The best web browser is super important for website developers. It’s like their second most useful tool after the interactive development environment.
A good browser is crucial for many tasks, from searching the web to fixing scripts. But not all browsers are the same. Developers need one that helps with analysis and debugging.
Since websites are made for people who use browsers, picking the right one is a big deal for developers.
In this quick overview, we’ll check out some of the best web browsers for developers. Keep in mind, our list isn’t a strict ranking, and don’t forget about making sure your website works well on different browsers.
Which Browser to Choose?
Picking the best browser isn’t easy because each one is kind of similar. They all have good and not-so-good things, and what’s best depends on what you like. Some browsers are faster, others care more about privacy.
It’s like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream—it’s about what you prefer. So, the best browser is the one that matches what you want when you’re surfing the internet.
When choosing a browser, remember everyone has different tastes. What’s good for one person might not be for another. To find a really great browser, look at how well it does the usual stuff and if it keeps up with the latest tech trends.
Here’s a list of some popular and efficient browsers that web developers like. It’s a good starting point to find one that fits what you need and like.
Cross-browser compatibility – Cross-browser compatibility means making sure your website looks and works right on different web browsers. Imagine your site being likable to everyone, no matter if they’re using Chrome, Firefox, or something else.
It used to be a big problem because there was a kind of “browser war” where everyone was using different technologies. Now things are more similar, but it’s still super important to check that your website looks good for everyone.
This matters a lot for front-end developers because if your site looks good for everyone, people are more likely to trust and stick with it.
Making sure your website looks good everywhere is done using special codes like “-webkit” for Chrome and Safari, “-moz” for Firefox, “-o” for Opera, and “-ms” for Internet Explorer.
These codes help browsers understand how things should look without messing up in other browsers. If someone uses an unsupported browser, a “Coming Soon” page might pop up, telling them to upgrade or use a different browser to see the site right.
To check if a website works well in different browsers, you can use tools like Cross Browser Testing and Browserling. They help make sure everyone gets a good experience, no matter what browser they’re using.
Use a Developer-oriented Browser
Using a browser designed for developers provides several advantages for web developers and designers. It ensures flexibility, control, and a comprehensive set of tools for building and editing sites.
The benefits include streamlined workflows, enhanced debugging features, robust testing environments, and compatibility with various web development technologies.
Opting for a developer-oriented browser simplifies the development process, making website creation and maintenance more efficient and effective.
Fast-loading times: Using a browser made for developers helps websites load faster. This is crucial when building and testing websites before making them live. Fast-loading browsers make the development process smoother, allowing quick assessments of website performance and easy adjustments. This ensures a more efficient and effective website development experience.
Built-in developer tools: Developer browsers provide built-in developer tools that are essential for creating websites from scratch with your own code. These tools allow you to easily pinpoint and edit specific areas of your pages in real-time with just a few clicks. Having these tools readily available streamlines the development process, making it more efficient and effective for developers to make quick adjustments to their code and design elements.
Extensions:Developer browsers, designed for web designers and developers, support extensions that enhance their capabilities. These tools help speed up website development by optimizing workflows, improving code efficiency, and providing additional design functionalities. By using these extensions in a developer-oriented browser, users can create a customized and efficient environment that caters to their specific needs. This contributes to a more seamless and productive web development experience.
Mozilla Firefox –
Mozilla brings joy to users with cool products, and one of them is the Firefox Developer Edition. It’s made for people who create new web browser features.
This special browser has more cool stuff and works better than the regular one, with tools that are super useful for open-source projects.
It’s really fast, loading pages one and a half to even two times quicker than other browsers in some tests like WebGL and Asm.js. Website developers and tech enthusiasts love it and often choose it as their top browser.
It’s powerful but a bit underrated. One cool thing is it can show your website’s CSS grid, which is pretty rare and makes it awesome for developers.
Below are some distinctive features that distinguish this browser from others –
Best JavaScript Debugger – It excels in debugging JavaScript, making it a go-to choice for developers.
Master of CSS Grid – This browser is adept at handling CSS Grid, simplifying website design.
