Tip: expand your Steam library with games that aren’t available in the Steam store.
Why You Need a Gaming Browser
You may be comfortable using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for all of your Internet browsing needs. After all, these are two of the most popular browsers. But as fast and seamless as they are, they’re not targeted toward gamers. Gaming browsers are designed with features in mind that address issues typically encountered by gamers. Running out of system memory due to a RAM-hungry browser such as Chrome or not being able to customize a browser are just a few of them. If you haven’t used one of the browsers in our list below, we encourage you to give them a try. You’ll better appreciate the many advantages they provide during your gaming sessions and through other browsing.
1. Opera GX
Developed by the team behind the popular Opera browser, Opera GX is packed with gaming features that will appeal to every gamer. It was one of the very first dedicated gaming browsers to be created. One great thing about it that it lets you stay connected even while you’re immersed in playing via the integrated social messaging apps, such as Facebook, Telegram, Whatsapp and more. It also packs options to transfer files between your computer and phone with Flow, and cleans up your browser with GX Cleaner – which are both super handy.
Pros
Lets users stay on top of upcoming game releases and the best deals Can limit CPU, RAM, and network usage on the browser for uninterrupted gaming Integration with Twitch, Discord, YouTube Music, Spotify, and more for seamless media playback Built-in VPN, adblocker, and a pop-out player for streaming media while gaming and more Unlimited visual customization and support for Corsair iCUE, Logitech Lightsync, and more for RGB integration Customizable sound effects for different actions Available on Android and iOS
Cons
Not available on Linux Lacks out-of-the-box support for many Google Chrome extensions
2. Brave
For gamers, Brave is a great option due to its speed and protection from malware. The advertising model based on BAT rewards and the native crypto wallet can further raise its appeal to some gamers and crypto enthusiasts. Brave offers many more features that may just make it your new favorite browser.
Pros
Out-of-the-box protection from third-party ads, cookies, trackers, and more Built-in onion routing and custom filter lists for enhanced privacy Brave Rewards in the form of Basic Attention Token (BAT) for opt-in first-party ads Similar design to Google Chrome due to the underlying Chromium code Available on Android and iOS, too, with a built-in firewall and VPN
Cons
Limited extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins compared to Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox Built-in torrent client is slower than full-fledged clients
Good to know: your PC has a configuration on the lower side? You may benefit from installing a lightweight browser, such as the ones described in our article.
3. Mozilla Firefox
Despite not being designed exclusively as a gaming browser, Mozilla Firefox has much to offer to gamers who prefer speed, privacy, and customization above all else. Plus, the huge list of Firefox add-ons and plug-ins further extends its functionality.
Pros
Customizable UI to remove any buttons or toolbars you don’t need Pop-out video player for media playback while playing Blocks third-party trackers and cookies Firefox View for seamless browsing across devices Hundreds of extensions and plug-ins to enhance the gaming experience Available on multiple platforms
Cons
Memory intensive Doesn’t resume interrupted downloads
4. Vivaldi
The Vivaldi browser offers gamers plenty of multitasking and resource management to be considered a worthy alternative and is targeted toward more tech-savvy users. Consequently, gamers will find many of its features useful, especially the ones enabling multitasking and customization. For instance, Vivaldi has three distinct modes– Essentials, Classic, and Fully Loaded – each targeting a distinct type of use. The first option could prove to be the most useful for gamers, providing a bare-bones browser environment that’s perfect for online gaming sessions.
Pros
Highly customizable UI and shareable themes Built-in email, calendar, notes, and translation apps to avoid using Google’s services Two-level tab grouping to easily manage multiple tabs Smart resource management to ensure smooth gaming Split-screen for viewing two websites in a single tab Fast, secure, and full of keyboard and mouse shortcuts Syncs across devices with Android and Android Automotive versions
Cons
Not the fastest or lightest browser The plethora of features could be confusing to some
Tip: get rid of annoying cookies consent pop-ups in your browser with these tools. Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Tanveer Singh.
