SlimBoat Web Browser

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on February 10, 2013

We like trying different Web browsers, so when a browser that's actually more than a Chrome or Firefox clone comes along, we're definitely interested. Though it's not radically different in appearance or performance, FlashPeak's lightweight, cross-platform SlimBoat stands out from other browsers by integrating many of the capabilities that the others add on with extensions. It's built on QTWebkit, but all you really need to know is that it's fast and safe. SlimBoat gives up nothing to other browsers when it comes to features and capabilities, either; it inclusdes tons of features such as a form filler, ad and pop-up blockers, a download manager, a YouTube downloader, and integration with Facebook, Twitter, and other social media and Web sites. SlimBoat is free, too, with versions available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The latest release extracts MP3 audio from YouTube downloads and is Windows 8-ready.

SlimBoat can import data from IE, Firefox, or Chrome. In layout and looks, SlimBoat resembles other modern browsers, nearly all of which use those design elements that work best, such as tabs and bookmark toolbars. SlimBoat also takes design cues from other browsers, such as Netscape's draggable toolbars (and even the little dots like finger grips). But we could change a lot about SlimBoat's looks from the View menu, including its Application style, and from the Settings dialog box. And SlimBoat doesn't just go with the flow, either. It's got plenty of nice touches of its own, like an integrated display of local weather conditions that we enabled and configured by clicking Weather in the Settings. SlimBoat offers a plethora of other options, plus tools such as the Ad Blocker and Popup Blocker. We could translate languages and change the interface language from the Languages menu, though the languages pack is an optional download for those who want to save space.

SlimBoat is a speedy craft. It launches and loads very quickly and handles well in direct comparisons with other browsers, though it couldn't beat the current champ, Chrome, in bandwidth tests. In real-world Web browsing, though, SlimBoat feels distinctly crisp and fast. Slimboat has earned its place in our browser fleet.