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Virtual Browser: How It Works, 4 Types, and 5 Top Use Cases

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What Is a Virtual Browser?

A virtual browser is a web browser that runs remotely on a cloud server or virtual machine rather than on your local device. It streams the visual interface to your screen, keeping malware, trackers, and browsing data completely isolated from your computer.

Virtual browsers typically use remote browser isolation (RBI) technology, which executes web browsing sessions in a cloud-hosted or centrally managed environment. Instead of processing potentially dangerous web content locally, the user’s device receives a visual representation of the browsing session.

How it works:

  • Remote execution: The browser runs on a cloud server, virtual machine, or container, keeping website code and potentially malicious content separate from the user’s device.
  • Content delivery: The remote environment sends rendered pixels or sanitized web content to the user’s local browser, while user interactions are transmitted back to the isolated session.
  • Session isolation: Cookies, browsing history, and cached files can be discarded when a session ends, while downloads and data transfers are controlled through security policies.

Common use cases:

  • Malware and phishing protection: Isolates suspicious websites to reduce the risk of malicious scripts, browser exploits, and unsafe downloads affecting endpoints.
  • Suspicious link investigation: Allows security teams to inspect potentially malicious URLs and supported attachments in disposable browsing environments.
  • Secure contractor and BYOD access: Provides controlled access to corporate web applications from unmanaged devices, with restrictions on downloads, copying, and printing.
  • Cross-browser testing: Enables developers to test websites across different browsers, operating systems, and software versions without maintaining separate devices.
  • Non-attributable investigations: Helps security researchers investigate suspicious websites using isolated sessions and controlled network connections to reduce exposure of corporate network identities.

This is part of a series of articles about browser security

Ultimate Guide to Browser Security: Threats and Solutions

Secure both browser-based AND locally installed apps on unmanaged devices.

How a Virtual Browser Works

Where the Browser Runs: Cloud Servers, Virtual Machines, and Containers

Virtual browsers can operate in several isolated environments, including cloud servers, virtual machines (VMs), and containers. Cloud-hosted browsers execute browsing sessions on infrastructure managed by a service provider or the organization, keeping potentially malicious web code away from employee devices. This approach supports centralized policy enforcement and reduces the need to install and maintain browser isolation infrastructure on individual endpoints.

Virtual machine-based implementations assign browsing sessions to isolated operating system environments, providing separation between browser processes and other workloads. Container-based approaches use lightweight isolation to run browser instances with fewer resources than full VMs. However, containers typically share the host operating system kernel, making their isolation boundaries different from those of virtual machines.

Organizations select an architecture based on:

  • Their security requirements
  • The expected number of concurrent users
  • Infrastructure costs
  • Latency constraints

Some solutions also support hybrid deployments, allowing specified browsing activities to run in different environments based on risk levels or regulatory requirements.

How Web Content Reaches the User: Pixel Streaming vs. DOM Reconstruction

Virtual browsers use different techniques to deliver web content from the isolated environment to the user’s device. Two common approaches are pixel streaming and Document Object Model (DOM) reconstruction.

  • Pixel streaming: The remote browser renders websites in the isolated environment and transmits a visual representation to the user’s device. User interactions, such as mouse movements, clicks, and keyboard input, are sent back to the remote browser. Because the endpoint receives rendered content rather than the original website’s executable code, this approach provides strong separation from potentially malicious scripts.
  • DOM reconstruction: The remote environment processes web content and sends a sanitized representation of the page’s structure and selected resources to the local browser. The endpoint reconstructs the page for display, potentially improving responsiveness and compatibility with certain applications. However, the security of this approach depends on how effectively the solution removes or neutralizes potentially dangerous content.

Pixel streaming generally provides stronger isolation from active web content, although it can introduce latency and increase bandwidth consumption, particularly for video-heavy websites. DOM reconstruction may offer a more native browsing experience but requires careful sanitization and may encounter compatibility issues with complex web applications.

What Happens to Cookies, History, and Files When a Session Ends

Virtual browsers can use ephemeral sessions, in which the browser environment is automatically destroyed or reset after the user closes the session or reaches a predefined inactivity timeout. In these configurations, temporary browsing data, cached files, cookies, and local session history are discarded from the isolated environment, reducing the risk of persistent malware infections and unauthorized reuse of authentication sessions.

