Dillo vs Maxthon
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Dillo is a minimalistic graphical web browser designed for speed and low memory consumption, making it ideal for older hardware and embedded devices. It supports basic HTML, CSS, and image formats while keeping the codebase small and efficient. The browser is open source, runs primarily on Linux and other Unix‑like systems, and offers a simple interface without the bloat of modern browsers. Dillo is often used in environments where resources are limited or where a fast, no‑frills browsing experience is required.
Maxthon is a Chromium‑based web browser that combines speed with privacy features, including a built‑in ad blocker and privacy mode. It offers cloud synchronization of bookmarks, passwords, and settings across devices. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, Maxthon provides a customizable UI and resource‑saving technologies to improve browsing performance on both desktop and mobile platforms.
- Extremely low memory usage
- Fast page rendering for simple sites
- Open source and freely modifiable
- Runs on very old hardware
- Fast Chromium engine
- Robust built‑in ad blocker
- Cross‑platform cloud sync
- Highly customizable interface
- No modern JavaScript support
- Limited CSS capabilities
- Sparse documentation and community support
- Limited extension ecosystem compared to Chrome
- Occasional compatibility quirks with some websites
- No official open‑source code
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDillo is the safe default for ultra‑low‑resource or legacy machines, sacrificing modern web features; Maxthon offers a richer, Chromium‑based experience with sync and ad‑blocking but needs more resources.
Key differences
- •Memory footprint: Dillo runs under ~5 MB RAM, Maxthon uses Chromium and consumes significantly more.
- •Web standards support: Dillo lacks modern JavaScript and full CSS, Maxthon supports current web features.
- •Open‑source vs closed: Dillo’s GPL source is available; Maxthon is proprietary with no open‑source code.
- •Cloud sync & built‑in ad blocker: Only Maxthon provides these out‑of‑the‑box features.
- •Target audience: Dillo targets low‑resource/legacy systems; Maxthon targets everyday power users.
Pricing & value
Dillo is free; Maxthon is freemium, requiring paid tiers for full feature set.
Ease of use / learning curve
Maxthon offers a familiar Chromium UI and built‑in tools; Dillo’s minimalist UI may feel sparse.
Features & depth
Maxthon includes ad blocker, cloud sync, privacy mode, screenshot tool; Dillo only renders simple HTML/CSS2.
Integrations & ecosystem
Maxthon integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox and supports import from other browsers; Dillo has no listed integrations.
Support
Maxthon provides email, FAQ, community forum; Dillo offers no specified support options.
Security & privacy
Maxthon includes privacy mode blocking third‑party cookies/scripts; Dillo lacks any described security features.
Scalability / resource needs
Dillo runs on very old hardware with minimal RAM; Maxthon requires more CPU/memory, limiting low‑end use.
Choose Dillo if…
Users with legacy or ultra‑low‑resource computers needing a free, ultra‑light browser.
Choose Maxthon if…
Power users who want modern web compatibility, sync, ad‑blocking, and are okay with higher resource use.
Common questions
Can I run Dillo on a modern website that uses heavy JavaScript?
No; Dillo omits modern JavaScript support, so many dynamic sites will not work.
Is there any cost to use Maxthon’s core features?
Maxthon is freemium; basic browsing is free, but advanced sync or premium features may require payment.
Which browser can I customize or extend with plugins?
Maxthon offers a limited extension ecosystem; Dillo has no API or extension support.