Solved MxNitro - The Fastest Browser I Have Ever Used!

Kari

Old geek, new tricks
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I have grown to like the Maxthon browser, it has many features which are missing from other browsers. As any other browser with loads of add-ons and extras it can be a bit slow sometimes, other than that it has served me well.

When Maxthon announced their ultra light minimalistic "stripped down to the bone" browser MxNitro I simply had to try it. I have used it now for a few days, being all the time more and more impressed: it is lightning fast! Maxthon compares it to Chrome 37, claiming MxNitro is 30% faster. I have used both and I must say I believe what Maxthon says.

Mxnitro is really stripped down. No extensions or add-ons, no ad-blockers, no settings user can change, really simplified user interface. The home page is Google.com, speed dial offers 9 pre-set sites, these cannot be changed. MAxthon says MxNitro is now in beta although the downloadable installer has version number 1.0.0.500 Alpha. It is currently available for Windows only, but as Maxthon browser has versions also for Android, iOS and MacOSX I am sure other OS versions of MxNitro will be available quite soon.

MxNitro home page view:

2014-09-16_10h00_08.png

Simplified UI:

2014-09-16_10h03_25.png


  1. Back button
  2. Copy current URL / Paste copied URL and go
  3. Speed dial with 9 pre-set sites
  4. Only Home and Favorites buttons visible, even the Minimize / Restore / Close buttons are hidden and visible only when mouse over

For those needing something more, try the full version, the Maxthon browser. I like it very much and have used it as my main browser, although the speed and simplicity of MxNitro makes me wonder if I really need the extras of Maxthon or should I change the extras for speed of MxNitro.

Examples of those extras in full Maxthon browser I mentioned above:

Split screen browsing mode:

2014-09-16_10h10_06.png

Media pop-up:

2014-09-16_10h13_02.png

2014-09-16_10h15_40.png


Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Thanks for the info. I just tried it and compared it on a couple of random sites, with Chrome, which I have installed. No doubt, it is a shade faster. No reason NOT to use it really. The speed for most users, is good enough for the average user with IE or chrome, or.... but for the purist - yes - faster.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
discussion of the advantages (or performance improvement due to the lack thereof) of ad-blocking is not encouraged on this site.

In fact you probably shouldn't. If it was my site I'd ban you for mentioning it (unless I woke up in a really good mood).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
discussion of the advantages (or performance improvement due to the lack thereof) of ad-blocking is not encouraged on this site.

In fact you probably shouldn't. If it was my site I'd ban you for mentioning it (unless I woke up in a really good mood).
Excuse me? I mentioned ad-blockers once, in this sentence: "Mxnitro is really stripped down. No extensions or add-ons, no ad-blockers, no settings user can change, really simplified user interface."

In which way counts that as discussing ad-blockers? Quite the contrary, in my post I told I like the MxNitro because of its simplicity, because of what's stripped away.

An old post of mine from Seven Forums to show my stand regarding this subject:

I have reported this to Failblog, last time today but also earlier with no response. I have a ticket number from them.

Important to notice before someone mentions I should use an ad blocker: I am strictly against ad blocking. Informative advertising which does not steal focus or make the browsing experience annoying is welcome to my browser and display. I know a lot of people who get their living from advertising on their blogs and sites and want to support that kind of honest income. Advertising can and should be undisturbing, follow accepted moral and ethic codes.


Take our own Seven Forums as an example: John can offer us over quarter million members an ad free superior place to hang out, thanks for the guest users who will receive some ads. Sounds weird but we members can thank Internet advertising for letting us to enjoy Seven Forums. As a guest user you can still browse the forums, the ads a guest sees are not steling the focus nor are they trying to force you to install malware.


Failblog as told in my original post's example from today is just one more of these sites who completely forget the consumer in their hunt for revenues. Some advertisers they have are known malware distributors.
(Goodbye, Failblog. Solved - Windows 7 Help Forums)

I'll wait until your possible response before adding you to my ignore list. You just went in my eyes from a very respected senior member whose posts I have enjoyed to someone who I want to totally ignore.

Please report my "ad-blocking discussion" to admins.

A very upset, very sincere
Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
discussion of the advantages (or performance improvement due to the lack thereof) of ad-blocking is not encouraged on this site.

