У вас старый, медленный компьютер? Независимо от того, используете вы уже немолодую Windows 7 или по каким-то причинам остаётесь верны древней Windows XP, наличие старой версии операционной системы и слабых комплектующих не означает, что вы должны мириться с проблемами отображения сайтов, частыми тормозами и зависаниями при сёрфинге в интернете.
Существуют различные легкие браузеры, разработанные специально для маломощных ПК. Возможно, эти браузеры не обладают таким количеством функций, как некоторые из более известных браузеров, но они не потребляют так много ресурсов, максимизируя скорость работы в интернете.
Slim Browser
Windows 7 32-бит и новее
Открывает подборку браузер, основанный на современных версиях Firefox. На данный момент это один из самых привлекательных браузеров в нашем списке, сочетающий высокую скорость работы с приятным интерфейсом и полезными фишками, вроде встроенного из коробки блокировщика рекламы и удобного загрузчика видео с популярного видеохостинга, а также переводчика веб-страниц.
Основанный на браузере от Mozilla, Slim Browser совместим со всей его библиотекой дополнений, расширений и плагинов.
💡Особенности
- Современный дизайн и простой интерфейс.
- Множество собственных фишек.
- Совместимость с дополнениями Mozilla.
FalKon
Windows 7 32-бит и новее
Falkon — это легковесный бесплатный браузер с открытым исходным кодом, развиваемый энтузиастами. Это один из редких веб-обозревателей, построенных не на основе движка от Chrome или Firefox — в его основе лежит движок Qt WebEngine.
Несмотря на свой довольно аскетичный интерфейс, браузер имеет множество настроек и приятных дополнений, вроде встроенного блокировщика рекламы и поддержки жестов мышью. Стоит отметить, что браузер уважает конфиденциальность пользователя и использует в качестве стандартного поисковика DuckDuckGo, а также позволяет гибко взаимодействовать с данными Cookies.
💡Особенности
- Упор на конфиденциальность.
- Лёгкий движок.
K-meleon
Windows XP SP3 32-бит и новее
K-Meleon — один из лучших вариантов для слабых ПК. Он создан на основе движка Goanna, который, в свою очередь, является ответвлением от движка Gecko, используемого в Mozilla.
Несмотря на устаревший и местами перегруженный интерфейс, K-Meleon отличается высокой скоростью работы и минимальным потреблением оперативной памяти. Он может работать даже на Windows XP Service Pack 3 с 256 МБ ОЗУ.
Для комфортного серфинга на старых ПК браузер имеет встроенный блокировщик рекламы (кажется, сейчас он есть везде), а также отдельные кнопки для отключения Java, JavaScript, блокировки всплывающих уведомлений и полного отключения загрузки изображений. Забавный артефакт из прошлого — присутствует кнопка «Kill Flash», останавливающая процессы некогда крайне популярной технологии. У K-Meleon есть активный форум с большим количеством пользователей, активно развивающих браузер.
💡Особенности
- Минимальное потребление ОЗУ.
- Работа даже на двадцатилетних ПК.
- YouTube по умолчанию открывается в мобильной веб-версии, снижая нагрузку на ПК.
Pale Moon
Windows 7 32-бит и новее
Одним из главных идейных конкурентов K-Meleon является браузер Pale Moon с открытым исходным кодом на движке Goanna. В отличие от своего конкурента, сообщество Pale Moon ориентируется на более современные устройства, поддерживая ОС Windows 7 и выше.
Если продолжать сравнение с K-Meleon, браузер имеет более современный и удобный интерфейс, отдалённо напоминающий старые версии Firefox, а также полезные функции, вроде возможности создавать и синхронизировать резервные копии настроек и данных Pale Moon на разных устройствах.
💡Особенности
- Приятный интерфейс.
- Оптимизирован для современных процессоров.
- Поддержка плагинов NPAPI, таких как Silverlight, Adobe Flash и Java.
SeaMonkey
Windows 7 32-бит и новее
SeaMonkey — это пакет приложений, включающий в себя легкий браузер. Он создан на основе исходного кода некогда популярного набора программ Mozilla Application Suite, который больше не существует.
Помимо браузера, в пакет SeaMonkey входят клиент электронной почты, RSS-клиент, HTML-редактор и различные дополнительные функции.
Браузер основан на ядре Firefox и отличается высокой скоростью работы. Однако его устаревший интерфейс может не всем понравиться. Тем не менее, это хорошая альтернатива Pale Moon, если вам нужна максимальная производительность и дополнительные функции, доступные сразу после установки.
💡Особенности
- Молниеносная скорость работы.
- Встроенный почтовый клиент и RSS-клиент.
Supermium
Windows XP SP1 32-бит или Windows Server 2003 и новее
Самый молодой браузер из подборки — Supermium — был выпущен в мае 2023 года, но уже успел завоевать популярность. Это один из самых интересных проектов для старых компьютеров.
Стоит отметить, что Supermium не лучший выбор для очень старых ПК, поскольку он основан на браузере Chromium, который лежит в основе Google Chrome. В отличие от Chrome, который прекратил поддержку Windows 7, Supermium поддерживает даже 32-разрядную версию Windows XP SP1. Разработчик стремится адаптировать все современные функции и нововведения для работы на старых компьютерах.
Автор браузера предоставляет бесплатную поддержку только для Windows 7 и более новых версий. Если вы планируете использовать Supermium на Windows XP, вам необходимо будет сделать пожертвование в размере 5$ через Patreon.
💡Особенности
- Как Google Chrome, только во всём лучше для старых ПК.
- Максимальная совместимость с современным вебом.
Какой браузер выбрать
Если обобщать, то для условного десятилетнего ПК с 4 ГБ оперативной памяти я рекомендовал бы использовать Supermium или Slim Browser, так как их интерфейс и поддержка современных технологий не отличаются от популярных браузеров вроде Chrome или Firefox. Если же у вашего ПК меньше 4 ГБ оперативной памяти или ему стукнуло 15 и более лет — попробуйте K-Meleon, он будет наименее требователен к ресурсам вашего компьютера.
