While most modern web browsers have adopted HTTP/2, certain older versions of browsers either do not support it at all or offer only partial functionality.
Browsers Without Full HTTP/2 Support
The primary browsers and their specific versions that do not fully support HTTP/2 are:
- Internet Explorer (IE): Versions 5.5 through 10 have no support for HTTP/2. Additionally, Internet Explorer 11 offers only partial support for the protocol.
- Mozilla Firefox: Versions 2 through 35 do not support HTTP/2.
On the other hand, Microsoft Edge fully supports HTTP/2 across all its versions.
To provide a clear overview, here's a table summarizing the HTTP/2 support across these browsers:
| Browser | Versions Without HTTP/2 Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Explorer | 5.5 - 10 | IE 11 offers partial support, meaning full features are not available. |
| Firefox | 2 - 35 | Versions 36 through 113 provide full HTTP/2 support. |
| Microsoft Edge | None | All versions of Microsoft Edge fully support HTTP/2. |
Details on Browser Support
Internet Explorer (IE)
Internet Explorer's support for HTTP/2 is quite limited, particularly in older iterations. If you're using IE versions 5.5 up to 10, you will not be able to utilize the benefits of HTTP/2. For IE 11, while there is some support, it is not comprehensive, meaning certain features or optimizations of HTTP/2 might not be fully available. This partial support can lead to inconsistencies when interacting with modern web servers designed for full HTTP/2 compliance.
Mozilla Firefox
For users of Firefox, versions 2 through 35 do not include HTTP/2 support. The protocol was fully integrated into Firefox starting from version 36, extending through to version 113. This means that if you're on a very old build of Firefox, you'll be communicating over HTTP/1.x, which lacks many of the performance enhancements found in HTTP/2.
Microsoft Edge
In contrast to Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge was developed with full HTTP/2 support from its inception. All versions of Microsoft Edge are designed to fully leverage the protocol, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with modern web standards.
To ensure the best web experience, it is always recommended to use the latest stable version of any browser, as newer versions consistently incorporate the latest web standards and security features, including full support for modern protocols like HTTP/2.
