brave browser vs safari mac

• Internet , Software & Tools

Brave vs Safari – Which Is Better?

One of the biggest challenges that you can face is identifying the best browsing platforms that are secure, fast, and easy to use.

Although there are many browsers on the internet , getting a suitable one for your device and needs can be difficult.

To answer your concerns, we’ll explore two of the more popular browsers today – Brave and Safari. You’ll get to know which among them has strong security features, is easy to use, is compatible with your device, has high loading and browsing speeds, and much more. We’ll also examine their similarities, differences, pros, and cons.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the two browsers in detail and be able to decide which is better for you.

Stay with me as I compare Safari and Brave.

What is Safari?

Safari is a web browser designed by Apple. It is built on open-source code, particularly WebKit, and is written in several programming languages such as Swift, C++, and others.

It took over as the standard web browser for Macintosh computers from Netscape Navigator, Cyberdog, and Internet Explorer for Mac. It only works with iOS, iPad OS, and Mac OS.

How Does Safari Work?

If you use multiple Apple gadgets, Safari performs an excellent job of making browsing easy and seamless. It offers a reading mode that removes unnecessary distractions like advertisements and videos from the web content you would like to read.

Safari compatibility makes a lot of sense if you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac because Apple’s Handoff feature allows you to continue browsing between devices. Plus, when using an iCloud account, it will instantly sync open tabs between devices.

Safari can recognize your favorite articles and display or advertise them for a better reading experience. This view is particularly useful for websites that open new windows as you browse.

A share button integrated into the Safari app allows you to instantly share a webpage via email, message, or social media site like Facebook. The coolest function is the one that lets you use AirDrop to send a website to another nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

What is Brave?

Brave is a privacy-focused web browser developed by Brave Software Incorporation. It is a specific browser that allows you to explore websites, execute web applications, and view online content. It is free and open-source software designed to improve browsing.

It saves site login information and has ad-blocking capabilities. Brave is written in C++, Javascript, and Swift.

This browser is gaining popularity due to its ad-blocking and privacy-protection features.

How Does Brave Work?

Brave is built on Chromium, an open-source project maintained by Google. It is powered by the same back-end components as Chrome, such as the V8 JavaScript engine and the Blink rendering engine.

The Brave browser prevents trackers and advertisements from slowing down and violating your privacy when browsing . Through its search box, it enables you to find new websites. Also, you can save your favorite websites for later reading.

It allows you to make unlimited free calls, private video calls, and create a live stream on YouTube using the internet. You can get all the happenings in the world through its News section. Surprisingly, the browser has a built-in crypto wallet.

Performance

Safari considers itself one of the fastest browsers in the world because of its lightning-quick JavaScript engine. It’s designed to function exclusively on Apple products, optimizing it to maximize battery life and provide sustained power.

Besides, Apple silicon has made it even quicker. It averages a loading speed that is more than 50% quicker than Chrome.

Safari allows you to do more online on a single battery charge than other browsers. You’ll be able to stream videos up to 1.5 hours longer than you would with Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. Furthermore, you’ll also have up to 30 minutes of additional browsing time.

It allows you to view your favorite movies and television shows in their greatest light. Safari now supports 4K HDR video playing in-browser for Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV.

Brave is super fast. Its loading rate is three times faster than Google Chrome and significantly quicker on your phone. It downloads fast and saves time by eliminating adverts and trackers.

No matter how much you ask of your computer, Brave works more efficiently. Brave consumes up to 66% less RAM than other browsers, even when several tabs run simultaneously. That implies you can run multiple apps in your computer’s background without hiccups.

Brave uses 40% less battery in mobile testing, which is less energy than well-known mobile browsers, including Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.

When using Brave, be free to enjoy background music without worrying about the battery dying. Brave is designed to ensure that your time (and power) is well spent online.

And compared to several ad-blocking internet browsers , Brave saves another 20% in battery use, thanks to its low CPU consumption.

In terms of performance, Safari carries the day. Its loading speeds and ability to preserve battery life puts it way above Brave.

User Interface

Safari has an easy-to-use interface. The search bar is located at the top of the screen on desktops and mobile. Also, widgets displaying frequently visited websites, favorite websites, and suggested reading based on your browser history, are added to the home screen.

If you have several tabs open, you can zoom out on them by clicking the four-square symbol in the upper right corner of the browser, making it easy to discover what you’re looking for.

If you come across a link to a website, you can open it in a new tab. Doing this helps you access the linked page without navigating away from the original page. Tap and hold the link, then choose “Open in New Tab” to open it in a new tab.

Websites on Safari can occasionally be challenging to read. Don’t worry! Pinch the screen to zoom in and out, giving you greater control over how big (or little) the page will look.

Double-tapping the screen will zoom in on the region touched, which is very useful for viewing tiny letters. You can zoom out on the same area by tapping twice.

Remember, you can easily rotate the iPad or iPhone to adjust the screen orientation. Other websites will seem better in landscape mode, and some may function better in portrait mode.

If you discover that you often visit a specific website, you might wish to add it as a bookmark. Just add a site’s icon to your Home screen if you’d want even quicker access. Simply hit the “Share icon,” choose “ Add to Home Screen ,” and then click “Add.”

Your Home screen will display the page as an icon. By tapping the icon, Safari will launch and the webpage will appear.

Like Safari, the Brave interface is also simple to use. You can choose between placing the toolbar at the bottom or the top.

This browser allows you to search all open tabs or recently closed tabs. The upper right corner of the screen has an icon that allows you to search through the tabs. By activating or deactivating the toggle next to the selection, you can regulate the search tab button’s visibility.

The experimental night mode with Brave adds a black backdrop to any website you view, regardless of the publisher’s preferences. The function works effectively and rarely affects the look of sites set to dark mode by default.

Enabling the background pictures option on Brave will allow you to personalize the appearance of the new tab page. Brave will then randomly select a background image for each new tab you open.

With just one click, you can instantly access your favorite or often visited websites on each new tab you open in Brave. The browser permits you to set up the top sites in two ways: your favorite sites based on your preferences or the sites you visit most frequently based on your browsing history.

Bookmarks enable fast access to your favorite websites. The bookmarks also allow you to mark web pages as read for later. You can enable or disable the Brave browser’s bookmarks tab based on your preferences.

The Home button, which you’ll find in the toolbar, allows you to access the homepage easily. You can adjust the Home button’s visibility by toggling it on or off. In addition, you can choose whether the home button takes you to the new tab or a custom page to input the address.

Also Read : Opera GX vs Brave

Both browsers are simple, but Brave seems a little more user-friendly and dynamic than Safari. Besides, Brave has more customizations compared to Safari.

Brave provides the best privacy safeguards . It also comes in three distinct layers:

Brave Shields – It prevents trackers, cross-site cookie monitoring, fingerprinting, and other malicious activities. Simply choose the Brave Shields icon from any page’s address bar. You can also view part of what was blocked.

Advanced privacy protections – It is a chromium adjustment that is directly integrated into the browser. You’ll find some features, such as blocked bounce tracking, partitioning, and fewer network server calls.

Brave policies and practices – The browser protects your privacy by avoiding data collection in the first place. Also, it complies with government data protection laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

Safari has built-in, market-leading privacy protection features, such as Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which recognizes trackers and aids in preventing them from tracking or profiling you online.

You get even more privacy protection when you upgrade to iCloud+, like the option to register for services and websites without disclosing your real email address.

With Safari, it’s easy to check how your privacy is safeguarded on any page you visit. To get a list of cross-site trackers presently blocked from profiling you on the page you’re viewing, click the Privacy Report icon in your toolbar.

You can also look at a weekly privacy report to observe how Safari safeguards you over time while you surf.

Also Read : How To Reinstall Safari On iPhone ?

Here, it’s a tie. Both browsers adhere to the rules of protecting your data. So, when you use either of them, you don’t need to worry.

Safari has robust security features that keep you secure. iCloud Keychain is an example of a service that securely saves and fills in your passwords across all of your devices.

Password Monitoring notifies you if a password breach is found. When it comes across dubious websites, Safari alerts you and stops them from loading.

Any malicious code is always contained to a single browser tab since it loads each web page in a separate process, preventing it from accessing your data or crashing the entire program.

With Brave, you can combat malware and block tracking, keeping your information secure. Your browser history is kept private on your devices until you erase it; neither its servers nor its storage systems have access to it. Thus, they will never sell your personal information to any parties.

You can customize your settings either per site or across the entire browser. On the new tab page, you can see how many adverts and trackers Brave bans daily.

You can match some of Brave’s privacy and security features if you’re prepared to conduct your research and download and install several extensions.

Browse with confidence with default settings that prevent malware, phishing, and malvertising. Furthermore, plugins, which have been shown to pose a potential threat, are by default deactivated.

You can activate Brave Sync to encrypt and sync your favorite settings and bookmarks. Brave does not possess the necessary keys to decode your data.

Brave comes with its built-in VPN that secures and protects everything you do online. It disables trackers and encrypts and safeguards all online connections on each app you use.

Explore the best alternatives to Brave browser in this post.

Even though both browsers guarantee you maximum security, Brave’s security is more advanced. The built-in VPN helps you change your IP address and browse the internet incognito, preventing hackers from attacking you.

Brave allows you to link your data to other devices that support the browser. However, you must set up a sync chain using a QR or a word code to function. To integrate a new device with your Brave browser data, you must have access to one of the already synchronized devices.

Multiple data categories will be available to sync between devices , including bookmarks, autofill information, passwords, open tabs, themes, apps, history, extensions, and settings.

However, Brave Rewards data is not now accessible for sync but will be in the future. Meanwhile, if you participate in Brave Rewards, you can use Uphold to authenticate your Brave wallets and link up to four of your devices to the same Uphold wallet to synchronize their Rewards.

Safari syncs your bookmarks, history, tabs, passwords, and other data across Mac, iPhone, and Apple Watch. Also, Handoff allows your iOS, Mac, or iPadOS devices to seamlessly transmit what you are doing in Safari to each other when close together.

Even better, you can copy content from Safari on your iPad or iPhone and paste it into another program on a nearby Mac, or vice versa.

Both browsers are good at sync. It’s a tie.

You can use Apple Pay to purchase products or services in Safari. Besides, you can pay with only a touch instead of filling out a long checkout form.

Whether shopping in person, online, or transferring funds to loved ones , you can now pay using a simpler and safer way than with cards and cash.

That aside, Apple Pay allows you to expand your iCloud storage, purchase applications and games from the App Store, and pay subscriptions for Apple News+, Apple Music, and Apple TV.

It’s easy to set up Apple Pay. You can get started by adding your credit or debit card to the Wallet app on your iPhone.

Use Apple Pay anywhere and wherever you want because it is accepted by more than 85% of U.S. retailers. Apple Pay is compatible with all contactless payment systems, including those used in taxis, grocery shops, and public transportation.

Unfortunately, Brave does not come with any built-in payment processor like Safari. However, it has a reward system where your content creators get paid through their sites. We are going to discuss it next.

Safari is the winner. It helps you make payments easily without looking for other payment processors.

When Brave Rewards are turned on, you can support the content producers or publishers by donations for the better work they do on their sites. The Brave Rewards program has more than 10,000 publishers and content producers.

Brave will divide your donations automatically based on your time on websites. Alternatively, you can tip websites directly and set a monthly tip amount.

Your browsing history is kept confidential during the entire process. You cannot be identified based on the websites you visit and support because your donations are made to site owners via an anonymous ledger system.

Explore : Brave vs Edge

Safari has no system where users can appreciate their favorite content creator with donations and rewards.

Brave is the best browser for rewarding because it allows users to appreciate the content creator’s work. Also, this can be a source of revenue for the creator.

Compatibility

Safari is available on Apple PCs and mobile devices. Although you might be able to run Safari on Linux or Windows, it’s not advised because Apple doesn’t provide support for other operating systems, leaving your device vulnerable.

Also, Safari won’t operate on Android; even if you can figure out how to run it there, it’s not advisable.

You can access Brave on Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, etc. In addition, it works perfectly on these operating systems.

Also Read : Brave vs Chrome

Safari is limited to Apple devices, which prevents it from being used by everyone. On the other hand, Brave is the best browser because it supports all operating systems.

Crypto Wallet

Brave Wallet is the first safe crypto wallet integrated into a browser. It has no extensions or additional procedures that decrease the exposure to phishing and theft.

You can monitor, expand, and store your cryptocurrency portfolio. Integrated, multi-chain Brave Swaps let you find the greatest price match and link up with Web3 DApps from a single wallet. Also, you can purchase crypto using fiat through Wyre or Ramp Network.

It doesn’t support the crypto wallet.

Brave is the best browser to choose if you are a crypto enthusiast . Supporting a crypto wallet helps you monitor the market without leaving the browser. This makes Brave better than Safari.

Brave and Safari: Similarities and Difference

Similarities

• Both browsers have higher loading and browsing speeds.
• Safari and Brave come with magnificent security systems.
• The two browsers assure your privacy.
• You can sync both browsers on multiple devices.

Differences

• Brave has an option where users can reward publishers, but Safari doesn’t.
• Brave has no payment processor like Safari (Apple Pay).
• Compared to Safari, Brave has the best user interface.
• Safari is only compatible with Apple devices, but Brave is accessible with almost all devices with varying operating systems.
• Brave has a crypto wallet, while Safari doesn’t support it.

Brave vs Safari: Pros and Cons

• Its user interface is rather appealing.
• iCloud Keychain is used to update and sync passwords.
• Most Apple devices already include Apple Pay.
• It has high levels of privacy and security.
• Syncs with multiple Apple gadgets.
• It has a limited extension.
• It only works on Apple devices.
• It lacks a crypto wallet.

