Buzz
While Chromium serves as the default browser on Raspbian OS for Raspberry Pi, there are several alternatives to explore or DEB files to download. Here are the top 8 browsers you can consider for Raspberry Pi 3.
1. Chromium
By default, the Raspberry Pi Foundation endorses the use of Chromium. If you're using Raspbian, you'll find Chromium in the Internet menu. The browser is integrated from the September 2016 update of Raspbian Jessie.
If you haven't updated Raspbian for a while, you can download and install a new image or upgrade to the latest version:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
Updating Chromium:
sudo apt-get install -y rpi-chromium-mods
sudo apt-get install -y python-sense-emu python3-sense-emu
Chromium is optimized for use on Raspberry Pi. Most extensions work well in the browser, although Raspberry Pi's hardware requirements may be limiting. Additionally, Chromium can handle websites like Facebook, play videos on YouTube and Vimeo, etc.
2. Luakit
Despite being based on webkit tools, Luakit still has some limitations and shortcomings, such as lacking web browsing history. Additionally, some websites will default to mobile view mode.
To install the browser, type the command below into the Terminal window:
sudo apt install luakit
Agree to install the browser, and a few minutes later you'll see Luakit appear on the Internet menu.
3. Midori
Before Chromium became the default browser on Raspbian, Midori was also one of the preferred browsers. Lightweight and fast are Midori's advantages. Unfortunately, the browser isn't as flexible as Chromium and lacks some features.
If you want to install Midori, you can use the browser:
sudo apt install midori
4. Dillo
Initially released in 1999, Dillo is suitable for older hardware and systems. It's a lightweight browser, perfect for running on Raspberry Pi. However, the downside is that the browser doesn't support Adobe Flash, JavaScript, or Java.
If you want to install Dillo, open a Terminal window and enter the following command:
sudo apt install dillo
5. GNOME Web
Fast and user-friendly, GNOME Web provides full menu options and preferences with control over bookmarking favorite pages, browsing history, and common browser features, along with the option for do not track.
Formerly known as “Epiphany,” GNOME Web is available on Raspbian. If you want to experience the browser, use the command below:
sudo apt-get install epiphany-browser
Open the browser using the command:
epiphany-browser
6. Netsurf
Netsurf is an open-source browser, initially developed for RISC operating systems (also running on Raspberry Pi) and available on older operating systems, but not widely used.
To install the browser, open Terminal and enter the command below:
sudo apt install netsurf
To run the browser, enter the command:
netsurf
7. Lynx
Born in 1992, Lynx is the oldest web browser among the top 8 browsers for Raspberry Pi 3, and it's still under development. The browser's limitation is its lack of support for Adobe Flash and JavaScript.
Lynx is an ideal solution for Raspberry Pi. To install the browser, enter the command below into the Terminal window:
sudo apt install lynx
To open Lynx, you enter the command:
lynx
Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to select links or enter URLs by typing G. Configure the browser settings via the config file.
8. Vivaldi
First released in 2016, the Vivaldi browser made its debut on Raspberry Pi in late 2017.
wget
'https://downloads.vivaldi.com/stable/vivaldi-stable_1.13.1008.34-1_armhf.deb'
sudo dpkg -i /path/to/deb/file
sudo apt-get install -f
Installing Vivaldi will appear on the Internet menu on the Raspbian screen. The browser includes most features, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The left-hand sidebar allows easy access to common things like bookmarks and downloaded files, browsing history, etc. The website tracking feature is disabled by default.
Among the top 8 browsers for Raspberry Pi 3, you can choose the best one for your usage. Wishing you success!
