In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the world of Web3 browsers. We’re going to discuss the differences between Web2 and Web3. Plus, we’ll explore some of the best Web3 browser options on the market and the various features they offer.
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What is Web3?
Web3 is a term that refers to a new iteration of the internet. It is a decentralized network of permissionless protocols and applications that operate on public blockchains. As the name suggests, Web3 is the third wave in a shifting technological landscape. The first version of the internet, or Web1, was largely made up of static images and text. Then, Web2 introduced user-generated content, online marketplaces, and interactive social media applications.
However, several social media platforms and tech companies are under fire for prioritizing profits over data protection and user care. In particular, targeted advertising has become intrusive, diminishing the online experience for many users. Accordingly, Web3 aims to remedy this by taking power out of the hands of big tech companies and putting it into the hands of the users.
Web3 technologies and community-led Web3 projects use public blockchains and privacy-preserving decentralized applications (dApps) to offer a mutually-beneficial alternative to centralized websites and applications. For example, decentralized social media platforms and Web3 browsers often pay users to watch curated adverts or engage with content without selling their data to the highest bidder. Moreover, Web3 promotes decentralization and interoperability. Plus, it enables users to monetize their data and keep the lion’s share of the profits without lining the pockets of big tech billionaires.
The Web3 space is thriving. Thanks to the use of blockchain technology, Web3 projects offer an array of tools and services that make operating outside of the centralized web simple. From decentralized file storage to Internet-of-Things (IoT) communications, Web3 is changing how we think about the online experience.
Web3 Wallets
Most Web2 browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox provide access to Web3 applications. However, interacting with decentralized applications via a regular web browser requires a Web3 wallet or browser extension. Web3 wallets integrate into web browsers to give users access to decentralized applications. Plus, most Web3 wallets are non-custodial. This means that users don’t need to complete any Know Your Customer (KYC) or anti-money laundering (AML) processes to participate in the Web3 economy. Plus, users retain complete ownership of their assets without the need for third-party intermediaries.
Furthermore, Web3 wallets provide a convenient solution for storing crypto assets on multiple blockchain networks and interacting with a range of decentralized applications. Also, this is made possible without big tech companies harvesting your data. The downside to this is that Web3 wallets don’t offer the same user protection as centralized custodial alternatives. Moreover, if you lose your recovery phrase, you could lose your assets forever.
Web3 wallets provide an ideal on-ramp to decentralized applications (dApps), the metaverse, and crypto gaming platforms. Check out the DeFi 101 course at Moralis Academy to learn how to install and use MetaMask, the most-prominent Web3 wallet. Also, save our “What is Web3?” and “What are dApps?” articles to learn more about Web3. Plus, save our “What are NFTs?”, “Top Crypto Games”, and “What is the Metaverse?” articles to find out more about NFTs and crypto gaming!
What is the Top Web3 Enabled Browser?
The internet as we know it is slowly transitioning towards Web3. More than ever before, websites, applications, and payments services are leaning towards decentralization and a user-owned online experience. Accordingly, several Web3 browsers are entering the market to facilitate private browsing and anonymous interactions with dApps. Below, we take a look at some of the most-prominent Web3 browsers.
Brave Web3 Browser
Perhaps the best-known Web3 browser on the market is Brave, with over 25 million active users. Brave is a free-to-use, open-source web browser with privacy-preserving features, ad-blockers, a fiat on-ramp, and an integrated crypto wallet. The platform is powered by the Basic Attention Token (BAT), an Ethereum-based ERC-20 token. Users can earn a passive income in BAT tokens by watching personalized adverts. Also, users can select the amount of “attention” they want to pay to adverts, which can be increased or turned off at any time.
This creates a mutually-beneficial scenario for publishers, advertisers, and consumers alike. Moreover, users see ads that suit their interests without their data being collected by third parties. Plus, advertisers don’t waste money on poorly targeted adverts.
The Brave Web3 browser is available to download for Android, iOS, and PC. Furthermore, Brave recently integrated Interplanetary File System (IPFS) support, offering users an in-built decentralized file storage solution. Another key project in the Web3 movement, IPFS reduces the concentration of data from a single-point-of-failure by distributing file storage across a global network.
Also, the newly-integrated Brave wallet makes it simple to swap and transfer assets or interact with a range of Web3 applications. Plus, Brave users can import their MetaMask wallet into Brave wallet.
Osiris Web3 Browser
Osiris is a Web3 browser that links users with multiple public blockchain networks. Available to download for Android, iOS, and PC, the Osiris Web3 browser boasts a sleek user interface and built-in crypto wallet. Osiris emphasizes user privacy and Web3 functionality. The browser currently supports Ethereum, TRON, and Acent. However, Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and Polkadot integrations are expected in the near future.