Also Read : Brave vs Opera

• It has many extensions.
• It comes with a crypto wallet.
• It rewards content creators and publishers.
• It gives a robust performance.
• You can sync it with multiple devices.
• It has a built-in VPN.
• It has a user-friendly interface.
• It blocks ads and trackers.
• Some functions are currently in beta.
• It doesn’t have a payment processor.

Check Out : Brave vs DuckDuckGo

Wrapping Up

I found Brave a better browser than Safari because it serves all users with different operating systems, including iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Brave comes with a user-friendly design, privacy-focused features, and improved integration, offering you the best browsing experience.

Users with donations and rewards can show their appreciation to publishers and content creators. Besides, it supports crypto wallets.

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

Safari vs Brave

Safari vs brave tl;dr web browsers comparison.

We believe there are better options available in this category, read below to learn what this software does well, and what they could do better. ⤵

Safari vs Brave Comparison Verdict

Which is Better?

If you're exploring Safari vs Brave , you're probably more of a privacy-focused individual that is using one or many Apple devices (MacOS as your operating systems).

With both of these web browsers, you're going to get security at the forefront.

After reading this article, you will know exactly which browser better suits your needs! ⤵

Main Differences

Safari only works on Apple devices (so if you're using many different operating systems, Brave is going to be your only option).

Looking at the foundation, Safari was built atop Webkit, whereas Brave was built atop the Chromium engine , which is the same engine that most of the top browsers on the market also use (e.g. Arc , Chrome , Opera , and many others). This makes switching between these browsers incredibly easy, as passwords and bookmarks are all structured the same.

Safari relies quite heavily on using iCloud as your password manager, which is backed up securely to the cloud, whereas with Brave uses an on-device encrypted password manager, that you have the choice of backing up to the cloud through your seed phrase for unlocking it.

Safari vs Brave Video Comparison

Safari vs brave screenshot comparison.

Safari vs Brave Web Browsers Overview

Safari summary.

The battery optimized browser built by Apple.

Safari Comparison Summary

This is the default browser that comes with mac devices, and has existed for over a decade.

With Safari, you're not going to get anything too cutting-edge or innovative, because they, like Google Chrome are focused on stability for their 1+ billion users.

For a further breakdown in understanding the negatives that come with browsers that have hit major scale, refer to our Chrome vs Safari comparison.

Features & Differentiation

Since Apple is a hardware company at the end of the day, the whole point of Safari is that you're going to get a great cohesive experience if you're using all Apple products (Mac + iPad + iPhone).

The largest benefit to be had here, in our eyes, comes from Apple owning both the hardware and software layers. This allows them to go above and beyond with optimizations like battery life and cross-device syncing.

While they have baked in password management

We don't really see much major innovation or differentiation coming to Safari though. Why? Because this isn't Apple's core business. Not only that, but Apple has zero interest in going after the B2B and collaborative browser space. When comparing Arc Browser vs Safari , you'll see first-hand that Arc has a lot more going on in the features and differentiation space as they ultimately want to be the browser for teams and collaboration.

Tab Management

We do applaud Apple for adding tab groups, and allowing for them to be on the side of the browser window. There's some small similarities when comparing Safari vs Brave in the recently released sidebar tab management in Brave and Arc .

User Interface (UI)

With Safari, you get a familiar and safe UI. It looks like a browser, it looks pretty much the same as it has the past decade, and it's relatively bland in terms of how it looks.

There's just not much to mention here, but the truth of the matter is some of this is by design. Their focus is to be stable, functional, and to let the content of the website you're currently on, shine.

User Experience (UX)

Rating:  b-.

This is where we can give Apple some props on the user-experience, if of course you're also using other Apple products. Take for example you visit a website on your iPhone, you get a prompt in your MacOS dock that shows a website was just opened on mobile. Want to open it up on your desktop? Simply click the Safari icon in your software dock.

In actually using the browser though, there's nothing in particular that stands out as an exceptional UX. This category in particular is where Arc shines. They have the smallest UX details, that just makes using the browser on the day-to-day so incredibly enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Are you a huge Apple fan? Do you only care about getting the best possible battery performance on your MacBook and nothing else matters to you? Do you absolutely despise change? If so, Safari is probably fine for you.

If you're on the other hand sort of bored when looking at the existing browser market and wish you could get a bit more enjoyment and productivity out of your browser, then that's where you should definitely be giving Arc a shot.

Genuinely, give Arc a shot for a week straight as your daily driver, and I'm willing to bet you that you never come back to Safari again.

Arc Browser is genuinely what Apple could have made, had they re-thought the browser from the ground up, without all the baggage that currently exists with Safari. And for that reason, that's why we rank Arc at the top of our best browser apps list. Genuinely wouldn't be surprised if Apple one day acquired Arc and replaced it with Safari as the default browser for MacOS.

There is currently no promo code for this app but we are close partners , so if you use the link above to visit the site and then let their team know that Efficient App sent you, you may just get a little something... extra 😉

There is currently no promo code for this app—we'll update it here if that changes in the future!

Brave Summary

A privacy-focused (and crypto/blockchain-focused) browser built atop Chromium.

Brave Comparison Summary

Brave is a web browser that was originally built more as a cryptocurrency/blockchain-focused browser, tied quite closely to the BAT token (Basic Attention Token).

The whole premise was that you can get paid in BAT tokens via their Brave rewards program, by referring others to use Brave, and simply using Brave in your day-to-day. These tokens could then be used to support creators and websites.

They are essentially trying to take back control from the traditional ad model, and compensate their users versus selling their data, like that of Chrome.

For that reason, they have ad-blocking enabled by default (similar to Arc , which just enables the uBlock Origin chrome extension on the back-end).

They also have things like a VPN and a crypto wallet baked in at a core—this will either totally connect with you, or mean nothing. If the latter, it's probably not the right browser for you.

Who is Brave Browser For?

Brave browser is a private browser through-and-through. If you're looking for the browser with the most privacy features, like enhanced tracking protection from site trackers, it has those security features baked right in at the core. That's actually what Brave has built it's name on.

So if you're someone that has a major distrust for Google services, and is open to the minor inconveniences that come with focusing on online privacy, Brave may be the browser for you.

That said! It is still built atop the Chromium engine, which is essentially Google's open source project at the core, but it is void of Google Services baked in, so you'd just have to trust that the open source project is truly protecting your data. Most of the leading browsers are built atop Chromium as it stands. This actually makes it way easier to switch over to because all the same extensions and bookmarks will transfer over fluidly.

Who shouldn't use Brave?

If you wouldn't identify as a heavily privacy-focused individual, more specifically, someone that is interested in the security benefits that come from leveraging the blockchain, and aren't heavily into crypto, Brave wouldn't be your best choice (here's a list of the best browsers ).

If you're someone that usually loses passwords (e.g. aren't using a 3rd party password manager like Dashlane ), or wouldn't be great at remembering a seed phrase to backup/restore all of your data (bookmarks, passwords, etc.) then Brave will probably be a bit of a nightmare to use.

Design/Experience

Brave looks and feels a lot like... Well, Chrome / Chromium . They've modernized the interface a bit by adding in optional features like vertical tab support:

That said, it still looks and feels like most browsers do—for better or worse. They don't seem to be taking any risky bets or overly experimenting on the design/UI/UX-front, which is honestly fine for what most people are expecting to get out of their browser.

The interesting thing here is that Brave, like many of the leading browsers on the market use Chromium at the core (e.g. Chrome, Arc, Opera, Vivaldi, and even more recently Microsoft Edge).

What this allows for is the same browser extension support, and more broadly, all these browsers have the same underlying rendering engine (open sourced by Google).

Point being, changing browsers between Chromium-based browsers makes switching between them pretty seamless (low friction), and Brave is no exception here.

Brave often connects most with heavily privacy-focused individuals, for whom are typically more in the crypto space. For example, at Consensus 2023, most people I talked to were using, or at least familiar with Brave.

A asked them what they liked most about it, and their responses were almost entirely around the privacy aspect. For example, "they don't even know what I'm bookmarking—my account is tied to a hashed key, so I can anonymously save my environment, and re-access it with my unique token—no email address/identification required."

And look, I get it, it's impressive to how they are leveraging the blockchain to store some of this information without tying it to identity, but personally for me, I'll take the benefits that come with using a traditional database and user account, like most other modern browsers like Arc and Chrome rely on for storing and syncing your data between devices.

If you're considering Brave, I genuinely think you already know yourself. But if you're not quite obsessed with privacy, to the level of at times potentially inconveniencing yourself (e.g. you forget your unique hash/key, you lose your history and settings—there's no "forgot password" per-say).

If you think privacy is important enough to not want to use Chrome though, there are genuinely other privacy-focused alternatives (in that they aren't trying to sell your data unlike Google with Chrome is), like Arc Browser. If you're on MacOS (Windows coming soon), definitely recommend giving that a shot.

Safari & Brave Alternatives

Curious how this app compares to others?

Safari + Brave Alternatives

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Brave vs Safari

Brave has 307 reviews and a rating of 4.75 / 5 stars vs Safari which has 229 reviews and a rating of 4.47 / 5 stars. Compare the similarities and differences between software options with real user reviews focused on features, ease of use, customer service, and value for money.

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User Ratings & Reviews

Reviews are generated by real users. When reviewing a product, users are asked to assess the product’s overall quality, which includes assigning specific ratings for ease of use, value for money, customer support, and functionality.

• It's extremely user friendly as the UI is well done. Your privacy is also guaranteed, and I like a lot the fact that one can see the amount of trackers that have been blocked.
• Same extension library like chrome. Features of crypto community.
• Bad point of this tool is the fact that you have to insert the Translator extension to interact with pages in other languages.
• Sometimes video can not be played on less known sites.
• It is very light easy and gives best performance and its portable along with apple products.
• It provides privacy tracker feature that help me most to find out which websites stalk and try to track me,safari saved password is very protected with touch id or face id that was i like most.
• Sometimes it can have glitches with our other software, but that might be the other programs having problems on their own.
• I don't like that the menu bar with the search bar, tab menu, etc. gets hidden when you're scrolling as it can be annoying to get that back up to change tabs.

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The 7 best browser for mac in 2024: safari, chrome, firefox & more.

Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any earnings do not affect how we review services. Learn more about our editorial integrity and research process .

If you’ve been using Safari on your Mac and are wondering whether there’s something better out there, we’re here to tell you that there is. Though Safari is a secure and relatively fast browser, there are faster, more secure options. Here’s our editor’s choice of the best browser for Mac.

Last Updated: 27 Feb'24 2024-02-27T14:40:46+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

• Vivaldi — The best web browser for MacOS that’s highly customizable, secure and loaded with features.
• Brave — The most secure web browser that’s efficient and easy to use.
• Chrome — The most popular browser globally, offering multiple extensions and integrations to Mac users.
• Safari — A lightweight, default browser for Mac that uses less RAM than other browsers.
• Firefox — A veteran browser with solid privacy and security features that safeguard your browsing activity.
• Opera – Loaded with built-in features because it strives to work without external add-ons.
• Edge — Second-fastest browser on the market, with fewer extensions than competitors.

Facts & Expert Analysis

• Most Efficient Pick: Vivaldi is our top choice since it’s safe and efficient, uses less RAM and can sync seamlessly across multiple devices.
• Best for Blocking: Brave is the most secure browser for Mac due to its advanced, built-in ad-blocking capabilities.
• Standard But Secure: Safari is more secure than Chrome but offers fewer extensions. Recent updates make it adequate for everyday users.

Everyone’s looking for a smooth and fast browser that doesn’t compromise their privacy or data security. Your computer’s default browser doesn’t always offer the best browsing experience, so it’s worth considering other options. If you’re a MacOS user and are looking for the best browser for Mac, we have seven great options for you to consider.

We have updated our list of the best browsers for Mac.

Article rewritten to include up-to-date information about features and company news.

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: Vivaldi

Vivaldi won this roundup of the best browser for Mac, especially since it recently launched the long-awaited iOS version. Our editorial team found it to be secure and loaded with features, and it seldom required extensions or add-ons. 

Vivaldi is highly customizable, and we were able to sync our settings and customizations across devices. It’s ideal for both power and non-power users. Try it out for a seamless, secure and highly personalized browsing experience.

The Best Browser for Mac: Our Top 7 Choices

There are several browser options that you can try out for your Mac. You may be seeking one that offers the best security and speed. Maybe you’d like the fastest one that offers integrations with iOS tools. You may also want one with an appealing user interface and user experience. Our roundup of the top seven best browsers for Mac will help you settle on the best one for you.

Check out our online security courses and grab a limited-time offer. Enrollment available now!

1. Vivaldi — Best Browser for Mac

• Highly customizable UI
• Tracker & ad blocker
• Android & iOS apps
• Compatibility issues
• Slower than basic browsers

Vivaldi is a highly customizable browser that’s loaded with features and caters to both power and non-power users. You rarely need to add any extensions because of its extensive feature set. However, if you do need additional capabilities, you can access all the extensions available on the Chrome Web Store. 

A Vivaldi account can accommodate multiple user accounts, allowing each user to keep their data and unique settings separate from the rest. You can also sync your browser data and settings across all your devices to switch between them seamlessly. You get basic cookie-blocking capabilities, and your data isn’t sent to Vivaldi’s servers or third parties.

One of the biggest downsides of using Vivaldi was the absence of an iOS version. That changed when Vivaldi launched its iOS browser in September 2023 , elevating it from second place to first place on our list. Our Vivaldi review has more details about this effective browser.

