The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Ideal Browser for Mac users (Exploring Safari Alternatives)

Some Noticeable Information

Safari is highly optimized for Apple hardware, but it may have limited web app compatibility and fewer extensions compared to browsers like Chrome.

Firefox is a privacy-focused option compared to Safari, providing features such as Do Not Track and the ability to block invisible trackers. Chrome, on the other hand, is the widely-used browser known for its compatibility and extensive range of extensions, although it may pose risks to privacy. It might be worth exploring other browsers like Edge and Vivaldi, or considering unique alternatives such as Arc for a distinct browsing experience. The choice of your web browser can significantly influence your overall Mac experience, including integration with the services you utilize, power efficiency, and reliability. Thus, it is important to carefully evaluate and select the browser that best suits your needs.

Safari is (Arguably) the Best Mac Browser

Choosing Safari as your browser if you're a Mac user has numerous advantages, particularly if you also use other Apple devices such as an iPhone or iPad. It may come as a surprise to know that you're not alone in this decision, as Safari is the second most widely used browser on the internet due to its availability on both mobile and desktop platforms.

Apple has optimized Safari to work seamlessly with their hardware, making it highly power efficient on Mac devices. When Apple provides an estimate of battery life for activities like "wireless web" on their latest Mac models, they specifically consider the usage of Safari. This is because Apple designs both the hardware and software in unison, allowing them to create a cohesive system that is not restricted by numerous hardware possibilities.

Safari's exceptional performance on Apple hardware is evident through browser benchmarks like Speedometer 2.0. In practical use, Safari feels incredibly responsive, with a sleek and unobtrusive user interface. You have the flexibility to personalize the toolbar to your liking, just like you can with other native Apple apps.

Additionally, Safari boasts a range of familiar features and cutting-edge technology. With iCloud, you can effortlessly share tab groups, browsing sessions, bookmarks, Reading Lists, and even extensions with your iPhone or iPad. The Share menu functions seamlessly, mirroring its functionality on the iPhone. Furthermore, Continuity allows for effortless device switching through a convenient icon in your Mac dock.

Apple's services seamlessly integrate with Safari. You have the convenience of logging in with your Apple ID using your fingerprint, making secure payments with Apple Pay directly in your browser, and utilizing various Shortcuts actions to efficiently streamline your workflows in Safari.

Moreover, Apple simplifies the process of adding extensions through the Mac App Store. While this may not be preferred by everyone, it provides an extra layer of protection against potentially harmful extensions. However, if desired, you can still choose to install unsigned extensions by enabling the Develop menu.

In terms of privacy, Safari may not be the optimal browser option available, but it certainly isn't the worst. This browser integrates with Apple's iCloud Private Relay for iCloud+ subscribers, ensuring the anonymization of web requests through a two-step process. By default, Do Not Track is enabled, offering some degree of protection against trackers.

You may not be able to remove Safari from your Mac, but it is always there for you when you purchase a new Apple computer or reset the operating system. Apple consistently improves and expands Safari with features such as the capability in macOS Sonoma to transform websites into app-like experiences.

Want to Ditch Safari? Here's What to Use Instead

While Safari is suitable for a wide range of users, it is not considered the ultimate choice among web browsers. It is convenient and always accessible, but it also has its critics. One reason to consider switching is the limited web app compatibility on Safari, as it has a relatively small user base. Many services prefer to redirect mobile users, who often use Safari, to dedicated apps.

Compared to browsers like Chrome or Edge, Safari lacks compatibility, which means certain web apps will not work on Safari and require the use of another browser. Additionally, some websites may not inform you beforehand that they will not function properly on Safari. Switching to another browser can prevent encountering glitchy behavior on these websites.

Unlike Chrome and other browsers, Safari is not considered a "platform" in the same sense. While there is a wide selection of extensions designed specifically for Chrome (including browsers like Edge and Vivaldi), this may make a platform focused on browser extensions more appealing to users.

If you find yourself in a situation where work or education necessitates it, you may have to opt for an alternative browser. Certain institutions do not provide support for specific browsers, and as Safari is only available on Apple devices, it is more convenient to choose a browser that is compatible with multiple platforms.

If safeguarding your privacy is your primary concern, Safari may not offer sufficient protection. In such cases, you might be inclined to switch to a browser like Firefox.

