The 5 Best Browsers for Windows XP
Microsoft may have stopped supporting Windows XP, but that doesn’t mean it is no longer in use. But why would anyone still use Windows XP? Well, for starters, some people believe that Windows XP is the best version of Windows ever made. If you are one of those people, I am sorry to say you may be a little misguided. Judging from the significant advancements Microsoft has made over the years, it would be hard to imagine how XP can be better than their latest version of Windows. So my recommendation is that you upgrade your Operating System and forget about looking for the best browser for XP.
But then there are those XP users who are limited by their hardware. Many older computers and laptops may not be compatible with newer versions of Windows. These are the people we aim to help with this post. Additionally, there are those who have no choice because XP is the preferred OS in their workplaces.
Why It’s Important to Choose the Best Browser for XP
It’s been 5 years since Microsoft retired Windows XP. With no security updates, this OS leaves your computer very vulnerable to attacks, especially when browsing the internet. Choosing the right browser will, therefore, afford you a little protection and enable you to access some of the newer HTTPS websites. But even before we look at the best browsers to use on your Windows XP machine, I can tell you right now which one not to use: Internet Explorer.
Why Can’t I Use IE as My Default Browser in Windows XP?
This question is laughable. It is funny because even with the latest version of Windows, IE still does not make it into my top 5 list of the best web browsers. Considering that Internet Explorer is now on version 11, you can see why using Windows XP’s version 8 is not wise. Also, since IE is integrated into Windows, it means that it has also not been patched since Microsoft ceased supporting XP. In fact, I recommend that you completely disable IE. That way, hackers have no chance of using it as a gateway into your system.
Now to my recommended browsers. Fair warning: most of the names on the list may be relatively new, but it’s a price you should be willing to pay to at least maintain a certain level of security in your system.
1. UC Browser
UC Browser may be widely known for its mobile version browsers, but it also has a great PC offering. The best part is their latest version is fully compatible with Windows XP. Security is not something UC takes lightly, which is why they are always adding new security features with each upgrade. This latest version can identify potential sources of malware and viruses and block them before they can infect your system.
The browser also comes with a built-in ad blocker, so you don’t have to deal with those irritating ads that limit your browsing experience. Another great feature worth mentioning is the video function that facilitates easy streaming and download of videos. This is pretty awesome since most of the popular downloaders currently lack support for Windows XP. Just like its mobile version, this browser has been designed to promote a smooth browsing experience with economic data consumption.
2. Baidu Spark Browser
I will admit that Baidu may not be the most interesting name, but it’s definitely a fantastic browser for Windows XP, especially since it is based on the Chromium engine – the same engine that runs Google Chrome. As such, you will notice a lot of similarity between Baidu and Chrome starting from the user interface. The major difference, of course, is that Baidu still supports XP, while Chrome ceased support in 2016.
Baidu allows you to customize the UI and features several skins you can use. If you are a social media enthusiast, Facebook, to be precise, you will appreciate the Facebook widget integrated into Baidu, which gives you real-time updates on your account.
This browser also lets you use simple mouse gestures to perform various tasks such as opening and closing new tabs and switching between them. It also features a media button that you can use to download videos on any page and capture screenshots. Oh, and you know how sometimes you can have multiple tabs open and one starts playing some annoying audio but you just can’t figure out which one? Baidu has a feature that lets you mute all the tabs.
3. Epic Privacy Browser
If it’s your online privacy you are worried about, then this might just be the browser for you. It’s in the name: Epic Privacy Browser. This browser is also powered by Chromium, the same as Google Chrome, and claims to identify and block tracking scripts 25% faster than other browsers.
Epic Browser saves you from curated ads by denying these trackers access to your personal data. Not even the government, your ISP, or employer will have access to your browsing history. Epic Browser has a built-in downloader that enables you to capture videos from all the popular sites like YouTube and Vimeo.
For complete protection, we recommend you turn on their free VPN, which encrypts your data and hides your location. It has servers distributed across 8 countries and can, therefore, be used to access geo-restricted websites.
4. K-Meleon
K-Meleon is an open-source browser that’s based on the Gecko engine and is compatible with all versions of Windows. Gecko is the same engine that is used to run Mozilla Firefox. The browser is extremely fast and features numerous customization options to not only change its outlook but also its functionality. You can easily rearrange the main menu to suit you and also assign each keyboard button its own shortcut.
Since it’s an open-source platform, you can expect that there will always be updates being released. Unfortunately, they are not very frequent, and the current version was last updated in December 2016. So it may not be the most secure browser, but it has a bunch of interesting features.
K-Meleon incorporates a mouse gesture plugin that enables you to easily navigate the web using mouse gestures. Unlike the Baidu browser, you can add your own gesture controls in this browser. Also notable is K-Meleon’s ad-blocking feature, which allows you to easily block and unblock ad pop-ups for various sites.
5. Mozilla Firefox
I thought it would be wise to include a familiar name for those who may be a little phobic to change. And considering I am addressing Windows XP users, I have a feeling there are many. Although Mozilla does not offer support for XP in their latest Firefox version, it is one of the major companies that has supported Windows XP for the longest time.
It officially stopped support in June last year. A lot has changed since then, but I would still bank on Firefox to be a dependable browser for your XP system. As you might already know, Firefox is one of the most resource-efficient browsers, which makes it highly suitable for the likely old computers running on Windows XP without overwhelming them.
Another great thing about Firefox is the unlimited number of add-ons you can install to increase its functionality. It may not come with a dedicated ad blocker, but there is definitely an add-on for that. Mozilla Firefox also offers numerous customization options for its UI and a wide range of themes from its theme gallery.