2. Brave — Most Secure Browser for Mac

• Memory efficient
• Ad blocker available
• Advanced privacy & security
• Limited built-in VPN
• Infrequent updates
• Few site compatibility issues

Brave is a Chromium-based browser that offers more advanced security than Chrome and other browsers. It has a built-in ad, tracker and cookie blocker that ensures advertisers aren’t tracking your online activity. What’s more, the “forgetful browsing” mode automatically clears all cookies once you leave a site. 

Brave runs its own advertising model that prioritizes user privacy more than other browsers do. Users can earn “Brave rewards” and get paid for watching ads. They can also choose which ads to watch, giving them a sense of control over the kind of marketing they view. However, Brave rewards are only accessible in a few geolocations.

Due to its ad-blocking capability, Brave interferes with the layout of some web pages, inhibiting their usability. It also gets fewer updates than its competitors, making it lag behind whenever new technologies emerge. Overall, we find Brave to be the most secure browser for Mac and deserving of the second-place ranking on our list. Our Brave review has more details.

3. Chrome — Fastest Browser for Mac

• Efficient performance
• Minimalistic design
• Multiple extensions 
• Data & browsing concerns
• Few customization options
• Inefficient memory usage

Google Chrome is a lightweight, efficient browser that is easy to install and use. It’s one of the most commonly used browsers for Mac and other operating systems globally, offering multiple integrations and extensions. You can sync the browser between your Mac and iOS device using your Google account, making it easy to use across devices.

Chrome has a minimalist design that’s easy to use for kids, adults, pros and novices alike. It quickly loads web pages and has a “reading list” feature that downloads pages in advance for you to view while offline. Chrome’s software (Chromium) is the building block for many other browsers on the market, such as Opera, Vivaldi and Brave.

As we noted in our Google Chrome Review , it uses more RAM and CPU than other browsers despite recent updates, which affects other apps you need to use simultaneously. It has limited themes and customization options compared to competitors like Brave or Vivaldi. Google Chrome is notorious for tracking user activity. Your data is not safe and will likely end up in the hands of a third-party company. 

4. Safari — Default Browser for Mac

• Lightweight user interface
• Advanced privacy protection
• Secure Apple Pay payments
• Only on macOS & iOS
• Fewer customization options
• Limited extension options

Safari is the default browser for Mac and iOS and works seamlessly across Apple devices. It stores data in the cloud rather than on your device, helping save space on your gadgets. iCloud’s “private relay” makes it more secure than Chrome , as no single party can see the sites you visit or who you are — not even Apple. It also requires comparatively less RAM to run.

The iCloud “keychain” stores all your passwords in one place, eliminating the need to download a password manager extension. You can use touch ID to pay in online stores that accept Apple Pay. This means you no longer have to manually input your card details each time you want to make a payment. It’s also a more secure way to pay online. 

Safari’s customization features are hard to find and less dazzling than open-source competitors like Firefox or Chrome. It also has fewer extensions. If you’re an Apple enthusiast who needs a simple browser for personal use, Safari is your best bet. However, if you’re a power user or into gaming, you may want to look elsewhere. Our full Safari review has all the details.

5. Firefox — Safe Browser for Mac

• Vast add-on library 
• Solid privacy & security
• Many customization options
• Inefficient RAM usage
• Slower than competitors
• Incompatible with some web pages

Firefox uses malware protection to block cross-site tracking cookies, crypto miners, fingerprinting and social media trackers, making it a great choice for security-minded users. It keeps you safe from most ads and malicious trackers without compromising website functionality. 

Firefox is the only major contemporary browser that’s not based on Chromium. Websites that use certain Microsoft technologies or nonstandard Google features may not be compatible with Firefox. 

Our tests showed that Firefox’s RAM usage was high, but still only half as high as Chrome’s. The Quantum updates launched in 2017 transformed the browser’s design, reduced RAM usage and boosted browser speed. We tested Firefox against competing browsers in our Firefox review and found it to be slower than most, which is fine for basic browsing.

Firefox’s Mac and iOS versions are both easy to use and quite similar to each other. If the mobile version appears different from the desktop version, you can use the “request desktop site” feature to align them. You can also download several add-ons and extensions from the library to enhance Firefox’s functionality.

6. Opera — Browser With the Most Built-In Features

• Multiple built-in features
• Fast & responsive
• Built-in ad blocker
• Privacy & security concerns 
• High RAM usage

Opera is a veteran browser that later adopted the Chromium base. It strives to be a browser that needs no extensions, so it comes loaded with all the essential features built in. If you can’t find what you need while using it, you can download extensions and add-ons to fill in the gaps. Its intuitive design makes it easy to use on Mac.

In our full Opera review , we tested its speed against that of other famous browsers and found it to be among the top three. However, Opera does take up a lot of your Mac’s RAM to reach those speeds. Only Android users have access to Opera Mini, which is lighter and prioritizes saving memory.

Opera has a built-in ad blocker, and you don’t have to download an extension for it like you do with Chrome. However, some privacy and security concerns have emerged with Opera — it uses less effective malware blockers than Google Safe Browsing. What’s more, several apps on Opera come from third-party developers, so your data will probably end up with them.

7. Edge — Second-Fastest Browser for Mac

• Quick lookup feature
• PDF reader with markup
• Fast loading speeds
• Fewer extensions 
• Privacy concerns
• Cluttered homepage

Microsoft Edge is one of the fastest web browsers for Mac and other operating systems, coming in second behind Google Chrome. It has a lightweight design that uses less memory, cutting down on initial load time. Edge upgraded from Internet Explorer’s slow, stop-motion scrolling to a smoother motion to elevate the user experience.

Edge has an intuitive PDF reader that competes favorably with add-on readers like Javelin PDF Reader. When you highlight text or annotate it, it remains that way when you reopen the PDF reader. 

There have been privacy concerns about Edge sharing user data with third parties like Facebook. It also collects data from Windows users even after they’ve restricted it on their browser. In addition, the curated news and other content shown on the feed after the homepage loads makes the browser seem cluttered. 

You can download extensions from the Chrome Web Store onto Edge, but you’ll need to manually set them up before using them. Overall, it’s easy to use on Mac but is ideal for Windows users. You can find additional details in our full Edge review .

Final Thoughts

These seven best browsers for Mac offer a smooth browsing experience depending on the use case. We prefer Vivaldi or Brave because of their strict security policies, effective ad blockers, efficient RAM usage and seamless browsing experience. They are also easy to use and have a minimalistic design with no clutter.

Chrome outperformed Safari due to its multiple extensions and seamless integration with a myriad of third-party apps. However, Safari is more secure than Chrome and works just fine for non-power, everyday users. Firefox, Opera and Edge are also effective and worth trying out.

Which browser have you been using on your Mac? What makes you want to find a new browser? Which of the seven browsers listed here do you consider the best for your Mac? Let us know in the comments, and thank you for reading.

FAQ: Mac Browsers

Chrome is better for Mac because it offers many more integrations and extensions than Safari does. However, if you’re an Apple product enthusiast who’s not a power user, the updated version of Safari will do just fine.

Vivaldi is the preferred browser on Mac because it is fast and secure, has efficient RAM usage and allows you to sync browser data and settings across devices.

Chrome is the fastest browser on Mac, closely followed by Edge.

The best browser to use on Mac is Vivaldi. It’s great for both power and non-power users, has great data security and offers a seamless browsing experience across synced devices.

Well I used to use safari with mac or Monterey, And when I download something, most of the time, the format would be correct but when I try to open it, it would say that this is not compatible. But everything worked super with brave, especially with no ads on youtube, now I am revealed to watch videos on youtube too, and chrome used to be laggy and slow, for my windows and mac laptops both! Chrome is great over all, but through many perspectives, it lacks many useful needs.

My experience with must browsers mentioned on this review has been mixed. I have no opinion on Brave & Puffin as I had not tested them.

In regards of resources utilization, the worst have been Chrome and IE (even the newer version of IE).

In regards of security, the worst are Chrome and IE, despite of improvements.

On a positive note, the Safari, Opera, Firefox and Vivaldi, with these one is able to: see, experience, and delight how developers put their efforts improving their browser. It is quite ironic due to the fact 3 of these mentioned are Chromium based. I pretty much fall back to 3 browsers: Safari, Firefox, and Vivaldi. Vivaldi being my goto and 2nd being Safari. All depends on the Sites visited, which many are not Safari friendly.

Common to all (Safari, Opera, Firefox, and Vivaldi) is the ability to open several windows with 40 Sites each, prior seeing reduce performance on my systems. Vivaldi is the best performer when I open so many Sites; actually, with Vivaldi I had been able to open 5 windows/w over 50 Sites per window, at this max is when Vivaldi will behave like Chrome (2 windows with 25 Sites each).

For private browsing I like the performance of Vivaldi, Firefox and then Opera. This has been my experience. I am not able to speak to anyone else experience.

I have suddenly lost the ability to link to an embedded url in an email. I’ve used ms outlook thru firefox for years on a macbook pro and now on a macbookair. What have I misconfigured to cause this? This problem appears if the full hyper link is there or if it’s an underlined word like unsubscribe, or if it’s a “button” like “more info.”

My parents have an older iMac (2.5 GHz i5 , 4 GB DDR3 ram) that they do not want to change; the most updated Mac OS they can run is Sierra; thus the latest version of Safari they can run is 12.1.2 (the current is 16.1). Is there a more modern browser they can run?

I need help figuring out if someone is using a computer in my house. I’ve been told that safari is Mac default web browser. So when I see “ Logged in on a Mac. Does that mean she’s on a actual computer?

Is the article’s “Last Updated” date autogenerated to be the current date? The article is listed as updated today, but it still lists Vivaldi’s sole “con” as a lack of an iOS version, which has been available for a few months now

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Brave vs Safari: A Comprehensive Browser Comparison

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When it comes to internet browsing, there are numerous options to choose from, each with its unique features and capabilities. Two popular browsers that stand out are Brave and Safari. In this article, we provide a comprehensive comparison between the two, highlighting their similarities, differences, and what makes them stand out. We explore everything from user interface and experience, performance and speed, privacy and security features, cross-platform compatibility, and additional tools and features.

Introduction to Brave and Safari Browsers

Before we delve into the comparison between these two browsers, it's crucial to understand what they are. Here's a brief overview of Brave and Safari browser.

What is Brave Browser?

Brave Browser is a free and open-source web browser that's built on the Chromium web browser engine, the same one used by Google Chrome. The browser aims at providing users with greater privacy and faster browsing experience by automatically blocking third-party ads and trackers. It also has a built-in ad-blocking feature which helps to speed up page load times and reduce bandwidth consumption.

One of the most significant benefits of using Brave Browser is its privacy features. It blocks ads and trackers, which helps to keep your browsing history and personal information private. Also, it uses HTTPS Everywhere, which ensures that your connection to the website is always encrypted. This feature is essential when using public Wi-Fi networks, as it helps to protect you from hackers and other malicious entities.

Another great feature of Brave Browser is its speed. The browser is designed to load web pages faster than other browsers, thanks to its ad-blocking feature. When you visit a website, Brave Browser automatically blocks all the ads on the page, which helps to reduce the load time. This feature is especially useful when you're browsing on a slow internet connection.

What is Safari Browser?

Safari, on the other hand, is Apple's web browser that's native to macOS and iOS devices. It's built on WebKit, an open-source web browser engine. Safari is known for its immense speed, efficiency, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. It's also known for its user-friendly interface, extensive security features, and exceptional browsing experience.

One of the most significant benefits of using Safari Browser is its integration with the Apple ecosystem. If you own an Apple device, you can seamlessly sync your browsing history, bookmarks, and passwords across all your devices. This feature makes it easy to switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac without losing your browsing data.

Another great feature of Safari Browser is its speed. The browser is designed to load web pages quickly, thanks to its efficient use of resources. Safari is also known for its exceptional energy efficiency, which helps to extend your device's battery life. This feature is especially useful when you're browsing on a laptop or mobile device.

Safari Browser is also known for its extensive security features. The browser uses Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which helps to block third-party cookies and prevent advertisers from tracking your browsing history. Safari also uses sandboxing, which isolates the browser from the rest of your device's operating system, making it more difficult for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, both Brave and Safari Browser are excellent choices for browsing the internet. Brave Browser is ideal for users who value privacy and speed, while Safari Browser is perfect for Apple users who want a seamless browsing experience across all their devices. Ultimately, the choice between these two browsers comes down to personal preference and the features that matter most to you.

User Interface and Experience

When it comes to browsing the web, user interface and experience are crucial factors to consider. The browser you use should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that allows you to navigate through web pages with ease. In this regard, both Brave and Safari browsers excel.

Design and layout

The design and layout of a browser can significantly impact the user experience. In this regard, Safari stands out with its intuitive design, which makes it a favorite among Mac users. Its layout is clean and uncluttered, with essential tools and menus easily accessible. On the other hand, Brave browser's design is similar to that of Google Chrome but with additional privacy-focused features. This design makes it easy for users who are already familiar with Chrome to transition to Brave without any issues.

When it comes to minimalism, both browsers have a straightforward and easy-to-use interface. However, Safari's design is more minimalistic, which allows users to focus more on the web content. The browser's toolbar is hidden by default, and users can access it by clicking on the menu bar.

Customization options

Customization is another crucial aspect of user experience in browsers. Brave browser has numerous customization options that allow users to tailor the browser to their preferences. Users can choose from numerous themes, fonts, and colors, among others. This feature makes Brave a popular choice among users who want a personalized browsing experience.

On the other hand, Safari offers limited customization options, but it makes up for that with its seamless integration with the Mac ecosystem. Users can customize the browser's toolbar by adding or removing buttons and rearranging them to their liking. Additionally, Safari allows users to customize the browser's appearance by changing the background color and adding a custom image.