Три оставшихся браузера представляют собой хорошую альтернативу упомянутым выше. Они в чём-то уступают этим браузерам, но в чём-то их превосходят.
Популярные веб-браузеры, вроде Firefox и Chrome, потребляют немало ресурсов и поэтому могут тормозить на слабых машинах. Благо для последних тоже существуют свои «облегченные» варианты. О десяти лучших мы расскажем в данной статье.
Brave Browser
Источник фото: Brave Browser / Brave Browser
Браузер с открытым исходным кодом, благодаря чему он полностью безопасен. Brave Browser работает на базе еще одного поисковика — Chromium. Этой программе для правильной функциональности необходим процессор с частотой от 2 ГГц, ОЗУ — не меньше 512 Мб, а количество видеопамяти — минимум 256 Мб. Места на компьютере этот поисковик займет не больше 120 Мб.
Browzar Black
Источник фото: Browzar Black / Browzar Black
Наиболее легковесная утилита для Windows, отличный выбор для ПК с маленьким объемом памяти. Подойдет для работы в 32-разрядной ОС. Тактовая частота процессора должна быть минимально 0,8 Гц. Минимум видеопамяти и ОЗУ — 64 и 128 Мб, соответственно. При этом на винчестере компьютера Browzar Black займет рекордные 2 Мб свободной памяти, чего не скажешь о других браузерах.
Google Chrome
Источник фото: Google Chrome / Google Chrome
Относится к числу популярных утилит для ОС Windows. Для нормальной деятельности ему необходимо минимум 512 Мб ОЗУ и 64 МБ видеокарты. Однако следует также учесть, что центральный процессор ПК должен быть, как минимум, Pentium 4 с технологией SSE2. Это современный браузер, поэтому чем мощнее будет техника, тем лучше, однако и для не очень мощных ПК он подойдет.
Lunascape
Источник фото: Lunascape / Lunascape
Японский браузер Lunascape действует на основе сразу трех движков — Gecko, Trident и Webkit. В процессе работы он может самостоятельно переключаться между ними, подбирая тот, который оптимально подходит для работы с определенным порталом. Ему нужны:
- 1 ГБ оперативки;
- частота ЦП — от 1,5 ГГц;
- 64 Мб видеокарты;
- на компьютере он займет около 160 Мб памяти.
Maxthon Nitro
Стоит отметить, что это lite-вариант утилиты Maxthon. Программа отличается обширной функциональностью при лаконичном дизайне. Она обеспечит стабильную работу, даже невзирая на сокращенные минимальные характеристики:
Источник фото: Maxthon Nitro / Maxthon Nitro
- ЦП Intel либо AMD с частотой минимум 300 МГц;
- ОЗУ — 128 Мб;
- 64 Мб видеопамяти;
- не меньше 50 Мб на диске.
Браузер полностью бесплатный.
Mozilla Firefox
Источник фото: Mozilla Firefox / Mozilla Firefox
Утилита работает на базе движка Quantum и входит в пятерку лидеров в рейтинге самых популярных в мире. Он отличается большим числом функций, но при этом еще и довольно скромными техническими требованиями:
- ЦП Pentium 4 с поддержкой технологии SSE2;
- 512 Мб ОЗУ для 32-разрядной ОС и 2 Гб — для 64-разрядной;
- 200 Мб места на жестком диске.
Функционал Mozilla Firefox точно порадует.
Opera GX
Источник фото: Opera GX / Opera GX
Имеет небольшое отличие от стандартного браузера Opera. Эта версия обладает широким функционалом, как и основной вариант утилиты, а также smart-опцией распределения памяти. Отлично подойдет для работы на ОС Windows 7.
Для стабильного функционирования необходимы такие минимальные требования:
- ЦП — Intel Pentium 4;
- ОЗУ — 512 Мб;
- свободное место на диске — 400 Мб.
Pale Moon
Утилита Pale Moon — это еще один браузер со свободным исходным кодом. Он разработан специально для ПК со слабым железом, поэтому отлично подходит для работы на ОС Windows 7.
Источник фото: Pale Moon / Pale Moon
Поисковик оптимизирован для работы с ЦП минимум седьмого поколения — с поддержкой SSE2 и 3. Подходит для многоядерных CPU. Для стабильной деятельности достаточно 256 Мб ОЗУ и 150 Мб памяти на винчестере.
Slim Browser
Утилита Slim Browser — это калька с проекта Chromium, обладающая открытым исходным кодом. При этом обеспечивается достойный уровень конфиденциальности.
Источник фото: Slim Browser / Slim Browser
Минимальные требования для работы таковы:
- процессор с тактовой частотой не ниже 1,6 ГГц;
- видеопамять — 64 Мб;
- ОЗУ — 256 Мб.
Утилита действительно «slim», ведь на жестком диске займет не больше 12 Мб памяти.
Vivaldi
Источник фото: Vivaldi / Vivaldi
Vivaldi хорош тем, что он подходит не только для Windows 7, но также для версий XP и Vista. Браузер работает на движке Blink. Он прост в применении, отличается лаконичным дизайном, без излишеств. Для работы ему необходим процессор с тактовой частотой не менее 1,8 ГГц. Кроме того, требуется минимум 256 Мб оперативки и 128 Мб видеопамяти. Места в памяти ПК он займет только 280 Мб.
Заглавное фото: freepik
Just like other device components your web browser can also put unnecessary load on your system resources making it slow and sluggish. A heavyweight browser can eat your system memory and cause excess battery drainage.
What you need in such situations is a lightweight browser for Windows that can work as efficiently as a mainstream browser without draining system resources.
If you are struggling with your current web browser refer to our list of best lightweight browsers that promises full-fledged navigation experience at a lightning speed. Read the complete article to find the top 17 lightweight browser for PC and enjoy browsing without any compromises with the speed.
What Are the Best Lightweight Browsers for Windows in 2024?
Here, we have shortlisted some of the top-rated, resource-friendly and fast browsers that you can install on your windows device. Go through the list and find out the perfect lightweight browser for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
1. Midori Windows Browser
Highlight Features:
| HTML5 support | Start-up Settings | Minimalist UI | Open-source | Incognito Browsing |
Enjoy an array of mainstream browser features with this light browser for windows. Midori is an open-source browser and is well known for its class apart functionalities like RSS support, bookmark, and spell checker capabilities.
