Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to SafariBoat vs GNU IceCat
When comparing Boat vs GNU IceCat, the Slant community recommends GNU IceCat for most people. In the question“What are the best Android web browsers?” GNU IceCat is ranked 1st while Boat is ranked 28th.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Flash support
The browser can play Flash videos, Flash games, etc.
Pro Floating tabs
You can open a page as a floating window, you can open as many floating windows as you need. The windows can be individually resized and positioned wherever you want. The window can float on top of other applications as well.
Pro Functionality can be extended via add-ons
You can search the play store for "boat borwser addons" to find add-ons for social media, productivity, etc.
Pro Built-in QR-code scanner
Pro All the benefits of Firefox, but with 100% free software
Pro LibreJS
LibreJS blocks proprietary JavaScript code, ensuring your user freedom.
Pro Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF
Pro Extra security and privacy features
Pro Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
Pro No spyware
Pro Https-Everywhere by default
Pro SpyBlock
Blocks privacy trackers.
Cons
Con No directory for add-ons
The only way of finding add-ons is by searching for them in the Play Store. There's no well organized directory available.
Con Too much bloat
The browser comes with 15 addons installed by default, most of which are useless or ruin one's browsing experience.
Con Mainly just an old Firefox
It is mainly a renamend older version of Firefox that comes preinstalled with some extensions.
Con Not up to date
Latest binary is still version 60.7 ESR and was last updated over a year ago
Con Requires too much unnecessary configuration to use
You have to manually delete all the bloated addons from your files (only for them to show up again when the browser is updated) and manually install some addons and themes that the browser labels as "corrupt".
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Can't install some Firefox themes/addons
"Installation aborted because the addon appears to be corrupt".
Con Includes LibreJS by default with no way to remove it
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Dependent on Mozilla
Since IceCat is based off Firefox, it's dependent on all of Mozilla's decisions.
Con Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