Accessibility features

Accessibility is an essential aspect of user experience, and both browsers have extensive accessibility features. These features make it easier for users with disabilities to browse the web. Both Brave and Safari have features such as voice control, magnification, and keyboard navigation.

Safari goes the extra mile by providing more advanced features such as VoiceOver, which reads aloud on-screen content, and Safari Reader, which extracts the text from a web page and presents it in an easy-to-read format. These features make Safari a popular choice among users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

In conclusion, both Brave and Safari browsers offer an excellent user experience, with intuitive designs, extensive customization options, and accessibility features. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Performance and Speed

When it comes to browsing the internet, performance and speed are two of the most crucial factors. Users want to be able to access web pages quickly and efficiently without any lag or delays. In this regard, both Brave and Safari are popular choices for users due to their excellent performance and speed.

Page load times

One of the significant advantages of using Brave browser is its built-in ad-blockers and tracker blockers. These features help the browser load web pages significantly faster than Safari, which does not have a built-in ad-blocker. However, both browsers offer acceptable page load times, with Safari marginally taking more time to load pages.

It's worth noting that page load times can also depend on other factors such as internet speed, website design, and the number of resources required to load a page. Nevertheless, Brave's ad-blockers and tracker blockers can make a noticeable difference in page load times, especially when browsing websites with lots of ads and trackers.

Resource usage

Another crucial factor to consider when comparing browsers is their use of system resources such as battery life, memory, and CPU usage. Safari is known for its efficient use of system resources, making it an excellent choice for users who value battery life and want to extend the lifespan of their devices.

In contrast, Brave browser's use of resources is similar to that of Google Chrome, which is known for significant memory and CPU usage. While Brave's resource usage may not be as efficient as Safari, it is still a viable option for users who prioritize speed and performance over resource usage.

Browser Benchmarks

Several benchmarks compare the performance and speed of different browsers, helping users make informed decisions about which browser to use. According to the benchmarks, both Brave and Safari ranked among the best browsers, with Safari having a slight edge in terms of performance on Mac devices.

However, it's worth noting that benchmark results can vary depending on the specific hardware and software configurations of each device. Therefore, users should consider their own needs and preferences when choosing a browser, rather than relying solely on benchmark results.

In conclusion, both Brave and Safari are excellent browsers that offer fast and efficient browsing experiences. Users can choose between them based on their individual needs and preferences, whether it's speed, resource usage, or other factors.

Privacy and Security Features

When it comes to browsing the internet, privacy and security are two of the most important considerations for users. The Brave browser and Safari both offer a range of features designed to keep users safe and secure online.

Built-in ad-blockers

One of the standout features of the Brave browser is its built-in ad-blocker and tracker blockers. This means that users can browse the internet without being bombarded by ads or having their activity tracked by advertisers. The ad-blocker also helps to speed up page loading times, as there are no ads or trackers to slow things down.

While Safari doesn't have a built-in ad-blocker, it does have its own Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature. This feature aims to block trackers from following users across the internet, helping to protect their privacy and prevent targeted advertising.

Tracking protection

In addition to its ad-blocker, the Brave browser also has other privacy-focused features such as HTTPS Everywhere. This feature ensures that users have a secure HTTPS connection with all sites they visit, helping to protect their data and prevent it from being intercepted by third parties.

Safari has similar security features, such as blocking pop-ups and warnings about websites that it suspects to be malicious. This helps to protect users from phishing scams and other online threats.

Secure browsing options

Both Brave and Safari offer a range of secure browsing options to help keep users safe online. Safari has additional security features such as Fraudulent Website Warning, which alerts users when they visit fraudulent websites, and secure password suggestions that help users safeguard their login credentials.

Brave has similar features, such as the ability to import passwords securely into the browser. This means that users can easily manage their passwords and ensure that they are using strong, secure passwords for all of their online accounts.

Overall, both the Brave browser and Safari offer a range of privacy and security features that can help users stay safe and secure while browsing the internet. Whether you're concerned about targeted advertising, phishing scams, or other online threats, these browsers have you covered.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Desktop and mobile integration.

Safari browser is native to macOS and iOS devices and offers seamless integration across all Apple devices. This means that users can easily switch between their iPhone, iPad, and Macbook without losing their browsing history or bookmarks. Additionally, Safari's Handoff feature allows users to start browsing on one device and continue on another without interruption.

Brave, on the other hand, takes cross-platform compatibility to the next level. It is compatible with numerous platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. This means that users can access their bookmarks, history, and other settings not only across different Apple devices but also across different operating systems. This is especially useful for users who work on multiple devices and need their browsing data to be synced seamlessly.

Supported Operating Systems

Both browsers support multiple operating systems. Safari is available on macOS and iOS devices, making it a great choice for Apple users who value the integration between their devices. On the other hand, Brave is available on a wider range of platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. This makes it a more versatile option for users who use different devices and operating systems.

Browser Extension Availability

Both Brave and Safari have numerous browser extensions and add-ons that users can install to enhance their browsing experience. Some extensions are specific to each browser, such as Reading List in Safari and Brave shields in Brave.

Safari's App Store offers a wide range of extensions that users can download and install with just a few clicks. From ad-blockers to password managers, Safari has a vast collection of extensions that cater to different needs and preferences.

Brave, on the other hand, has its own extension store, the Brave Web Store, which offers a curated selection of extensions that are optimized for the browser. Additionally, Brave's built-in ad-blocker and tracker blocker provide a more secure and private browsing experience without the need for additional extensions.

Overall, both Safari and Brave offer a great selection of extensions that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a simple ad-blocker or a more sophisticated password manager, you're sure to find an extension that suits your needs.

Additional Features and Tools

When it comes to browsing the internet, having additional features and tools can make the experience more enjoyable and efficient. In this section, we'll dive deeper into some of the features mentioned in the previous section and explore additional ones that Safari and Brave offer.

Reading Mode and Reader View

Reading Mode and Reader View are great features for those who want to reduce visual clutter and make reading on the web easier. Safari's Reading Mode allows users to focus on the content of a web page by removing ads, sidebars, and other distractions. Reader View takes it a step further by presenting the content in a clean, easy-to-read format that is customizable to the user's liking.

Brave browser offers similar features to Safari, allowing users to customize the appearance of web pages and reduce visual clutter. With Brave's Shields feature, users can also block ads and trackers, giving them even more control over their browsing experience.

Password Management

Managing passwords can be a hassle, but both Safari and Brave offer features to make it easier. Safari's automatic password generation and iCloud Keychain securely store login credentials, making it easy to log in to websites without having to remember multiple passwords.

Brave has a built-in password manager that helps users keep track of their login credentials. This feature allows users to store and autofill passwords for websites, making the login process seamless and secure.

Developer Tools

For web developers, having access to advanced developer tools is essential. Both Safari and Brave offer extensive developer tools that help developers test, debug, and optimize their web applications and sites.

Safari's developer tools are especially useful for Mac and iOS developers, offering features like responsive design mode, which allows developers to test how their sites look on different devices and screen sizes. Additionally, Safari's Web Inspector allows developers to inspect and modify the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code of a web page in real-time.

Brave's developer tools also offer a range of features, including the ability to inspect and edit web page code, view network activity, and debug JavaScript code.

Overall, both Safari and Brave offer a range of features and tools to enhance the browsing experience and make it easier for users and developers alike.

Pros and Cons of Brave and Safari

Advantages of brave browser.

Provides automatic ad-blocking and tracker blockers for enhanced privacy

Supports numerous platforms

Customizable

Offers lucrative rewards for opting into Brave Rewards

Advantages of Safari Browser

Seamless integration across all Apple devices

Efficient use of system resources such as memory, battery, and CPU usage

Enhanced security features, such as the Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature

Intuitive design for Mac users

Disadvantages of Brave Browser

Heavier on system resources compared to Safari

Doesn't have the seamless Apple ecosystem integration that Safari offers

Third-party extensions may be less refined compared to those on Safari

Disadvantages of Safari Browser

Built-in ad-blocker is not available

Customization options are limited compared to Brave

Poor performance on non-Apple platforms

Conclusion: Which Browser is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between Safari and Brave browser comes down to personal preferences, needs, and priorities. Both browsers offer unique features that make them stand out in the crowded browser market. Safari is an excellent choice for Mac and iOS device users who want a seamless browsing experience and more privacy-focused features. On the other hand, Brave browser is an excellent option for users who prioritize privacy, customization options, and rewards. Whatever browser you choose, make sure to keep it updated regularly to ensure the latest security and performance features.

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Best web browser for Mac

We spend a lot of our time on browsers. Whether it’s using communcations apps to talk with friends, family or colleagues, searching for things online, streaming entertainment, using services for work or doing a bit of shopping. So, it makes sense that you’d want to use a browser that can make this experience as good as it can be. Many people stick with Safari on their Mac, as it’s already there and works well. But, if you’re willing to look beyond Apple’s favoured child, then there are plenty of interesting alternatives available. With this in mind, we round up the best alternatives to Safari and see what they have to offer.

If you want to increase the privacy and security on your browser then you should also read Best VPN for Mac and How to use a VPN on your Mac .

• Built-in to every Mac
• Syncs very well with other Apple devices
• Good performance
• Less extensions that Chrome-based rivals
• Doesn't play well with non-Apple devices

Apple’s Safari browser has been around for a long time, and over the years it’s been improved to the point where it’s now a very solid choice for most people. As you’d expect, it boasts the standard features found on most modern browsers, including bookmarks, tabbed browsing, a password manager, private browsing options, a dark mode, read later list, plus a Shared with You section on the Home page that lists links you’ve been sent in Messages. 

The reading mode is still one of Safari’s hidden gems, as it turns any webpage into a clean, clear article devoid of ads, links, and other distractions. There’s also now the Quick Note feature which, as the name suggests, allows you to instantly grab text or images from a webpage and have them appear (complete with links) in the Notes app.

With macOS Monterey, Apple introduced Tab Groups, a feature that gained even more capabilities in Ventura. It is a handy feature that allows you to collect particular tabs together by a category of your choosing, so you don’t have to search for them among your other open tabs. This is useful if you’re planning a holiday, event or researching another interest. Best of all, the Group Tabs sync to Safari on your iPhone, iPad or other Macs. Apple built on this in macOS Ventura by making these Tab Group shareable, so you can send them to friends, colleagues or family who can instantly see all the pages and links – perfect if you’re all collaborating on a project. You can also pin tabs within these groups and give them customised start pages too.

Privacy is an important part of Apple’s offering, with Intelligent Tracking Protection there to stop advertisers from watching what you do. This is accompanied by anti-fingerprinting settings that prevent sites from looking at your hardware and software configuration to work out who you are online, plus security features that block sites that could contain malware.   

The newest weapon in this armoury is PassKeys. This is an encrypted login that seeks to eventually do away with passwords althogether. It’s a little fiddly to set up initially, but after that it’s very easy to use. You can check out more details in our how to use PassKeys guide.

There’s also full integration for Apple Pay, making it easy to buy items online either through the Touch ID sensor in Macs with Touch Bars or via your iPhone. See our How to use Apple Pay on a Mac for more details. 

In its current form Safari is better than ever, and that’s before you start exploring the available extensions that can increase its capabilities even further. The truth is, the best browser for your Mac is probably already installed.

Google Chrome

• Huge selection of extensions
• Cross-platform
• Loads of features
• Traditionally a memory-hog
• Requires Google account

Google’s Chrome remains the world’s most popular desktop browser by quite a margin, although that does encompass Windows users too. This success isn’t hard to fathom, as Chrome is an excellent tool which has an entire ecosystem of plug-ins and extensions, ranging from privacy monitors to ones that fix your grammar.

Multiple tabs are handled very well, although it can lead to RAM being hogged by Chrome if you like to leave a huge amount open at the same time, but this is often true of most browsers. Google has recently addressed this though, allowing users to now set memory and energy use filters that should improve performance.

In use, it’s fast. Pages are rendered quickly and there’s a global setting for the zoom, which can be handy if you find text a bit small on modern sites. 

As you’d expect, being a part of the same family, Chrome dovetails effortlessly with Google’s online apps – Drive, Docs, Calendar, Photos, Translate etc – allowing users to launch them from an app tray in the menu bar. You can also utilise the extensions available to create reminders directly from the browser thanks to the likes of Google Keep. A new feature we’ve found very helpful is a quick price comparison guide that’s built right into the browser. Great way to save money when shopping.

The extensions are the things that differentiate Chrome from other browsers, with a bewildering 150,000+ to choose from. You can use password managers like Dashlane , discount coupon checker Honey , Grammarly to improve your writing, and so much more. To see our pick of the crop read Best Chrome extensions . As with Safari, there’s also a group tabs feature in Chrome that can keep your window tidy and make it easy to quickly find related webpages among your open tabs.

Password storage is secure, and you can keep your payment details in Chrome so that it’s easy to make payments online, albeit not through Apple Pay. 

Google uses high-levels of security to ensure you don’t access sites that contain malware and also isolates each tab to prevent any kind of cross infection should you stumble into something nasty.

Of course, this is Google we’re talking about, so you’ll be giving your data directly to the company as you use Chrome, including your online habits, so just be sure you’re ok with that before you begin.

Edge Chromium

• Uses Chrome extensions
• Built-in PDF editor
• Quick access to Microsoft services
• Design can be cluttered
• Works best with Microsoft account

Microsoft initially launched Edge with its own engine, but after a while decided to adopt the Chromium one that drives Google’s Chrome browser. Since then, the app has grown into a very good option for the those who want the Chrome experience but with it’s own distinct flavour. 