Another beautiful thing about Midori is that its default search engine duckduckgo does not collect any user information. Minimalist and a straightforward UI also backs its worldwide popularity.
2. UR Browser
Highlight Features:
| Safe Browsing | HTTPS Redirections | Customized Experience | Fast Downloading Speed | Removes ads & Cookies |
Next on our list of best lightweight browsers for Windows is the UR browser. This chromium-based browser is backed with a powerful-suite of multiple features. Privacy-focused search engine, built-in VPN connection along with an integrated virus scanner makes it an all-in-one lightweight browser that can perfectly suit all your requirements.
In addition to this, it also sends alert messages while visiting suspicious sites and blocks all annoying ads from your browser. Enjoy fast browsing seed with this highly customizable and lite browser for Windows.
3. Microsoft Edge
Highlight Features:
| Browser Extension Support | Superior Privacy | Built-In Browser for Windows 10 | Highly Customizable | Edge HTML Engine Layout |
Microsoft is not a new name and is known as the trump card of Microsoft against Google Chrome. It is the default browser of Windows 10 and does not hog on your device resources. Although it is a light browser for Windows it does not compromise on loading speed.
Known for its superior privacy features it safeguards your device from suspicious websites and malicious ads. Microsoft Edge also comes with multiple customization options and can easily sync with various browser extensions.
Enjoy seamless working and modern web experience with its Edge HTML Engine Layout.
Read Also: Know About New Microsoft’s Chromium Edge Browser
4. Slim Browser
Highlight Features:
| Ultra-fast Speed | Ad blocker Capability | Online safety | Easy Integration | Plug-in Compatibility |
Next on our list of lite browsers for PC is Slim Browser. If you are looking for a sophisticated, native, and fast browser then Slim Browser is what you need.
Enjoy 10x download speed and protect your digital life by blocking annoying ads. It also comes backed with a fully customizable toolbar and one-click Facebook integration. Fast downloading of Youtube videos in MP3 and MP4 formats, easy installation of extensions, browser plugin along with easy text translation are few other notable offerings of this lite browser for PC.
5. Opera
Highlight Features:
| Free VPN | Cross-Device Data Synchronization | Private Browsing | Customizable features | Ad-Blocker |
Another light browser for Windows that you can pick is Opera. It promises optimal resource usage and fast downloading speed no matter how many extensions you download.
Its ad-blocker capabilities prevent annoying ads and trackers. To add on to the privacy levels it also comes with auto-upgrade features and a built-in VPN connection that can easily maintain your anonymity and encrypt your online activities.
It is simple to set up and use. Make Opera your browsing companion and enjoy a clean, efficient, and powerful browsing experience.
6. Comodo IceDragon
Highlight Features
| Robust Security | Dns Server Integration | Lightning Fast Browsing | Web Page Scanning | Virtual Container |
If the above mentioned lightweight browser for Windows has not met your requirements then try our next pick. Comodo IceDragon is popular for its superior and robust security feature which keeps you protected from all possible viruses.
It is integrated with Comodo’s DNS server which ensures error-free conversion of website URLs to IP addresses. Apart from this it also scans your browsers crash and performance reports to scan your web-page for any threats.
It also uses a virtually created container that breaks all the contact of your device with the browser, this means no unwanted or harmful software gets installed on your device.
Read More: Best Lightweight Mobile Browsers For Android
7. SeaMonkey
Highlight Features:
| Voice Interaction | Robust Password Manager | Easy to use HTML Editor | Easy Navigation | Open Source |
SeaMonkey is another light browser for Windows that promises optimized browser functioning and loading speed. A built-in email client and built-in editor helps you in easy navigation and also assists you in developing a web-page of your own.
It is also powered with a password manager tool along with voice interaction, mouse gestures and restore sessions functionalities. It is an open-source lightweight browser for Windows but can result in stability issues as time.
8. Vivaldi
Highlight Features:
| End-to-End Encryption | Customizable Keyboard | Color Themes | Ad-Blocker | Stable Performance |
Vivaldi is one of the newest entrants in the category of lightest browser for Windows but has enough to give its competitors a big fight. It comes with greater customizable features including tab arrangement, color themes, and notes.
Vivaldi works on the Google Chrome engine and is well known for its reliability and stable performance. It also ensures the utmost privacy and helps you browse privately by blocking unwanted ads and trackers. All the data enchanted on the Vivaldi browser is protected with end-to-end encryption.
9. Lynx
Highlight Features:
| Text-Based Browser | Easy Working | Oldest Browser | Keyboard shortcuts for easy Navigation |
Another smallest browser that you can pick for your Windows device is Lynx. It is one of the oldest Windows browsers and uses various command-line tools. Setting it up is fairly easy and its straightforward design adds on to its simple working.
It is a text-based browser and does not pressurize your system resources. So if you can barter a graphic user interface with a text-based interface then Lynx is a good choice.
10. Torch Browser
Highlight Features:
| Integrated Sharing | Apt for hyper-active internet Users | Torch Facelift | Built-In BitTorrent | Embedded Player |
Next on our list of lite browsers for Windows PC is Torch. It is perfectly apt for heavily-active users and supports seamless loading at a lightning-fast speed. It is an open-source and media-oriented browser application.
It comes with an in-built BitTorrent feature which helps in easy management of downloads. Along with it you also get access to additional features like Torch Games and Torch Music which adds on to your browsing experience. You can also play online songs before their download is complete with its Torch Player feature.
Manage online media in a hassle-free manner with its integrated sharing and download accelerator feature.
11. Maxthon Cloud Browser
Highlight Features:
| Dark mode | In-built Ad blocker | Screen capture facility | Note-Pad | Multi-engine web browser |
Maxthon Cloud Browser is an extremely great browser that offers some of the best features than other opponent tool does. It includes a built-in tool for blocking random ads, offers a screen capture facility, note pad, dark mode, reader form, and many other features. Apart from this, Maxthon Cloud Browser utilizes its own cloud services to sync the users’ data among the devices. And, Maxthon Cloud Browser has its own multi-account password administrator, named Magic Fill. If you want to make Maxthon sync your data on all other devices, then you are required to create an account on Maxthon-based cloud services.
