Do you remember the horrific scene in the movie Halloween when Michael Myers (butcher knife in hand) is following Jamie Lee Curtis down the dark street? Yeah, the one where he’s slowing gaining ground on her as she’s trying to run away?
Somehow I think that Mozilla is starting to feel that way about it’s web browser Firefox, as Google Chrome is inching it’s way closer.
In order to test that hypothesis, I decided to open up Google Analytics and research the last 18 months of StudioPress traffic. Here is what I found:
Interesting Results, What Do You Think?
Some things to consider… I choose StudioPress because in my world, that provides the largest sample I could use. Over the past 18 months, StudioPress has received 4,173,988 visitors, with 23,040,757 page views. Plenty big, in my opinion.
I realize that sampling StudioPress (for my experiment) is specifically calling out the tech niche, and that others such as education, might have significantly different results.
But as you can see, the trends for modern browser usage on StudioPress tell a very obvious tale – Google Chrome is easily closing in on Mozilla Firefox in terms of overall use.
My History With Firefox and Chrome
I have been using have used Mozilla Firefox for many years now – in fact, I’d have to say it’s been well over 5 years. I loved it – the way a parent loves a child.
However, a few months ago, I decided to give Google Chrome a try since “everyone else was using it” in the developer community. Part of me felt like the poor step child by using Firefox, but it had some add-ons I felt I could live without.
But that changed recently when I gave Chrome another go, as the extensions they offered were now comparable (and often superior) than the ones I had used in Firefox.
And with all good things, they must come to an end. So long Firefox, it’s been a great few years. We’ve had some wonderful memories, but it’s time to move on.
Google Chrome and the Extensions I Use
Aside from faster web browsing that I experience (and thoroughly enjoy) with Google Chrome, I have a few extensions that I can’t live without. Not many, but the ones I use save me time and quite a bit of sanity.
Amont those include Delicious Tools, New Tab Redirect, RSS Subscription Extension (by Google) and Screen Capture (by Google).
So, what about you? Are you using Firefox or Chrome? Which add-ons or extensions?
Discuss below by leaving a comment…
There’s a great possibility. I am actually using chrome and facebook photo theater killer. Any recommendation for a useful extension?
Hm, never tried Facebook photo theater killer – what does it do?
As for a useful extension, I’d recommend the Google Plus one – as in, over Facebook.
It only disabled the Theater Photo Viewer. I will try that Google Plus One. Thanks for the recommendation.
Brian – nice post… I like your chart showing the convergence of the two browsers. There is some definite trending going on there!! I’ve used chrome since day 1. The speed has always impressed me tremendously (startup especially too is significant). Thanks for the screen capture reminder. I had heard that before and just installed and tested now. It works great. I love the right-click > “inspect” option in chrome too. As you are developing a page, you can test your CSS updates live, e.g. position of element nudging. I use that all the time! thanks for your great post!
Completely agree – I do wish the Screen Capture extension would have copy to clipboard as an option. And if Chrome could have a “right click view background image” feature, it’d be lights out.
RE Screen Capture to clipboard — I assume you’re wanting a clipboard option in the primary interface, since it *does* offer the option to send the image to the clipboard after you’ve got your capture via the triangle button next to the Close button.
Yes – that is what I want. However, I think this is only a PC option, right? Last I checked when I Googled this, folks said that the Mac version didn’t offer a copy to clipboard.
And I’m certainly not going back to a PC for this. Which is, of course, another post.
Ah, well – bonus for us PC folks…
oooo…. view background image would be tremendous!
+1 to that, easily.
Heh, speaking of which – I need to add a +1 button on my blog. Thanks Nick, for letting me remind myself of that.
it’s what I do… stimulating brain function since 1983.
the “resources” tab of the right click “inspect” is useful at times… you can dig into the frames > [source.htm] > images list to scroll through images on a page in an easy to see format (but you prob knew that already…)
Yeah, I do – but it’s a number of steps I don’t particularly like to take. One clicking to see the background image is what I’d *really* like from Chrome.
I’d switch to Chrome except for one issue. The sidebar, in Firefox I can have the sidebar open on my widescreen desktop and have my Twitter feed sat there. I use my web browser for most of the day, so having my Twitter feed right there is very handy. I’m using the Yoono extension for managing my Twitter feeds. Can’t live without that, so I’ll stick with Firefox until Chrome can offer a suitable substitute.
Interesting case you have with the sidebar. Personally, I did away with sidebars once I realized I could put my favorites in a (very non-obtrusive) horizontal bar below the address bar. I’m sure we all have those wishlist items that would make us change. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before Google addresses those one by one.