However, not every virtual browser automatically deletes all session data. Some solutions preserve cookies, authentication states, and user preferences between sessions to support persistent logins and improve usability. Organizations can configure retention policies based on security requirements, with stricter controls for contractors, unmanaged devices, or access to sensitive applications.

Downloaded files may be blocked, scanned, stored in a controlled environment, or transferred to an approved destination according to organizational policies. Session termination also does not necessarily delete files previously transferred to the endpoint or data retained in centralized audit logs. Administrators should define separate policies for session persistence, file transfers, logging, and data retention to ensure that sensitive information remains protected.

Types of Virtual Browsers

1. Cloud-Hosted Virtual Browsers for Private Browsing

Cloud-hosted virtual browsers run browsing sessions on remote servers rather than directly on the user’s device. Users connect through a local browser or dedicated client, while the remote environment handles website rendering, script execution, and other browsing activities. This separation reduces the exposure of local devices to malicious websites and potentially harmful downloads.

These solutions are commonly used for:

  • Private browsing
  • Accessing untrusted websites
  • Reducing the amount of browsing data stored on local endpoints

Some services provide temporary sessions that automatically delete cookies, cached files, and browsing history when closed. However, privacy protections vary between providers, and remote browsing does not necessarily prevent websites or service operators from collecting user information.

Cloud-hosted browsers depend on reliable internet connectivity and may introduce latency when accessing interactive websites or streaming multimedia content. Organizations must also evaluate the provider’s data handling practices, infrastructure locations, and logging policies.

2. Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) for Enterprise Security

Remote browser isolation (RBI) is an enterprise security technology that executes web browsing sessions in an isolated environment, typically hosted in the cloud or an organization’s data center. Instead of allowing potentially malicious website code to execute directly on employee endpoints, RBI processes web content remotely and delivers a controlled representation to the user’s device.

RBI solutions commonly integrate with secure web gateways, secure service edge (SSE) platforms, and other enterprise security systems. Administrators can establish policies that determine which websites require isolation and what actions users can perform during browsing sessions.

Common enterprise RBI capabilities include:

  • Threat isolation: Prevents potentially malicious web scripts and browser exploits from executing directly on user endpoints.
  • Download protection: Blocks, scans, or sanitizes downloaded files before allowing them onto employee devices.
  • Data loss prevention: Restricts uploads, downloads, copying, pasting, and printing based on organizational security policies.
  • Policy-based isolation: Applies different levels of protection based on website reputation, user identity, device trust, and data sensitivity.

3. Enterprise Browsers with Built-In Security Controls

Enterprise browsers are web browsers designed specifically for business environments, combining standard browsing functionality with centralized security management and data protection capabilities. Unlike traditional virtual browsers, many enterprise browsers execute locally on the user’s device rather than in a remote environment. However, they can incorporate virtualization, browser isolation, or other security mechanisms to protect corporate applications and data.

These browsers allow IT teams to enforce security policies directly within browsing sessions. Common controls include:

  • Restricting file downloads
  • Preventing unauthorized clipboard operations
  • Managing browser extensions
  • Controlling access to corporate SaaS applications

Some enterprise browsers also provide detailed activity logging and integrate with identity providers to support conditional access policies. Enterprise browsers are particularly useful for organizations with distributed workforces, contractors, and employees using personal devices.

However, local enterprise browsers may require software installation and device-level permissions. Organizations that need to protect corporate data without taking control of personal devices can also consider isolated workspaces or secure browser environments that separate work activity from personal browsing.

4. Virtual Browsers for Cross-Browser Testing

Virtual browsers are also used in software development and quality assurance to test websites and applications across different browser versions, operating systems, and device configurations. These solutions provide access to browser environments without requiring developers to install and maintain multiple browsers or operating systems locally.

Testing platforms typically use virtual machines, containers, or cloud-hosted browser instances to reproduce target environments. Developers can run automated tests, inspect rendering differences, identify compatibility problems, and verify application behavior across browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. The degree of operating system and browser fidelity depends on whether the platform uses:

  • Real browsers
  • Virtualized environments
  • Emulators

Unlike security-focused virtual browsers, these solutions primarily address application compatibility, functional testing, and development efficiency. They can integrate with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, allowing teams to execute browser tests automatically whenever application code changes.

