Best Web Browser For Programmers in 2024

Lyudmila Kucher
Lyudmila Kucher

I specialize in outstaffing and staff augmentation, and I have extensive experti...

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Choosing the right developer browser can give an extra edge to your designing, testing, and maintaining robust IT solutions. Before you dive into the top browsers, please consider your project or business needs when deciding which dev browser will work best for you or your team.

What are the Advantages of Using a Developer-oriented Browser?

A great developer browser can elevate developer skills at any level. It doesn’t matter if you are starting out as a freelancer who knows what is Toptal or are a large enterprise looking for a competitive boost; dev browsers can make a difference to your daily work performance and your bottom line.

In the past, there were significant differences in quality and ability across different development browser choices. Then, there were only one or two choices, but with the growth of web-design standards over the past ten years, the market is now full of many quality options.

Reliability & Speed

The most important thing to consider when deciding on a browser is its reliability and loading time speed. The right browser can help you cut the loading time of webpages and function across your development lifecycle with minimum caching errors or lag.

Built-in DevTools

Each browser has dev tools that can help with design, testing, debugging, security, and continued maintenance. In addition to the built-in tools, it is crucial to see what extensions and plug-ins are available in that browser.

Streamlines Remote Project Management

The right browser also makes it easy to add project management tools that fit agile methodology and more, which is perfect for businesses looking to hire offshore web developers. If you are looking for more management support during your hiring process, a staff augmentation service can help you implement new management techniques.

Firefox Developer

Firefox is a longstanding favorite of developers worldwide—best known for being reliable, customizable, and coder-friendly. Unlike Chrome and other browsers, Firefox runs efficiently with many tabs open without using much RAM or CPU, so there are fewer risks of crashes and other issues that could interfere with development work.

In addition, Firefox Developer Edition has an extensive suite of powerful developer tools, like the industry-leading JavaScript debugger, a master CSS grid, a CSS engine built on RUST, and more.

An open-source application, Firefox Developer Edition is also one of the best web browsers for developers in terms of security. This makes it a good browser option for specific types of developers, like offshore ruby on rails developers, since Rails has had security and documentation issues in the past.

It is also a good idea for those who want to be cautious about the tools they use being tied to a large, for-profit business. Mozilla is a mission-driven organization, and Firefox Developer Edition is free. In short, Firefox Developer Edition is:

  • The premier browser for CSS
  • Tailored to web developers
  • Leading JavaScript debugger
  • Mission-led and open source
  • Free to use

Polypane

Aptly named, Polypane is a stand-alone browser built from Chromium that is excellent for developers who need to switch through multiple views and platforms during their workflow. Coders can easily view their projects in real-time as they will be seen on different platforms, devices, and operating systems—although some users say they sometimes lag when they have many screens open.

The best part is that all of these views are updated as you work, making testing and debugging processes much more straightforward. In addition, Polypane has additional tools for responsive design, automation, accessibility testing, and website performance, all in a stand-alone browser to make things simple.

Polypane does not offer an API and has limited integrations. However, Polypane helps developers, especially those who use PHP and Ruby on Rails, build websites quickly and is made as more of a developer application than a browser. Pricing starts at nine dollars a user, but many developers believe this browser is worth the price for its convenience and functions. Long story short, Polypane:

  • Multiple synced views for mobile, desktop, etc.
  • Can help speed up your development timelines
  • Can support developing a wide range of products
  • Starting costs at $9 a month per user
  • Limited Integrations & No API

Sizzy

Sizzy is a developer software app made for developers and not the stakeholders. A team of four developers developed Sizzy to streamline the development process by connecting platforms and tools to create a seamless experience for developers and a well-designed product for consumers.

Like Polypane, Sizzy creates different, synced viewpoints simultaneously but without the lag issues reported on Polypane. Sizzy is a powerhouse tool for mobile developers on iOs and android, with a suite of dev tools that can help create dynamic pages. Users had reported that their debugging and QA testing times were cut in half when they started using Sizzy, but whether it works for you depends on the scope and requirements of your projects.

