Which Web Browser Should My Business Use?

Like many technologies that businesses use, there are several options for web browsers. Options are nice to have, but when you’re not sure which is best, they can lead you to unnecessary pain.

Let’s take a look at the options.

Internet Explorer – Not a real option

According to W3school’s global stats, Internet Explorer is still the fourth most commonly used web browser. However, Internet Explorer is approaching its end of life. IE versions 10 and older haven’t been supported since 2016, so the current version of Internet Explorer will be phased out any day now.

Once it loses support, users will suffer even more issues than they’ve grown accustomed to.

For example, webpages will appear empty and broken. Even worse, you’ll no longer benefit from Microsoft’s regular security updates.

If you’re still one of the many IE users, it’s important to transition to a new browser. We’re aware that you may be stuck with Internet Explorer because it’s the only browser that integrates with your company’s workflows. There are options for these cases, like Edge’s IE emulation. 

Google Chrome – The most popular option

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in use today by a large margin. In the W3schools report, 58% of the users providing data are using Chrome.

Pros of Using Google Chrome for Business

Chrome Extensions

Chrome Extensions are additional tools you can download from Google’s Chrome Web Store. There are thousands to choose from for just as many applications. There are extensions for common capabilities such as spell check and screen recording. But there are also some unconventional ones that for example, find promo codes and coupons for online shopping.

Compatibility

Since it is the most popular browser, web developers prioritize functionality for Chrome. This is an advantage if you’re using any web-based software.

Security

Chrome does a nice job of thwarting off security threats and letting you know if your saved passwords have been exposed elsewhere.

Cons of Using Google Chrome for Business

Speed and Performance

Unfortunately, Chrome is more demanding on your system than the other choices. It could cause your PC to slow down during heavy usage. For this reason, we don’t recommend Chrome for users with older computers.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) – New kid on the block

In 2020, Microsoft released the latest version of Internet Explore’s successor, Edge Chromium. Yes, that’s “Chromium” as in “Chrome”. It shares DNA with Google’s browser platform. 

Pros of Using Microsoft’s Edge (Chromium) Browser for Business

Speed

Edge is noticeably faster than Chrome. It feels snappier and more responsive.

Security

Microsoft has been gaining ground with improvements to its antivirus applications. Those initiatives were carried over to the Edge project. There are multiple layers of privacy protection and anti-tracker features.

Cons of Using Microsoft’s Edge (Chromium) Browser for Business

Early Adoption

Edge is the newest major browser on the market and that has its challenges. Developers prioritize the audience they’re already serving before early Edge adopters. That said, it has Microsoft’s weight to throw around, so development won’t fall too far behind.

Firefox – Oldy but mainly goody

Firefox is an open-source browser option. If you’re curious about how it’s working on your PC and what data it’s collecting, you have full access to the source code to find out.

Pros of Using Firefox Browser for Businesses

Privacy

Firefox is funded by a non-profit organization. It doesn’t sell its users’ data to advertisers for financial support. Privacy is a core component of their whole software ecosystem.

If tracking doesn’t sound important, imagine visiting a competitor’s site where they plant a tracking cookie in your browser. They’re able to see which pages you’re visiting and how often you’re going to them.

This data gives them an advantage. They know where they’re ahead of the competition and they can leverage that strategically.

Cons of Using Firefox Browser for Business

Support

Since it’s a much smaller operation than Google and Microsoft, their customer support isn’t as robust. You may be waiting longer for support tickets to be resolved.

Which Browser Should Your Business Use?

Whether you are looking for privacy, speed, or functionality, there is a browser that will work for you. 

If we had to choose one browser to recommend, it would be Google Chrome, followed closely by Microsoft’s Edge (Chromium).

To explore your choices, contact an IT technician at techsupport@omnistech.com.