I'm currently using Dolphin HD, and prefer it for the way it handles tabbed browsing, as well as utizling the browser home key to return to the start page. Swiping to access your bookmarks and other options is nice, and the ability to exit the browser while clearing the history/cache, is great.
It also makes use of add-ons, such as bookmarks to SD, which is pretty functional as a backup. I'm on 2.2, but it seems just as fast as the stock browser, as well.
Considering its free, just give it a try.