Google's Chrome browser is our go-to web tool on Android, but there are plenty of reasons not to like it, like the way the latest version hides the refresh button in a drop-down menu. For those users who aren't happy with the status quo, one of the more refreshing alternatives is Javelin, and independent browser made with a unique interface and Material Design visual elements. The latest update (4.1.3) includes some more advanced bookmarks and syncing features.

The biggest change is the new Javelin Sync, which relies on this Chrome extension to sync bookmarks from your desktop browser into Javelin. It works well enough, though you'll have to wait for a little while to get the bookmarks into the mobile browser. That's one less reason to stick to Google's official product, at least if you use Chrome in the desktop. Javelin has also added an Opera-style Speed Dial function to the home page, letting you set up a list of your most-used sites for easy access when the browser starts up or loads an empty tab. Your personal Javelin homepage is also available on the desktop.

Javelin is free, but a $2.99 pro version (available via in-app purchase) lets you use more than ten tabs at a time, set a custom home page, and enable the reading view in "Stack," Javelin's minimal interface that loads up on top of other apps. There are a ton of advanced features as well, including a built-in ad blocker and a proxy subscription option. Check it out if you're looking for something different.