12. Lunascape Orion
Highlight Features:
| Auto-switch between engines | Full-screen mode | Fastest browsing speed | User friendly | Triple engine support | Quick access |
Have you ever wished to access Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox in one program? Now, you must be thinking about how it can be possible at all. Isn’t it? Then, you can access Internet Explorer’s Trident, Firefox’s Gecko, and Safari’s Webkit within one program. Yes, you have heard right! That’s exactly what Lunascape does. It has the support of the triple engine i.e., Gecko, Trident, and Webkit. It is designed with the latest technology parameters and algorithms hence comparatively it is faster than others. However, you can set one particular engine to be accessed whenever you open Lunascape Orion. But, switching between the engines is very quick as well.
13. K-Meleon
Highlight Features:
| Feasible for beginners | Multiple tabs support | Amazing speed | Easy to use and navigate | Open-source | Extremely lightweight |
The Next name on this list of the best lightweight browsers for Windows is K-Meleon. The tool is quite amazing and offers an open-source structure for you. You can edit the coding base of the tool using this open source and use the tool as required. The tool is quite reliable. however, built for 32-bit operating systems only. k-Meleon respects your privacy and does not share any browsing data or surfing data with third-party websites or apps and otherwise. The interface of the browser is customizable as well and allows you to get the best out of the tool with ease.
14. Brave
Highlight Features:
| Easy to use | Supports multiple tabs | Lightning fast speed | Easy to navigate | Freeware | Ultra lightweight |
The last name here on the list of the best lightweight browsers for Windows is Brave. This lightweight browser is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. While you use the browser, it will block all the ads to enhance your surfing experience. Moreover, the browser also blocks cross-site trackers for enhanced performance.
This is one of the best tools that prohibits phishing attacks and malicious files from getting into your computer. Moreover, the anonymized network routing by the browser using the Tor mode offers utter privacy to your data and surfing history.
15. Opera One
Highlight Features:
| Utter Privacy | HTTPS Redirections | Personalized Experience | Fast Downloading and Uploading Speeds | Fewer ads |
In addition to this, it prohibits all irritating advertisements from Opera One and delivers warning messages if it detects that a user is visiting a website that may be malicious. Enjoy a lightning-fast surfing experience with this Windows browser that is both highly configurable and lightweight. The Opera One makes its way to the next spot in our list of the top lightweight browsers for Windows. This Internet browser, which is based on Chrome, is equipped with a robust collection of a variety of functions. It is an all-in-one lightweight browser that can fully meet all of your needs, complete with a search engine that prioritizes privacy, a built-in virtual private network connection, and an integrated virus scanning.
16. Falkon
Highlight Features:
| Supports extensions | Customizable UI | Lightning fast | Safe to use for all | Fewer ads |
Here’s another addition to this list of the best lightweight browsers for Windows. Falkon, just like its name, is a very fast web browser that allows you to surf freely using the internet. The interface of the browser is quite basic yet offers lightning-fast operations. You can download this tool on Windows, Linux, and other operating systems.
17. GNOME
Highlight Features:
| Super Lightweight | Easy to use | Fewer popups | Works with older OS | Open-source |
The next best lightweight browser for Windows is the GNOME browser. This is an open-source browser that allows you to surf the internet very easily. The browser can also run high-end websites on your device with ease. Also, the tool allows you to save yourself from annoying ads and retain privacy.
Faqs – Lightweight Browsers
Q1. What is the lightest browser for Windows 10?
In the sea full of options for different browsers available online we have fixed it for our users by listing the best lightweight browser for Windows 10, 11, or older version systems. Go through the list and find the one that matches your definition of lite browser for PC and download it from the official website.
Q2. Which browser uses least memory on your device?
Depending upon the size and other available data Opera uses the least resources of your Windows and still provides the best user-experience and speed.
Q3. Does Chrome use lot of the system’s RAM?
When compared to the above mentioned light-weight browser alternatives, Chrome indeed uses a significantly higher amount of RAM. In addition to this if we download and add multiple extensions to chrome it can get heavier.
Q4. Is Opera Lighweight browser?
Yes, Opera is a well know alternative in the list of lightweight browsers as it only consumes minimal resources of your device.
Q5. Is Brave Lighter Than Chrome?
Yes, Brave is a lighter web browser than Chrome. It puts less strain on your device’s performance than Google Chrome. Brave uses 66% less memory than Google Chrome.
Conclusion
So, this is folks, enjoy effortless and fast browsing experience with our lightweight browser for Windows. All the options mentioned above guarantee fast speed, robots working, less resource usage, and superior privacy.
Pick the best-suited lightweight browser for your windows device to trade-off with a mainstream browser.
Introduction:
With the ever-increasing demand for faster browsing speeds and lower memory usage, lightweight browsers have become quite popular among Windows users. These browsers are designed to be swift, responsive, and easy on system resources. In this article, we will discuss the top 15 lightest browsers for Windows 10 and 11 to help you find the right one for your needs.
All these browsers have small installation packages, lower RAM usage compared to mainstream browsers like Chrome, quick operations, and other useful features.
Why Do You Need a Lightweight Browser for Windows PC?
With webpages and web apps becoming more complex by the day, the system requirements for browsers are constantly increasing. Mainstream browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge keep adding new features and require ample computing resources. While this enables enhanced functionality, it takes a toll on system memory and processing power. This is where lite web browsers for PC come into the picture.
These browsers are optimized to deliver maximum browsing performance while using up the minimum system resources. Such lightest browsers for PC have small install sizes and open swiftly without hogging RAM or CPU cycles.
This makes lightweight browsers ideal for older computers with limited hardware capabilities. They are also suitable for users who value speed and a clutter-free browsing experience above bells and whistles. The trimmed-down interfaces and uncluttered feature sets of the best light web browsers allow for smooth and distraction-free usage.
