A web browser, also known as an internet browser or simply a browser, is a software application that lets people access the World Wide Web. It’s a one-click window to the entirety of human knowledge — you can search for the answer to any question you might have.

With a web browser, you can browse any website and easily navigate to other sites, similar to how you can browse stores at the mall, lingering in those you like before moving on to visit new ones.

Web browser examples

Web access is as important as having a home address and telephone number. So just about every computer, tablet, and smartphone comes with internet connectivity and a web browser application.

Here, we’ll examine the most popular examples of web browsers on the market to give you an idea of the different types of web browsers available. And we’ve included screenshots of the most popular browsers, just in case you’re wondering what they look like.

Google Chrome

With 70% of global market share, Google Chrome is the most popular web browser. Chrome’s popularity can be partly explained by its fast browsing speeds and easy integration with your personal Google account, making it the most convenient browser for many people. And with the largest library of extensions among the leading browsers, Chrome is also an extremely easy internet browser to modify and customize.

Safari

Safari is the default web browser for all Apple devices: Macs, iPads, and iPhones. While most people don’t have Mac computers, many have iPhones and iPads. In fact, Safari is the most popular mobile web browser in the US. And while using a computer clearly offers a much different experience than a mobile device, Safari’s look and feel is consistent across Apple devices.

Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer)

Replacing the old and outdated Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge is Microsoft’s new flagship browser. This web browser comes standard with any device using Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Edge is built on the Chromium browser platform, which also underpins Chrome and other browsers as well.

Mozilla Firefox

Once one of the most popular web browser applications in the US — and the successor of Netscape Navigator, one of the earliest commercially successful web browsers — Firefox has recently lost market share to Chrome and Safari. But despite the drop in popularity, Firefox still boasts a small and loyal following while offering browser features similar to its more dominant competitors. One reason for this internet browser’s staying power could be the fact that Firefox runs on open-source software and features handy tools for developers, making it easy for engineers and other web professionals to inspect and update their websites for security, privacy, and useability improvements.

Opera

While never the most popular browser, Opera has built a steady user base over the years. This is due in part to the unique features the browser offers, such as a built-in proxy and ad blocker.