How to use multiple browsers on Windows without going crazy

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On a Windows PC it is very common to have multiple browsers installed and open at the same timeOne for work, another for leisure, perhaps another for tests or to separate accounts. What many people aren't clear on is how to use them in an organized way, without going crazy with tabs. profilesGoogle or Amazon sessions and accounts that get mixed up with each other.

Furthermore, browsers have evolved so much that we can now use browser profiles, containers, workspaces and site-specific browsers to create truly separate “environments”: one for your main business, another for your second project, another for your personal life… and all within the same Windows, without conflicts and maintaining a good level of privacy.

Is it good to have multiple browsers on Windows?

The first thing that needs to be clarified is that Having different browsers installed on Windows does not consume resources By itself. What uses up memory and CPU is having them open at the same time, with many tabs and extensions loaded, but the mere act of installing them doesn't slow down your PC.

As for compatibility, you can rest assured: Modern browsers are designed to coexist seamlessly. on the same operating system. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera…they all work independently, without interfering with each other, very different from what happens with some antivirus programs that can generate conflicts.

This opens the door to some very convenient combinations. For example, it's quite common to use Chrome for work and office tasksFirefox for more personal and private browsing, and reserve a third-party browser like Brave or Edge for specific tasks, such as blocking trackers or taking advantage of integration with Microsoft services.

If you want to go a step further and completely separate accounts and sessions, you can combine several different browsers with internal profiles within each one, so that each context (company 1, company 2, personal life) has its own space, cookies, history and access to Google, Amazon, social networks, etc.

Separate accounts and contexts: profiles, containers, and spaces

One of the biggest headaches is when you need use multiple Google, Amazon, or social media accounts at the same timeMany browsers share the same session between windows, so if you log in with one Gmail account, the same account will appear in another window of the same browser without giving you an easy option to change it.

To manage scenarios like “two businesses + personal use” on the same device, the ideal is to combine browser profiles, containers, and, in some cases, site-specific browsersThis way you can have three completely separate spaces, each with its own Gmail, Drive, Amazon, etc., without them overlapping.

If you've been using Firefox and Brave side-by-side, but would like centralize it in a single browser with multiple workspacesYou might be interested in features such as: multiple profiles, tab containers, workspaces, or site-specific browser support (SSB), which allow you to treat each website as if it were a separate application.

The idea is simple: instead of constantly logging in and out of your Google account, you can isolate each account in its own profile or containerand switch from one to another with a couple of clicks or even have them all open at the same time in different windows.

Privacy is also important to consider. These tools help you keep things well separated. History, cookies, and cross-context trackersThis reduces the cross-referencing of data between your personal life, your work activity, and the tools you use for testing or social media.

Firefox, Brave, Arc, Zen… pros and cons in everyday use

If you're looking for a single browser for your daily routine that's stable, fast, and has several separate "bubbles" inside, you've probably considered Firefox as the primary option because it syncs well with Android and offers very powerful privacy-focused add-ons.

The problem is that, although Firefox has tools like Containers or ProfilesSometimes managing multiple accounts can require more clicks than we'd like, and it's not always as simple as having three completely different browsers running in parallel.

Many users have tried alternatives like Arc, praised for its design and modern approach. However, they have found that Arc doesn't always keep sessions and profiles completely isolated.For example, logging into Gmail on one profile might end up logging you in with the same account on another, and furthermore, Google sessions might be lost when you close the browser, forcing you to constantly log in.

Another recent proposal is Zen, which promises a host of advanced features: workspaces, pinned tabs, themes, and customizationsIn practice, at least according to some experiences, many of these features still seem immature: pinned tabs that disappear or jump from one space to another, themes that can be installed but not activated correctly, and color changes that don't fully take effect.

In this context, sometimes the most sensible option is not to complicate things and go back to a Firefox “classic” properly configuredIt is prepared to handle multiple accounts using its native tools, specific add-ons, or by combining it with other browsers when necessary.