The design on Edge is modern and tidy, albeit a little cluttered at times, with plenty of powerful features built into the main menu. Collections opens up a side bar where you can drag web pages or add notes. It’s a great way to use Edge to plan for a trip or research a major purchase. Alternatively you can use the Tab Groups that are similar to the ones on Safari and Chrome. These are displayed on the tab bar along the top, with ones you’ve assigned to group all colour coded so you can see them instantly. Then, if you want to focus on something else, click the group name and all the tabs are collapsed into that, ready to reopen when you want to see them again. Vertical tabs also lets you instantly switch the open tabs from along the top of the page to a list in a column on the left. It’s a nice little feature that can make it easier to find what your looking for quickly.

You’ll also find a reader mode that reduces a page down to just the words, plus Edge can read aloud the contents if you prefer that approach. A very useful addition is a built-in PDF editor that can make filling out online forms a doddle, and the Web Select feature allow you to copy and paste contents from a page while retaining all of the formatting.

As with most major browsers, Edge has a password manager that can store you details for web sites and online accounts, plus it offers a Password Health and Password Monitor feature so you know if your details could be compromised. 

If you use Outlook, then you’ll find the quick access to mail, calendar appointments and To Do items very handy. Those with a Microsoft 365 account can also launch free versions of MS Office apps from within the browser, much like with Google apps on Chrome. There’s also a grammar and spelling checker borrowed from Microsoft 365 that helps improve your writing when online in Edge. This new Editor works across social media sites or pretty much anywhere you can enter text. 

Microsoft also includes various privacy features, all of which can be tweaked in the settings, plus you have access to the thousands of extentions that come with Chrome. If you’ve dismissed Edge in the past as just Internet Explorer with a facelift, we think you should reconsider that opinion.  

• Focus on privacy
• New Firefox view feature
• Loads of themes and plug-ins available
• Not as many features as Safari or Chrome

Another stalwart that’s received some much-needed spit and polish recently is Firefox. There was a time when this was one of the major players in the browser field, but time hasn’t been kind to Mozilla’s creation and Google Chrome has been one in particular that tempted people away. That’s a shame, as today’s Firefox version is slick, smart, and provides a worthy alternative to its higher profile competitors. 

Mozilla takes privacy seriously and has a range of features to keep you safe online. Tracking Protection stops websites from following you around the web and collecting data that can be used to serve ads. There’s also ad and script blocking that speed up webpage loading times. There’s even an extension that sandboxes Facebook so it can’t follow your activities around the web. Whatever the tweaks under the hood, our experience with the app proved it to be rapid and reliable. 

Firefox has always been a browser that lets you personalise things, so be sure to take a look at the various themes and extensions available that can decorate the menu section of the browser or add additional features. The menu bar itself has a number of functions that you can easily access by dragging icons onto it, providing quick links to things such as emailing links, saving the page to Firefox’s Pocket app to read later, or sending pages directly to your phone.

Some new features worthy of note include a built-in PDF editor, plus Firefox View which allows you to pick up on your Mac from whether you may have been on a webpage on another device. A bit like Handoff on Safari.

The extensions might not be as plentiful as they are on Chrome, but there’s lots of useful add-ons that can tailor your Firefox experience to just the way you like it. Mozilla also offers various tools such as Relay (similar to iCloud Private Relay) that creates email alisases you can use for signing up to online services or giving to people that you don’t want to know your real address. A VPN that can hide your location, plus Monitor that watches out for password breaches that may have included any of your accounts and passwords.

It may not be the force it once was, but there’s plenty of life left in Firefox yet. 

• Quick access to messaging apps
• Group Tabs and Pinboards
• Interface can look busy

Opera is built on the same foundations as Chrome, giving it a familiar feel in terms of features and performance. That doesn’t mean it’s a clone with a different badge though, as the app comes with some interesting design choices and handy tools that make it a solidly modern browser.

The first is a column on the left side of the screen that contains shortcuts to various options. Top of the list are Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram, all of which can be logged into and used while browsing the web. There’s also an option to add a Twitter account too, all of which is very useful if you don’t want to keep picking up your phone.

Another icon is for My Flow, an Opera specific feature that allows users to send webpages directly to their iPhone. At the bottom of the column are three dots that open the options menu. In here you can add or remove lots of other icons that take you to your bookmarks, a news section that collates the latest stories from your favourite outlets, a speed dial for commonly used sites, and plenty of other goodies. 

Opera also has some privacy tools that make life easier when browsing, including a built-in ad blocker and a free VPN. The latter is great for keeping yourself safe when using public WiFi, even if the choice of server locations is limited.

Extensions are available in aplenty, thanks to the Chrome heritage, as are themes to personalise the aesthetic. You can also use Workspaces now, which is essentially the same as Group Tabs in Safari. Here you add new Workspaces (giving them names and choosing a relevant icon), then open various tabs in each one. This means you can quickly switch between themed webpages, simplifying things and stopping you having a million ones open at the same time. There’s also Pinboards, which is essentially a built-on version of Pinterest that lets you collect images from around the web and build them into mood boards.

If you’re looking for a browser that not only protects your privacy online, but also reduces the need for other apps on your system, Opera has much to offer.

• Great privacy features
• Ad-free browsing
• Limited features compared to Safari and Chrome
• It can be a bit obsessed with Crypto currencies

Brave is a relative newcomer when compared to all of those listed above, making its debut as recently as 2016. Since then it’s gone from strength to strength, powered by its focus on removing all ads from the pages you visit. From a creator’s point of view this can be problematic, as most sites (including this one) rely on advertising in order to pay the writers and technicians who produce the content you’re reading. But for consumers, the freedom from intrusive ads can make the web a place where you can breath once more. 

Brave takes things one step further by giving users the option to view ‘privacy-respecting ads’ that will pay them for the honour. This is all done via the Brave Rewards scheme, which is an innovative idea and has the added bonus of allowing users to essentially pay tips to sites they enjoy.

All that aside, Brave is a slimline app that speeds its way around the web. You’ll find plenty of settings to hone its performance to your whims, plus there’s the normal collection of password managers, bookmark menus, and accompanying mobile apps that can sync your profile. You can also avail yourself of a built-in Crypto wallet, plus there’s a Brave VPN, although that will cost you $9.99 per month or $99 for a year.

Brave offers its own Independent Search function that won’t track your enquires, there’s a private video-conferencing feature, the new Playlists capability with which you can compile videos and tracks from the web and have the playlist automatically available to enjoy on your iPhone, plus a customisable news feed that again won’t track your reading activities online. Have you gotten the idea yet? Brave is all about privacy, but not at the expense of functionality.

As it’s built on the Chromium engine, you’ll find all the normal Chrome features, but without some of the ads and tracking behaviour. Whether you support the idea of a total ad-blocking browser or not, there’s little argument that Brave gets the job done in style.

• Fast performance
• Swiss army knife approach to app integration
• New features added regularly
• Almost too many features

There’s a good chance you haven’t have heard of Vivaldi, or at least the browser rather than the 17th century Venetian composer. It’s a name you should familiarise yourself with though, as the company was started by Jón von Tetzchner, who co-founded Opera back in 1994. 

Vivaldi has some two main focusses: privacy and customisation. So, if you want to take control of your browsing experience in a granular fashion then it may well be the grail at the end of your quest. 

At its heart, Vivaldi is similar to Opera as it uses the Chromium engine. This gives it the advantage that you can use Chrome’s plugins. Where it differs is in its attitude to your data. Once you set up a password on your Mac you can sync your devices (only macOS, Windows, Linux or Android at present) knowing that everything in protected by end-to-end encryption that not even Vivaldi can see. Abusive ads that track you are blocked by default and there are various other settings to minimise any intrusions to your privacy. 

Like Opera, Vivaldi has a side bar containing various options such as downloads, bookmarks, history, plus a few innovative options. One is Notes, which allows you to quickly jot down information without having to leave the browser and you can even include screenshots. This is great if you’re researching something or just want to remember a quote. You can also create tab groups and stack them on two levels in the menu bar. That’s not all though! Vivaldi lets you set whether the tab bar appears in the traditional vertical position at the top of the page or move it to the the flanks or along the bottom. You can also open multiple tabs at once in a split screen view, so you can work on them at the same time. 

Web panels is another clever feature, in that it enables users to setup mini versions of webpages that can be accessed by clicking on its panel name. This is best suited to messaging services but also for Twitter and mobile optimised sites, as they will fit into the single column view. 

You’ll also find further options in the bar across the bottom of the page, including the ability to capture a screenshot, adjust the zoom level via a slider, turning off images and videos on a page, as well as a comprehensive list of page actions you can instantly enable or disable by clicking a tickbox. 

Vivaldi is now offering integrated Mail and Calendar apps that can help you stay organised without ever needing to leave the browser, plus the Vivaldi Translate feature means you can look up words and phrases not in your native tongue, but without Google getting to see what you’re translating. 

Keeping the open source spirit alive is the recent integration of Mastodon, the federated alternative to the hate-filled Twitter bonfire of Elon Musk’s vanity.

There’s so much to explore in Vivaldi and it keeps growing at a steady pace. It might be one of the newest browsers around, but we think it could well be the way they all go in the future. 

Avast Secure Browser

• Slim-line and secure
• Built-in VPN
• A bit basic

Although this browser remains in a beta stage at the moment, it’s another interesting option to those looking for a Chrome-style browser but with beefed up security and privacy. Avast is a name that will be familiar for anyone who has looked at antivirus software in the past, and its putting those years of data security to good use in its Secure Browser. 

Using the built-in tools you can have your browsing protected by the included VPN, manage and monitor your passwords, stop trackers from using digital fingerprinting techniques to identify your device, plus a variety of other security features. 

Of course, as the Chromium engine is underneath, you can use all the standard Chrome features such as bookmarks, private modes, dark modes, not to mention the wide wealth of extensions available. Syncing all of your data and settings across devices is also available, with the Avast Secure Browser also available on iOS. 

It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of Opera, Vivaldi or Brave, but if you want a fast, simple, secure browser for your Mac, it’s well worth a look. 

Duck Duck Go for Mac

• Safe and secure
• Blocks most trackers
• Very stripped back
• Doesn't work with some plug-ins

Another new entry that still remains in beta is the browser from Duck Duck Go. You may recognise the name from the aponymous privacy-focussed search engine, but now you can use a dedicated browser whose mission it is to stop you being tracked while online. Based on the WebKit engine that powers Safari, DDG is a stripped back experience that gets out of the way and lets you swiftly find the content you want, while stopping anyone else watching. Although it shares the Apple build, DDG is equipped with purpose built password management, bookmarks and tab coding, which does have the knock-on effect of making it incompatible with a lot of plug-ins, most frustratingly password managers.

That being said, if you want a second browser for quickly and securely navigating the web, then the Duck Duck Go beta is well worth consideration. If you want to know more, you can check out our Duck Duck Go for Mac review .

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.

Recent stories by Martyn Casserly:

• How to join Apple’s beta program and test the new software coming at WWDC
• How to edit a PDF on iPhone
• How to find and delete duplicate files on Mac

How-To Geek

The best browser for mac users (and safari alternatives).

Is Safari really the best choice, and what are the best alternatives?

Key Takeaways

• 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-conscious alternative to Safari, offering features like Do Not Track and blocking invisible trackers. Chrome is the most popular browser, known for its compatibility and wide range of extensions, but it may compromise privacy. Consider trying other browsers like Edge and Vivaldi, or unique options like Arc for a different browsing experience.

Your choice of web browser can have a big impact on your Mac experience. From integration with the services you use to power efficiency and reliability, here’s how to decide which is best for you.

Safari is (Arguably) the Best Mac Browser

There are a few good reasons to pick Safari as your browser of choice if you’re a Mac user, especially if you use other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad . It might surprise you to find out that you’re not alone, with Safari being the second most popular browser on the web thanks to its inclusion on both mobile and desktop devices.

Apple tightly optimizes Safari for use exclusively on Apple hardware. This means that Safari is highly power efficient on a Mac. When Apple gives an estimate of battery life on its latest Mac models for performing activities like “wireless web” they’re specifically referring to the use of Safari. The company is in a position where both the hardware and the software are designed in unison, so Apple is not bound by thousands of different hardware possibilities.

That helps Safari remain performant on Apple hardware too, a fact you can see for yourself using browser benchmarks like Speedometer 2.0 . In use, Safari feels snappy. The UI is small and non-intrusive, and you can even customize the toolbar using the right-click menu as you can other native Apple apps.

Safari is also loaded with familiar features and technology. iCloud makes it possible to share tab groups, browsing sessions, bookmarks, a Reading List, and even extensions with your iPhone or iPad. The Share menu works just as it does on the iPhone. Continuity makes it possible to quickly jump between devices by placing a small icon in your Mac dock.

Apple’s services work especially well in Safari. You can log in with your Apple ID using your fingerprint, pay for items using Apple Pay right in your browser, and use a variety of Shortcuts actions to build workflows that work using Safari .

Apple also makes it easy to add extensions using the Mac App Store. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it adds an additional layer of protection against potentially harmful extensions. You can still choose to install unsigned extensions by enabling the Develop menu if you want.

In terms of privacy, Safari isn’t the best browser you can get your hands on but it’s far from the worst. The browser works with Apple’s iCloud Private Relay for iCloud+ subscribers, which anonymizes web requests using a two-step process . Do Not Track is enabled by default, and it provides partial protection against trackers.

You can’t get rid of Safari from your Mac, so it’s ready and waiting for you with every new Apple computer purchase (or every time you reset the operating system ). Apple is always updating and building upon Safari with enhancements, like macOS Sonoma’s ability to turn websites into app-like instances.

