The software application used for accessing the information resources on the World Wide Web is called a web browser. In other words, computer operating systems comprise applications called browsers, which let someone get into or browse through the Web. Typing a specific URL into the browser’s address bar allows the user to call forth a particular web page. Such a page comprises the information based on communication between the browser and web servers. After processing, the information becomes available as a formatted web page. Rendering involves interpreting HTML document structure, using CSS for formatting, and JavaScript code for interaction with the user. Using any other browser gives you many parts of the user interface that include the address field through which a person can navigate, back-and-forward buttons for returning to web pages visited previously, tabs to facilitate multitasking, and bookmarks to save frequently accessed sites.
All browsers function using the client-server model. In this model, it acts as a client that sends requests to web servers through HTTP and HTTPS protocols. Web data is transferred between these two lines using those protocols, thus securing the communication lines between the user and server. Above all, the HTTPS further guarantees safety. It protects the user’s information, increases the user’s trust, and consists of the major parts of retrieval, rendering, and manipulation of web content efficiently and securely using a browser. Let us discuss the most popular web browsers and the market share of web browsers.
Web browsers and social media applications are common ways to use the Internet. It is quite clear that most people use the Internet through web browsers installed on various devices including desktop, mobile, tablet, smart TV, etc. The graph of Internet users is increasing day by day.
Also, the risk of being attacked by spammers, malware, and other phishing activities, is increasing. So, it is important to use a reliable and secure web browser to protect our digital credentials such as security codes, passwords, tracking information, etc., and other personal information.
Key Functions of a Web Browser
Most Popular Web Browsers
Current Market Share of Web Browsers
Key Functions of a Web Browser
- Accessing Information: An entry of a URL on the address bar in the browser prompts the browser to make requests to the web server of the respective web page.
- Contents Rendering: Processing the data retrieved by the browser interprets it into readable and understandable formats via HTML-cum-CSS as text.
- User Interface Features: Browsers also have these very simple tools, such as an address bar for navigating, buttons that go back and forth through visited pages, tabs for many open web pages, as well as bookmarks that save one favorite site.
- Networking: The browser uses the client-server model that considers a browser to be a client and puts a request using HTTP or HTTPS for a data request at the server house.
- Security: HTTPS keeps secure mutual communication between the browser and the server, it keeps sensitive information private during an interaction.
Speed and Security are key components in the selection of a web browser. Speed determines the shortness or longness of time taken to load web pages, thereby reducing the waiting and giving smooth and convenient exposure to the internet. It should take up multiple tabs and heavy websites without reducing performance. Equally important are protective walls and modes, which protect users from threats, especially from malware, phishing, and eventual data breaches and leakage. The different tools for ad blocking, anti-tracking options, options to clear the browsing history, and many others are built-in components of such browsers, which give more protection and practical privacy on behalf of users. Addressing these factors would ensure that any user can have an easy, reliable, safe, and efficient browsing experience depending on preference and needs.
| Web Browser | Market Share | Operating System |
|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | 68.38% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Safari | 17.09% | macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS |
| Microsoft Edge | 4.92% | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux coming soon |
| Mozilla Firefox | 2.46% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Samsung Internet | 2.23% | Android, Tizen, and Wear OS |
| Opera | 2.01% | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Others | 2.91% | – |
Most Popular Web Browsers
Privacy and speed are the two main considerations of people when choosing a browser. Some browsers require more of your system resources, but others are lightweight. Also, some browsers provide complete suites of security tools to protect our online identity, but others allow ads and cookies to run smoothly. Some of the popular web browsers are given below.
Google Chrome
Popular Web Browsers – Google Chrome
Google Chrome, the top contender in the world of web browsers, had been estimated to have a market share of approximately 67.08 percent as of January 2025. Apple’s Safari holds 17.95 percent. The two leading browsers jointly account for around 85 percent of this market. Google Chrome had merely 9.95 percent share back in 2010 but started improving from then on and crossed over the 60 percent barrier in 2019.
The major drivers behind such an increase are speed, easiness of navigation, as well as links to Google services. Attractive loading time, a great number of extension programs, and frequent updates might contribute to security and feature enhancement. It has worldwide millions of appreciative users with that omnipotence of web supremacy. Not even the countless users around the world matter to Google. Their performance orientation has made Chrome remain in the first position in the browser market.
Dev Gupta
Safari
With a global market share of about 17.95 percent as of January 2025, Safari has become the second-most popular web browser, falling only behind Google Chrome, which has an amazing 67.08 percent. It is estimated that the entire user base of Safari is around 984 million because this browser is the default on all iOS and macOS devices and integrates virtually seamlessly into the entire Apple ecosystem.
One of the main reasons why consumers are attracted to using it is the fact that such features as Intelligent Tracking Prevention make it seemingly very private. The market share of Safari varies for the platforms: about 9.13% on desktops, 24.71% on mobiles, and 35.33% on tablets. In areas like the U.S., Safari has become even stronger with a market share of around 32.1%, while its share in South Asia is still hovering below 3%. These and many others maintain the position of Safari as one of the most popular web browsers in the world.