The problem of shared sessions and GhostBrowser's solution

One of the major drawbacks of modern browsers is that All windows share the same sessionIf you access an online tool with one user and want to simultaneously log in with a different account to the same service, you usually only have four rather limited alternatives.

The first step is to open a incognito mode or private browsingThis gives you, at most, two simultaneous sessions (normal and incognito), but if you need three, four, or more, it won't work. The second option is to use another different web browserIt might be okay if you're only working with two or three accounts, but if you're testing an application and need many sessions at once, it's a hassle.

You can also simply log out of your current session and log back in with another user, but You lose the ability to have two accounts open at the same timeAnd finally, in Chrome you can create multiple users or profiles and switch between them, although this can become tedious on a daily basis if you have to be constantly switching between them.

To all this is added an extra drawback: every time you log in to your account on many platforms, a login notification emailFor security reasons. Services like Twitter send notifications every time you log in, so if you're constantly logging in and out, your inbox will fill up with messages that don't add much value.

Interestingly, veteran browsers like Internet Explorer were already aware of this need years ago and had a menu option called “New session”When executed, it opened a completely independent window that did not share cookies, session state, or temporary data with the rest, allowing multiple users to operate comfortably and simultaneously.

Current desktop browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc.) don't include such a straightforward feature by default. And this is where a very specific and useful tool comes into play: GhostBrowserdesigned precisely for these types of cases.

GhostBrowser presents itself with the slogan of “No more logging in and out, no more multiple browsers, no more multiple profilesIt allows you to create different tab groups, each with its own completely independent browsing session, and distinguishes them with colors. This way you can have, for example, four tab groups, each with its own distinct Twitter, Gmail, or other website user.

In addition to opening isolated sessions, GhostBrowser allows you to save what they call “Projects”These are sets of pages and configurations that you can reopen all at once when you need them. This greatly speeds up switching between environments, especially if you manage multiple client accounts or test different configurations of the same application.

GhostBrowser's technical basis is Chromium, so It's compatible with almost everything you already use in Chrome.including extensions and plugins. You won't have to give up your usual productivity tools, ad blockers, password managers, or developer plugins.

The program is especially useful if you often have multiple accounts for the same service open at the same timeMultiple Twitter accounts, different users on the same SaaS application, multiple administration panels, etc. This is very practical for profiles such as developers, social media managers, testers, account managers, or anyone who works with many simultaneous logins.

GhostBrowser is currently offered in beta and features a Free version that allows up to 3 simultaneous sessionsFor those who need more (up to 15, with plans to increase the limit), there's a monthly subscription option. For most users who only need to separate a couple of businesses and a personal profile, the free version is usually sufficient.

Regarding compatibility, GhostBrowser It works on Windows and macOSAnd it's also planned for Linux. If you primarily work in Windows, it's a useful tool to have in reserve when the usual solutions of profiles and incognito windows fall short.

Open multiple home pages in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

Beyond sessions and accounts, another detail that greatly improves convenience is configuring multiple home pages to open automatically every time you start your browser. This way you don't have to open each of your usual websites one by one, or type the same addresses every time.

Think about your routine: corporate email, company intranet, management tools, maybe a messaging platform, and some statistics websites. If all of that opens just by launching your browser, You save a few clicks and minutes every morning, especially if you spend many hours in front of the computer.

Most users save their daily websites to bookmarks or favorites, or simply type the URL each day. However, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all allow configure a set of home tabs which is launched automatically when you open a new browser window.

Configure multiple homepages in Google Chrome

In Chrome, the process is simple. First, open a browser window and go to the menu. ConfigurationWithin the "When opening the browser" section you will see several options; you have to select the one that says “Open a specific page or set of pages”.

When you select it, the link “Set pagesClicking this will open a pop-up window where you can add, one by one, all the addresses you want to appear every time you start Chrome. You can include your email, your project manager, your intranet, etc.

If you also want the tab to open Chrome appsSimply add the internal address chrome://apps as another page within that list. This way, you'll have a tab ready with your installed applications every time you launch the browser.