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

Though Safari is suitable for a wide range of users, it’s far from the last word when it comes to web browsers. It’s convenient and always there if you want it, but it’s not without its critics. One reason you might want to switch is web app compatibility, which can be limited on Safari due to its relatively narrow user base. A lot of Safari users are mobile users, and many services prefer to funnel these users into dedicated apps.

Safari lacks the compatibility of a browser like Chrome or Edge, which means some web apps will simply refuse to work in Safari and demand that you use something else instead. Perhaps worse still, some websites won’t warn you before they refuse to function as intended. You might get glitchy behavior that can be avoided by using another browser.

Safari also isn’t a “platform” quite in the same way that Chrome and similar browsers are. There is a huge range of extensions made with Chrome in mind (including browsers like Edge and Vivaldi), which might make such a platform more desirable if you live inside of browser extensions.

You may even find yourself with no choice but to use an alternative for work or education purposes. Some institutions refuse to support certain browsers, and since Safari is limited to Apple devices it’s easier to tailor an experience to a browser that has cross-platform compatibility.

If privacy is your main concern, Safari might not go far enough to protect you, and you may be tempted to move to something like Firefox instead.

Firefox is the Privacy-Conscious Safari Alternative

Mozilla’s browser is a solid alternative to Safari, with some excellent privacy considerations. Firefox enables Do Not Track by default and blocks both invisible trackers and tracking ads. Firefox even uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine.

Firefox tests slower than Safari and Chrome in many benchmarks, but how much time this will save you during your daily surfing sessions is up for debate. The browser also enjoys a far wider range of extensions than Safari, though it still falls short of the Chromium family.

Like Safari, Firefox Sync allows you to share browsing sessions and bookmarks with other devices including Windows PCs and mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Firefox remains a browser of choice for those mostly concerned with web privacy and enjoys a loyal (if small) base of users.

Chrome is Number One for Compatibility and Extensions

Google Chrome is the behemoth of web browsers, with more than 60% of all web users choosing to use it. As such, it enjoys excellent compatibility with most websites and web apps, and some even insist on its use (or a similar Chromium-based browser).

Google Chrome fares poorly from a privacy standpoint , with Do Not Track disabled by default, and both invisible trackers and tracking ads able to track you unless you limit this behavior with extensions. On the plus side, there are a huge number of extensions and apps available for Chrome that can help remedy the problem.

Though Chrome has a bit of a reputation for being a resource hog, Google has attempted to address the problem with a feature called Chrome Memory Saver that is designed to purge websites from memory after a period of inactivity. The company also improved Chrome’s energy efficiency with Chrome Energy Saver Mode .

Chromium-Based Browsers Offer Unique Alternatives to Chrome

Chromium is the core open-source browser core on which Chrome and similar projects are built. This means you can have Chrome’s speed, compatibility, and even the full range of extensions without having to use the Google-branded variant.

There are plenty of other Chromium-based browser to choose from, such as Microsoft Edge which falls into the same privacy pitfalls as Chrome; Vivaldi with its customizable interface and email client; and Brave Browser which delivers a slightly confusing combination of cryptocurrency features, opt-in adverts, and privacy considerations.

For a no-frills experience, there’s also vanilla Chromium , the open-source version of Chrome to which Google contributes. Then there are projects like Ungoogled Chromium , which removes dependency on Google services and makes tweaks to enhance privacy.

Alternatively, Try Something Completely Unique

Arc is a browser that does things a little differently than most. Not only does it cull your tabs for you, but it also includes some unique features like side-by-side tab mode, note-taking and whiteboard functionality within the app, and a macOS Spotlight-esque command interface for getting around without touching your mouse.

We reviewed Arc in March 2023 and loved it, though the fledgling browser wasn’t without issues surrounding power consumption and general jitteriness. It’s now out of beta and things have settled down somewhat, so it might be worth a shot if you’re looking for a web browser that helps you stay neat and organized.

It’s far from the only weirdo browser out there though. Colibri is a browser that lacks tabs and emphasizes an uncluttered experience. It’s designed to force you into more mindful browser sessions. Tor is a browser designed for browsing the dark web , but there are other private browsers like Mulvad and Waterfox that you might want to use instead.

The Case for Multiple Browsers

There are so many compelling reasons to use Safari that we think it’s the best choice for most users. Failing that, Firefox offers a solid browsing experience that respects your privacy.

It’s a good idea to have more than one browser installed for those times when you encounter difficulties with your primary choice. On top of this, you can kit a second browser out with extensions that might make certain web operations easier to complete.

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Browser benchmark: Brave vs Safari performance

• Thread starter m_emelchenkov
• Start date Dec 6, 2023
• Tags benchmark brave safari
• Sort by reaction score
• macOS Sonoma (14)

m_emelchenkov

Macrumors regular.

• Dec 6, 2023

Browser benchmarks: Brave vs Safari Since Sonoma I am active user of Brave web browser. For many years I was a fan of Safari. And here is why things now changed… Environment MacBook Pro w/ M1 Max CPU, 32 GB RAM. External monitor w/ MacBook closed lid. Sonoma 14.1.2. Brave Version 1.60.125 Chromium: 119.0.6045.199 (Official Build) (arm64) Safari Version 17.1.2 (19616.2.9.11.12) Measurements See screenshots. Graphics test (MotionMark) — Safari is 34.3% slower than Brave. Web App test (Speedometer) — Brave is 22.8% slower than Safari. General test (JetStream2) — Safari is 29.4% slower than Brave. Conclusion Safari is 30-35% slower than Brave. In real-world usage like scrolling sites with lazy-loading DOM and images like different classifieds sites, social network sites etc. Safari shows awful speed. Large DOM models it also handles very very bad. Apple product owner should really consider fixing Safari performance. It's simply awful both in real-world and synthetic tests.  

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macrumors G4

in real-world use... what does this matter? i use safari (and sometimes chrome), and my experience is fine; pages open quickly, everything works well. i'd think that internet speeds, modems, routers, etc, would matter more. but nice that you can use brave, i can use safari, and others use chrome, or firefox, or whatever suits them best.  

macrumors 6502a

What was the resolution of the external monitor set to? I'd prefer to clock how the browsers do with built-in hardware, esp. since I'm not likely to use any external monitor on a plane or train..  

macrumors 603

• Dec 7, 2023

m_emelchenkov said: Apple product owner should really consider fixing Safari performance. Click to expand...

bogdanw said: Sorry, what? Or who? You should uninstall those third-party extensions from Safari before running benchmarks and complaining about performance. Click to expand...

m_emelchenkov said: Sure I also tested with disabled extensions, they are not the root of the situation. Click to expand...

bogdanw said: I get better results on MBA M1 8GB Sonoma 14.1.2 (23B92) Safari 17.1.2 (19616.2.9.11.12) Click to expand...

• Dec 15, 2023

m_emelchenkov said: Browser benchmarks: Brave vs Safari Since Sonoma I am active user of Brave web browser. For many years I was a fan of Safari. And here is why things now changed… Environment MacBook Pro w/ M1 Max CPU, 32 GB RAM. External monitor w/ MacBook closed lid. Sonoma 14.1.2. Brave Version 1.60.125 Chromium: 119.0.6045.199 (Official Build) (arm64) Safari Version 17.1.2 (19616.2.9.11.12) Measurements See screenshots. Graphics test (MotionMark) — Safari is 34.3% slower than Brave. Web App test (Speedometer) — Brave is 22.8% slower than Safari. General test (JetStream2) — Safari is 29.4% slower than Brave. Conclusion Safari is 30-35% slower than Brave. In real-world usage like scrolling sites with lazy-loading DOM and images like different classifieds sites, social network sites etc. Safari shows awful speed. Large DOM models it also handles very very bad. Apple product owner should really consider fixing Safari performance. It's simply awful both in real-world and synthetic tests. Click to expand...

maccan said: And there is a extreme 3D performance difference for Google Earth Web! Zooming rotating etc is very slow in Safari while it flys in Brave. If you go to Settings in the Google Earth Web page "Tools->Settings", it say at the very bottom: "Single Threaded" for Safari while in Brave it is "Multi Threaded". Click to expand...

m_emelchenkov said: Thank you very much for this observation. I have tried myself—confirm, everything exactly as you wrote. Click to expand...

And on my Intel Mac Pro 2019 with Vega II, Apple Maps, a sophisticated application has also very bad 3D performance, similar to Google Earth in Safari. Could be that some frameworks are not optimized any more for Intel Macs.  

No significant difference between Safari 17.2 (19617.1.17.11.9) and Chrome 120.0.6099.109 in Sonoma 14.2 MBA M1 8GB RAM https://earth.google.com/web/ Video is loading or being processed. Google still has an app for Earth, they just didn’t have the time to make it Universal, it’s still Intel only. Google Earth Pro (Mac) https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21955 Direct link https://dl.google.com/earth/client/advanced/current/GoogleEarthProMac-Intel.dmg  

bogdanw said: No significant difference between Safari 17.2 (19617.1.17.11.9) and Chrome 120.0.6099.109 in Sonoma 14.2 MBA M1 8GB RAM https://earth.google.com/web/ View attachment 2325330 Google still has an app for Earth, they just didn’t have the time to make it Universal, it’s still Intel only. Google Earth Pro (Mac) https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21955 Direct link https://dl.google.com/earth/client/advanced/current/GoogleEarthProMac-Intel.dmg Click to expand...

Apple Maps very low 3D performance on Ventura/Sonoma on Intel Macs

A much more representative example: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/18gpg5i Check the site that guy complaining about. Then you'll notice a huge difference between browsers.  

m_emelchenkov said: A much more representative example: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/18gpg5i Check the site that guy complaining about. Then you'll notice a huge difference between browsers. Click to expand...

maccan said: I also have no 3D performance issues on the Apple Silicon machines, only on Intel Macs. In my case, the AMD Radeon Vega II is very powerful, however due to software glitches, 3D performance is very bad in Safari and even Apples own Map application. Click to expand...

• Dec 16, 2023

bogdanw said: That’s an entirely different topic. Apple is a hardware company that would like very much for us to buy a new Mac and a new iPhone every year. Slowing down old devices only cost them some millions, when caught and convicted/settled. But Apple’s profits are in the billions. It makes perfect business sense to continue the practice. It’s more subtle and more nuanced now, but the next macOS will probably slow down M1 Macs too. Click to expand...

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The Best Browsers for Mac (Alternatives To Safari)

Safari is Apple’s default browser in macOS but is it necessarily the best? Here I’ve looked at a selection of the best browsers for Mac, all of which are excellent alternatives to Safari.

Safari isn’t a bad browser and is the natural choice for anyone using an Apple product.

Safari is made by Apple so you can expect it to be optimized for macOS and iOS like no other browser.

However, with the browser market becoming more and more competitive, many other browsers have really upped their game.

Especially when it comes to privacy and tracking, there are now browsers that arguably look out for your interests more than Safari.

Here’s my selection of some excellent alternatives to Safari that you might like to consider.

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2. DuckDuck Go Private Browser

Launched in 2016, Brave is based on the Chromium engine meaning it has has all the normal Chrome features you might already be familiar with (without actually having to use Chrome).

However, it has a much stronger focus on privacy with its own search tool that won’t track your search history.

It also has a built-in ad, tracker and cookie blocker which automatically clears all cookies when you leave the site.

However, as with many browsers that feature built-in ad blockers, this sometimes has the unintended consequence of blocking-out native video players on sites and some may not play properly as a result.

This setting can however be turned off if it causes too many problems.

Another feature of the desktop version is that it comes with a built in crypto wallet . Brave has quite a strong focus on cryptos and is ideal for those that need added security when using crypto trading platforms.

As a privacy conscious company, Brave also offers its own VPN service that is built in in the browser, but this costs an extra $9.99/month.

The DuckDuckGo Browser is developed by DuckDuckGo, which is known for its privacy focused Search Engine.

Just like Orion and Firefox (see reviews below), it is based on the WebKit layout engine.

However, the browser tabs, bookmarks, password management is completely custom code by DuckDuckGo, which is what allows them to fully focus on their main selling point; privacy.

The DuckDuckGo browser uses an ad blocker which blocks ads even before the page loads, which not only makes the loading time a lot faster, but it also automatically clears the whitespace where the ads are giving you a cleaner, less distracting experience.

Another great feature is the Duck Player, which is a feature that protects the user from targeted ads and cookies while watching YouTube videos.

There is also a “Fire Button” in the browser, which is a one click button that erases all browsing and history data immediately.

DuckDuckGo Private Browser is still a very young browser with its own teething issues.

The ad blocking is sometimes a bit too good, meaning it also sometimes blocks out native video players on websites, although there are settings you can change to allow them to play.

In addition, plug-ins don’t always work properly and many users have had problems syncing bookmarks and passwords between devices (although recent updates have improved this).

There was also some controversy in May 2022, when it became apparent that the DuckDuckGo browser was not blocking tracking scripts from Bing and LinkedIn.

The CEO explained this was due to a contractual restriction by Microsoft although since August 2022, the company announced it will also block Microsoft trackers in the browser.

Firefox is probably the most well known free and open-source browser that was first released in 2009.

Firefox uses the Gecko rendering engine to display web pages and is available for all versions of macOS.

A version of Firefox is also available for iOS but instead of using Gecko, it uses the WebKit layout engine instead (just like all other iOS web browsers).

One of the biggest advantages of using Firefox has always been how customizable it is.

There are different themes, dark/light mode, lots and lots of extensions, adjustable search settings and you can change the tab layouts easily.

Firefox also has lots of built in features making your day to day browsing life a lot easier.

For example, it has a built in screen shot tool, bookmarks manager, synchronizer across devices, spell check and pinned tabs just to name a few.