Like Polypane, Sizzy has affordable subscription pricing starting at $15 a month with a 2-week free trial, or you can buy the license with a one-time purchase of $499. Overall, Sizzy:

  • Built for responsive design
  • Good for speeding up workflow
  • Has the most accurate device simulations
  • Can be purchased as a subscription or a one-time license fee
  • 80 different tests and 25 debugging tools

Blisk

Blisk is a browser that focuses on cross-device testing and is exceptionally well known for its cross-browser testing capabilities. The workflow for Blisk is also unique because it can be a web browser and a developer browser simultaneously, which reduces caching issues.

Blisk can test across as many as eight screens on multiple devices simultaneously, making it perfect for maintaining various solutions in a single place. In addition, there are more than 50 devices integrated into the software. As a result, you can develop, test, and debug in a single toolbox.

Blisk can simulate web connections, monitor website rankings, and perform reactive testing, but what makes Blisk worth considering is how easily the browser makes it easy to test devices. Developers can create, save, and use device sets or share them with their team, and the DevTools can debug them independently. Overall, Blisk:

  • Robust Testing and Debugging Tools
  • Affordable pricing for single users or large teams
  • Flexible and unique workflow
  • Security monitoring and notifications
  • Inspector Tool

Brave

Brave is known for its strong focus on security and is an open-source software like Firefox. Brave is a web browser with the same powerful tools available in Chrome because it is built from a Chromium base—in fact, Brave states on its site that it is three times faster than Chrome.

The core feature of the browser is its protection against data breaches, and trackers and users are considering the first natural alternative to Google Chrome. Some of the security features include:

  • A VPN
  • Firewall
  • Full Device Encryption
  • Private Video Calls
  • Ad Blocker

This is excellent if you work on a remote team for large, high-profile projects such as VR, mobile, and desktop games. For example, when you hire unity3d developers to create the next blockbuster game, you want to ensure that the information stays completely secure. Data is one of your most valuable resources, so ensure that the only people with access are those you want.

Another thing to note is that there were also crypto functions within the browser, like the Brave wallet. However, it is still being determined what those features will look like in the future due to market circumstances. In the end, Brave is the best browser for web developers who wants to ensure the utmost security for their work. Overall, Brave:

  • Open Source and Free to Use
  • Device Encryption and private video calls
  • Network camouflage
  • Built-in TOR client

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is an easy choice for many developers because it is the leading browser on the market. In addition, more than half—nearly 60—use Google Chrome when they are online, which means that if you are using Chrome to develop, you would be testing quality and experience against most of your users in one browser page.

One of the setbacks is that your work and data are tied to Google, so there is always a chance that Google is profiting from the data you provide while you work. On the other hand, it is effortless to integrate plug-ins and extensions into the browser, which makes testing and debugging a breeze.

For example, even if you are looking to hire SharePoint developers, you could use a Chrome extension and use its dev tools instead of Microsoft’s. The amount of extensions is one of the reasons many consider it the best browser for web development—even if opening too many tabs eats your RAM. Overall, Google Chrome:

  • Free to use
  • Adaptable Plug-ins and Extensions
  • Remote Debugging and a CSS Grid
  • Device Simulations
  • Fewer Data Privacy

LT Browser

LT Browser is a web developer browser created by LambaTest and is known for being a close competitor to Chrome in terms of the power of its development tools. This browser is a good option for coders who do a lot of mobile website development.