Virtual Browser vs. Virtual Machine

A virtual browser isolates web browsing activity from the user’s primary operating system, typically by running browser processes in a remote environment. A virtual machine (VM) emulates an entire computer environment, including its own operating system, applications, and system resources. Virtual browsers may use VMs as their underlying infrastructure, but they expose only the browsing functionality rather than a complete virtual desktop.

Virtual machines provide broader isolation because they can run multiple applications and support different operating systems. However, they generally require more computing resources, storage, and administrative overhead. Virtual browsers are more narrowly focused on protecting web sessions and controlling interactions with websites and web applications.

For organizations that primarily need secure access to browser-based SaaS applications, virtual browsers can provide a more targeted solution. Virtual machines are better suited to workloads requiring complete operating system environments, specialized software, or isolation beyond web browsing.

Virtual Browser vs. VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection between a user’s device and a remote network or VPN server. It protects data in transit across that connection and can provide access to private corporate resources. However, a VPN does not isolate browser processes or prevent malicious scripts from executing on the endpoint.

A virtual browser addresses a different security requirement by separating web content execution from the user’s physical device. This can reduce exposure to browser exploits, malicious downloads, and other web-based threats. Enterprise virtual browsers may also enforce granular controls over copying, downloading, uploading, and printing sensitive information.

VPNs and virtual browsers can complement each other. A VPN may provide encrypted connectivity to internal resources, while a virtual browser provides an additional isolation layer for web access. However, organizations increasingly use identity-aware access controls and application-specific security policies instead of relying exclusively on broad VPN-based network access.

Virtual Browser vs. Incognito Mode

Incognito mode, also called private browsing mode, is a standard browser feature designed to limit the amount of browsing information retained locally after a private session ends. It generally prevents the browser from saving browsing history, cookies, and temporary site data between private sessions. However, downloaded files and bookmarks may remain on the device.

Unlike a virtual browser, incognito mode does not isolate website execution from the underlying operating system. Malicious scripts, browser vulnerabilities, and unsafe downloads can still affect the endpoint. Incognito mode also does not hide browsing activity from websites, internet service providers, network administrators, or other parties that can observe network traffic.

Virtual browsers offer stronger separation by executing web content in an isolated environment, depending on their architecture. Enterprise solutions can also apply security policies to downloads, clipboard operations, and access to sensitive applications. Incognito mode is primarily intended for local browsing privacy, whereas virtual browsers are designed to provide isolation and additional security controls.

Virtual Browser vs. Secure Enclave on the Endpoint

A secure enclave on the endpoint creates an isolated workspace for corporate applications and data while allowing users to continue working on their existing computers. Unlike a remote virtual browser, which typically processes web content on external infrastructure, an endpoint-based secure enclave runs business applications locally within a controlled environment separated from the user’s personal operating environment.

Secure enclaves can protect more than browser sessions. Depending on the solution, they may isolate corporate files, SaaS applications, authentication sessions, and other business workflows while enforcing restrictions on data transfers between the secure workspace and personal applications. This makes them particularly relevant for bring your own device (BYOD) environments, remote contractors, and organizations that want to protect company information without managing the entire personal device.

Because applications execute locally, endpoint-based secure enclaves can avoid some of the latency and connectivity limitations associated with remote browser streaming. However, their security depends on the strength of the isolation mechanisms and the trustworthiness of the underlying endpoint. Virtual browsers focus on separating web execution from the device, while secure enclaves provide a broader protected workspace for corporate activity without necessarily requiring a remote desktop or cloud-hosted browser.

Virtual Browser Use Cases

Preventing Web-Based Malware and Phishing Attacks

Virtual browsers help protect endpoints from malicious websites by executing potentially dangerous web content in an isolated environment. When users visit compromised websites or encounter malicious scripts, the code runs within the virtual browser rather than directly on their physical devices. This reduces the risk of browser exploits, drive-by downloads, and malware infections affecting the underlying operating system.

Organizations can integrate virtual browsers with secure web gateways, threat intelligence feeds, and URL filtering tools to apply isolation policies based on website reputation or risk. For example, employees might access trusted business applications normally while unknown or suspicious websites automatically open in isolated sessions.