Built-in Web IDE – With a built-in Web Integrated Development Environment (IDE), it’s a comprehensive solution for coding needs.
Independence from Data-Manipulating Corporations – Unlike some browsers, it operates independently, ensuring user data remains secure.
Cross-Platform Browser Support – It works smoothly on various operating systems, providing flexibility for users.
Impressive Page Load Speed – Users can expect great page load speed, enhancing the browsing experience.
Enhanced Performance – The browser delivers increased performance for a smoother online experience.
Device Synchronization Ability – Users can sync the browser across devices, ensuring a seamless transition.
Modern Interface and Personalization Options – It offers modern solutions for browser interface design and easy personalization.
Current Add-ons and Extensions – Users benefit from a current list of add-ons and extensions for added functionality.
Detects Inactive CSS – The browser can identify inactive CSS on a page, aiding developers in optimizing website performance.
Firefox Developer Edition is not your average browser—it’s got a special tool called CSS grid for developers to organize screen areas easily. It works on all platforms and got a lot faster after a complete makeover of its engine.
The new CSS engine is speedy and smart, taking the best from other popular browsers. The browser’s high performance is thanks to an algorithm that spreads the workload evenly across your computer’s cores, potentially boosting speed by a lot.
Developers love it because it’s multifunctional and packed with handy tools, like a built-in JavaScript debugger that mimics other browsers. It makes coding more comfortable with on-screen hints and info.
Mozilla offers just as many, if not more, development opportunities compared to Chrome, and it’s authentic, not copying Google’s stuff. Plus, Firefox respects your data more and doesn’t collect as much info as Google Chrome.
In a nutshell, Firefox Developer Edition is a user-friendly and versatile browser, especially for developers.
Here are few more features you might want to know about :
Built-in Shape Path Editor – Customize and resize shapes easily through the CSS panel, accessible by clicking on the object.
Fonts Panel – Quick access to font details for elements, including style, size, source, and more. Built-in editor for on-the-go font value changes.
Storage Panel – Check cache, cookies, session data, and more with the built-in panel. Currently provides memory reads, with plans for expanded capabilities.
Network Monitor – Powerful tool displaying all browser requests with detailed information. Generate reports in lists, graphs, and charts.
Web Audio Editor – Experimental tool exploring audio context on pages, displaying information via graphs. Still under development, with bug reporting available.
There’s more to discover in Firefox Developer Edition, but let’s keep it simple. Even if you’re new to software development, Mozilla has your back. They’ve made learning easy with a Toolbox section on their website, giving detailed guides on every feature.
If you’re ever stuck, the Mozilla Developer Network is a goldmine of useful info, created by pros who know their stuff. And the best part? Firefox Developer Edition is available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, so no matter what you’re using, you’re covered.
It’s a user-friendly package that helps both beginners and seasoned developers make the most of their web development experience.
Polypane —
Polypane is like a super browser, especially for website developers. It’s designed to make their lives easier. One cool thing is that it lets you see how your website looks on different screens, from small phones to big 5K monitors.
It’s not just for developers—it cares about everyone enjoying websites. It has 80 tests to check if websites are easy for everyone to use. And if you’re into popular tools like React, Angular, Vue, and others, Polypane has your back. It’s like a toolbox made for creating awesome websites, with everything a developer needs in one place.
Polypane isn’t your typical browser—it’s specifically made for creating websites and apps. What makes it stand out is that it lets you develop a website for all screen sizes and devices at the same time, giving you a better overall picture.
While you can use it for everyday browsing, you won’t fully grasp its powerful development features unless you’re into that. Here’s the cool part: interact with one panel, and all others follow your moves.
Scrolling, clicking, and hovering are automatically spread across panels, ensuring your site behaves right in all windows. Want a quick screenshot of your site at all sizes? One click does it. Polypane has everything—from layout debugging to CSS stress testing and developer tools based on Chromium—for building advanced websites and custom mobile apps.
Give it a try with a free trial, but if you want the advanced features in the long run, there’s a subscription fee. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it convenient for a wide range of users.
