UC Browser

Softonic review

A light browser that’s free

UC Browser is a web browser built for low-end computers and slow connections. It comes with a dedicated download manager, cloud sync, theme customization, add-ons, and more. To create its unique browsing experience, it loads photos and links before you click them.

Smooth and simple browsing

This program can run on a wide variety of devices but is built for slow computers. In fact, if this version is too demanding on your system’s resources, you can install UC Mini as an alternative. It’s from the same company, but it pushes the required hardware limit as low as possible.

UC Browser is comparable to Google Chrome. It can use all of the same add-ons, themes, and it offers the same advanced settings tweaks. However, compared to Chrome, it demands far fewer system resources. While it does lack a built-in VPN and ad blocker, it’s still a great option for the average internet experience.

This application struggles with streaming content and buffering large videos, however. So, while you do achieve faster loading speeds with normal web pages, you’re bound to suffer on data-heavy sites like YouTube or Dailymotion.

The installation process is fast and simple, just like the program. You can run the UC Browser APK for Android devices, or download the .exe file for Windows computers.

Extra tools

This program lacks a few essentials, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve. It comes with a unique download manager. With this tool, you can pause and resume downloads to your liking. If you need to save some bandwidth for other apps with a higher priority, simply hold off on a download and start it up again later. If you’ve used Chrome, you’ll know that this function is a bit biggy with that browser and you can’t always pick up where you left off.

When you download UC Browser, it comes with a smart file manager. You can use this extension to copy, remove, move, rename, delete, and share information on your phone or computer. It excels because it’s fast, easy to use, and demands few resources.

The tab management system is probably the best part of this program. It’s set up to allow multiple open tabs with little to no effect on the speed and responsiveness of your device. This feature also avoids crashes and freezes. It works by loading information on each tab when you open each individually

Tabs that aren’t in use, but have audio or video playing, will continue to function properly in the background. With these, however, you can overload your computer or phone, since you’ll continue to use up those resources.

Very customizable

Most modern web browsers, like Mozilla Firefox, come with a tile-style favorites page. This appears when you open a new tab. Here, you can configure which websites will show up as quick links that open in a new tab with one click.

There are also a ton of browser themes to choose from and apply. These change the overall appearance of the program, from the window itself, down to the colors for links and menu options. You can also choose different wallpapers or import some of your own.

Users will find a library of mini-games to play while using the browser. These include Monster Squad and Trollface Quest 4, which can pass the time if you experience any connectivity hiccups while browsing.

Cloud sync

Whether you’re using the UC Browser PC version or the one for Android, it keeps all your information saved across all platforms. This includes bookmarks, search results, and login information. However, this information may be compromised due to some security problems with the browser, as mentioned a bit later.

Other browsers, like Opera, have similar functions. However, this program is one of the best at keeping your data up-to-date across all devices. All you have to do is create an account with UC, and you’re set.

Safety, security, and privacy

Online privacy and safety is a hot topic. Sadly, there’s plenty of doubt surrounding the security of this application. There are a few big names in the industry who claim that user data is at risk whenever you use it. This raises a lot of concerns regarding surveillance and data, and many believe that UC Browser is not safe. In fact, this program was banned from the Play Store before they made improvements to protect its users.

It’s not dangerous in the traditional sense. There are no reports of harmful code with intent to destroy or harm devices. However, many have found that it uses a suspicious amount of battery and sends activity to an external server, even after it’s uninstalled.

It’s also apparent to tracks your online movements. It logs and sends your activities to an external server. This includes videos you watch, images you like, search terms, some personal details, and more. However, this is no longer a strange occurrence. Most applications tend to share this problem.

High functionality and questionable security

If you’re willing to put some of your data at risk, this is a fantastic browser. It’s fast, efficient, and optimal for anyone who is a bit behind in the technology department. Old phones, computers, and slow internet speeds aren’t a problem with UC Browser.

In the latest version, there are popular website recommendations in the tab switching window. There’s also an easier way to access the UC Browser news feed after reading push articles. They revamped the notification system, as well.