etc. they went by the wayside. AllaN01Bear Jan 20 #13
DuckDuckGo and Chrome anciano Jan 20 #14

Miles Archer

(22,654 posts)
10. Oh yeah, that's right, I assumed my nefarious motives in posting this would go undetected.
Tue Jan 20, 2026, 07:12 AM
Jan 20

I use multiple web browsers. I'm a web designer. It's "shop talk." But let's make it something else.

Do us both a favor. Refrain from responding to any of my posts, but above all else, "have a nice day."

Miles Archer

(22,654 posts)
11. "Fingerprinting" may not mean anything to the average web surfer, but...
Tue Jan 20, 2026, 07:17 AM
Jan 20

...Brave is the only browser I'm aware of that has a "randomized fingerprint." Others have a unique, or "nearly unique" fingerprint. It's one reason why I lean toward Brave for most daily use.

TexasTowelie

(126,800 posts)
4. I'm also using the Brave browser.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 10:54 PM
Jan 19

I'm trying not to surrender any more data than possible. I'm also happy with their Ad-Block and AI interfaces.

Eugene

(67,036 posts)
5. Other: Brave
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 11:01 PM
Jan 19

Firefox for a few specific sites that don't support Brave.
Chrome as a fallback.



TommyT139

(2,308 posts)
7. Duck duck go
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 11:25 PM
Jan 19

I'm surprised it's not on the list.

Especially nice is the built-in alternative to youtube -- no commercials, no tracking, nothing to feed the algorithms. It comes up automatically, and offers the option to just use it for the vid link you clicked on, or use it for all links of that sort.

Miles Archer

(22,654 posts)
12. I use that also, but there was no deliberate reason for not including it...
Tue Jan 20, 2026, 07:20 AM
Jan 20

...the only thing I have an issue with...and I understand why they did this...is the restriction on adding extensions. Most people don't realize that some extensions can dramatically compromise security and privacy. I'm careful about what I install in other browsers, but I see why Duck Duck Go didn't leave that open-ended.

mysteryowl

(9,210 posts)
8. I use an ad blocker with private window on Firefox.
Mon Jan 19, 2026, 11:36 PM
Jan 19

DuckDuck Go for internet searching.

TOR browser for added privacy.

AllaN01Bear

(29,202 posts)
13. right now firefox. i also uised to use macspefic browers such as floc etc. they went by the wayside.
Tue Jan 20, 2026, 09:09 AM
Jan 20
Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»What is your go-to, favor...