Top 15 Lightweight Browsers for Windows 10 and 11 PC
1. Opera
Opera is a pioneering browser for Windows PC and laptop with over 20 years of experience and innovation behind it. Opera uses the Blink browser engine developed by Google. It comes packed with unique features like a built-in VPN, ad blocker, social messengers, and a crypto wallet. Opera also has a data-saving mode and battery saver for laptops.
Key Features:
- Built-in ad blocker
- Battery saver
- VPN
- Crypto wallet
- Messengers
Pros:
- Packed with extra features
- Good customization options
- Lower memory usage
Cons:
- Too many built-in features can clutter the interface
- VPN limited to the United States and Europe
2. Firefox
Firefox is an open-source, lightest browser for PC developed by Mozilla that offers a balance between speed and features. Firefox uses a Gecko browser engine that complies with current web standards. It has a clean interface and is highly customizable with themes and add-ons. Firefox also comes loaded with privacy features like tracking protection.
Key Features:
- Fast page loading
- Tab browsing
- Private browsing mode
- Tracking protection
- Customizable interface
Pros:
- Light on system resources
- Open source with no privacy issues
- Supports extensions and themes
- Regular security updates
Cons:
- Extensions can slow it down over time
- Higher memory usage than other lightweight browsers
3. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows 10 and 11 built with speed and resource efficiency in mind. Microsoft Edge uses the Chromium browser engine for wider compatibility. It offers smooth performance and integration with Windows 10/11 features. Edge also has vertical tab grouping, smart copy, and other handy tools.
Key Features:
- Vertical tab grouping
- Collections
- Immersive reader
- Built-in coupon finder
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast
- Good compatibility with Windows
- Useful built-in tools
Cons:
- Falls short of privacy compared to Firefox
- Still catching up with extensions
4. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a highly innovative one of the best light web browsers for Windows PC focused on customization and power user features. Vivaldi is built on Chromium and allows extensive UI customization with accents, themes, and positionable interface elements. It packs power user tools like tab stacking, notes, and a dedicated screenshot tool. Vivaldi also has a built-in mail client.
Key Features:
- Utterly customizable interface
- Tab stacking
- Notes and screenshots
- Built-in mail client
Pros:
- Innovative feature-packed browser
- Fast and stable
- Great for power users
Cons:
- Too many features can seem overwhelming
- Relatively new browser with a small user base
5. Pale Moon
Pale Moon is an open-source lightweight browser for Windows focused on customization and speed. It uses the Goanna browser engine which is a fork of Firefox’s old Gecko engine. It is highly customizable and supports many old Firefox extensions. Pale Moon has options to tweak the advanced configuration.
Key Features:
- Optimized for speed
- Support for legacy Firefox extensions
- Highly customizable
- Advanced configuration options
Pros:
- Very lightweight and fast
- Extensive customization options
- Good browser for older hardware
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with newer websites
- Small development team
6. Maxthon
Maxthon is a seasoned multi-platform, lightest browser for PCs with a focus on speed, security, and cloud services. It uses a hybrid browser engine combining Chromium with its own proprietary Maxthon engine. It emphasizes security and privacy with tools like ad blockers and fingerprint protection. Maxthon also offers cloud sync and cross-device functionality.
Key Features:
- Hybrid browser engine
- Secure browsing tools
- Cloud sync and services
- Support for extensions
Pros:
- Fast and stable performance
- Good balance of features and speed
- Enhanced security and privacy
Cons:
- Interface feels dated
- Smaller extension library
7. Brave
Brave is an emerging privacy-focused lightweight browser for Windows PC with a built-in ad blocker and crypto wallet. Brave is built on Chromium and blocks ads and website trackers by default to protect privacy. It has a built-in crypto wallet and allows users to earn BAT tokens for viewing opt-in ads. Brave also offers a stripped-down Reader mode.
Key Features:
- Built-in ad blocker
- Crypto wallet
- Earn BAT rewards
- Reader mode
Pros:
- Excellent for privacy
- Innovative crypto features
- Clean and fast browsing
Cons:
- Still a relatively new browser
- Limited customization options
8. Waterfox
Waterfox focuses on ethical values, speed, customization options, and community feedback. Waterfox uses Firefox’s Gecko engine and strips out telemetry while adding under-the-hood optimizations. It is an open-source lightest browser for PCs with an emphasis on user control and choice. Waterfox offers extensive customization options like themes, add-ons, and about:config tweaks.
Key Features:
- No telemetry or data collection
- Speed optimizations
- Support for browser extensions
- Customizable configurations
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast
- Privacy focused values
- Active community engagement
Cons:
- Not beginner friendly
- Small development team
9. Slimjet
Slimjet is designed for speed by incorporating website pre-fetching and Cloudflare’s DNS. Slimjet uses the Blink browser engine to deliver fast performance. It has website pre-fetching to speed up page loading along with Cloudflare DNS integration. Slimjet lightest browser for PC and also offers add-on support and a reader mode.
Key Features:
- Website pre-fetching
- Built-in ad blocker
- Cloudflare DNS
- Reader mode
- Extension support
Pros:
- Very fast page loading
- Light on system resource usage
- Clean and intuitive interface
Cons:
- Fewer customization options
- Relatively new with a smaller user base
10. Comodo Dragon
Comodo Dragon prioritizes security without compromising on speed and stability. Comodo Dragon is a lightweight browser for Windows based on Chromium with added security features baked in. It has domain validation, script blockers, and privacy controls. Comodo Dragon also offers malware scanning and website certificate validation.
Key Features:
- Built-in security tools
- Script and malware blocking
- Secure DNS
- Privacy controls
- Site certificate validation
Pros:
- Fast and secure browsing
- Very lightweight
- Feature-rich for security
Cons:
- Too many security prompts for some users
- Interface needs modernization
11. CentBrowser
CentBrowser offers streamlined browsing using the Chromium engine sans Google services. CentBrowser strips out Google services for reduced memory usage. It has a clean interface with a built-in media downloader and extension support. CentBrowser loads pages swiftly while remaining very portable.