Kinnary Nensee
Microsoft Edge
At this time, Microsoft Edge holds the title of the third most extensively used web browser after Google Chrome and Safari, accounting for 5.2% of the entire market share globally as of January 2025. The rate of usage on desktop computers showed a drop from 12.91%, but it has lost 0.69% to drop from 13.56% to 12.87% in November.
Although it comes as the default browser for Windows, it does not seem to acquire more users due to the competition with Chrome and Safari. Microsoft’s thrust on massive publicity to promote Edge has received criticism and, perhaps, an opposite user perception. Edge stands on the gaming board, but at yet does not have a good leading over the major vendors.
Mozilla Firefox
Popular Web Browsers – Mozilla Firefox
As of January 2025, Mozilla Firefox has a global market share of 2.54%, making it the fourth most popular web browser. Firefox usage is higher on desktops, accounting for roughly 6.45%, but only 0.52% on mobile platforms. It has approximately 178 million global users. Firefox has constantly found it hard to keep pace with the world’s dominant browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Due to that, there has been a continuous decrease in the market presence of Firefox.
However, it couples with a much-praised feature of being very user-privacy-oriented and security-oriented, making it a minor-user attractive demographic. It cannot be left out of the significant players it is keeping among privacy-conscious users since its market share continues to shrink. This speaks volumes about the highly competitive nature of the browser industry
Opera
As of January 2025, Opera web browser has a market share of 2.11%. The Opera web browser was developed by Opera software in 1995. It is a freeware web browser for macOS, Microsoft Windows, iOS, Linux, and Android operating systems. Opera has some features including pop-up blocking, speed dial, recently reopening closed pages, tabbed browsing, and private browsing. Also, it contains a download manager and bookmarks bar. There are three mobile versions. It includes Opera Mini, Opera Mobile, and Opera Touch. They released a gaming browser named Opera GX on June 11, 2019.
Singh Anusha
Brave
At the time of December 2024, Brave browser presently commands a 1.8% global market share, having over 57 million active users monthly. Its adoption expands rapidly in North America (3%), Europe (2.5%), and Asia (2%). This occurred because of enhanced privacy features and compliance with regulations such as GDPR. Brave offers services that block advertisements and track by default, giving advanced privacy and improving page load time. It launched the Basic Attention Token (BAT) under which users can earn cryptocurrency for viewing advertisements that respect user privacy. One of its draws is speed and customer-centricity. Hence, Brave is continuously witnessing massive downloads and usage this 2024, mostly made in privacy-offering markets. Though tiny, its share has grown to become an alternative to mainstream ones.
Current Market Share of Web Browsers
The market research estimates the global web browser market at $73.3 billion in 2023, with projections to grow to $125 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7% over the forecast period.
The market share of web browsers in 2025 is given below.
| Web Browser | Global Market Share (Jan-2025) |
|---|---|
| Chrome | 67.08% |
| Safari | 17.95% |
| Edge | 5.2% |
| Firefox | 2.54% |
| Samsung Internet | 2.24% |
| Opera | 2.11% |
| Others | 2.91% |
In 2025, Chrome continues to lead the global browser market with a 67.08% share, though it has seen a slight decline. Safari follows with 17.95%, showing a small increase. Edge has grown to 5.2%, while Firefox holds 2.54%. Samsung Internet remains steady at 2.24%, and Opera has a 2.11% share. Other browsers collectively account for 2.91% of the market.
The number of devices able to run a web browser is increasing. Now, all types of IoT devices and gadgets can be used to browse the internet. Web browsers are often pre-installed on devices. So companies with their web browsers like Google Chrome and Apple’s Safari which sell the most devices can keep the largest market share in the web browser industry.
Conclusion
Current statistics show that Google Chrome is by far the most dominant web browser in the world, racking up a whopping actual share of 67.48%. Speed, features, and efficiency with other products that integrate Google services have all been factors in such overwhelming market share. Safari follows across with a solid 18.22%, supported by the fact that it is the default browser for Apple’s slew of products and its most secure privacy. Microsoft’s Edge Windows competes with the 4.84% entry on compatibility as its major value proposition fight is so intense that there should be a repackaging into a more competitive one. The remaining 2.60% were shared by Mozilla Firefox, mostly for the majority among privacy-concerned users, though already dwindling. Altogether, Chrome and Safari come together to represent 85.7% of global use, indicating the concentration in the market. The next browsers will most likely have privacy and user experience as the prime determinants of consumer choice and market dynamics.
FAQs
What is the definition of a web browser?
Web Browser is referred to as a software application for accessing information on the World Wide Web. The function of the web browser is to retrieve the information requested by the user from any website.
What are the commonly used browsers today?
The most popular web browsers are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer), Mozilla Firefox, and Apple’s Safari. If you have a Windows computer, Microsoft Edge (or its older counterpart, Internet Explorer) is already installed on your computer.
What is the best browser of 2025?
The Best Web Browsers of 2025 By Category.
- AI Features and Productivity – Microsoft Edge
- Overall performance – Google Chrome
- Privacy – Mozilla Firefox
- Apple Users – Safari
- VPN and ad-blocker – Opera
- Extensive Customization – Vivaldi
