Which Browsers Use the Least Memory in 2025?

In this article, we will explore which browsers use the least memory in 2025, comparing popular options across different platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Android.

GeneralBy: Alex M / 19 March, 2025

When choosing a web browser, memory usage plays a crucial role, especially for users with limited RAM or those running multiple applications simultaneously. Some browsers are optimized for speed and efficiency, while others consume more system resources. In this article, we will explore which browsers use the least memory in 2025, comparing popular options across different platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Android.

Understanding Browser Memory Usage

Web browsers use RAM to load web pages, store active tabs, and run extensions. The higher the RAM consumption, the slower the system performance—especially on low-end devices. Several factors affect memory consumption, including:

Tab Management: Browsers that suspend inactive tabs use less memory.
Extensions: More extensions lead to higher RAM usage.
Built-in Features: Lightweight browsers have fewer built-in tools, reducing memory overhead.
Rendering Engine: The core engine affects how a browser processes web pages.

Benchmarking Memory Consumption

To determine which browsers use the least memory, we analyzed various benchmarks and real-world tests. The results show that some browsers are significantly more efficient than others.

Browsers That Use the Least Memory in 2025

1. Microsoft Edge – Optimized for Windows Users

Average RAM Usage: Low to Moderate
Best For: Windows users seeking performance and efficiency

Microsoft Edge, built on Chromium, has improved significantly in terms of memory efficiency. With Sleeping Tabs and Efficiency Mode, Edge suspends inactive tabs to free up RAM. It often outperforms Chrome in RAM consumption while maintaining a smooth browsing experience.

✅ Pros:

Sleeping Tabs feature reduces RAM usage.
Less resource-intensive than Chrome.
Good integration with Windows.

❌ Cons:

Uses Chromium, which can still be heavy on RAM.

2. Mozilla Firefox – Privacy-Focused and Lightweight

Average RAM Usage: Low
Best For: Users who prioritize privacy and open-source software

Firefox is known for its balanced RAM consumption and strong privacy features. Unlike Chromium-based browsers, Firefox runs on its Gecko engine, which optimizes memory usage better than Chrome.

✅ Pros:

Uses less RAM than Chrome and Edge.
Supports advanced privacy controls.
Faster performance with multiple tabs.

❌ Cons:

Not all Chrome extensions are supported.
Some websites work better on Chromium-based browsers.

3. Opera – Lightweight with Built-in Features

Average RAM Usage: Low
Best For: Users who want built-in tools without additional extensions

Opera is another Chromium-based browser but with better memory optimization. Features like built-in ad blockers and battery saver mode reduce resource usage.

✅ Pros:

Uses less RAM than Chrome.
Built-in ad blocker and VPN improve speed.
Sidebar and workspaces improve multitasking.

❌ Cons:

Limited extension support compared to Chrome.
Uses Chromium, which can still consume RAM.

4. Brave – A Privacy-First, Low-RAM Browser

Average RAM Usage: Very Low
Best For: Users who need a lightweight, privacy-focused browser

Brave blocks ads and trackers by default, reducing RAM consumption. Since fewer resources are used to load intrusive ads, Brave is one of the most memory-efficient browsers.

✅ Pros:

Built-in ad and tracker blocker saves RAM.
Uses less memory than Chrome.
Great for privacy-conscious users.

❌ Cons:

Not as feature-rich as some other browsers.
Some sites break due to aggressive tracker blocking.

5. Vivaldi – Customizable with Efficient Resource Management

Average RAM Usage: Low to Moderate
Best For: Users who want a customizable browsing experience

Vivaldi offers tab stacking, resource-friendly UI, and customization options that reduce RAM usage while providing a unique browsing experience.

✅ Pros:

Highly customizable interface.
Efficient tab management saves RAM.

❌ Cons:

Can be overwhelming for new users.

Which Browsers Use the Least Memory/RAM for Specific Use Cases?

Memory efficiency varies across different devices and operating systems. The ideal browser should consume minimal RAM while maintaining smooth performance. Let’s explore which browsers use the least memory based on different use cases.

1. Which Browsers Use the Least Memory on Android?

Android devices, especially budget smartphones, often have limited RAM and struggle with memory-hungry browsers. A lightweight browser can significantly improve speed and battery life.