LT Browser 2.0 is Chromium-based, so its dev tools have improved since its launch, making it a good competitor in developer browsers. The LT browser’s current features are:

  • Automation Cloud/Automated UI Cloud
  • Test at Scale Beta
  • Integrations & Extensions
  • Enterprise Options
  • 24/7 Support

Unlike other development browsers, LT’s design is geared towards developing and testing sites and apps in real-time and has resources for developers who share the same goal. Those who pay for the monthly subscription get free 24/7 support, and there are training webinars, videos, and other resources on their site to help coders strengthen their skills. Overall, LT Browser:

  • Free Option Available
  • Selenium, Cypress, and Playwrite Testing
  • Local Page and Responsiveness Testing
  • Professional Development and Support
  • Smart TV testing

Safari

When choosing the best browser for coding, Safari might not be the first option that comes to mind for many programmers. If you are using a Mac or iPhone, Safari works seamlessly with them, which can be handy. This browser offers a range of tools for developers to use in case they have to fix mistakes or make the code run better. It also, obviously, has the full support of HTML, CSS, and Javascript but it is well-known that every browser has its own issues with these standards.

For programmers who are engaged in nearshore custom software development or some freelance or remote coders, Safari provides the necessary features to streamline their coding workflow. There’s a unique feature of Safari which is its Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), which goes beyond traditional cookie-based tracking prevention. Even though it’s mostly known for regular web surfing, Safari does a solid job of coding too:

 

  • Smooth integration with iOS devices and macOS.
  • Tailored developer tools for debugging and optimizing code.
  • Compatibility with fundamental web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).
  • Reduced likelihood of encountering compatibility issues during development.
  • Streamlined coding workflow, especially for those in the Apple ecosystem.

Opera: Unleashing Advanced Features for Programmers

Opera may not be famous as the best browser for programmers, but it’s got some advanced features that programmers like. It’s got tools that help you find and fix problems in your code, like Opera Dragonfly and it works with lots of different web standards, so you won’t run into too many issues with compatibility. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that not all developers need the same thing from a browser which is why experienced programmers are using a browser “A” in one case and “B” in another.

Opera is a good choice thanks to its Opera Turbo feature and Opera Dragonfly toolkit. One interesting fact about Opera is that it was the first major browser to introduce a built-in ad blocker. Whether you’re new to coding or a pro, Opera’s focus on speed, efficiency, high degree of customization, and making thighs easy is a big plus. It also offers the following:

 

  • Advanced developer tools, including Opera Dragonfly, for debugging and inspecting code.
  • Compatibility with major web technologies, reducing the likelihood of compatibility issues.
  • Speed and efficiency enhance coding workflow.
  • Friendly UI and customizable settings cater to individual preferences.
  • Unique features such as Opera Turbo and integrated ad blocker offer additional functionality for developers.

So Which One is Right For You?

These days there are plenty of options for development browsers, and there may not be much of a difference between them at first. But, when you consider your project requirements, different features may suit you or your team the most. What is more important is that when you hire dedicated offshore software developers be sure they use the best browsers for their work.

For example, Chrome might be the best choice for you as you enter the field, whereas if you are a large enterprise, you may want to consider browsers with enterprise support, like LT Browser. So, let’s revisit our criteria and consider a possible answer.

Reliability & Speed

Firefox is still the most reliable in terms of resource usage and still has incredible upload speeds comparable to Chrome. Brave maybe even faster, but Blisk has been known to help cut testing times by sizeable amounts.

Built-in DevTools

Chrome has the most accessible and readily available dev tools, but Firefox has some of the best Javascript debugging tools. Sizzy might be your choice if you build many mobile sites.

Streamlines Remote Project Management

These browsers seem geared towards remote development and debugging, making coding easy regardless of your developers’ location. But, in the end, you pass the verdict! Talmatic can help you find top developers and dev tools if you need help figuring out where to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to hire remote software developers but have a few questions unanswered? We are sharing our list of frequently asked questions by our clients when hiring software developers.

view all

Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari are usually in the top 3. Still, it’s impossible to pick the best browser for web development as it strongly depends on individual preference and specific project requirements.

It’s also a matter of taste and choice but in this case, Google Chrome would have the best chances as it is known to have the best developers tools.

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