the reason browsers use so much memory is a result of JavaScript, read justfuckingusehtml.com to get more insight.

the browser I used that got the least amount of memory is emacs (eww). Sure it doesn’t have js but it is a literal goldmine of the best articles your eyeballs have layed on since 2015. the internet nowadays has become so enshittified I use eww just so I can get away from the dumbed down shit search results that come from these (clearly) money motivated outlets. Those MF have no passion whatsoever, they’re init for the $$$.

If you still want js, use qutebrowser, it doesn’t have extensions but at 300 MB it’s the best option out there, I do like the UI and overall navigation: it takes inspiration from vim/nvim and you can keybind shortcuts for specific functions.