However, browser isolation does not eliminate all phishing risks. Users may still enter credentials into fraudulent websites or authorize malicious actions. Organizations should combine virtual browsing with phishing-resistant authentication, URL inspection, and identity-based access controls.

Security analysts and employees frequently encounter unfamiliar URLs, email attachments, and downloadable files that may contain malicious content. Opening these resources directly on corporate endpoints can expose systems to malware, credential theft, or exploitation of browser vulnerabilities. Virtual browsers provide an isolated environment for inspecting suspicious content while limiting direct interaction with the endpoint.

Security operations teams can use disposable browser sessions to investigate phishing pages, examine suspicious redirects, and observe website behavior without exposing their primary workstations. Some solutions also provide download inspection, file sanitization, and integration with malware analysis tools.

For potentially malicious attachments, protection depends on whether the virtual browsing environment supports the relevant file formats and isolates the applications used to open them. Virtual browsers should not be treated as replacements for dedicated malware sandboxes when analyzing executable files or sophisticated threats.

Giving Contractors and BYOD Users Secure Access to Web Apps

Organizations increasingly rely on contractors, remote employees, and partners who access corporate applications from personally owned or unmanaged devices. Traditional access methods may require installing management agents, issuing company laptops, or granting network-level access through VPNs. Virtual browsers provide an alternative by enabling access to approved web applications through isolated sessions.

Administrators can configure policies that limit what users can do with corporate information. These controls may include blocking downloads, restricting clipboard operations, preventing printing, and controlling file uploads. Combined with single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access, virtual browsers can reduce the risks associated with accessing sensitive applications from unmanaged endpoints.

However, virtual browsers primarily protect activities conducted within their controlled browsing environment. Organizations requiring broader protection for corporate files, desktop applications, and offline workflows may benefit from endpoint-based secure enclaves that isolate the entire work environment without managing the user’s personal device.

Testing Websites on Different Browsers and Older Versions

Development and quality assurance teams use virtual browsers to test websites across multiple browser engines, operating systems, and software versions. Instead of maintaining separate physical devices or installing numerous browser versions locally, teams can access preconfigured testing environments through cloud-hosted platforms.

This approach helps identify differences in page rendering, JavaScript execution, CSS compatibility, and user interface behavior. Testing older browser versions is particularly useful when supporting legacy applications or enterprise customers whose environments have not yet adopted recent browser updates.

Virtual browser testing platforms can also integrate with automated testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines. Developers can execute regression tests across multiple configurations, capture screenshots, and investigate browser-specific failures. Actual browser availability and compatibility depend on the testing platform and its supported operating systems.

Running Non-Attributable Online Investigations

Threat intelligence teams, fraud investigators, and security researchers sometimes need to investigate suspicious websites, criminal infrastructure, or potentially hostile online communities without exposing their organization’s network identity. Virtual browsers can support these investigations by routing browsing activity through isolated infrastructure rather than directly from corporate endpoints.

Depending on the solution, investigators can use controlled network egress points, temporary browser profiles, and disposable sessions to reduce exposure of local IP addresses, browser fingerprints, and persistent tracking data. Separate investigation environments also help prevent cookies, authentication sessions, and downloaded content from crossing into ordinary corporate browsing activities.

However, virtual browsers do not automatically guarantee anonymity. Websites may still identify investigators through browser fingerprinting, authentication information, behavioral patterns, or other tracking techniques. Organizations conducting sensitive investigations should use purpose-built operational security controls, carefully managed identities, and appropriate network configurations to minimize attribution risks.

Limitations of Virtual Browsers

Latency, Video Playback, and Rendering Issues

Cloud-hosted virtual browsers rely on network connectivity to transmit web content and user interactions between remote infrastructure and the endpoint. This introduces additional latency compared to local browsing, particularly when users are geographically distant from hosting servers or experience unstable internet connections. Delays may become noticeable when navigating complex websites, typing into interactive applications, or switching between browser tabs.

Video streaming, web conferencing, and graphics-intensive applications can present additional challenges. Pixel-streaming architectures must continuously transmit rendered content, potentially increasing bandwidth consumption and causing reduced frame rates, visual artifacts, or synchronization problems. Some browser isolation solutions also encounter compatibility issues with advanced web technologies, browser extensions, and applications that require direct access to local hardware.