It even has a PDF editor that can do basic editing of PDFs in the browser removing the need for using PDF editing software .

Another effective feature is the built in automatic ad tracking blocker which blocks intrusive ads without affecting your browsing speed.

Not only does it block ad trackers, it also blocks cross-site tracking cookies, crypto miners and social media trackers, making it one of the strictest browsers out there when it comes to privacy.

Although Firefox has quite a few add-ons and extra features, it doesn’t have as many as Safari. And although it doesn’t happen very often, you may find some websites that simply aren’t compatible with third party add-ons in Firefox.

Opera is definitely a browser veteran as it has been around since 1995.

Although it looks very different now than when first released, it has built up a loyal fan base and is starting to gain recognition with new users too.

Opera is based on the same Chromium engine as Chrome and Brave, as a matter of fact, it was the first non-Google browser to adapt it.

The most common features such as ad, tracking and cookies blocker are already covered but there are some more obscure, cooler aspects to it too.

Mouse Gestures is one of them which allows you to navigate the web by clicking the right mouse button while moving the cursor in a certain pattern.

Popular communication apps like Facebook messenger and WhatsApp are also built directly into the browser.

Twitter (or X as it’s now known) can also be added, making sure you can keep full focus on your computer without having to switch between your Mac and mobile device.

Opera also has its own media player that allows you to connect your Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and other accounts so that you can listen to music without having any of those apps open.

The Opera browser also offers a free VPN and although the amount of servers are limited, it offers some protection while browsing.

In terms of speed, Opera is very fast although some Mac users find it can be a bit of a memory hog.

Opera does not use Google Safe Browsing (GSB) to protect you from malware on websites but uses Yandex and Phistank instead which may not be as reliable as GSB.

If it’s battery life you’re concerned about, then Orion is about as lightweight as you can get and also incredibly fast.

Orion has been developed by Kagi which built the browser on WebKit.

It works natively on both macOS and iOS giving you a seamless experience switching between your Mac and your iPhone.

One of the best features of Orion is Low Power mode. It extends the battery life by reducing Orion’s power consumption by up to 90%.

Orion also uses an automatic Ad blocker that blocks both first -party and third-party scripts or requests.

Orion claims that this blocks 99.9% of all ads, including YouTube ads on both desktop and mobile.

Although its nothing new to browsers, Orion also has a Focus Mode which allows you to remove all toolbars to minimize distraction.

The way Orion handles tabs is also unique as it uses vertical collapsible tabs that are organized in a tree format. For many users, this is easier to handle than multiple tabs along the top of your screen.

One neat touch is that Orion also supports both Chrome and Firefox extensions which is good because the browser itself doesn’t have many extensions itself.

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The best browser for Mac in 2022

What should you look for in a web browser for Macs? It needs to be stable, secure, and as speedy as possible — plus, add-ons are always a good option to have. The one you go for is not always an easy choice. After all, as a Mac user, you might find yourself using Safari. But is it still the best browser for Mac?

Apple Safari

Google chrome, microsoft edge.

If you’re wondering which web browser is the safest, speediest, or most customizable, there are quite a few to pick from. We’ve done the research and are ready to make several top recommendations. Here are the best web browsers you can get on a Mac.

Apple has done an incredible job of optimizing Safari for today’s internet needs and Mac machines. The result is a web browser that’s usually the best option for getting things done on MacOS. It has cross-site tracking and some built-in ad targeting prevention for privacy. Add Apple’s famously locked-down system, and you have a browser that’s secure and reliable (HTTPS certificates for sites on Safari must be renewed every year, for example). It’s also speedy, with the 2021 Jetstream 2 browser benchmark giving it a score of 136, higher than other popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

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For Apple fans, Safari also offers amazing integration. At a moment’s notice, you can search for a title on the App Store or hand off your web browser session to another device like your iPad or MacBook. Integration with iCloud also allows you to use Safari’s password-management services if you prefer to avoid third-party apps. All in all, Safari offers excellent performance, is available on your Mac right out of the box, and has a growing number of extensions that allow you to expand its capabilities.

Google’s Chrome has made a name for itself with its minimalistic interface and rich collection of extensions for adding tools or apps directly to the web browser — nearly 190,000 of them in total. The web browser also can aid you in translating webpages, double-check your security, and has robust settings that allow you to toggle nearly everything on or off as you desire. While not quite as speedy as Safari, our Jetstream 2 tests gave it a score of 130, which still is very respectable.

Chrome also excels at multitasking, and it’s one of the friendliest browsers for managing multiple windows and long strings of tabs in intuitive ways, so it remains a strong choice for those who need a lot of organization. It’s not entirely perfect — sometimes bugs can creep in, and it can be greedy for RAM — but it is frequently updated and offers strong customization options. It’s also very friendly with Chromecast devices and, of course, Chromebooks if you use Google’s system elsewhere.

Firefox is one of the few mainstream browsers with an open-source origin, giving it a broad portfolio of add-ons for users to play with and customize as they see fit. This can also introduce some security concerns, but in recent years Mozilla has proven adept at frequent updates, fixes, and optimization (including privacy restrictions that keep providers from selling your data). While Firefox is in excellent shape these days and makes an efficient alternative if you want to switch, it did perform notably worse on our Jetstream 2 tests with a score of 74, so it’s not the best option if speed is your primary concern.

Where Firefox really shines is its personalization options. If you’re worried about privacy, you can use the Enhanced Tracking Protection to block or review whatever you want. If you want to build the web browser out as a workplace hub, you can download whatever add-ons you need to support work apps, content checking, analysis, and much more. Even native features like picture-in-picture support or Pocket app integration make Firefox incredibly useful. The downside is that you’ll have to spend time learning it all if you’re new, and its add-ons aren’t quite as easy to navigate as something like Chrome’s extensions.

Microsoft Edge’s revamp appears to be a strong success, as the browser is officially more popular than Firefox among worldwide users. The interface is also better than it has ever been, with the Chromium base of the browser inspiring a Chrome-like clean look that’s excellent for organization and intuitive to understand. Chromium also gives it access to all the extensions on the Google Chrome Store — they may not always run as well on Edge, but you can still find the solution you want. Microsoft also has added some neat categorization that allows you to do things like save webpages in a Collection for future reference. Whether you’re switching from Chrome or just looking for a capable alternative web browser on Mac, Edge is certainly worth a try.

Users who have had problems with slowdowns or buggy performance using Chrome on their Macs may be able to find serenity in Opera , another web browser-based in Chromium but more focused on a lean, privacy-oriented structure. It’s made to be as efficient as possible, which is why it’s generally better for avoiding RAM shortages or unexpected crashes. Opera also is filled with intelligent, native features that modern-day internet users will immediately appreciate, including built-in ad blocking, built-in chat messengers that are always available, and even a free built-in VPN that you can enable for additional privacy. You also can customize it with options from a dark mode to web browser-specific keyboard shortcuts.

If privacy is your primary focus , we suggest going with Brave . It offers in-depth privacy management for ads, scripts, and cookies, along with a built-in password manager and a constantly updated total of what’s been blocked. While phishing attempts and malware are automatically detected, you can customize other various security settings to work site by site or for the entire web browser. It’s also extremely efficient, so if you are trying to save on battery life or similar goals, then it’s worth trying out.

Vivaldi’s cross-platform web browser structure has several unique features that may be perfect for online experiences. First, the interface is incredibly customizable compared to the somewhat limited options of other web browsers, allowing you to string out or stack tabs as you want, divide into multiple sections for apps or menus, switch to thumbnail perspectives for certain webpages, and much more. There’s also plenty of compatibility for Chrome extensions and robust privacy measures that include blocking all kinds of tracking. It’s excellent for micromanagement, especially if you’ve been disappointed by web browser limitations in the past.

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The 2-in-1 form factor has certainly come into its own over the last several years. There's really no reason to limit yourself to a clamshell, as there's a 2-in-1 that will meet the needs of all but the most demanding users in terms of sheer performance.

We've reviewed every great 2-in-1 you can buy, including Chromebooks, convertibles, and powerful 16-inch versions. The overall best 2-in-1 at the moment is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (although that might change very soon), with its fantastic keyboard that's as easy to remove as it is to type on, a 120Hz display, and a haptic-enabled pen. It's almost as good a laptop as it is a tablet, which is what makes it the best overall 2-in-1.

When shopping for a new laptop one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between MacBooks or Windows laptops. And it's not always an easy decision. New advances in chip technology are propelling even entry-level MacBooks to high-performance targets, and a shift in Windows laptops away from cheap plastics evens the playing field between these two platforms. Both Windows 11 and macOS are intuitive and clean operating systems. But where they differ comes down to one key element: their ecosystems.

What this means for you is that choosing an option from a list of the best laptops isn't so simple. The laptop you choose today can greatly influence which accessories you buy, which apps you use, and even what kind of phone you carry. Your entire workflow will depend on the platform you go with, from how you manage windows to which keyboard shortcuts work best. It's not a light decision.

Apple is one of the best laptop brands, and that's not surprising, given that various types of MacBooks regularly top the list of best laptops on the market. Unfortunately, sitting at the top does also mean that they are quite expensive, so fi you want to get your hands on one without paying an arm and a leg, going for a refurbished model is the way to go about it. Luckily, most MacBooks you'll find tend to be under warranty or have relatively good return windows, so even if there is a fault somewhere, you can return it and get a replacement or your money back.

To help you pick the best MacBook for your budget, we've gone out and picked some of the best refurbished MacBook deals we could find and compiled them below. Apple deals are notoriously slim pickings, so if you want a complete Apple suite for cheap, check out refurbished iPhone deals and refurbished iPad deals too. MacBook Air 11.6-inch (2015) -- from $112

6 Mac Browsers You Should Try for Better Productivity

If maximizing your productivity is your top priority, these are the browsers you should use on your Mac instead of Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.

Almost every popular web browser nowadays is powerful enough to help you get things done. Safari, the web browser built into macOS, is no exception. You can also consider options like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox if you need better extensions.

But, in the end, Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox are general-purpose web browsers. More so, they don't cut it when you want maximum productivity. So, depending on what productivity means to you, you might need better options.

Here are six Mac browsers you should try for better productivity.

Brave has been a go-to choice for many people when they need an all-rounder Mac browser for a productivity boost. It's based on the Chromium engine and offers almost everything you can expect from Google Chrome, which many choose over Safari . But, unlike Chrome, Brave for Mac is well-optimized for resource management. So you will not have to worry about increased RAM or CPU usage.

In case you are wondering, being better than Google Chrome is not the only reason we recommend Brave browser for better productivity. First, because Brave uses the Chromium engine, you can install all the web extensions you had on Chrome. Many security-centric features, such as built-in IPFS integration and support for Tor protocol, come in handy for advanced users.

Because of its privacy-focused nature, Brave browser can offer a faster and less intrusive web experience in general. For example, you do not have to worry about ads, trackers, or social media fingerprinting. In addition, you can customize the New Tab page to bring in and organize cards like Brave News or Top Sites.

Download: Brave (Free)

For many people, being more productive requires a distraction-free environment to work. If you want a distraction-free browser for your Mac, you should try what the open-source Min browser offers. It aims to provide a faster and more convenient browsing experience, as the distraction-free UI lets you quickly open, close, and manage tabs.

The browser does not hold back on integration, either. For instance, you can get autocomplete entries from DuckDuckGo and Wikipedia. Similarly, it has a built-in Task Manager, allowing you to group tabs for the same project. Last but not least, you can set up Min to block third-party ads and blockers—or scripts.

You can also use the Reader mode for a better browsing experience. The browser works with popular password managers as well. We also love how responsive the open-source development team is. The developers listen to feedback and push updates regularly, so you probably never have to worry about security.

Download: Min (Free)

SigmaOS is one of the most feature-rich Mac browsers you can try for better productivity. But, unlike Min, this browser is designed for those who need maximum control over multiple tabs, windows, and workspaces. The SigmaOS browser uses its innovative UI design to better organize your work across several tabs—without opening multiple windows.

You can create multiple workspaces and have various tabs within each workspace. For instance, you can put all your work-related tabs under dedicated tabs for each project. At the same time, you can have a separate workspace for your reading list or research work. If you don't know where to begin, you can use one of the many SigmaOS templates: Students, Researchers, Developers, Creators, etc.

Other productivity features of SigmaOS include a universal search system, which lets you search for tabs and bookmarks, among other things. Similarly, you can use the Split Tab feature for enhanced multitasking. In addition, SigmaOS offers valuable features like iCloud Sync, iCloud Keychain support, and a built-in ad blocker.

Download: SigmaOS (Free, subscription available)

If you would like an uber-customizable browser for better productivity, we recommend checking out Vivaldi. This Chromium-based browser is often called the best option for productivity—for all the good reasons. It has so many features that you probably won't need third-party extensions. But, if you need one, you can install any Chrome extension.

The best part about Vivaldi? You can choose one of the three modes—Essentials, Classic, and Fully Loaded— based on your desired features. For example, if you want all features and maximum privacy, you should go for the Fully Loaded option, which has Mail, Calendar, and RSS Reader apps. You can also include as many web panels as you wish.

These web panels come in handy more often than you think. For instance, you can quickly browse the online encyclopedia using the Wikipedia panel. Similarly, you can add almost any website as a web panel. You also get impressive features like custom macros, ad-blocker, split-screen tab views, and mouse gestures.

Download: Vivaldi (Free)

Wavebox calls itself a browser for work, and we believe it is a good option if you want to improve your overall productivity while browsing the web. Even though it uses Chromium like many other options on this list, Wavebox is optimized to work with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Asana, Atlassian, Slack, Google Workspaces, etc.