Key Features:
- No Google services
- Media downloader
- Portable and lightweight
- Extension support
Pros:
- Blazing fast
- Tiny install size
- Streamlined and bloat-free
Cons:
- Very barebones
- Limited feature set
12. Basilisk
Basilisk revives Firefox’s classic legacy with advanced customization and old-school charm. It is one of the most lite web browsers for PC. Basilisk browser uses Firefox’s old Gecko engine built purely for customization and speed. It has support for legacy Firefox extensions along with userChrome.css modifications. Basilisk appeals to users who liked Firefox’s pre-Chrome era.
Key Features:
- Firefox’s classic Gecko engine
- Support for legacy extensions
- UserChrome.css tweaks
- Customizable toolbars
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly customizable
- Classic no-nonsense browsing
Cons:
- Legacy technology lacks new standards
- Minimal default settings
13. Torch
Torch offers Chrome-based browsing with built-in media features and torrent support. Torch Browser is based on Chromium but adds multimedia downloading tools for social media sites. It also integrates multimedia-sharing features along with a built-in BitTorrent client.
Key Features:
- Multimedia downloader
- Media sharing tools
- Integrated BitTorrent client
- Chrome-based browsing
Pros:
- Great for media handling
- Lightweight and fast
- Handy built-in tools
Cons:
- Too focused on BitTorrent
- Some bloatware during the installation process.
14. Google Chrome
Google Chrome lightest PC web browser delivers a no-frills browsing experience with speed optimizations. It is built using Chromium stripped down for maximum speed and minimalism. It forgoes unnecessary features to reduce memory usage. Chrome also implements site-specific browser functionality.
Key Features:
- Bloat-free Chromium
- Site-specific browser mode
- Nothing but pure browsing
Pros:
- Extremely fast and responsive
- The address bar doubles up as a search bar for fast web searches
- Very low resource usage
- Chrome has a huge library of extensions and add-ons for customization.
- Clean and distraction-free
Cons:
- Being by Google, it collects a lot of user data. Privacy controls are limited.
- Background updates happen frequently whether you want it or not.
15. Falkon
Falkon is an open-source, lightest PC web browser focused on speed and minimal resource usage. Falkon utilizes the QtWebEngine framework for speed and stability. It has a clean interface with support for themes and plugins. Falkon offers robust customization via config flags. It’s designed for Linux but runs well on Windows too.
Key Features:
- Qt-based browser engine
- Low on RAM usage
- Customizable interface
- Plugin support
Pros:
- Blazingly fast performance
- Very lightweight and portable
- Open source codebase
Cons:
- Smaller user base and extension library
- Limited feature set
Conclusion
When choosing the best light web browsers for your Windows 10/11 PC, it is important to assess your priorities. Factors like speed, customization, privacy, security, and features will help determine the best and lightest PC web browser as per your specific needs.
Those wanting breakneck speeds may prefer Nichrome or Falkon. Customization lovers can opt for Pale Moon or Vivaldi. Privacy-conscious users will benefit from Firefox or Brave. Casual users needing a well-rounded option can try Microsoft Edge or Opera.
With this diverse selection of the top 15 lightweight Windows browsers, you are sure to find one that ticks all the right boxes.
FAQs
Q1. Why use a lightweight browser?
These use up less RAM and CPU, resulting in faster response times. They are perfect for older PCs and ideal for a clutter-free browsing experience.
Q2. Are light web browsers less secure?
Not at all. Many lightweight browsers offer robust security and privacy-enhancing features. Some like Comodo Dragon even have enhanced security baked in.
Q3. Will lightweight Windows browsers work with extensions?
These support Chrome extensions to varying degrees. Some like Pale Moon cater specifically to legacy Firefox extensions. Only the most barebones options lack extension support.
Q4. What are the most customizable browsers?
Vivaldi and Pale Moon offer the most customization options for interfaces, themes, configurations, and extensions. Other honorable mentions include Basilisk, Waterfox, and Brave.
Q5. Which lite browser has the smallest resource footprint?
Falkon and Nichrome are the lightest on system resource usage. Other top options for low memory and CPU usage include CentBrowser, Maxthon, and Slimjet.
Do you have an old, slow computer? Whether you have an old Windows XP from years ago or purchased a cheap or used PC on eBay for simple tasks, you may find your laptop lagging, freezing, or experiencing other glitches.
That can get extremely frustrating, especially when you just want to browse the web, send emails, and complete other simple tasks.
Even new laptops can sometimes be too slow, especially if they are cheap, low-end PCs that don’t have a lot of RAM. These laptops can’t handle standard browsers that use up a lot of resources.
Just because you have a cheap, used, refurbished, or low-end computer doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to lagging and freezing. The trick is to stop using up so many resources at once, and that starts with your browser – which may be the most used application on your device.
There are various lightweight browsers designed specifically for low-end PCs. These browsers might not have as many features as some of the more famous browsers, but they also don’t use up nearly as many resources, and they won’t bog down your laptop.
Here are the 16 best browsers for low-end computers.
Also Read: Best Browsers For iPad
1. K-Meleon
K-Meleon is one of the best lightweight browsers for low-end PCs. It’s still popular, despite many other browsers coming out since it was first released.
It’s free and open source. You’ll need a Windows XP-SP3 or a newer Windows version to use it – it also doesn’t work natively on Linux, but people have had success using it on WINE.
K-Meleon is secure and supports tabbed browsing. It’s based on the Gecko layout engine, which was developed by Mozilla, but it’s a stripped-down app.
For example, it doesn’t include an email client or other features that can bloat it and slow down your PC.
K-Meleon has an active forum with many users.
One thing worth noting is that while the browser itself – the actual software – works pretty well and will continue to do so, there is a chance that the project’s old domain name might not get renewed. You can check this forum thread for an explanation of what might happen and why.
Also Read: Best Browsers For Netflix & Streaming Videos
2. Falkon
Built on the Qt WebEngine, Falkon is a lightweight, free, and open-source browser. With a built-in ad blocker, you’ll never have to worry about popups blocking your view and slowing down your browsing experience.
Despite being a lightweight browser, Falkon has a lot of the features you’d expect from any standard browser, including tabs and browsing history. Furthermore, you can save web pages as bookmarks.