How to overcome: Organizations can reduce these problems by selecting geographically appropriate hosting regions, testing applications under realistic network conditions, and choosing isolation technologies optimized for multimedia workloads. However, remote browsing may still provide a less responsive experience than local execution for certain applications.

No Protection for Installed Desktop Applications

Virtual browsers primarily isolate activity that occurs within the browser environment. They do not automatically protect locally installed applications such as Microsoft Office, development tools, messaging clients, or specialized business software. If employees download corporate documents and open them outside the isolated browser, those files may no longer be subject to the browser’s security controls.

This limitation also applies to data exchanged through desktop applications, local file synchronization services, and other workflows that bypass the virtual browser. Malware introduced through removable storage, vulnerable desktop software, or compromised local applications can still affect the endpoint independently of browser isolation.

How to overcome: Organizations that need broader protection should combine virtual browsers with endpoint security controls or consider solutions that isolate the entire corporate workspace. Endpoint-based secure enclaves, for example, can enforce policies across supported business applications and files rather than limiting protection to web browsing sessions.

Gaps in Data Loss Prevention on Unmanaged Devices

Virtual browsers can enforce data loss prevention (DLP) policies within controlled browsing sessions, including restrictions on file downloads, uploads, clipboard access, and printing. However, these protections generally apply only to activities that pass through the virtual browser. On unmanaged or personally owned devices, organizations may have limited visibility into applications, local storage, and processes operating outside the isolated environment.

Users may still access sensitive information through unauthorized applications, personal cloud storage, or alternative access paths if corporate resources are not configured to require protected sessions. Even when downloads and copying are disabled, information displayed on screen may be captured using external cameras or other methods beyond the browser’s control. Additionally, browser-based DLP cannot necessarily prevent sensitive information from being transferred through locally installed applications.

How to overcome: To address these gaps, organizations should enforce identity-aware access policies that prevent users from bypassing protected browsing environments. For BYOD and contractor scenarios, endpoint-based secure enclaves can provide broader data protection by isolating supported corporate applications, files, and authentication sessions from personal activity without requiring full device management. These controls should be combined with appropriate DLP policies, access monitoring, and restrictions on unauthorized data transfers.

Best Practices for Deploying Virtual Browsers

Organizations can improve their security using the following virtual browser best practices.

1. Define Which Users, Devices, and Apps Need Isolation

Start by identifying the users, devices, and applications that present the greatest security risks. Employees accessing trusted internal applications from managed corporate devices may require different protections than contractors using personal computers or security analysts investigating suspicious websites. Applying identical isolation policies to every user can introduce unnecessary costs and performance overhead.

Classify users based on:

  • Their roles
  • Access privileges
  • Device ownership
  • The sensitivity of the data they handle

Then determine which websites and applications require browser isolation, which can be accessed through standard browsers, and which need additional protection. High-risk activities, such as accessing unknown websites or handling confidential business information from unmanaged devices, should receive stronger controls.

Use a risk-based deployment model that allows organizations to expand isolation coverage gradually. Pilot the solution with representative user groups and applications before implementing policies across the entire workforce.

2. Enforce Controls on Copy-Paste, Downloads, Printing, and Screenshots

Virtual browsers should enforce data protection policies that limit how sensitive information moves between isolated sessions and endpoint devices. Without these restrictions, users may be able to copy corporate data into personal applications, download confidential documents, or transfer information to unauthorized destinations.

Configure controls according to application sensitivity and user responsibilities. For example, administrators can:

  • Disable clipboard transfers from financial systems
  • Restrict downloads to approved file types
  • Block printing from sensitive applications
  • Prevent file uploads to unapproved websites

Some solutions also offer screenshot restrictions or watermarking, although browser-level controls cannot reliably prevent external photography or all operating-system-level capture methods.

Avoid applying overly restrictive policies to every workflow. Employees may legitimately need to download reports, transfer files, or copy information between approved applications. Use role-based exceptions, file scanning, and audit logging to support authorized activities while reducing data exposure.