Brave – Minimal RAM Consumption with Built-in Ad Blocker

Brave is based on Chromium, but it uses significantly less RAM than Chrome by blocking ads and trackers by default.
Fewer ads mean fewer background processes, reducing memory consumption.
Faster page load speeds and lower CPU usage make it ideal for Android devices with limited resources.
Built-in privacy features further enhance performance by reducing unnecessary data tracking.

Firefox Focus – Extremely Lightweight, Ideal for Quick Searches

Firefox Focus is designed for privacy and speed, automatically clearing browsing history and cookies.
It does not support tabs, which means less RAM usage compared to standard browsers.
Since it blocks trackers, websites load faster with lower memory consumption.
Best suited for quick searches or temporary browsing sessions rather than multi-tab usage.

Opera Mini – Designed for Low-End Devices with Limited RAM

One of the lightest browsers for Android, using minimal RAM and CPU power.
Data compression technology reduces page size, making it ideal for slow networks and low-memory devices.
Has a built-in ad blocker and a “High Savings Mode” to further reduce resource usage.
Recommended for older smartphones or devices with 1GB RAM or less.

2. Which Browser Uses the Least RAM Mac?

Mac users often face high RAM consumption with resource-heavy browsers like Chrome. Safari is the default choice, but there are other efficient alternatives if you’re curious about which browsers use the least memory.

Safari – Optimized for macOS, Uses Less RAM than Chrome

Safari is Apple’s native browser, optimized for macOS and Apple Silicon chips.
It consumes significantly less RAM than Chrome while delivering similar performance.
The intelligent tab management system reduces memory usage by suspending inactive tabs.
Safari integrates with macOS features like iCloud Keychain and Handoff, offering a seamless experience.

Brave – A Low-Memory Chromium Alternative

If you need a Chromium-based browser without Chrome’s memory bloat, Brave is a great alternative.
Blocks ads and trackers by default, reducing RAM and CPU usage.
Supports Chrome extensions but consumes less memory than Chrome.
Performs well on both Intel and M1/M2 Macs.

Firefox – More Efficient than Chrome on Mac

Uses less RAM than Chrome due to its Gecko rendering engine, which optimizes memory allocation.
Better at handling multiple tabs without excessive RAM consumption.
Offers improved privacy features compared to Safari.
A solid choice for Mac users who prefer open-source software over Apple’s ecosystem.

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3. Which Browser Uses the Least RAM and CPU?

For users looking to minimize both RAM and CPU usage, the right browser can make a noticeable difference in system performance and battery life.

Brave – Blocks Ads and Trackers, Reducing CPU Load

Ads and trackers use significant RAM and CPU resources. Brave blocks them natively, reducing memory and CPU usage.
The browser also prioritizes efficiency, making it lighter than Chrome.
Ideal for low-end PCs or devices with limited battery life.

Edge – Efficiency Mode Optimizes CPU and RAM Usage

Microsoft Edge includes an Efficiency Mode that reduces RAM and CPU consumption by suspending background processes.
Sleeping Tabs further cut down on memory usage by putting inactive tabs to sleep.
Compared to Chrome, Edge is lighter on system resources, making it a better option for Windows users.

Opera – Built-in Tools Reduce Resource Consumption

Unlike Chrome, which requires third-party extensions for ad-blocking and memory optimization, Opera has these features built-in.
The built-in ad blocker reduces CPU usage by preventing heavy scripts from running.
A Turbo Mode compresses pages to lower RAM and CPU usage.
Great for users who want an optimized browsing experience without additional plugins.

4. Which Browser is Best for 1GB RAM?

For old PCs, netbooks, or budget Android devices with only 1GB RAM, a super-lightweight browser is necessary. Here are the best options:

Opera Mini – Extremely Lightweight for Low-End Devices

Uses very little RAM and CPU, making it perfect for devices with limited resources.
Data compression allows pages to load faster even on weak internet connections.
A good choice for older Windows, macOS, and Android devices.

Midori – One of the Smallest Browsers Available

A lightweight, open-source browser that consumes minimal RAM.
Uses the WebKit engine, ensuring decent browsing speed with low memory usage.
Lacks extensive features but excels in basic browsing tasks.
Great for Linux users or those needing a super-light browser.

K-Meleon – Uses Minimal System Resources

A lightweight alternative to Firefox, optimized for Windows XP/Vista and older hardware.
Consumes very little RAM, making it ideal for PCs with less than 2GB RAM.
Offers a customizable UI and fast performance on older machines.

Looking for the Best Browser for Linux? Check out our guide on this topic.