O yes it will!!! Unless Firefox figures out a way on how to prevent crashing…
I’m actually experiencing that with Chrome every now and then, but nothing like with Firefox. To me, it’s the difference between riding in a Ford Escort and a Lexus.
I think for me the biggest thing I like about Chrome over Firefox is the “Inspect Element” functionality. I’m sure there’s a Firefox extension that would add that in, but having it right there in Chrome makes my coding life a lot easier.
Plus, for me, the speed increase is SO noticeable.
John – I used to use Firebug in Firefox, and went kicking and screaming as I was SO used to that. However, Chrome Developer Tools (ie. Inspect Element) is just as good, if not better. I’m pretty sure there’s a Firebug Lite extension for Chrome, but it is…. light.
I switched to Chrome from IE a while back ( I’ve used FireFox, but honestly I never had the “issues” so many people seem to have with IE) and I haven’t looked back. I switched mostly because of the extensions. I use Instapaper, Bitly, Diigo (bookmarking) and Evernote. (And now the RSS one you mentioned above!)
IE… oh, make me shutter.
Speaking of what you use Mike – if you used IE, is it safe to assume that you’re still running PC/Windows? If so, any particular reason (as a developer) that you’re not going Mac?
Most of the world still uses Windows, so why run (and be disappointed when you see it) a virtual desktop for Windows when you can run it natively, and know that 99% of the time Mac users will be seeing your roughly rendered fonts and site in an even better rendering
I’d love to see a % split of who’s on Windows vs. Mac – I’d bet it’s closer than you think, with a trend similar to that of Firefox and Chrome.
Your SP analytics may well show you that, but again, those stats will be skewed – who other than designers, video bods and other creatives use Macs? Certainly a much lower percentage to all those home family PCs.
You need to walk into a Starbucks in the United States. I’d say at least half the people hanging out there have Macs.
I absolutely love chrome, been using it since they launched the Mac version. Had a few hiccups in the beginning, but I’m to the point now that I feel dirty when I have to open up Firefox. The same way I do now with Google + and Facebook.
Extensions: Window Resizer, LastPass, MegaButton, Surplus (Google+), Screen Capture, FB Photo Zoom.
I too waived a fond farewell to FireFox as my primary browser, but I still use it regularly for two reasons:
1. FireFTP – Great FTP client
2. FireBug – Perhaps the only way a hack like me can do any sort of CSS design
If only these two extensions were available in Chrome (FireBug lite doesn’t cut it).
I do like the Chrome extensions SEO Site Tools and IE Tab, however. Very useful.
Jason – I suggest you using Chrome Developer Tools – it’s pretty much the same thing as Firebug, very intuitive and accomplishes the same thing.
Like you I have been a Firefox die-hard for over five years (my husband probably longer) and have converted many people too but this past year it seemed like I was doing nothing but complaining. Mostly because I couldn’t use the bloody thing — I had to constantly restart my computer to get it to work until finally it just stopped working all together and I had no choice but to move to Chrome. It didn’t take long to get used to it and the extensions etc which are similar in many ways but I still find myself rooting for the little guy. I was able to get another Firefox update on my computer to go back to using Firefox (I probably won’t do another update for some time LOL) but I still have Chrome on my desktop should it start acting up again or if I find it a little sluggish. I’m just not ready to give up on it all together. Sad, I know.
I’d encourage you to dedicate an entire month to using Chrome, and see how it goes. That’s what I did, and to be honest – when I went back to Firefox, it felt out of place in my life.
One of the biggest reasons I left Firefox, were that I wanted to use version 4, which quickly became 5, and not many of my add-ons were supported, but Chrome had extensions for.
I have been using browsers for 15 years. I started with Netscape, then Explorer, then Netscape, then Firefox, and now Chrome. I use no plugins.
Assuming your move from Firefox to Chrome was a pleasant one?
Yep. I love its simplicity and its speed. I love that everything is integrated into the browser. I love the incognito mode.
I should point out that I used Safari for a brief period.
I’m use Chrome by default now, as Firefox just ran so memory and processor heavy on my computer, even with complete uninstalls and reinstalls.
My extensions:
FB Photo Zoom (and as of today, +Photo Zoom)
AdBlock (same as Firefox)
Eye Dropper (like Colorzilla for Firefox)
Google Analytics Opt-out
Keep My Opt-Outs
Microformats for Google Chrome (bit like Operator for Firefox)
Page Speed (like for Firebug)
Schema Explorer (picks out microdata)
Webpage Screenshot (an alternative screen capture extension)
YSlow (like for Firebug)
What I like about Chrome, is that if I really need ever last ounce of memory, I can easily disable the ones I don’t need at any particular moment, without having to restart.
