More web browsers are trying to compete with Chrome and Safari in 2026

In short: More companies are building alternative web browsers in 2026, with new options focused on AI features, privacy, or healthier browsing habits.

What's going on

Google Chrome and Apple Safari still dominate how most people access the web. But TechCrunch reports that a wider mix of alternative browsers is getting attention as more people look for different features and controls.

One clear trend is browsers with built-in AI helpers. Examples include Perplexity’s Comet, The Browser Company’s Dia, Opera’s upcoming Neon, and OpenAI’s Atlas. These tools aim to act more like a personal assistant inside your browser, for example summarizing emails or web pages, answering questions about what you are viewing, or completing tasks like creating calendar invites (like having a helpful clerk following you around the internet).

Another trend is privacy-focused browsers that try to limit tracking. TechCrunch highlights Brave and DuckDuckGo, both known for blocking trackers (the tiny bits of code that follow you across sites to build an ad profile). It also points to Ladybird, an open source browser project being built largely from scratch, and Vivaldi, which focuses on customization along with tracking protections.

Finally, some browsers are targeting specific habits. Opera Air includes break reminders and breathing exercises, while SigmaOS and Zen Browser focus on organizing tabs and workspaces to help people stay on task.

What to watch

Many of these browsers are invite-only, waitlisted, or subscription-based, and some want deep access to your browsing history or logins to work well. If you try one, it is worth watching what data it asks for and what you get in return.

Source: TechCrunch AI