When you've finished adding all the websites, click OK, close Chrome, and reopen it. If everything has been set up correctlyYou should see one tab for each home page you've defined, without needing to touch anything else.

Configure multiple home pages in Mozilla Firefox

Firefox also allows you to configure multiple startup tabs, and it does so in a slightly different way. You must go to the main menu and enter the Browser optionsOnce inside, in the left column, select the "General" section, where the most basic options are grouped.

In the right panel you will find the block dedicated to the Firefox homepage and startup behaviorIn the "When Firefox starts" dropdown menu, you need to select the "Show my home page" option to tell the browser that you want to use a custom setting.

Just below you'll see the "Homepage" field. That's where you should enter the addresses of the websites you want to open first, but with one important detail: Each URL must be separated by the symbol “|” (vertical bar)For example: www.site1.com|www.site2.com|www.site3.com.

Once you've saved the changes, close Firefox and reopen it. If everything is written correctly, As many tabs as you have defined will automatically open.If any URL is incorrect, simply correct the text in the homepage field and repeat the process.

Configure multiple home pages in Microsoft Edge

In Microsoft Edge, which comes integrated with Windows 10 and later versions, the process is similar. You must open a browser window and go to the menu. Configuration, usually accessible from the three-dot icon in the top corner.

Within Settings, look for the "Open with" section or the one dedicated to startup behavior. There you should choose the option “Specific page or pages”, indicating that you don't want a single default page, but a custom set.

By choosing that option, you will see that a field is enabled for “Write a web addressand a button with the “+” symbol. Enter the URL of the website you want as your homepage and press the “+” to add it to the list. Repeat the process for as many addresses as you need.

Once you've added all the sites, close Edge and reopen it. You should see one tab for each configured homepageIf you want to modify or delete any, just go back to Settings and edit the address list.

Site-Specific Browsers (SSB): Turn websites into apps

In a context of continuous multitasking, with dozens of tabs open, it can be very difficult to maintain focus. That's where the site-specific browsers or SSB (Site-Specific Browsers), which turn a specific website (Gmail, Slack, Notion, etc.) into a kind of isolated desktop application.

The idea is simple: an SSB is an application that opens just one website (or a few related ones) in a dedicated windowWithout bookmark bars, dozens of tabs, and with a cleaner interface. This way, your Gmail, Slack, or management tool behaves like a standalone program, with its own icon and its own space in the taskbar.

This has several advantages: on the one hand, it helps your concentration by reduce distractions and clearly separate contexts (work vs. personal), and on the other hand you can run multiple accounts or instances of the same app in different windows, which is very useful if you manage several projects or clients.

Furthermore, these SSBs are usually integrated with the operating system: Native notifications, custom icons, shortcuts, offline support In some cases, it also provides an extra level of privacy, since the cookies and data of each app are isolated from the rest of the general browser.

There are many tools that allow you to create and manage SSBs on both macOS and Windows, and each offers a different approach, from very lightweight solutions integrated into the browsers themselves to advanced applications with cloud synchronization and complex workspaces.

WebCatalog Desktop: Advanced SSB on Windows, macOS, and Linux

WebCatalog Desktop is one of the most powerful solutions if you want Turn your favorite websites into desktop applications and manage them by workspaces. It works on macOS, Windows, and Linux, so you can maintain a similar experience across multiple computers.

What's interesting about WebCatalog is that it has a integrated catalog of thousands of web applications (email, productivity, social media, business tools, etc.), which you can install like apps, and also support custom websites. Each one opens in its own window, with independent settings.

WebCatalog includes advanced features such as spaces and subspacesThese are designed to organize multiple accounts for the same service or separate environments (work, personal, specific projects). They also offer privacy-focused isolation (sandboxing), preventing cookies and data from one app from mixing with those of another.

Another advantage is that it incorporates cloud syncThis allows you to keep your apps and spaces configured the same way across different devices. It also offers ad and tracker blocking, and lets you protect apps with a password or Touch ID (on compatible devices), adding an extra layer of security.