I think now that Firefox has ramped up it’s release rate, then for those who don’t have memory issues with it, they may decide to stick with it than use Chrome.
Hi Brian
Interesting results.
“So, what about you? Are you using Firefox or Chrome?”
Most people here in the UK use IE as I do myself.
After looking throught the Studiopress forum and noticing how many of your developers use Firefox, I started using it as a second browser.
Also fell in love with Firebug – is there a Chrome extension as good as Firebug?
Notice that Gary J is using Chrome – perhaps I will have to think about moving over to the dark side, Chrome. LOL
Keith – Chrome has the Inspector (the Firebug equivalent) already built in.
I’d disagree that “most” people in the UK use IE – there’s such a wide range of people (as anywhere), that it’s easy to get a biased view – most of the UK bods I know (including my not-so-techy parents) use anything but IE.
Thanks for the info on the built in inspector Gary.
I’ll give it a run out.
I think you’re right about the “biased view”.
Easy to form an opinion withour real figures to back it up.
BTW – can’t believe that your parents are non – techy.
Probably part of the Genesis development team. LOL
I use chrome, but some websites aren’t compatible with it, so I’m stuck with firefox for those sites. Unless I come across an extension to help me get around that.
Hm, what kind of sites can’t Google Chrome access? Seems strange that it wouldn’t render.
Chrome (using Webkit) tends to support more sites better, if they are doing things correctly – there’s very few bugs that appear in edge cases in both Chrome and Firefox, compared to say, CSS issues with previous versions of IE.
Brian, I know how you feel. I still use FF as my work-horse browser, there’s lots of addons that can slow it down a little. And use Chrome for my everyday stuff I need to breeze through. I’m sure one day EI will catch up but it’s really not in their interest to be on par with browsers competing for the future.
I tried (very briefly) doing the 2 browser thing, but that came to a quick end. Right now, I’m using Chrome 99% of the time.
Firefox is dead, but dying a slow death. Without the help of the dev community, it will continue to suffer.
Here’s another great snapshot of the fall of IE and Firefox and the rise of Chrome: http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp
Have you tried the Evernote extension? Code snipping just got a lot easier! Hootsuite also has a great extension.
John
Excellent find in the link John, thanks for dropping that. As for Evernote, nope – never tried it, but I’m guessing I should, eh?
Nice article
Chrome, IE, Safari, and Firefox would be a good slicer and then possibly by PCs vs. Smartphones.
I would love to know the breakout for users who hit google.com. Think they’ll publish it?
Firefox has been my preference for development but every release seems to get slower and slower which is a source of frustration. I currently use Firefox for FireBug, but use Chrome for working on my websites. Might have to make a full switch to Chrome thank to some of the suggestions of extensions here.
I hear you loud and clear on the slowness with each update. I just surfed around a few minutes ago on Firefox, and it felt like I was on dialup.
One of the reasons I put off switching to Chrome was Firebug, but I find the native developer tool panel in Chrome is quite robust now and comparable to Firebug. It does everything I used Firebug for.
That’s exactly what happened to me… a while back, I gave Chrome a try – and felt Firebug Lite, was like I said, light.
Once I got into Chrome Developer Tools, I realized it was just the same, and better than what I was using.
I’ve used FF for as long as I can remember but because you recommended it I thought I should give it a go. I was amazed how simple it was to install the 1password addon and how well it works (an addon I couldn’t do without).
I also could instantly tell that Chrome is faster…
I just dragged FF off the dock and it disappeared into a little puff of smoke…RIP
Hey Steve – I love it man, and give you props for nuking it off your dock. I still have it in mine, as for some reason I can’t do the action of “poofing” it off my screen.
Just yet, at least.
I join the discussion to say that I am also convinced that Chrome will definitely overtake Firefox soon. About the “View background image” feature there is an extension that does just that: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/knnjokagadbonknppgkjgjpiolcijbmg
If Chrome would get a solid FTP client, I would use it 100% of the time. FireFTP is just too good. But as it stands, I guess 99% of the time will just have to do.
Have you ever tried using Transmit? That’s FTP client is the shizzle…
Or Filezilla, for pretty much all OSes.
Here, here, strong verb on Filezilla.
Oh wow! Transmit does look sweet. I already use and love Coda..this will be an easy purchase.
Those are the two that I use – and love them both!
OMG TRANSMIT IS THE BEST THING EVER. Goodbye FF!
