Beyond Chrome: 5 Android Browsers That Outperform Google’s Default
As users seek more privacy, efficiency, and control, alternative Android browsers are gaining traction. From superior tab management to AI-driven features, these five browsers offer compelling advantages over Chrome.
Beyond Chrome: 5 Android Browsers That Outperform Google’s Default
While Google Chrome remains the default browser on most Android devices, a growing number of users are exploring alternatives that offer enhanced privacy, intuitive tab management, and innovative features Chrome still lacks. According to Android Authority, one lesser-known browser, Fulguris, stands out for its exceptional session management system—allowing users to save, restore, and organize multiple browsing sessions with precision, something Chrome’s rudimentary tab recovery cannot match. Meanwhile, ZDNET’s recent experiment with Chrome’s AI agent revealed both promise and pitfalls, highlighting how third-party browsers are increasingly integrating smarter, user-centric tools without the data-collection baggage.
For users weary of Chrome’s resource consumption and data harvesting, alternatives are not just refreshing—they’re essential. Here are five Android browsers that deliver tangible improvements over Google’s flagship.
1. Fulguris: Master of Session Control
Fulguris, though not widely advertised, has earned a cult following among power users. Unlike Chrome, which treats tabs as ephemeral and often loses context after a reboot or crash, Fulguris lets users create named sessions—grouping related tabs under themes like "Research," "Travel Planning," or "Work Projects." These sessions can be exported, shared, or restored across devices. As reported by Android Authority, this level of organizational control makes Fulguris ideal for multitaskers and researchers who juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
2. Brave: Privacy Without Compromise
Brave has rapidly become a favorite among privacy-conscious users. Built on Chromium, it blocks ads and trackers by default, reducing page load times and data usage. Unlike Chrome, which monetizes user behavior through targeted advertising, Brave rewards users with Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) for viewing privacy-respecting ads. According to Google’s own Android Help documentation, users can manage permissions and data settings, but Brave automates these protections without requiring manual configuration.
3. Firefox: Open Source and Customizable
Firefox for Android retains the full power of its desktop counterpart, including robust add-on support, customizable home screens, and synchronized reading lists. Mozilla’s commitment to open standards and user sovereignty makes it a stark contrast to Chrome’s walled-garden approach. Users can install extensions like uBlock Origin and Dark Reader directly from the Firefox Add-ons store—something Chrome restricts on mobile.
4. Kiwi Browser: Chrome-Like with AI Enhancements
Kiwi Browser, built on Chromium, offers a familiar interface but adds features Chrome lacks: built-in ad-blocking, a customizable toolbar, and a native AI assistant for summarizing articles and generating responses. While ZDNET’s investigation into Chrome’s AI agent found it slow and intrusive, Kiwi’s implementation is lightweight and opt-in, giving users control over when and how AI assists.
5. Mull: Minimalist and Secure
Developed by the creators of the Mull browser for iOS, this Android variant strips away all non-essential features to deliver a lightning-fast, ad-free experience. It disables JavaScript by default and blocks fingerprinting scripts, making it ideal for users prioritizing security over flashy functionality. Mull doesn’t sync data to the cloud—everything stays local, aligning with the growing demand for digital minimalism.
As Google continues to integrate AI and advertising into Chrome, the case for alternatives grows stronger. Whether it’s session management, privacy, or customization, these five browsers demonstrate that users no longer need to accept Chrome’s trade-offs. As Android Help notes, manufacturers and carriers offer support for device-specific issues—but the choice of browser remains entirely in the user’s hands. Exploring beyond Chrome isn’t just a preference; it’s an act of reclaiming control over your digital experience.