Metawallet is a unique embedded crypto wallet that serves as a layer-2 solution and cross-chain bridge. Users benefit from faster transaction speeds and minimal fees across multiple blockchain networks. Also, the Osiris Armor function features an in-built advert blocker to prevent data collection and website trackers. Plus, Osiris offers dAppstore integration for browsing Web3 apps with minimal risk.
Opera Web3 Browser
Opera is another popular name in the browser world. The Opera browser is fast, efficient, and privacy-centric. Users benefit from a bespoke browsing experience with tailored adverts and an in-built ad blocker. Furthermore, Opera offers a cross-chain crypto wallet for storing tokens and interacting with various Web3 applications.
Currently, the Opera browser wallet supports Ethereum, TRON, and Cobak. However, future integrations are in the pipeline. Also, users can store their private keys on their smartphones, effectively turning them into a hardware wallet. Available for Android, iOS, and PC, the Opera browser is one of the most prominent names in decentralized browsing.
Opera Crypto Browser
In January 2022, Opera launched the Crypto Browser. The Opera Crypto Browser is a Chromium-based browser specifically designed for Web3. Available to download for Android, Mac, and Windows, the Opera Crypto Browser supports multiple blockchain networks and boasts various built-in features.
Crypto Corner is an interactive Crypto news and education portal. The Crypto Browser features integrated news updates, airdrop announcements, and educational content available at the click of a button. Also, the Web3 browser features a non-custodial crypto wallet that enables users to interact with dApps without installing any browser extensions. Plus, it features the customary ad-blocker and VPN that many expect from a Web3 browser.
Beaker Web3 Browser
The Beaker Web3 browser enables users to create their own websites and host them directly from within the browser. It features a website editing suite and a range of tools and application programming interfaces (APIs). Plus, the platform facilitates peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing.
As we have come to expect from a Web3 browser, Beaker makes it straightforward for users to browse anonymously and privately. You can download Beaker for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Watch out for additional features coming to the Beaker Browser soon!
Puma Web3 Browser
Puma is a privacy-preserving mobile browser available to download for Android and iOS. The Puma mobile browser features peer-to-peer file hosting, prevents website trackers, and features a web monetization tool integration. This feature pays creators directly without intermediaries.
The in-built Coil web monetization service uses a subscription-based model for paying creators. For five dollars per month, users gain access to paywalled content. Plus, users can turn off adverts altogether for a seamless browsing experience. Moreover, Puma enables anyone to browse Web3 applications from one convenient location.
Status Web3 Browser
The Status Web3 browser features a crypto wallet integration, a private messaging function, and a dApp browser feature. Also, users can communicate with friends, manage their assets, and participate in the latest Web3 communities, all from one convenient location.
Moreover, Status offers an all-in-one solution for private Web3 browsing decentralized finance (DeFi). Plus, the platform boasts state-of-the-art security features and pseudo-anonymous account generation.
Why Do We Need Web3?
Web3 boasts several benefits over Web2. Also, it enables people to make all kinds of interactions online without needing to trust anyone. The Web3 movement aims to provide all of the same useful functions and interconnectivity as Web2, but without the central authorities that prevent innovation in the current tech space and warp the fabric of our online experience.
Open-source software has evolved to the point where it is shaping society as we know it. Where centralized Web2 technologies fail to scale, work efficiently, and serve the public, Web3 applications offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the internet could be better. The way we interact online has changed dramatically throughout the short history of the internet. As such, Web3 projects are adapting to meet the needs of the new digital economy. Moreover, Web3 technologies aim to empower individuals and remove the concentration of power from monopolizing conglomerates and corporations and preserve the privacy and liberties of the online community.
With Web3, anyone can become their own bank, create their own financial ecosystems and monetize their data and content without intermediaries. Furthermore, Web3 protocols are inherently inclusive, promoting new types of social interactions and opportunities to collaborate on meaningful projects. It’s likely that many Web3 technologies will look very similar to those of Web2 in the infancy of this movement. However, on the back-end, these technologies operate in a way that is transparent, fair, and equitable.
Web3 and Blockchain Browsers – Summary
Advancements in the Web3 space are developing at an unprecedented rate. Even Web2 browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are venturing into Web3 territory with the metaverse and the Internet of things (IoT) integrations in the pipeline. Also, you can still gain access to a wealth of decentralized applications (dApps) using current Web2 browsers thanks to Web3 wallet browser extensions like MetaMask.
Web3 has the potential to spearhead a new borderless digital economy with innovative business models and opportunities for collaboration. Furthermore, using a Web3 browser enables anyone to participate in the new digital economy without relying on big tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Furthermore, Web3 browsers offer seamless integration with decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain-based protocols and services. A good Web3 browser allows anyone to browse the decentralized web anonymously and privately. Also, Web3 browsers feature crypto wallet integrations to make this process frictionless and secure.
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