Falkon is a project by KDE. KDE is an open software community, and you may be familiar with some other KDE projects, like Krita and Kontact.
While Falkon is great for low-end PCs, it’s not the best option if you have an ancient one with an outdated operating system. That’s because the minimum Windows version it requires is Windows 7 – it won’t work on Windows XP laptops.
You can also use Falkon on Linux.
Also Read: Best Opera Alternatives
3. UR Browser
UR Browser is a fast and safe web browser that won’t slow down your laptop. Unlike many other lightweight browsers, it’s available not only for Windows but for macOS as well.
Without trackers, ads, cookies, and other elements that slow down the browsing experience, UR Browser is smooth and speedy.
One cool thing about UR Browser is that you can set the level of privacy you want. There are three levels:
- Low Privacy: On this setting, you’ll see ads, and trackers and cookies won’t be blocked. You’ll still benefit from automatic HTTPS redirects and randomized device information to prevent fingerprinting (a tracking method that uses your device configuration instead of your IP address to track you).
- Medium Privacy: Ads, cookies, and trackers will automatically be blocked.
- High Privacy: Ninja Mode is automatically enabled.
Ninja Mode takes private browsing to a new level. You can view tabs in private and nonprivate mode side by side, and you can add some websites to your personal Ninja Mode list, so they always open in private mode.
UR Browser is focused more on privacy than reducing its size. However, without trackers, banner ads, video ads, and popups, you will automatically use fewer resources.
4. Pale Moon
Pale Moon is a Goanna-based web browser for Windows and Linux, forked from Mozilla Firefox. Here’s the catch, however: Despite being a Firefox fork, only specific features were chosen to be included, while features that are unnecessary and would slow down your computer were stripped away.
Pale Moon is free and open source, with a strong community behind it. It won’t show you any ads or track your activity, and security flaws and bugs are constantly updated.
The browser won’t work on ancient operating systems, but that’s for good reason. By cutting support for such systems, Pale Moon is able to stay optimized for a smooth experience on more modern operating systems while offering advanced customization options.
Pale Moon has an extension library, with a surprising amount of extensions available in categories such as appearance, web development, privacy & security, and communication.
In addition to extensions, there are plugins, allowing you to search sites like Amazon or Urban Dictionary without visiting them directly. There are also themes available, allowing you to customize the look of your browser for a more aesthetically pleasing browsing experience.
There are also several useful tools available, such as the ability to back up your Pale Moon configurations and data or sync them across different devices.
Also Read: Best Google Chrome Alternatives
5. Midori
The Midori browser, which is now part of the Astian Foundation, is a multiplatform browser optimized for speed and small size. It is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android.
While not yet available on iPhones, support for iOS is in the works.
Midori guarantees your privacy, promising to never sell your data. It also offers excellent user support, something many other lightweight browsers (especially the open-source ones) are missing, with multiple support channels (such as email and Telegram) available.
Since Midori is now part of the Astian Foundation, users can access an active community of English and Spanish-speaking users.
6. NetSurf
NetSurf is different from most other lightweight browsers in that it uses its own unique layout engine, as opposed to one forked from Mozilla. However, it’s only available on Linux, Mac OS X, and a few other operating systems, such as RISC OS.
The team at NetSurf is constantly working on and improving the browser, aiming to get the most out of the code while keeping it lightweight, agile, and of a small size.
The project has earned many awards, and NetSurf has been named as one of the top 10 browsers for Linux.
NetSurf is incredibly small, and it can work on even the lowest-end PCs with very little RAM (such as 16 MB). That’s because it was originally designed for the computer hardware contained in phones, cable TV boxes, and other high-end machines.
7. SeaMonkey
SeaMonkey is an application suite that includes a lightweight browser. It is based on the same source code as the Mozilla Application Suite, which is a now-defunct suite of internet tools designed around a similar concept.
In addition to the browser, the SeaMonkey suite includes an email and newsgroup client, an HTML editor, and various add-ons. However, let’s focus on the browser for the moment.
It has a built-in popup blocker, which will help remove annoying popups as you browse and keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently. With the session restore feature, you can restore tabs that you had open even if your computer crashes, which is a common occurrence when using low-end and older PCs.
Even though the browser is based on Firefox, it tends to be quite a bit quicker, making it more optimal for low-end PCs. At the same time, it has a lot of optional add-ons that allow you to expand its functionality when needed.
Check Out: Best Browsers For Xbox One
8. Maxthon
Maxthon is the perfect browser for you if you are a fan of blockchain technology. Besides being super quick, it provides support for blockchain applications and it helps users access blockchain content using the built-in NBDomain protocol.
I suggest that you download the portable version if you have a low-end PC. You can view all available downloads, including the portable versions, on this page.
A portable app, or a portable version of an app, is a program that doesn’t use an installer and instead resides in a single folder on your computer. Portable applications tend to be more lightweight and use up fewer resources, making them perfect for low-end PCs.
9. Lynx
Lynx is a unique browser in many ways. For one, it is the oldest web browser that is still being actively maintained.
Many browsers have come and gone, with many no longer working or no longer being maintained by the original developers. Lynx was first launched in 1992, two decades ago.
However, what truly sets Lynx apart is that it is a text-based web browser. In other words, it won’t show you images, videos, or anything other than text from a web page.
That’s what makes it so perfect for low-end PCs – providing all you want to do is read the news, read email, browse publications, and so on. Instead of showing you images and other visuals, Lynx will substitute them with other data, such as the alt tags and other HTML elements.
At the same time, Lynx supports cookies, caching, and other features that come with standard browsers, like saving your browsing history. However, you can block or whitelist specific cookies.
Since Lynx strips down all web pages to the text-based elements only, you can imagine that it uses up very few resources. On low-end PCs, you won’t have to deal with lagging or freezing.
Remember, Lynx doesn’t have to be the only browser on your PC or even the main browser you use. You can have another browser from this list as your main browser and use Lynx when you want to read the news or browse your favorite blogs.
Explore: Best Browsers For Twitch
10. Links
Another unique web browser is Links, not to be confused with Lynx. The developer, based in the Czech Republic, made Links free and open source.
