Quantcast
Subscribe to magazine
 

Maxthon

Version: 2.5.6.350

Downloads Count: 55,249

License Type: Free

Price: Free

Date Added: Aug 26, 2009

Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista

Requirements: 500MHz CPU, 256MB RAM, 20MB free hard disk space, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher

File Size: 5234 KB

Author: Maxthon International

Recommend
this download?

Most Popular in Browsers & Clients

See more popular software»

 
Editorial Review of Maxthon

Alternative Web browser Maxthon is best described as an Microsoft Internet Explorer skin; in fact, it requires IE to be installed in order to work correctly. However, Maxthon is so different from IE as far as features and add-ons, that it's odd that Maxthon International Limited tied it in with IE in the first place--a quirk that no other major browser shares. According to Maxthon's blog, it uses the Trident layout engine, just like Internet Explorer, and therefore should have increased compatibility in those few draconian Web sites out there that still require IE to function. Maxthon is extraordinarily popular in China (more on that later) and boasts over 200 million downloads.

Unlike most modern Web browsers, the current version of Maxthon isn't Webkit-based. The upcoming version 3 promises this design, which will bring it in line with its competition, as well as allowing it to score 100 on the Acid 3 web standards test. It's a good bet, though I can't be sure, that the new version will not require IE at all, since IE is still Trident-based and Maxthon will be Webkit-based.

Maxthon is notable because it goes to extreme lengths to be customizable. It has numerous addons available, all created by the Maxthon user community. Unfortunately for us, due to its focus on the Chinese market, many of these addons have descriptions written in Chinese only. Some have English translations, and some do not. If you can power through the language barrier using a service such as Google Translate, you can install add-ons that will do things like check Gmail for you and send you notifications of new e-mails.

Maxthon takes up very little memory and CPU, especially compared to Firefox. With a whole row of tabs open, Maxthon only took up 66 megabytes of RAM, compared to 246 megabytes for a similar Firefox setup. Maxthon also includes an ad-blocker standard, which offers a welcome respite from the proliferation of advertising across the Internet, especially audio Flash-based ads, the worst kind. Other browsers require a separate install of AdBlock to do so.

Other than the language barrier, Maxthon has a lot going for it. When version 3 arrives, it will have even more to recommend it. It's free and small, so if you're fed up with your existing browser, take it for a test drive.

--Steve Horton

People who downloaded this also downloaded:
Sponsored Links
 
You are browsing Browsers & Clients

  •     PRODUCT NAME
    DATE ADDED
    LICENSE
  • eSnips Uploader
      931
    Jan 22, 2007
    Free

    This handy toolbar lets you clip, save and share content from your favorite Web pages.

     
  • iMacros for Firefox
      373
    Sep 3, 2009
    Free

    Automate tasks in Firefox with this macro recorder.

     
  • Copernic Meta
      59,456
    Oct 3, 2005
    Free

    Simultaneously query mulitiple search engines, newsgroups, and e-mail directories.

     
  • Cookie Monster
      5,662
    Jan 19, 2009

    Cookie manager for browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Gecko

     
  • ThumbStrips
      2,779
    Jul 10, 2007
    Free

    Browse your Firefox session visually with thumbnails of recently visited sites.

     
  • GreatNews
      331
    Mar 4, 2008
    Free

    Six different feed presentation styles make this new-reader-on-the-block worth checking out.

     
  • WebScraper
      6,958
    Feb 7, 1998
    Shareware

    Cruise the Web for the multimedia files you want and batch download them.

     
  • 1-Click Answers for Firefox
      1,154
    Jan 22, 2007
    Free

    On-line reference software for quick info on any word or phrase on your screen.

     
  • Secure IE
      9,200
    Feb 25, 2005
    Trial

    Protect your system and your privacy when surfing the Web.

     
  • WebVCR
      8,736
    Jan 7, 2002
    Trial

    Save time and frustration by saving and archiving Web pages to your hard drive.

     
  • Awasu Personal Edition
      277
    Mar 4, 2008
    Free

    A news reader with a quick full-screen switch for easy reading.

     

Featured APC Accessories

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC Smart-UPS Loaded with cutting-edge features, unique battery life predictor, unbeatable on-line efficiencies and software agents allowing remote UPS monitoring. Get 10% off your entire kart purchase!
PC World Related Content

Guard Your Online Privacy With the TrackerWatcher Firefox Addon

See what information sites gather about you--and how they use it--with TrackerWatcher.

Freenet Lets You Browse the Web Freely

Protect your privacy when you browse the Web--wherever you may be--with Freenet.

Downloads FAQ

If you have questions about finding, downloading, or opening files in our library, you'll probably find the answers here.

Visit the Downloads FAQ »

Special Offer
special offer

SpeedUpMyPC 3

SpeedUpMyPC is the award winning utility software that ensures your PC is automatically optimized for maximum performance in just a few easy clicks."/>

More information

PC World Community

Most Recent Threads