Points to note: WebCatalog does not support standard browser extensions, and The free version imposes limits on the number of apps or storage spaces that you can create. If you need many, you'll have to consider one of their payment options.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) integrated into your browser

The Progressive Web Applications (PWA) They are the lightest and most direct way to have something similar to a single-server server (SSB) without installing additional software. Browsers like Chrome, Edge, and, to some extent, Firefox allow you to "install" compatible websites as if they were applications, with their own icon and separate window.

Among their advantages is that they are completely free and native to the browserYou don't need to download third-party tools: the website simply needs to offer PWA support and the browser needs to detect it to pin it to the desktop or start menu.

However, PWAs have some limitations. customization is usually less common In solutions like WebCatalog or GhostBrowser, workflows with multiple accounts are often more complex to manage. Furthermore, not all websites implement all PWA capabilities, so the experience can vary considerably from site to site.

If you want something fast, free, and with minimal impact on your system, PWAs are a good first approach. If you find they lack features, you can always move on to more comprehensive tools later.

Other macOS-focused SSB tools

macOS offers a whole ecosystem of applications designed for creating single-server builds (SSBs) with various approaches. Some aren't available on Windows, but it's worth exploring them to understand the big picture and, if you work in mixed environments, to evaluate what you use on each platform.

Coherence is a tool that allows create SSB using Chrome, Brave, Edge or Opera as the engineIts main advantage is its support for browser extensions, single- or multi-tab modes, and advanced rules for managing URLs. Its weakness is its reliance on third-party browsers, which can somewhat compromise stability and fine-tuning of the environment.

Unite, for its part, generates lightweight SSBs on WebKit, with a very deep integration into macOSFeatures include compact windows, menu bar mode, ad blocking, and options to inject custom CSS. On the downside, it doesn't support extensions and may cause problems with websites primarily optimized for Chromium.

Fluid is a veteran solution that also uses WebKit to transform any website into a desktop app. It's very simple and lightweight, with some additional options unlockable in the paid version (Fluid Pro), such as user scripts or menu bar apps. Its interface is somewhat outdated and doesn't always play well with highly complex modern web applications.

Boxy Suite focuses exclusively on Google services: Gmail, Calendar, Keep, and Contacts. It offers a polished, native Mac experience, with features like Minimal Mode, a quick launcher, and automatic dark mode syncing. Its major limitation is that It only works for the Google ecosystem.

Finally, Flotato takes an ultra-lightweight approach, using mobile versions of websites to minimize CPU and RAM usage. It's ideal for simple tasks, but not designed for complex workflows or scenarios with many tabs or advanced features.

Choosing the best browser combination on Windows

With all of the above on the table, the key lies in intelligently combine browsers, profiles, containers, and SSB depending on your actual needs. If you just want to separate work and personal, two browsers (for example, Chrome for work and Firefox for personal use) with several homepages configured in each will probably suffice.

If you manage multiple companies, projects, or clients and need many simultaneous accounts, solutions like these come into play. GhostBrowser or WebCatalogThis, along with the use of PWAs for very specific applications, allows you to have different Gmail, Amazon, Slack, Notion, etc., open simultaneously without mixing sessions.

For those who prioritize privacy and speed, it makes sense to opt for browsers focused on data protection (Firefox, Brave) and reinforce them with containers, tracker-blocking extensions, and well-separated sessions. Arc and Zen may be interesting for the future, but today many users perceive that they still lack maturity in fine-tuning profile management and stability.

It's also important to monitor the impact on resources: the more browsers and SSB servers you have open, The higher the usage, the more RAM and CPU will be consumed.It's fine to have many installed, but it's a good idea to close the ones you're not using at the moment and check which extensions you have active in each one to avoid duplication and unnecessary slowness.

Ultimately, Windows offers many possibilities To work with multiple browsers, profiles, and site-specific apps without overcomplicating things. By combining the native features of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge with tools like GhostBrowser, WebCatalog, and PWAs, it's possible to create a very convenient environment for every account, project, or business. Have your own private workspace to work in an organized, productive, and private environment..