It also focuses on a few specific features like multi-account sign-in. You can use Wavebox to easily manage multiple accounts without creating separate profiles. In addition, you can use features like a multi-way split screen and many navigation options to optimize your workflow. Wavebox does a lot of organization on its own, so you often do not have to lift a finger.

More so, you can create app-to-app workflows as well. For instance, you can set up an app to launch when you click on specific links. Again, the browser learns from your working patterns to help make things easier. This Chromium-based browser supports all the popular Chrome extensions and even comes with 21 built-in extensions.

Download: Wavebox (Free, subscription available)

6. Sidekick

We have something special for the last. Sidekick is a speed and privacy-focused Mac browser that will help you focus and become more productive. This browser integrates all your favorite web apps so that you can manage everything from a unified dashboard. You can quickly access applications, documents, messengers, and other items you open or deal with in the browser.

Like SigmaOS, Sidekick Browser also eliminates tab clutter through better arrangement. You can have as many tabs as you want and arrange them based on sessions and websites. In addition, since you can keep frequent websites as web apps, accessing them will be easier. As you may have guessed, this browser comes with a Split-View mode.

We also loved how deeply app integrations work. For instance, you can easily edit your Notion documents using Grammarly. We also noticed that Sidekick is blazing fast, even while handling multiple tasks simultaneously. So, you can have the best of all worlds with this productivity-focused browser for Mac.

Download: Sidekick (Free, subscription available)

Choosing the Best Browser for Productivity

All these Mac browsers will help you improve your productivity in one way or another. But you should try them out and find what makes you get things done quickly and efficiently.

Regardless of where your preferences lie, it is always good to use one of the fastest browsers on your Mac. And it doesn't always have to be Safari or Chrome.

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Brave vs Safari

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Brave is a privacy concerned web browser that is built by Brave software Incorporation. The development credit for this software goes to Brendan Eich. Brave is developed using C++, Javascript and Swift programming languages. It has MPL 2.0 license. Brave is becoming popular in the market due to its ad-blocking and privacy assurance features. It is an open-source and free software made to enhance the browsing experience.

Safari is also a web browser used for surfing the internet and it was built by Apple. It was mainly used on the Mac operating system but it can also be used on Windows operating system. Initially, it was released in 2003, just like chrome it is also freeware. It is open source and is written using different programming languages like C++, Swift etc.

Following is a table of differences between Brave and Safari:

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Safari User Guide

• Get started
• Go to a website
• Bookmark webpages to revisit
• See your favorite websites
• Use tabs for webpages
• Import bookmarks and passwords
• Pay with Apple Pay
• Autofill credit card info
• View links from friends
• Keep a Reading List
• Hide ads when reading
• Translate a webpage
• Download items from the web
• Add passes to Wallet
• Save part or all of a webpage
• Print or create a PDF of a webpage
• Interact with text in a picture
• Change your homepage
• Customize a start page
• Create a profile
• Block pop-ups
• Make Safari your default web browser
• Hide your email address
• Manage cookies
• Clear your browsing history
• Browse privately
• Prevent cross-site tracking
• See who tried to track you
• Change Safari settings
• Keyboard and other shortcuts

View your Favorites in Safari on Mac

View your Favorites from the Smart Search field: Click in the Smart Search field to see your Favorites in the start page view, then click the icon of the website you want to visit. The start page view goes away if you start typing, and it doesn’t appear if you click the field while you’re viewing the start page.

You can also see your favorite websites when you open new tabs. If you don’t see your Favorites in new tabs, see Change General settings .

Show the Favorites bar: Choose View > Show Favorites Bar. A bar with your favorite websites appears below the toolbar.

Go to a Favorite website: Click in the Smart Search field, then click a website below Favorites, or click a website in the Favorites bar (or use the Touch Bar ).

The browser that puts you first

Block ads. Save data. And get way faster websites.

Just by switching your browser.

Stay safer online

By default, Brave blocks trackers & ads on the websites you visit, keeping you more private online.

This is a Vimeo video. You'll need JavaScript enabled to view this.

Online privacy made simple

All the good of ad-blocking, incognito windows, private search, even VPN. All in a single download.

Switch in 60 seconds

Quickly import bookmarks, extensions, even saved passwords. It’s the best of your old browser, only safer. And it only takes a minute to switch.

The new super app

Brave brings truly independent search , free video calls , offline playlists , even a customizable news feed . All private. All right to your browser super app.

Privacy you can see

Blocking ads & trackers means less stuff (visible or hidden) on the sites you visit. And that means faster page load, better battery life, even mobile data savings.

Online privacy by default: Brave vs. other browsers

• Strong protection
• No protection
• Limited protection

Built-in features

Invasive ads blocked

Cross-site trackers blocked

Third-party cookie tracking blocked

Fingerprinting blocked (cookie-less trackers)

Malware & phishing protection*

Protections against bounce tracking

Anonymized network routing (Tor mode)

Assert opt-out privacy rights ( GPC )

* Google safe browsing + malware & phishing protection from crowd-sourced lists. Table describes default desktop browser configurations.

Advanced features

Only here for the privacy? We got you. Just download and enjoy… Want a more bespoke experience? Brave’s got great customizations, too:

Advanced security

Built-in IPFS integration, onion routing with Tor, custom filter lists, and more security features .

Brave Rewards

Earn crypto tokens for your attention by opting in to privacy-preserving, first-party ads.

Crypto wallet

A secure, browser-native wallet to buy, store, send, and swap your crypto assets.

Join the more than 60 million people (and counting) who trust Brave for a faster, safer Web

Import bookmarks and extensions from your old browser in one click.

Is the Brave Browser safe?

Brave is one of the safest browsers on the market today. It blocks privacy-invasive ads & trackers. It blocks third-party data storage. It protects from browser fingerprinting. It upgrades every webpage possible to secure https connections. And it does all this by default.

It’s also built off the open-source Chromium Web core, which powers browsers used by billions of people worldwide. This source code is arguably vetted by more security researchers than any other browser. In short, not only is Brave safe to use, it’s much safer than almost any other browser. Learn more .

How do I download & install Brave?

Does brave have a vpn, what languages is brave available in, who owns brave, is brave open source, how does brave compare to chrome, is brave free.

Yes, Brave is completely free to use. Simply download the Brave browser for desktop , for Android , or for iOS to get started. You can also use Brave Search free from any browser at search.brave.com, or set it as your default search engine .

Brave also has some great, subscription-based features, including Brave Talk Premium and Brave Firewall + VPN .

What is BAT, and how do I earn it?

BAT is short for Basic Attention Token. BAT is a crypto asset, and a key (but totally optional) part of the Brave Rewards ecosystem. Here’s how it works:

Brave Rewards gives you the option to view first-party, privacy-protecting ads while you browse (these ads are from the Brave Private Ads network). If you choose to view them, you earn BAT, via the Brave Rewards program .

You can keep BAT like any other crypto asset, or use it to tip the content publishers you love. Brave even gives you a secure way to store BAT (and any other crypto asset), with Brave Wallet . And, again, Brave Rewards is a totally optional program.

Other tech companies steal your data to sell ads—to them, you are the product. Brave is different. We think your attention is valuable (and private!), and that you should get a fair share of the revenue for any advertising you choose to view. That fair share is rewarded in BAT.

Get ready to Brave the Internet…

You’re just 60 seconds away from a browser that works for you..

If your download didn’t start, retry now .

Wait for the download to complete

Run the installer, import settings from your old browser, get a better internet. everywhere..

Download Brave on your mobile devices.

How to remove AI answers from Google search on any device

In this tutorial, we will show you how to remove AI-generated answers from the top of your Google search results on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. These tips also work on an Android phone, Windows PC, and elsewhere.

Google now shows an AI-generated overview at the top of the search results page for most (not all) queries. At this point, these answers are not only unhelpful but can even get downright dangerous.

For instance, Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) summaries can rely on decade-old obscure Reddit answers or other web forum and website articles, including satirical ones like The Onion , to suggest outrageous answers like putting glue in pizza ,  drinking urine to fix kidney stones , or  eating one small rock every day .

If you do not want these unhelpful answers on your or your kids’ search results page, we go over various ways to remove them.

Manually go to the web tab

When you search for something on Google, it will default you to the “ All ” categories view with the AI answers at the top. Simply click  More  >  Web to get answers without all the AI nonsense.

If you’re on mobile, swipe the categories at the top and tap Web .

The rest of the tips in this guide are based on this principle to get to the “Web” section easily by default instead of “All.”

Note:  The Web view also removes some handy Google smart features. For instance, it will remove the currency conversion calculator that you usually see on top of the search results if you search for something like 32 USD in Pounds .

Use udm14.com instead of Google

Instead of  Google.com  or one of its country-specific domains like  Google.co.in , you can simply use udm14.com  as your window to search for your queries. It will show you Google search results without all the AI-generated content.

Configure a userscript for Safari

The majority of Apple users rely on Safari for their web browsing. Unlike Chrome, there isn’t an extension to remove AI answers from Google search, but you can use a clever userscript by Zenith along with a Safari extension to always see the AI-free “Web” answers on Google instead of “All” answers. This tip also works for other browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

1)  Install the  Userscripts  Safari extension from the Mac App Store.

2)  Visit  this GitHub page  and click  script.user.js .

3) Now, copy the entire code.

4) Open  Safari , go to Safari  Settings  >  Extensions , and enable the Userscripts extension.

5) Open a Safari tab and visit Google.com . Now, click the Userscripts extension icon from the toolbar and allow it to work on the website if prompted. You can prevent it from working on other sites.

6) Click the Userscripts extension icon again and select Open Extensions Page .

7) Click the  plus button  here and select  New JS .

8) Clear the placeholder text you see and paste the code you copied from GitHub here. After that, click Save .

9) Open a new Safari tab and search for something on Google. This extension, with the help of Zenith’s userscript, will automatically take you to AI-free “ Web ” results instead of “ All ” results.

Safari on iPhone and iPad also supports extensions . We will show you how to configure the extension you used on your Mac to remove AI summaries from your Google search page on mobile.

1)  Download the  Userscripts extensions from the iOS App Store on your iPhone or iPad. If you have already set up the Userscripts extension on your Mac, you can go to iOS  Settings  >  Safari  >  Extensions  and tap  Get  next to Userscripts.

2)  Open the Userscripts app and tap  Set Userscripts Directory . Now, choose a folder from your local storage in the Files app and tap Open  to set it.

3)  Next, visit  this GitHub code page  by Zenith and tap the  three dots icon  >  Download .

4) After that, go to the Downloads folder in your Files app and move the downloaded script.user.js file to the folder you set as the directory in step 2. You can copy or move the file. You can also press and hold the script.user.js file with one finger and drag it slightly. Now, use your other hand to navigate to the folder in step 2 and drop the file there.

5) After the script.user.js file is in the directory (Files app location) of the Userscripts extension, open Safari, visit Google.com , and search for something. Now, tap AA  from the address bar and select  Userscripts . Allow the extension to access Google.com if prompted. Now, you will see the  Fix Google Web Search JS file active here. If you tap it, the script becomes inactive, so don’t do that. In case you don’t see it, tap the folder icon.

6) From now on, when you search for a query in Google, it will take you to the AI-free “ Web ” results instead of “All” results, thus protecting you from AI-generated answers.

Use Chrome extensions

If you use Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and other Chromium browsers on your Mac or Windows PC, you can use extensions like  Bye Bye Google AI  or  Hide Google AI Overviews  to get rid of AI answers from your search results.

Bye Bye Google AI also lets you hide other things like Discussions and Forums and Sponsored Links from your search results.

Configure Chrome, Brave, Edge, and other Chromium browsers to remove Google AI Overviews

While the extension method is simple, if you have second thoughts about using an extension, you can manually configure your web browser to show “Web” results without AI summaries. The process is easy and will take less than a minute. We will use Chrome, but the steps are almost similar for other Chromium browsers.

1)  Open Chrome and go to its settings. You can do this by clicking  Chrome  >  Settings  from Mac’s top menu bar or by clicking the  three dots icon  from the upper right corner and selecting  Settings .

2)  Click  Search engine  >  Manage search engines and site search .

3)  Click the  Add  button next to  Site search .

4)  Fill in the following details and hit  Add :

• Name:  Google Web  or anything you like, such as  Google Without AI
• Shortcut:  @web
• URL with %s in place of query:  {google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14

5)  Click the  three dots icon next to the Search engine shortcut you created and select Make default .

From now on, when you search for a query in Google, you will be taken to the “Web” results that do not show AI summaries and answers.

Set AI-free Google search engine in Firefox on iOS

If you already use Firefox on your iPhone, iPad , or Android phone or are willing to switch to it, you can easily get a cleaner AI-free Google search experience. These steps below allow you to set Google as the search engine, but with a minor change that adds udm=14&q=%s  to your search queries, thus removing AI answers.

1)  Open  Firefox  on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.  We are using an iPhone.

2)  Tap the hamburger  menu icon  from the lower right corner and select  Settings .

3)  Tap  Search  under the General heading.

4)  Tap  Add Search Engine .

5)  Fill in the following details and tap Save :

• Title: Give it a name. I’m going with  Google Without AI .
• URL:  https://www.google.com/search?udm=14&q=%s

6)  Now tap the entry under the  Default Search Engine  section at the top and select  Google Without AI .

7)  Open a tab in Firefox and search for a query. You will be taken to the “Web” tab, which does not show AI summaries.

If you use Chrome on iOS

Tenbluelinks.org  suggests a way to change the search engine in Chrome on iPhone and iPad, but it did not work for me. So, if you use Chrome on iOS, give it a try and let me know if it works for you.

On a related note: How to prevent specific sites from appearing in your Google search results