Solipsism Browser: Android Authority Calls It the Most Exciting Chrome Alternative This Year

The report noted that most Android browsers fall into two categories: those based on Firefox's underpinnings and those based on Chromium. Since the underlying platforms are largely fixed, any new browsing experience must innovate in areas such as aesthetics, usability and customizability. Solipsism, according to the review, accomplishes all three and more.

The most noticeable feature is a side-rail interface. Instead of a top or bottom bar, browser controls such as Back, Forward, Home, Favorites and the overflow menu sit along the left or right edge of the screen. The address bar is placed just above these buttons, making it easy to reach without changing grip. The layout can be customized, letting users move controls such as the refresh button or add an ad-blocking toggle to the rail.

According to the report, this side-rail design is particularly useful on tablets and foldables, where horizontal space is more abundant. It frees up vertical space for web content. The browser's homepage also supports custom HTML and CSS, allowing users to build their own start page or load a sanitized static page.

Solipsism includes a built-in ad blocker backed by uBlock Origin, with support for additional filter lists. It also comes with a built-in malware scanner, a feature that the review said it had never seen baked into an Android browser before. Other tools include haptics and audio controls, native userscript support, privacy settings for caching and cookies, and per-website permissions.

While noting that Solipsism is not yet a mature product and has big plans, the reviewer said it already feels polished and has solved many problems seen in Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. The article concluded that Solipsism bests Chrome in several respects, making it the most exciting Android browser the reviewer had used all year.