5 Alternative Browsers for iPhone and iPad Users
Safari, the built-in browser for iOS, is ideal for many users, but it’s certainly far from perfect. For example, Apple’s browser does not support Flash or data synchronization for Google accounts. However, you can fill in these gaps and improve your browsing experience using the following alternative browsers for iOS devices.
- Why Apple doesn't support Flash in iOS
- Puffin Browser
- Google Chrome
- Photon Browser
- Red Onion - Tor
- Brave Browser
Why Apple doesn’t support Flash in iOS
Apple (as well as Google), believes that Flash performs poorly on mobile devices, and its usage raises serious security issues.
In 2010, Steve Jobs, who was the only one that said “no” to Adobe (the company behind Flash), referred extensively on this issue, which is posted on Apple’s official website.
On the other hand, Adobe has repeatedly stated that Apple deprives from many iOS users full access to the web, since a lot of video and online games use Flash.
Puffin Browser
Puffin is the most popular browser for iOS users who wish to use Flash, and not only. This browser comes in free and paid versions, with the Pro version costing $3.99, whilst the free version has the same excellent performance, with the difference that "expensive features" cannot be run.
Best features
Puffin is undoubtedly faster than Safari, regardless of the operating system’s limitations.
It is also used as a USA web proxy server, which can give access to certain blocked websites.
Other features include integrated mouse, with the mouse pointer and mousepad covering the whole screen, making navigation easier, as well as full screen mode, incognito mode and data usage saving. Last but not least, it includes a download manager, with the ability to store downloaded files directly to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Pros
- Fast browsing
- Supports Flash
- Data usage saving
- Incognito mode
- Integrated mouse
- Download manager with the ability to save files locally or to the Cloud
- Works as a web proxy server
Cons
- None
Download Puffin Browser Free for iOS devices here.
Download Puffin Browser Pro for iOS devices here.
Google Chrome
If you’re already using Google Chrome in your computer, then your best bet for an alternative to Safari in your iOS device is the same.
Best features
Similarly to Android browsers, Chrome for iOS gives users the ability to synchronize data between all devices.
With Google’s browser, you can see at any time which websites you have visited in your other devices, and continue your surfing session from where you paused it, without any further searches and waste of time. The same applies for your favorites, which are synchronized between all devices.
Additionally, with the “Handoff” feature, you can continue surfing in your Mac from where you left off in your iPhone and iPad.
Pros
- Data (bookmarks, passwords, etc.) synchronization between all devices
- Incognito mode
- Voice search
- “Handoff” feature for Mac
- Practical design
- Frequent updates
- Full screen mode
Cons
- Slower than Safari
- Uses a lot of RAM, resulting in crashes when it is consumed
- Does not support Flash
- No “read” view mode
Download Google Chrome for iOS devices here.
Photon Browser
Photon Browser is one of the most well-known choices for iPad and iPhone users who require Flash support. The browser comes only in a paid version, which costs $3.99 and $4.99 for the iPhone and iPad versions respectively.
Best features
Photon Browser has a better performance than Safari when Photon Engine v4 is enabled form the settings menu. It also includes a built-in mouse for easier navigation.
Additionally, private browsing is supported, and so is Flash.
Pros
- Loads websites faster than Safari
- Supports Flash
- Full screen mode
- Private browsing
- Integrated mouse
Cons
- A lot of settings are present, which may cause confusion to users
Download Photon Browser for iPhone here.
Download Photon Browser for iPad here.
Red Onion – Tor
Tor is the epitome of anonymity on the internet. Red Onion is undoubtedly the best Tor browser for iOS devices, which ensures privacy on the highest level, encrypting efficiently your IP address.
This private browsing app is available on the Apple Store and costs $1.99.
Best features
Red Onion provides total anonymity on the internet, and this becomes obvious from the very first time you open it.
You have the ability to switch between as many IP addresses you wish, rendering the browsing sessions invisible and free from restrictions.
Red Onion is fast and offers many security layers. Additionally, it is compatible with TouchID, so that it can either open with a fingerprint sensor, or with a password.
Pros
- Loads websites relatively fast
- Anonymous and totally secure browsing
- Hides IP
- Compatible with TouchID
Cons
- Due to its nature, you will be asked several times for CAPTCHA authentication
Download Red Onion for iOS devices here.
Brave browser
Brave is the youngest browser for iPhone and made its appearance on early 2016, by the cofounder of Mozilla Firefox. It is available for free on the Apple Store.
Best features
Brave is quite fast, but not as fast as its desktop version, due to Apple’s internal restrictions for apps. It is known for its neat interface, as well as the security it provides. The alternative browser for iPhone includes built-in mechanisms against malware and Phishing protection.
Additionally, it is compatible with TouchID, so that it can open just with your fingerprint.
Pros
- New and promising browser
- Lightweight
- Built-in anti-malware protection
- Ad and tracker blocking features
- Private browsing
- Fingerprint lock feature
- Has HTTPS Everywhere integrated
Cons
- No Flash support
Download Brave Browser for iOS devices here.
As you can see, there are various alternative browsers to Safari, which offer quite powerful features too. However, the total number of browsers for iPhone and iPad is big, therefore it’s not really easy to tell which ones are the best; hence, if you have a better experience with another browser for iOS, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