3. Integrate with SSO and Zero Trust Access Policies

Virtual browsers should integrate with the organization’s identity and access management infrastructure to ensure that users can access only authorized applications. Single sign-on (SSO) simplifies authentication across corporate services, while multi-factor authentication (MFA) reduces the risk of unauthorized access through stolen credentials.

Apply zero trust principles by evaluating the following before granting access:

  • User identity
  • Device posture
  • Application sensitivity
  • Contextual risk

For example, an employee using a managed laptop may receive standard access to a SaaS application, while a contractor connecting from an unmanaged device may be required to use an isolated browsing session with downloads and clipboard transfers disabled.

Organizations should also configure session timeouts, access revocation, and continuous policy enforcement. Integrating browser activity logs with security information and event management (SIEM) platforms can help security teams identify suspicious access patterns and investigate potential security incidents.

4. Cover Non-Browser Applications on Unmanaged Devices

Browser isolation protects web-based activities but does not automatically secure desktop applications, locally stored documents, or files synchronized outside the browser. This creates potential security gaps when employees and contractors use unmanaged devices to access corporate resources through multiple applications.

Identify workflows that extend beyond browser-based SaaS platforms, including:

  • Document editing
  • Communication tools
  • Development environments
  • Locally installed business applications

Determine whether users need additional protections for corporate files, authentication credentials, and data exchanged between applications. For organizations supporting BYOD and remote contractors, consider endpoint-based secure enclaves that isolate supported work applications and corporate data from the personal environment.

Unlike browser-only isolation, these solutions can apply security policies across a broader workspace while allowing users to work on their existing computers. This approach can reduce reliance on company-issued laptops or full virtual desktop infrastructure while maintaining separation between personal and business activity.

5. Separate Work Activity from Personal Activity to Protect User Privacy

Virtual browser deployments should protect corporate information without unnecessarily exposing employees’ personal browsing activities to organizational monitoring. This is especially important in BYOD environments, where users may be reluctant to install software that gives employers visibility into personal applications, files, or browsing history.

Establish clear boundaries between corporate and personal activity. Security monitoring, session recording, and data protection controls should apply only to designated business applications and resources. Organizations should also define:

  • What activity information is collected
  • How long it is retained
  • Which administrators can access it

Where possible, use technologies that isolate corporate activity without requiring full management of the underlying personal device. Secure workspaces can help organizations enforce policies within the business environment while leaving personal applications and information outside corporate monitoring. Communicate these boundaries clearly to employees and contractors before deployment to support transparency, privacy, and user adoption.

Securing Work Beyond the Virtual Browser with Venn Blue Border®

Venn’s Blue Border® is the secure workspace for remote employees and contractors on any device, without VDI or fully managing the endpoint. Where a virtual or enterprise browser secures only browser-based work, Blue Border creates a company-controlled secure enclave directly on the user’s PC or Mac, protecting everything an employee does for work: browser and desktop apps, files, networking, and AI. Employees keep their normal browser and desktop applications, while all activity outside Blue Border stays private.

Key capabilities of Venn Blue Border®:

  • Coverage for browser and desktop apps: Locally installed applications such as softphones, the Office desktop suite, IDEs, native CRM and ERP clients, and meeting apps run inside the enclave with the same isolation and controls as web apps.
  • One DLP boundary across every app: Copy/paste, download, upload, screenshot, print, and AI controls apply consistently across all web and desktop work apps in the enclave, not just browser tabs.
  • Isolated, encrypted company files: Users save only to work-sanctioned file systems inside Venn Disk, which are isolated, encrypted, and remote wipeable.
  • Network protection for all business activity: Work traffic routes through Venn’s built-in VPN gateway or the organization’s existing private network, extending corporate firewall protection beyond web traffic.
  • AI governance across the enclave: IT allows company-sanctioned AI tools only, in both browser and desktop apps.
  • No browser switching: Employees keep their preferred browser, such as Chrome, and can run it inside and outside the enclave simultaneously, which removes adoption friction and shadow IT workarounds.
  • Secure workspace on any device: Works on managed, unmanaged, and BYOD machines without owning or fully managing them, while personal activity outside the enclave stays private with no company visibility.
  • Simple offboarding: A remote wipe removes the enclave and purges all company data across every app.

Learn more about Venn as an enterprise browser alternative