Avant Browser Top Alternatives: 2025 Guide

Avant Browser was once a favorite for power users who loved its "tri-core" rendering engine, built-in video sniffer, and highly customizable interface. However, in 2026, it has largely fallen behind in security updates and modern web standards, leaving loyal users vulnerable and often unable to load contemporary websites correctly. This guide explores the best current alternatives for Windows users who want that same level of control, utility, and legacy support without compromising on speed or security.

Maxthon Cloud Browser

If you loved Avant specifically for its built-in tools like the "Video Sniffer," Maxthon is your closest spiritual successor in 2026. Developed by Maxthon International, this browser has survived the test of time by evolving into a robust Chromium-based platform that retains the "kitchen sink" philosophy. It comes pre-loaded with features that other browsers require extensions for, making it an immediate comfort for former Avant users.

• Resource Sniffer: Automatically detects and allows you to download videos, music, and images from the page you are viewing.
• Cloud Sync: Seamlessly pushes text, images, and tabs between your devices (a feature Avant pioneered).
• Split Screen Mode: View two tabs side-by-side within the same window, excellent for productivity.
• Passkeeper: A built-in password manager that generates and stores complex passwords locally or in the cloud.

Best for: Users who want built-in media downloading tools and cloud synchronization.

Pricing: Free basic version; Premium memberships available for advanced cloud storage features.

Vivaldi

For those who used Avant because they could customize every single button, menu, and color, Vivaldi is the modern champion of flexibility. Created by the former CEO of Opera, Vivaldi is designed strictly for power users. It allows you to completely rearrange the interface, stack tabs, and even view pages in a split-screen grid. It uses the Blink engine (same as Chrome) but strips away the tracking, offering a private and highly personalized experience.

• Tab Stacking & Tiling: Group tabs together and view them simultaneously in a grid layout.
• Mouse Gestures: Fully customizable gestures to navigate back, forward, or close tabs with a flick of the wrist.
• Web Panels: Keep social media or chat apps open in a sidebar while you browse the main web.
• Privacy Guard: Built-in tracker and ad blocking that requires no setup.

Best for: Power users who want extreme interface customization and tab management.

Pricing: Free.

Microsoft Edge (for IE Mode)

One of Avant Browser's killer features was its ability to switch to the Trident (Internet Explorer) engine to load older websites. In 2026, the only secure and official way to render legacy sites is Microsoft Edge. While it is a modern browser at its core, its dedicated "IE Mode" is the industry standard for accessing banking, government, or intranet sites that were built for Internet Explorer. It is faster, more secure, and comes pre-installed on Windows.

• IE Mode: The only official compatibility solution for legacy Trident-based websites.
• Vertical Tabs: A layout option that moves tabs to the side, saving vertical screen space on widescreen monitors.
• Smart Copy: Preserves the formatting of tables and rich media when you copy-paste content.
• Collections: A superior bookmarking system that lets you gather images and text into visual boards.

Best for: Users who still need to access old websites that require the Internet Explorer rendering engine.

Pricing: Free.

Pale Moon

If your main reason for sticking with Avant was its lightweight footprint and classic interface, Pale Moon is a strong contender. It is an open-source fork of Firefox that has diverged significantly to maintain a traditional browsing experience. It does not use the modern heavy rendering engines but instead uses its own "Goanna" engine. It is designed to be efficient and customizable, avoiding the "Australis" rounded tabs look that modern browsers have adopted.

• Goanna Engine: An independent layout engine that is optimized for efficiency and modern standards.
• Classic Interface: Retains a traditional menu bar, status bar, and fully customizable toolbars.
• Lightweight: Consumes significantly less RAM than Chrome or Edge, making it ideal for older hardware.
• Exclusive Extensions: Supports its own ecosystem of legacy-style extensions (XUL) that modern Firefox dropped.

Best for: Users with older hardware or those who prefer a classic, non-Chromium interface.

Pricing: Free (Open Source).

Opera

Opera shares Avant's philosophy of including useful tools directly in the browser frame. It is a feature-rich browser that saves you from installing dozens of extensions. It includes a free VPN, ad blocker, and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) integrated directly into the sidebar. For 2026, it remains one of the most innovative browsers, frequently adding features like AI integration and workspaces to keep your browsing organized.

• Free VPN: A built-in, unlimited browser VPN to protect your privacy on public networks.
• Sidebar Integration: Quick access to music players (Spotify/Apple Music) and messengers without switching tabs.
• Battery Saver: A special mode that extends laptop battery life by optimizing page activity.
• Workspaces: Organize tabs into distinct groups (e.g., "Work," "Shopping") to keep your tab bar clean.

Best for: Users who want a "kitchen sink" browser with built-in VPN and social tools.

Pricing: Free.

Quick Comparison

Which Alternative Is Right for You?

Choosing the right replacement depends on exactly what you miss most about Avant Browser. If you relied on the video downloader and media tools, Maxthon is your best direct replacement. If you need the Trident engine to load old, specific websites, you should switch to Microsoft Edge and use its IE Mode.

For users who loved Avant's interface flexibility and want a browser that feels like a command center, Vivaldi is unmatched in 2026. Finally, if you are running on a slower PC and want a classic, no-nonsense experience, Pale Moon will give you the performance boost you need.