Downloads

Maxthon

Version: 2.5.6.350

Downloads Count: 55,243

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

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Avg. User Rating 3

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

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Most recent User Reviews for Maxthon

Reviewed by: loubal22

09-09-2009

Duration of ownership: 2 Weeks

Strengths: very customizable. Roboform works with it. No crashes like IE8 and Firefox 3.5

Weaknesses: None so far.

Overall Evaluation: I have been searching for a browser that doesn't freeze up or crash and this one seems to be the winner. I have tried IE8 Firefox 3.5 and 4 others, including Google Chrome. This seems to be the very best overall.
Reviewed by: Babble

08-20-2009

Duration of ownership: 36 Months

Strengths: Great Skins, good interface, lots of functions like mouse gestures. Will work with Roboform (check IE add on in set up page)

Weaknesses: On very rare occassions you may need to use IE for a download. Earlier versions had problems with Gmail but works great now.

Overall Evaluation: I have been a Maxthon user for 2 years. When I heard that Firefox 3 was so great, I tried it. What crap. I immediately went back. Maxthon is superior and you don't have to add on anything (except Roboform if you buy it). I have used on two computers and it is not slow and it does not contain spyware or Adware.
Reviewed by: jethro52

04-14-2007

Duration of ownership: 3 Years

Strengths: This browser allows so many tweaks, if you desire to do that. The ad filtering is excellent.

Weaknesses: zero

Overall Evaluation: The best browser I've ever used. If you like to tweak and customize, this is the one to look at.
Reviewed by: zboner

03-13-2007

Duration of ownership: 1 Days

Strengths: NONE

Weaknesses: can easily freeze your computer, SLOW, not a good web browser, WORST THEN INTERNET EXPLORER

Overall Evaluation: DO NOT DOWNLOAD!!! you will be dissapointed. If you want a browser like internet explorer, just download IE 7, it is alot better but i dont use ie, i use firefox.
Reviewed by: elcon10342

03-13-2007

Duration of ownership: 0 Months

Strengths:

Weaknesses: Contains Spyware and Adware.

Overall Evaluation: Don't do it!

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Editorial Review of Maxthon

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Most recent User Reviews for Maxthon

Reviewed by: loubal22

Reviewed by: Babble

Reviewed by: jethro52

Reviewed by: zboner

Reviewed by: elcon10342

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Maxthon

Editorial Review of Maxthon

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Most recent User Reviews for Maxthon

Reviewed by: loubal22

Reviewed by: Babble

Reviewed by: jethro52

Reviewed by: zboner

Reviewed by: elcon10342

See more user reviews »

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