I ditched Chrome for a 10MB browser and stopped dealing with its bloat entirely

Though it packs the benefits of being close to the Google ecosystem, I've always found Google Chrome for Android a subpar web browser. It often loads its agenda before loading a webpage, consumes a lot of system resources, and offers little room for features or customization.

So, you can imagine the surprise of finding an Android web browser that weighs only around 10MB but offers many features that Chrome doesn't bother with. Since then, Via Browser has been another reason not to rely on Chrome on Android.

The ad blocker that made Chrome feel bloated

Turns out Chrome mobile never had extensions anyway

For starters, Via Browser is an Android web browser application that claims to be simple, fast, and secure. Depending on your device, the entire installation takes up 10-20 MB of storage space. When I first came across this lightweight web browser, I expected it to be a stripped-down version with fewer features than, say, Chrome. To my surprise, however, the developers seem to have focused on creating a resource-efficient web browser that doesn't sacrifice features. One of the first features I noticed was the built-in ad blocker.

This must be a surprise for those coming from Google Chrome, which hesitates even to support browser extensions on Android. With Via Browser, however, you don't have to install any third-party extensions to block annoying ads. I wouldn't say the built-in blocker is as good as options like uBlock Origin or Brave's ad blocker, but it does get the job done. To my surprise, the browser offered advanced ad-blocking controls, including custom filters and filter subscriptions. Otherwise, you can easily toggle the option from the menubar interface.

So, despite weighing less than a typical app on your smartphone, Via Browser lets you enjoy the web without distractions. Now, this is a feat that even many non-Chrome browsers cannot achieve without extensions.

It is surprisingly customizable to the core

Chrome mobile can't touch this, literally

Customization is another area where I believe this tiny browser puts Google Chrome to shame. Despite being so simple, you can customize the interface and how the browser interacts with webpages in multiple ways. You may notice the quiet, minimal new tab page on Via Browser, but you can customize how it looks and works, from the background to favorites and from the logo to the background. In other words, you can create your own version of the homepage, including custom CSS, without third-party extensions.

I also love Via Browser's support for userscripts that let me bring additional features into the browsing experience. For instance, I can always set up a userscript to automatically get rid of those annoying cookie banners, or I may want to force-enable dark mode on some websites rather than turning on the browser-wide night mode. Because you use scripts, minute-level controls also become available in the long run.

I have also noticed how each update brings in minute improvements to customization options. That all these features are available without draining your storage space or system resources is the icing on the cake.

Weeks on my phone without Chrome's usual slowdown

Chrome would've eaten the RAM for breakfast

While I appreciate how many features the developers have integrated into this tiny web browser, I should not forget probably the most important aspect: how resource-efficient it is. The entire browsing experience is exceptionally swift, and you can switch between pages and tabs with a speed you can't expect from Google Chrome. However, the difference is most noticeable if you have a low-end Android smartphone with limited RAM and storage.

For reference, Google Chrome on most Android smartphones takes up a couple of hundred megabytes of storage, whereas Via Browser keeps it under 20MB. Even after using the browser for a couple of weeks, the data storage numbers were exceptionally low. I also noticed that the browser (unsurprisingly) consumed fewer battery resources even after browsing multiple webpages, including those with video content.

It is thus nice to see that you don't have to waste system resources to get some decent features built into a minimal web browser.

Gestures and small utilities that quietly stuck

Search engine switching, data saver, and swipes I didn't ask for

The novelty of the web browsing experience that Via Browser offers goes beyond its simplicity and resource efficiency. It is also the result of the many features and small utilities built into the web browser. Here are some features I've grown to love on Via Browser:

• A set of handy tools including a network log monitor, user agent manager, resource sniffer, and translation. These tools make Via Browser a great pick for beginners and pros alike.
• Intuitive gestures that let you navigate across webpages and video players. Via Browser also lets you use the volume keys to scroll a webpage.
• A built-in password manager with import and export functions, but keep in mind that Via Browser doesn't support cloud-based sync. It doesn't even require an account to function.

These features may seem small when seen individually, but they improve the overall browsing experience, nevertheless.

Where Via actually falls short

While Via Browser is an excellent package, there are times when the tiny web browser falls short. For instance, you cannot expect features like closed device sync or cloud-based functions on this web browser. Similarly, some features, such as the built-in password manager, might prove a little underwhelming if you are using it for professional needs. At the same time, Via Browser seems like a no-brainer for those who use a lower-end Android smartphone or people who want an ad-free, focused browser experience!