Polypane is all about being budget-friendly. You can kick things off with a free trial to get a feel for it. If you’re hooked and want to keep using its advanced features, there’s a subscription fee to consider for the long run.
The good news is, Polypane is there for users on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible no matter what system you’re rocking. So, you get to test the waters, and if it fits your needs, you can dive into the full experience without breaking the bank.
Sizzy —
Sizzy is a browser that’s all about making development work faster and easier. The developers wanted to boost productivity, and it looks like they succeeded. If you’re into web development or making apps, Sizzy is designed to make your work smoother and more efficient. It’s a handy tool for developers looking to speed up their workflow.
Synced Simulations and Screenshots – Sizzy ensures everything is in sync, allowing you to simulate and take screenshots of a web page on multiple devices simultaneously.
Universal Inspect Element – Perform element analysis on all devices with the Universal Inspect Element feature.
Website Speed Tests in Various Conditions – Conduct website speed tests under different conditions to assess performance.
Spotlight Function for Keyboard Operation – Use the Spotlight function to operate the website using the keyboard, adding a convenient touch to navigation.
Session Manager for User Switching – Manage user sessions effortlessly with the Session Manager, facilitating quick switches between different users.
If you’re on the hunt for a browser loaded with unique tools not found in others, Sizzy is your go-to solution. It’s tailor-made for developers and trusted by big names like Philips, GoDaddy, Comcast, Basecamp, Zapier, and more.
But here’s the catch—it comes with a monthly or annual subscription, although you can test it out for free for two weeks. Sizzy is ready to roll on macOS, Windows, and Linux, offering its feature-rich experience across different operating systems.
Blisk —
Blisk may not be as well-known as Opera, Chrome, or Firefox, but it’s a great pick for beginners. Created by Ukrainian developers, Blisk gives web designers a perfect space to quickly develop and test modern apps. It’s like a handy tool designed to make things easy and fast, making it ideal for those who are just starting in web design. So, if you’re a beginner, Blisk is worth checking out for a smooth experience in developing and testing your projects.
Blisk encompasses a range of features to assist you in crafting an exceptional web masterpiece. Here are some highlights:
Side-by-Side Display – Blisk showcases both the mobile and desktop versions of your site simultaneously, offering a comprehensive view at once.
Real-time Smartphone Previews – Get a sneak peek of how your website will look on any smartphone with Blisk real-time preview feature.
Chrome-Like Developer Tools – For those familiar with Chrome, Blisk developer tools are a breeze, providing a similar and user-friendly experience.
Built-in Page Inspector – Blisk comes equipped with a built-in page inspector, allowing you to examine and adjust any element on the screen effortlessly.
Blisk is the ultimate web browser for developers, offering everything you need to create an awesome online experience. Wonder how your site looks on different phones like Google Pixel or iPhone? Blisk shows you. It even lets you compare mobile and desktop designs side by side.
With cool features like modern URL and scroll sync, Blisk updates your tabs and CSS changes automatically when you save your code. Its DevTools, similar to Chrome, make it easy to check performance for both mobile and desktop.
And, it’s always on the lookout for errors and provides handy page inspector tools for quick checks on mobile and desktop. Blisk is your simple yet powerful toolkit for smooth web development.
Brave —
Looking for a free and practical browser for everyday use? Look no further than Brave! Created by Brendan Eich, co-founder of Mozilla and JavaScript creator, Brave is not just a browser—it’s a fast, secure, and privacy-focused experience that’s definitely worth trying.
Brave stands out among web browsers, offering convenient out-of-the-box tools for online privacy and staying incognito. It blocks trackers, removes annoying banner ads, and eliminates monitoring systems to safeguard your data.
What’s cool is that Brave provides useful statistics on blocked items, cookies, and potentially harmful JavaScript, showing you the cybersecurity benefits in terms of saved traffic and time on page loads.
But wait, there’s more! Brave’s standout feature is its built-in Onion Router (TOR) client, enhancing security by allowing you to use online services while maintaining anonymity through a distributed network of routers. It’s like having an extra layer of protection for your online activities.
