Which Browser Should I Use on Windows: Firefox or Chrome
This is a debatable question whether to use Google Chrome or Firefox as default web browser. Answer cannot be simply one word because it depends on Browsing Habits, System Configuration and more. I personally use both of them simultaneously for different purposes because they have their own PROs and CONs.
I won’t go into technicalities involving which browser has what Acid 3 Test score or Performance evaluation. Instead, I will focus on usability and features provided by the browser. If test results are only benchmark considered, Google Chrome is winner any day.
System Configuration
Firefox is always tagged as Resource Hungry and Heavy Browser. At some point, it is true but not completely. Firefox takes up more time to start up and you may observe delays in response if working on low configuration system. This is because Memory management system behind Firefox is completely different than Chrome. Chrome has different processes for each tab while Firefox runs under single process. Another reason could be leaky Addons installed.
If we sum up total memory consumption by each process of Chrome and compare with Firefox, Chrome will be heavier. But talking about starting time, Chrome is faster. So, in my opinion, Chrome is preferable on netbooks or computers which are low on resources.
Again, this Memory Management plays an important role. Just because Chrome has different Processes for each tab, closing of frozen tab is easier. You don’t have to restart complete browser just for the sake of one.
[alert-note]Speed Up Firefox like Chrome[/alert-note]Extensions
Almost all essential ones are available for both browsers, if not by the same name then an alternative would be there. So, this shouldn’t become a decisive point but talking about other Applications, Chrome gallery rocks.
If you want some game or web application, Google Web Store has plenty of options with awesome interface to browse.
Restart-Less Extensions: This is the most loved feature of Chrome. You don’t have to restart browser in order to complete upgrade or new installation of any extension. Firefox has this feature but only on handful of addons.
[alert-success]How to Install Chrome Extensions Offline[/alert-success]Browsing Habits
Web Publishing: I am a Blogger and require opening Text Editor several times a day and let me tell you Firefox is very good at WYSIWYG editors as compared to Chrome.
Video Streaming: Especially YouTube I am taking into consideration and my experience says that Chrome is pretty faster in YouTube streaming. Maybe the Google products are optimized to work smoothly with each other but yes, that’s true.
Integrated RSS Reader: If you want to read or subscribe a feed on multiple readers, Chrome doesn’t give me that feature while Firefox has integrated RSS reader.
JavaScript Rendering: Just like YouTube, there are many websites like Facebook, Reddit or Twitter which uses Javascripts heavily loads faster on Chrome.
Translation: Google Chrome browser provides inline translation which means if foreign language detected, it automatically offers option to translate then and there without reloading. Since, Google toolbar discontinued, this isn’t the case with Firefox.
[alert-announce]Chrome Canary: Newest Features of Chrome Browser Before Anyone Else[/alert-announce]Reason why people might think of sticking with Firefox is the privacy concern. Chrome being the Google Product can steal our personal data. But let me tell you, by using Google Search and Gmail, they already have lot of personal information about us so, this shouldn’t become a reason.
Conclusion: Firefox is recommended for Development / Publishing stuffs while Chrome should be preferred for fast browsing and Video streaming.
In short, it isn’t easy for me to decide between Chrome and Firefox. You should probably judge your usage and decide on one of them while I continue to use both.
Which browser do you prefer and why?