Wow! I wrote something similar yesterday http://www.hacksparrow.com/i-am-officially-switching-to-google-chrome-from-mozilla-firefox.html
I hope Mozilla takes notice of articles such as these and fix things before Firefox meets a sad end. To me, Chrome has already overtaken Firefox.
using opera here i just love this ui and dragonfly nothing else to say :>
Hm, been a while since I’ve even used Opera – you prefer that over Chrome?
I’ve been using Chrome since the day it was made publicly available — and that was the end of using FF… until yesterday, that is.
The Web Developer add-on for FF is (so far) superior to the same extension for Chrome. So, until there are improvements to the Chrome version, FF is where I live when in “dev-mode”.
Interesting that you say that Brian, because most of the developers I know much prefer Google’s Developer Tools over Firefox and Firebug.
I’m developing for enterprise and I sometimes specify Google Chrome as a “requirement” to access my web app
Hi Brian,
I moved to Chrome about six months ago and I too am really liking what I see. Only problem is that I can’t get pages to load. I don’t have this problem with Firefox or any of my other browsers running on Linux. I have gone through several updates with Chrome and this has failed to resolve the issue. Running 64 gig of Ram ain’t the problem and no matter how many tabs I have open the same problem continues. Any ideas ? I’ve ask Father Google, but have gotten nowhere with that.
You know as a web developer, you have to have a bazillion browsers on your system, so that you can view what your work looks like over several platforms. The problem of loading pages is never so bad in the other browsers as it is with Chrome.
I know I’m just a setting or tweak away, but just can’t put my finger or mouse on it.
Hi Brian,
I started using Chrome not too long after it came out. I started having issues with FireFox on certain websites and Chrome came to the rescue. At this point, I use Chrome about 90% of the time and still use FireFox for the other 10% but less and less.
Same story here Doug, though I use Firefox *maybe* 1% of the time now.
For me it isn’t a question of Chrome versus Firefox. It’s a debate of Chrome versus Safari.
Firefox seems bulky. Apart from testing Web design, I don’t use it.
So here’s the REAL reason for leaving this comment …
What application did you use to make that graphic? I absolutely LOVE it!
I used Photoshop Elements to make the graphic… then a little help from Google Images, and was ready to go.
Bummer haha. I was hoping you were using a slick program. Guess I’ll have to stick to Photoshop.
I’m surprised you referred to Google though. It’d be a cinch making the graphics in Photoshop … wouldn’t it?
Photoshop Elements is Adobe… it’s simply Photoshop scaled down for people like me.
Okay, I’ll confess something. I’m using Photoshop Elements too. Haha.
But you can make those types of graphis in PE.
So who makes all these slick graphics around here? Ralph?
I love Firefox and it would be a shame to see it sink below Chrome. Don’t get me wrong, Chrome is a good web browser and it would be second on my list of preferred web browsers. For some reason, I just feel that Firefox is better.
I used to think this way until I started using Chrome for everything. Even as a developer, I found that Chrome just had better tools, and I even tried giving Firefox a second chance a week or so ago.
Short and sweet – I got Chrome the instant when it came out. I got it even 5 minutes before our localized version was available. I didn’t know that Chrome would be available in many different languages right from the start and so I downloaded it from Google.com as soon as it was released.
The only thing I miss that firefox had is the videodownloadhelper extension. So I use FF only to download videos sometimes. If anybody happens to know about a Chrome extension that does the same I’d love to hear it.
I bet it won’t take long for a similar extension in Chrome to be added, that will be comparable to the one you’re using in Firefox.
I use Opera. And it handles 50+ tabs open at any given time with ease. I also can’t imagine living without the Speed Dial.
PS: I’m not using Chrome because I don’t want to hand over my entire internet browsing experience to Google. It already tracks my searches… more than enough.
In next two years chrome will be having more users than the firefox. Google is a big thing
When i first started using Chrome i missed firebug but now sense I’ve got used too using “Inspect Element” i don’t even like firebug anymore.
Have you tried the Pendule developer extension for chrome? Its my favorite extension for chrome, I use it all the time.
I’ve been using Firefox for quite a few years now and I’m pretty happy with it. But I have been hearing a lot about Google Chrome, so I think I might check it out.
The main features of Firefox that I use are AdBlocker and Firebug. I’ll have to do some research to see if Chrome has a Firebug-like option.
Even if I don’t end up using Chrome, I’ll always be grateful for how much it has reduced the amount of IE users in the world.
Hi Brian, I use the following chrome extensions
- Page Rank
- Mail Checker Plus for Google Mail
- Mashable
- Cricinfo
- Seomator SEO
- Color Picker 0.9
- Window Resizer
- Read It Later
- Search by Image (Google)