I have used too many browsers to count, and among them are several I will never try again. However, there are a few obscure browsers I would not use as a daily driver, but I still keep them handy because I find them interesting and uniquely useful.
A browser that doesn’t care about tabs
The Colibri browser doesn’t use tabs. This sounds strange at first, doesn’t it? Having everything open in a new window is not what we are used to in regular browsers. However, the moment I installed and launched it for the first time, I knew, in a strange yet interesting way, that I would love it.
It is extra minimalist and the perfect browser if all you need to do is focus. If I lock it down for an hour or two to write an article, I become very productive with Colibri.
The one thing I did not like was the download process. You must create an account, receive a download link via email, and then log in with your credentials once the browser is installed. However, looking past the steps of getting started, there are some merits. The account enables you to store links and feeds, combining bookmarking with browsing in a unique way.
I find Colibri’s settings very interesting, yet minimalist. It offers a surprisingly robust privacy menu where you can block ads, third-party cookies, and trackers. You can also change the default search engine, adjust page translation settings, select a download location, and switch browser themes. That’s the full extent of the settings available.
The only major problem with Colibri is that it hasn’t been updated since 2021, so I wouldn’t advise using this as your daily driver. It’s a fun experience, though.
Download: Colibri for Windows, macOS, or Linux (Free)
The browser that keeps Windows 7 alive
I’ve always maintained that Windows 7 is the OG of operating systems. In fact, if Windows 8, 10, and 11 had never existed, I might never have discovered Linux. That’s why Supermium, though obscure, is one browser I always fall back to.
Most mainstream browsers are optimized for the latest operating systems. Supermium, however, takes the opposite approach. It is continuously updated to work better on XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
Supermium is a fork of Google Chrome and looks and feels very similar. In fact, you would not be able to tell them apart without looking closely. It offers most of the features found in Chrome. The key difference is that if you still have a Windows 7 machine, it is the most compatible yet efficient browser to use. You can even customize individual UI elements via a text file to recreate retro looks, such as trapezoidal tabs.
Download: Supermium (Free)
A Chromium-based browser with features not typically found on Chrome
When you think of privacy-first browsers, Aloha may not be the first that comes to mind. For most people, Brave is the only trusted Chromium-based privacy browser. Aloha, however, is unique in its own way. It provides the basics you expect from a privacy browser: ad blocking, tracking protection, HTTPS Everywhere, and more.
What makes it stand out are the extras. You get a free VPN, a biometric or passcode lock, privacy reports, and a convenient file manager. These features are uncommon in browsers, making Aloha an option I always keep around.
The standout feature is the Snips tool. You can take a screenshot of a specific section of a website, such as a product, and it will notify you of any changes to that section. This is the one feature that keeps Aloha installed and handy on my PC.
Download: Aloha for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS (Free/optional premium subscription)
The one browser for Vim power users
Qutebrowser is the browser you’d expect an Arch Linux user to use. Compared to point-and-click browsers, it is a highly niche, keyboard-driven tool. It’s inspired by Vim and features a minimal GUI.
It’s highly configurable and extensible, going beyond the functionality provided by Chrome extensions like Vimmium, offering full keyboard control for all aspects of browsing, including navigation and custom scripting. Pressing j scrolls down, k scrolls up, gg jumps to the top of the page, and there are many more keyboard commands that unleash numerous functions.
I love that it is built on Qt, which provides support for QtWebEngine and WebKit. You can enjoy the speed, compatibility, and modern web support of Chromium, or the older system compatibility and lightweight performance of WebKit.
Download: Qutebrowser for Linux, Windows, and macOS (Free)
A blend of workspaces and identities on a browser
Ghost Browser is the ideal browser for a developer managing multiple workspaces. The idea behind this browser is that you can remain productive while using privacy-respecting settings. It allows you to compartmentalize your identities while you work in a seamless and efficient way.
I love the browser because it replaces the separate tools you would normally need when working constantly on the web. You can create distinct workspaces and use isolated containers for each tab. This allows you to manage all your accounts in a single browser window, improving productivity, efficiency, and organization.
It is great for anyone coming from a Chrome-based browser because you can easily import settings and Chrome extensions, and start right where you left off.
Download: Ghost Browser (Free/paid subscriptions)
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NetSurf
The browser with a native layout engine
NetSurf targets RISC OS, AmigaOS, and Atari TOS, and is designed to be lightweight, fast, and portable. It has a very retro look but remains quite efficient.
It does not include the most advanced features, and this is intentional. NetSurf is well-suited for checking webmail, reading news, and performing other essential web tasks, especially on low-spec or slower systems.
While most browsers are forks of Chromium, Firefox, or WebKit, NetSurf runs on its own engine. It is an interesting option for those who want to escape mainstream browsers. Similar to Colibri, NetSurf hasn’t been updated since 2023, so it may not be the best option to use in your day-to-day.
Download: NetSurf (Free)
For some reason, even though I don’t use any of these browsers regularly, whether for sentimental reasons or simple utility, I struggle to completely get rid of them. They are interesting and unexpectedly useful browsers to keep around.