There are two modes: graphics mode and text mode. In text mode, Links will only display text and not graphics, similar to Lynx.
Links is extremely portable, thus reducing its size and CPU consumption. It’s one executable file that is independent of the hardware and system libraries.
11. Mypal
Even a lot of the lightweight web browsers are cutting support for Windows XP as we get further and further away from when it was first released.
Not Mypal, though! Mypal is specifically designed for Windows XP computers.
It’s one of the best browsers for the Windows XP operating system. It’s well maintained, and it will work well even on older computers.
It is updated frequently, so it’s not one of those abandoned projects that still work but might have many bugs and security flaws.
Earlier in this article, I mentioned the Pale Moon browser, which was forked from Mozilla Firefox. Mypal is based on Pale Moon, but it was created with Windows XP in mind.
Why use Windows XP instead of upgrading to a more current Windows version? Perhaps you like the look and feel of Windows XP – there’s no denying that it has sentimental value to many people who grew up using Windows XP computers when they were young.
At the same time, it may also be the best decision practically. If your computer is old, the hardware may just not be able to support more modern Windows versions.
Instead, you can continue using Windows XP with a browser like Mypal. As Mypal is based on Pale Moon, which is based on Firefox, it supports many Pale Moon extensions as well as pre-Quantum Firefox extensions.
Also Read: Best Browsers For Smart TV
12. Otter Browser
Otter is an open-source and free browser that is designed to bring back the classic Opera browser experience.
Opera is a well-known and popular browser that is now based on Chromium, although it used to use the Presto layout engine before switching to Chromium.
Otter is quick to load and is not resource-intensive. If you used the Opera browser before the switch to Chromium, you’ll find the interface somewhat similar to the classic Opera interface.
Interesting Comparison: Vivaldi vs Opera
13. Qutebrowser
An excellent browser with a minimalist graphical user interface is Qutebrowser. It is written in Python but optimized for speed and performance.
Being that it features a minimalist interface, it won’t bog down your computer.
The developer is maintaining the project on a part-time basis, and you can help support the project by donating to it, which can give you a chance to earn rewards like Qute merchandise.
You can also contribute to the project directly as a developer or help fix bugs.
The developer who created the project really cares about it and originally launched it because they couldn’t find a browser they liked. There is a lot of documentation available, as well as a helpful FAQs page with answers to plenty of common questions.
The browser is open source.
14. Slim Browser
As you can expect from the name, Slim Browser is designed to be slim, efficient, and fast. While it was formerly based on the Microsoft Trident layout engine, it currently uses Gecko.
Slim blocks all ads and trackers, protecting your privacy and freeing up your low-end PC’s precious resources to do other tasks. It has won various awards, and it also has several unique features that will definitely make you consider it as your browser of choice:
- Download YouTube videos as MP4 files or WebM files. Once you’ve downloaded a YouTube video as an MP4 video, you can convert it into an MP3 audio file.
- Speed up your downloads by up to 12x by opening multiple connections to the server when downloading a single file.
- Besides downloading content quicker, you can upload images quickly by automatically compressing them before uploading them.
- When uploading a picture to share with friends, you can add a frame to the photo before uploading it.
- Use the Facebook integration to share text, images, or other content with your friends with just a click.
- If you find a page in another language, you can translate it instantly into your own language. You can either translate the entire page or selected text from the page.
- The browser comes with a built-in screenshot tool, allowing you to take a screenshot of a selected area or the entire page without needing additional tools. You can even have the tool screenshot the entire page, including the part not yet visible until you scroll down.
- If you have favorite URLs that you often visit, you can set up nicknames for them and type in the nicknames into your web browser to navigate to them quickly.
- You can see current weather conditions, as well as the weather forecast for the upcoming five days, straight from your browser.
As if that were not enough, Slim Browser has an entire library of add-ons, extensions, and plugins that allow you to add more functionality and customize the look of the browser interface.
Also Read: Best Browsers For Facebook
15. Dillo
Dillo is an open source browser that is written in C and C++ and optimized for speed and performance. However, performance and efficiency are just two of its goals; it also aims to improve your privacy and security online and make information more accessible.
Dillo was first released in 1999, designed to even work on computers that use dial-up internet. It works extremely well on low-end and old computers, being that it is a minimalistic browser that only supports simple text and images.
However, Dillo’s best days may have been in the past. Development and updates seem to have slowed down to a standstill some years back, and this blog post from 2020 suggests that some websites and services, like Gmail, don’t work at all.
Nevertheless, it’s still a good browser for simple web browsing on extremely old PCs.
16. Brave
Brave is one of the best browsers if you’re looking for privacy and security. It’s also pretty quick, and many find it to be way less resource-intensive than browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
Brave claims to be 3x faster than Chrome. It accomplishes that by automatically blocking all trackers and ads on any webpage you visit.
It also automatically blocks cookies and prevents trackers from using your device fingerprint to keep tabs on you.
The browser also comes with other features that help protect your privacy and security. For example, it comes with a built-in firewall and VPN.
Unlike many other browser VPNs, the Brave VPN is a true VPN. That means that it won’t just serve as a proxy for traffic that goes through the browser; rather, it will work for all traffic on your computer, even outside the browser.
Keep in mind that the VPN is a paid service that requires a subscription, even though the browser itself is free.
However, Brave also integrates with Tor to hide your identity for free. Tor obscures your activity by routing your internet requests through different IP addresses, making it impossible for someone tracking that activity to ascertain where the request truly came from.
Brave also has a cryptocurrency wallet built in. While ads are blocked, you can opt into privacy-respecting ads for the chance to earn crypto rewards.
You can also support your creators with crypto donations.
Also Read: Brave vs Vivaldi
Wrapping It Up: What Is The Best Browser For Low End PCs?
The best browser for low-end PCs is K-Meleon. It’s incredibly quick and lightweight, and you won’t have to worry about it hogging your CPU.
It is also free and open source, so you won’t have to worry about it tracking you.
At the same time, many other excellent browsers exist, so feel free to try out different ones until you land on one you like.
Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.