Based on my customer feedback, Firefox is the best alternative after getting used to Internet Explorer - especially the older versions of it, up till IE8. Firefox can easily be set up to show bookmarks both in list and bar. The settings are easy to find and adjust for a little more safety. I, too, have migrated to PaleMoon after Skuzzy's suggestion. It behaves exactly like Firefox on the surface.
It seems that all browsers now tend to hide themselves in favour of the site content due to the size limits of small screens with poor resolution of the cheaper laptops and tablets. On a desktop with a fullHD monitor the vertical size can afford a couple of lines for an easy one glimpse access to the most used tools. Privacy is also one thing to consider. My liking of Google products has diminished lately because they've taken the Facebook way in connecting everyone and everything seemingly without notice.