In iOS, Brave goes the extra mile by offering a “Private Browsing Only” mode, accessible through Face ID or Touch ID. This mode ensures automatic deletion of all trackers, cookies, and history once you leave.
What’s even better is that Brave follows a strict policy—your personal data is yours, and they won’t collect, store, or sell it, as clearly stated in their terms of service.
Adding to its privacy features, Brave supports the IPFS companion, allowing you to upload content via the InterPlanetary file system—an excellent choice for decentralized uploads of large files.
And if you’re worried about online security, Brave has you covered by providing full support for Google Chrome extensions. This means you can easily set up a VPN connection, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized parties trying to eavesdrop on your online traffic. Brave not only prioritizes your privacy but also offers user-friendly features for a safer online experience.
Here are a few advantages of using Brave –
Fast Performance – Brave runs about three times faster than Chrome, ensuring a swift and efficient browsing experience while optimizing battery life and minimizing memory usage.
Built-in Ad Blocker – Equipped with a built-in ad blocker and essential user safety features, Brave prioritizes a secure and streamlined browsing environment.
Reduced Traffic Consumption – The absence of ads results in reduced traffic consumption, especially beneficial for mobile devices.
Cross-Platform Syncing – Easily syncs with Android and iPhone devices for a seamless browsing experience across multiple platforms.
IPFS Integration – Offers IPFS integration for web browsing without intermediaries, enhancing privacy and security.
Privacy Focus – Brave refrains from collecting personal data, providing a privacy-focused browsing experience.
Access to Blocked Sites (TOR) – Allows users to visit blocked sites through TOR for enhanced accessibility.
Earn Cryptocurrency – Introduces the innovative Brave Rewards feature, allowing users to earn BAT (Basic Attention Token) cryptocurrency by viewing ads.
Protection Against Mining and Hidden Installations – Proactively blocks browser mining and hidden app installations, enhancing security.
Brave is available for Windows 64-bit, Windows 32-bit, macOS Intel, macOS ARM64, and Linux, catering to a diverse range of users.
Google Chrome —
Google Chrome is the most popular browser globally, used by over 60% of users. For web developers, testing code in Chrome is crucial before launching. Here are some key benefits:
1. Feature Compatibility – Chrome excels in compatibility with various features.
2. Popularity and Community – It has a massive user community, making it an industry standard.
3. Google Ecosystem Integration – Seamless integration with the Google ecosystem enhances user experience.
4. Extensive Extensions – Chrome offers a plethora of extensions for diverse needs.
5. Excellent DevTools – The Developer Edition comes with advanced tools and a console for efficient code editing.
Chrome Developer Edition also supports useful plugins like Octotree for GitHub navigation and Web Developer for various tools.
Other plugins include PerfectPixel for precise alignment, Usersnap for capturing and annotating web pages, and Code Cola for viewing and editing CSS.
DevTools mode allows post-loading page modifications, and console commands enable page monitoring.
Chrome’s emulation capabilities for different devices and resolutions aid in assessing adaptive web design. In essence, Google Chrome, especially in its Developer Edition, provides a powerful toolkit for web developers.
Google Chrome’s DevTools, originally designed for professionals, is user-friendly for all. If you face issues on a website, using DevTools can help pinpoint the problem’s source—whether it’s the site or the browser.
To open DevTools, click the three-dot menu icon in the top right of Chrome, then select “More tools” and “Developer Tools” from the menu. This simple process gives users quick access to troubleshoot and explore the features of DevTools.
Conclusion :
Choosing the best browser for web development is subjective and depends on individual preferences and needs. The browsers discussed in this review aim to enhance the front-end development experience, catering to both professionals and regular users.
Each browser introduces unique features to facilitate web project development. The competition is ongoing, with developers continually innovating to attract users and achieve popularity.
Many companies offer specialized versions tailored for web developers, prioritizing comfort and usability. To determine the best fit for your needs, it’s recommended to try several browsers, gaining hands-on experience to assess their functionality and interface differences.
