When we hear about web browsers, Google Chrome might be the first to pop into our heads. Some others might be familiar with Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge, or the historical Internet Explorer. These have been great companions during our great exploration of the Internet, and now comes the time we might have a new partner to surf in the web3 era.

What is a web3 browser?

A web3 browser has most of the functions of a web2 browser. What makes it different is that it helps users interact with decentralized applications(Dapps) built on blockchain technology more efficiently and safely. In short, better web3 experience.

Here are some of the advantages of using web3 browsers.

Wallet Management

After entering the web3/blockchain world, you might find surprising the numerous existence of multiple chains, for which you need a new wallet to interact with each of them. With a web2 browser like Google Chrome, you can download different wallet extensions to support the use of web3 wallets.

Web3 browsers could do the same and better by supporting more wallets, as it is more native to the blockchain. Also, some wallet features are only available in a web3 browser environment, which you cannot enjoy on Chrome or Firefox.

Web3 browsers also give you better wallet management. Your web2 Browser must already be packed with multiple extensions. Adding more wallet extensions would make the Browser bulky and inconvenient. Using them in web3 browsers could benefit from better extension management. Also, wallets mainly deal with funds. Separating them from your usual daily routine of other websites could prevent safety issues.

Enhanced Security

To handle a wallet also means complete control and responsibility is all in your hand. Seed phrases and private keys are crucial information to keep from yourself, and whoever gets it would have full control of your assets. Hackers or criminals use thousands of cyber attacks every day to access your funds by stealing your crucial information.

Web3 browsers enhance security focused on web3-related threats compared to web2 browsers — features like phishing protection, secure clipboard, malicious-address checker, ads blocker, etc. It also protects your Internet surfing by giving users more anonymity to prevent them from leaving traces of their visits. Security might be the biggest reason why we prefer using web3 browsers.

Quicker Browsing Performance

How does the Browser offer quicker performance? The answer is by eliminating the extra and keeping the necessary. The Browser is built for the web3 experience and focuses on security, which should be as light and clean as possible. With less weight, the faster it operates.

Also, the search engine would be more supportive and sensitive to web3-related keywords, improving search performance.

Interaction with Dapps

Apart from security, the other key feature would be interacting with Dapps. As mentioned, you can download the web extension of Dapp to interact with, but web3 browsers always support more Dapps.

Can we not download any extensions to use Dapp features? Yes! You can! Some features or functions are included in the Browser, which you need to download on the web2 one instead. Take Unstoppable Domain as an example. To direct to the blockchain domain on Google Chrome, you need to download the Unstoppable Domain extension, make some settings, and then locate the domain on the web. By using Brave, you can simply type the domain on the URL bar and jump to it directly — a much smoother and simple user journey.

Full Control of Data

All your Internet surfing activities, such as browsing history, behaviors, site choices, and cookies, are controlled and owned by web2 giants like Google. They sell your data to companies to grow their businesses by analyzing them and feeding advertisements that fit your interests and behaviors.

Most web3 browsers allow users to control their data without intermediaries, turning your data into your assets, where you can choose to sell it to businesses for profit. In the same scenario, you get nothing in web2, but now you can keep the data with you or sell it for profit.

Brave Browser

Brave Browser is one of the popular web3 browsers I currently use. I like its lightweight, clean user interface and security features to protect my web3 surfing. It has unique features like free video calls and a personalized news feed. I also earned some Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) by watching ads.

Before, I used Google Chrome as my primary Browser for both purposes, surfing web2 sites like Google, Youtube, Facebook, etc., and my web3 activities. I found it quite messy as my wallet extensions are packed with other non-crypto-related extensions, making the Browser slower and more complicated. There are also increasing security concerns as I visit many websites and operate my wallet in the same environment, so I decided to move all my crypto-related behavior to Brave Browser for better management and division of work. Now I feel more secure when operating my funds with the Browser, and my tasks are cleaner.

Final thoughts

Wallet credentials are critical and need extra care, as much as how we treat our login credentials for all the web2 accounts and platform access. Still, if you lose your login name or password, you can ask for help from the platform through safety questions or email. But that’s not the case for web3, which adds extra pressure for users when shifting to the field. We need reliable tools like web3 browsers for additional care, making our entry less effort and worry.

You might encounter different problems and needs in web3, and I am sure a web3 browser would cater to some of them.

Austin Cheung | NEST®