In fact you probably shouldn't. If it was my site I'd ban you for mentioning it (unless I woke up in a really good mood).
Calm down Adam.....Kari is a long serving member here and on VF, SF and PCHF, as evidenced by his status as Team Member. Lucky for us this isn't your site, but if you feel so strongly about his post, by all means report it to the Admin/Mods - they could do with a good laugh.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS X54C
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2330M @ 2.2GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUSTek K54C
    Memory
    4GB DDR3 @665MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 On-board
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Screen Resolution
    1366*788
    Hard Drives
    1*Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Not fast enough!!!
    Browser
    Comodo Dragon
    Antivirus
    MSE & Malwarebytes
Speedy indeedy! :)
Runs straight from an app 'container', no client.
Pretty slick so far.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion
  • PC2
    Tablet - Windows 10 Home
Thanks for the support Colin :).

Back to the topic. MxNitro is clearly targeted to those users who really just want to surf without this widget and that add-on and whatnot. I think I have never before seen so barebone browser, not counting those simple browsers every aspiring programmer makes from samples for themselves.

It really fascinates me that it has nothing extra. It can also be seen in how much memory it uses, here a comparison between IE11 and MxNitro:

2014-09-16_16h06_56.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
There is, of course, a difference between what is "not encouraged", and what is a rule. I would have difficulty interpreting the latter, without guidance.

It may be a misinterpretation of the rule

"No ad blocking discussions. This site depends on ads to pay for the costs of running and maintaining it."

I think that may be a matter of blocking ads on this particular site.
What the OP meant was that there were no ads in the browser interface, nothing to do with ad blocking.

 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
Let's talk about the cons, too, not only about pros:

I have found one small issue which if left so could be a dealbreaker for me. The MxNitro does not "obey" my additional mouse buttons for Back and Forward. I cannot remember when I have last time switched to next or previous page "manually" as I have to do now with MxNitro, by clicking the back arrow at top left or hitting the backspace key.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
I might try it when they release a version for Android :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS X54C
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2330M @ 2.2GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUSTek K54C
    Memory
    4GB DDR3 @665MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 On-board
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Screen Resolution
    1366*788
    Hard Drives
    1*Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Not fast enough!!!
    Browser
    Comodo Dragon
    Antivirus
    MSE & Malwarebytes
I have always enjoyed my experience with Maxthon. It's good to see a lighter version is coming out. People such as myself, who (even though I have no real need considering my tower lol ) still like to keep as light as possible. I know oodles and oodles of people who will have like 50+ tabs open and that just is eye popping to me. I may have two open and even I will close at least one eventually.

I guess old habits from NT/Vista where speed was everything is still just there...long live the pentium! heh...

I plan to download this tonight and look at it further. Thanks for this thread Karl great read and great information.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    iBUYPOWER
    CPU
    AMD 8320
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon 7850
    Screen Resolution
    1024x768
    Case
    Azza Solaris
    Internet Speed
    50MBps download/10MBps upload
    Browser
    Chrome/Firefox/Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes PRO
For those who need Adobe Flash Player: don't bother, it wont work in MxNitro. HTML5 videos work well although for instance YouTube full screen is not true full screen, browser title and address bars as well as Windows taskbar stay visible, full screen only filling the area in between those.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
After a few moments playing with "NX Nitro" i realized that I don't want it !

:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
Out of personal interest Vrosa, could you please tell why?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
What's it security??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 with Bing
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Stream 7
    CPU
    ---
    Motherboard
    ---
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ---
    Sound Card
    ---
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ---
    Screen Resolution
    1024 x 640
    Hard Drives
    32GB
    PSU
    ---
    Case
    ---
    Cooling
    ---
    Keyboard
    ---
    Mouse
    ---
    Internet Speed
    50 MBPS
    Browser
    Metro IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG 2014 Internet Security
What's it security??
I think the security has not been their main concern in designing MxNitro. Hints of that can be read between the lines of the official press release:

...

“Our focus groups and longitudinal surveys detail a growing segment of
users who want speed above all else. 80% of users say that speed is their #1 decision-making criteria and that they are willing to forego extensive features and add-ons to get more of it,” said Jeff Chen, CEO of Maxthon. “This product is dedicated solely to that important and growing consumer niche.”
...
(Full press release: [Press Release] Maxthon Releases MxNitro Beta, the Fastest PC Browser in the World « Maxthon Blog)

I think I fit their target segment: I want a fast browser, I do not need ad-blockers or any other extensions and add-ons, I do my surfing in relatively safe sites having no need to browse xxx, warez and torrent or any other high risk sites, I take relatively good care of my computer and network security and so on.

I would not recommend MxNitro for torrent hunting, not even to be used for web based email. Also the lack of flash might be a deal breaker for some users although HTML5 works well.

That being said, for me it is super, so incredibly fast.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
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