Firefox is the Privacy-Conscious Safari Alternative

When it comes to web browsers, Mozilla offers a reliable Safari alternative that prioritizes your privacy. Firefox, in particular, takes privacy seriously by enabling Do Not Track as the default setting and effectively blocking hidden trackers and tracking ads. To further enhance your privacy, Firefox also utilizes DuckDuckGo as its default search engine.

Firefox performs slower than Safari and Chrome in various benchmarks, but the amount of time it will actually save you during your everyday browsing activities is a subject of discussion. Additionally, the browser offers a significantly larger variety of extensions compared to Safari, although it still lags behind the Chromium family.

Like Safari, Firefox Sync enables users to synchronize their browsing sessions and bookmarks across multiple devices, such as Windows PCs, iOS, and Android platforms. Firefox remains a popular choice among individuals who prioritize web privacy, and it boasts a dedicated, albeit relatively smaller, user base.

Chrome is Number One for Compatibility and Extensions

Google Chrome dominates the web browser market, being preferred by over 60% of web users. It boasts strong compatibility with most websites and web apps, with some platforms even requiring the use of Google Chrome or a similar Chromium-based browser.

However, Google Chrome falls short in terms of privacy. By default, Do Not Track is disabled, allowing invisible trackers and tracking ads to monitor your online activities. To minimize this issue, you can utilize extensions to restrict this behavior. On a positive note, Chrome offers a vast selection of extensions and apps that can mitigate this privacy concern.

Despite its reputation for consuming a lot of resources, Chrome has made efforts to tackle this issue through a feature known as Chrome Memory Saver. This feature aims to clear websites from memory when they have been inactive for a certain period of time. Additionally, Google has enhanced Chrome's energy efficiency by introducing Chrome Energy Saver Mode.

Chromium-Based Browsers Offer Unique Alternatives to Chrome

Chromium serves as the fundamental open-source browser core that underpins Chrome and other similar endeavors. By utilizing Chromium, one can experience the same swiftness, compatibility, and extensive array of extensions synonymous with Chrome, without being constrained to the Google-branded version.

There are several other Chromium-based browsers available, such as Microsoft Edge, which shares the same privacy concerns as Chrome; Vivaldi, known for its customizable interface and built-in email client; and Brave Browser, offering a unique mix of cryptocurrency features, optional adverts, and privacy considerations.

Alternatively, Try Something Completely Unique

For a more streamlined experience, there is also vanilla Chromium, the open-source version of Chrome that receives contributions from Google. Additionally, there are projects like Ungoogled Chromium, which eliminate the reliance on Google services and implement adjustments to bolster privacy.

Alternatively, Try Something Completely Unique

Arc is a unique browser that sets itself apart from the rest. It not only manages your tabs for you, but it also offers distinctive features such as side-by-side tab mode, note-taking, and whiteboard functionality directly within the app. Additionally, it provides a command interface similar to macOS Spotlight, allowing smooth navigation without the need for a mouse.

We previously evaluated Arc in March 2023 and were impressed by its capabilities. However, at that time, there were concerns regarding its power consumption and overall performance. Since then, the browser has exited its beta phase and has achieved more stability. Therefore, if you're seeking a web browser that helps you maintain an organized and tidy browsing experience, it may be worth giving Arc a try.

However, there are several other unconventional browsers available. One such example is Colibri, which stands out by not featuring tabs and instead prioritizes a minimalist user interface. Its aim is to promote a more focused and intentional browsing experience. Alternatively, there are privacy-oriented browsers like Mulvad and Waterfox, in addition to Tor which is specifically designed for accessing the dark web.

The Case for Multiple Browsers

For most users, Safari is the optimal choice due to its numerous compelling benefits. However, if Safari is not available, Firefox provides a trustworthy browsing experience that prioritizes your privacy.

Having multiple browsers installed is a smart approach for when you face issues with your main browser. Additionally, equipping a secondary browser with extensions can simplify specific web tasks.

Editor's P/S

As a long-time Mac user, I've always been a Safari loyalist. It's fast, efficient, and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Apple ecosystem. However, I've recently been exploring some of the other options available, and I've been pleasantly surprised.

Firefox is a great choice for privacy-conscious users. It has a wide range of features that protect your data from being tracked and collected. Chrome is another popular option, and it's known for its extensive range of extensions. If you're looking for a browser that's a bit more unique, I recommend checking out Vivaldi. It has a lot of customization options and features that you won't find in other browsers.