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

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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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The best web browsers for 2024

All web browsers have the same basic function, and yet, the choice between them has always been one of the most contentious in tech history. You have more options these days than ever before, whether you’re looking for the best web browser for privacy , the best for speed, or perhaps something a bit more adventurous.

To help you decide on the best web browser, we grabbed the latest browsers and put them through their paces. Even if some could use a complete overhaul, these options are your best chance for a great online experience.

The best web browser: Google Chrome

Chrome is ubiquitous — and for good reason. With a robust feature set, full Google Account integration, a thriving extension ecosystem (available through the Chrome Web Store), and a reliable suite of mobile apps, it’s easy to see why Chrome is the most popular and the best web browser.

Chrome boasts some of the most extensive mobile integration available. Served up on every major platform, keeping data in sync is easy, making browsing between multiple devices a breeze. Sign in to your Google account on one device, and all Chrome bookmarks, saved data, and preferences come right along. Even active extensions stay synchronized across devices.

Chrome’s Password Manager can automatically generate and recommend strong passwords when a user creates a new account on a webpage. Managing saved passwords and adding notes to passwords is even easier. The search bar, or Omnibox, provides “rich results” comprised of useful answers, and it now supports generative AI capabilities. Favorites are more accessible as well, and they’re manageable on the New Tab page. And it’s now easier to mute tabs to avoid unwanted sounds.

Other updates have included a Dark Mode for Windows and macOS , better New Tab customization and tab group creation, tab hover cards, and an in-browser warning if your password was discovered in a data breach. There’s a price tracking feature that can help locate the best deals. Android users will appreciate the Phone Hub for linking and monitoring their phones. There’s also the ability to quiet notifications, so websites don’t bombard you with requests to enable in-browser notifications.

What’s the bottom line? The Google Chrome browser is fast, free, and even better looking than before. With a thriving extension ecosystem, it’s as fully featured or as pared-down as you want it to be. Everything is right where it belongs, privacy and security controls are laid out in plain English, and the browser just gets out of your way. While it can be a little RAM-hungry at times , Google is working to make it more efficient — like Microsoft’s Edge, Google can now hibernate tabs in the background to stop them from using too many resources.

Overall, Chrome remains the best web browser download for the average user.

And, things are looking to get even better. Google announced some significant upgrades to the browser that haven’t gone live yet, to celebrate Chrome’s 15th birthday . A Material You design language will allow users to customize Chrome’s look and feel and attach themes to profiles to make it easy to tell them apart. The menu system will be revamped to provide easier access to a variety of settings and features including Extensions, Password Manager, Translate, and others. The Chrome Web Store will be redesigned using Material You to be easier to use, and AI will help identify useful extensions. And finally, Safe Browsing will now work in real time to protect against threats.

The best Chrome alternative: Microsoft Edge

In response to the market’s rejection of its original home-grown Edge browser, Microsoft rewrote Edge using the open-source Chromium web browser engine. The new Edge launched on February 5, 2020 , as a separate, stand-alone browser that replaced the integrated version. It became part of Windows 10 with the May 2020 update, although you can still download it for Windows 10 builds prior to version 2004. Of course, it’s the default web browser for Windows 11.

At first glance, the new Edge browser looks and feels like Google Chrome. It prompts you to import Chrome’s bookmarks toolbar and other settings. This is great if you hated the old Edge browser and want to give Microsoft’s new browser another shot. It also supports Chrome extensions , though the browser leads you to the Microsoft Store for add-ons. You must manually load the Chrome Web Store to install anything not listed in Microsoft’s repository.

However, it’s not Chrome with a Windows 11 theme. Microsoft reportedly disabled many features, including Google’s Safe Browsing API, ad blocking, speech input, Google-centric services, and more. In return, the company worked to optimize Edge and reduce its footprint while continuing to add new, Microsoft-oriented features. As of January 2023, Edge is the most efficient browser in terms of memory usage. It also allows sleeping tabs, to let tabs release their resources when they haven’t been used for some time.

Features launched since its release have included the new Edge Sidebar that provides easy access to various tools, more flexibility in managing how Edge starts up, Citations to make it easier for students to cite sources, and various other updates to make the browser more productive. Edge Workspaces lets users organize tasks into dedicated windows, and Microsoft has continuously tweaked various features, like the Edge Sidebar, to make them more user-friendly.

Microsoft Edge also provides simpler privacy settings and security updates. Microsoft Edge uses a graphically friendly interface that displays three security levels: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. With Balanced set as the default, many sites request you to disable your pop-up blocker even though one isn’t manually installed. All in all, we’re very optimistic that Edge is on its way to challenging Chrome as the best web browser.

The best Chromium alternative: Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is the best browser that’s not based on the Chromium browser engine. Mozilla has taken real strides to make its browser a truly modern way to surf from site to site, thanks to efforts like its upgrade to Firefox Quantum , its VR alternative Firefox Reality , and password-free browsing .

It wasn’t too long ago that Mozilla rebuilt the browser’s interface, offering a cleaner, more modern take on what a web browser should be. The changes weren’t just skin-deep, however. There’s some impressive engineering going on behind the scenes.

For example, Firefox Quantum is designed to leverage multicore processors in ways that its competitors just aren’t doing. It was not designed to make a huge difference in your day-to-day browsing, but Mozilla hopes this design will give Firefox Quantum an edge moving forward. By engineering for the future now, Firefox Quantum is in a better position to take advantage of quicker processors as they emerge.

Some Firefox strengths include privacy protections with SmartBlock anti-tracker support, improved password syncing across devices, enhanced readability, integrated breach alerts, and a Protections Dashboard that provides a summary of how Firefox protects your privacy behind the scenes. WebRender improves the graphics performance on Windows PCs with Intel and AMD CPUs.

Recent updates include easier download management, captions, and subtitle support on YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix videos watched in picture-in-picture mode, HDR support in macOS, and the ability to edit PDFs with text, drawings, and signatures. Firefox can also recognize text from an image, which is copied to the clipboard when selected. Finally, Firefox Colorways provides new options for optimizing how Firefox looks on-screen.

Beneath those changes, Firefox remains a comfortable, familiar standby. It’s a capable browser with a deep catalog of extensions and user interface customization. While managing settings across platforms isn’t as seamless as Google Chrome , the mobile browser app lets you share bookmarks between devices when using a free Firefox account.

There’s a bit of a fringe benefit, too. Since it’s been around longer than Chrome, some older web apps — the likes of which you might encounter at your university or workplace — work better on Firefox than they do on Chrome. For that reason, it never hurts to keep it around.

Overall, Firefox is more privacy-centric than Chrome and comparably fast, but its feature set isn’t quite as expansive elsewhere. If you like the sound of this, download the Firefox browser today.

The most innovative web browser: Opera

Another venerable browser and popular alternative, the Opera browser shares much of Chrome’s DNA and deserves its place as one of the best web browsers. Like both Edge and Chrome, Opera is built on Google’s open-source Chromium engine and, as a result, they all have a very similar user experience. Both feature a hybrid URL/search bar, and both are relatively light and fast.

The differences appear when you look at Opera’s built-in features. Where Chrome relies on an extension ecosystem to provide functionality users might want, Opera has a few more features baked right into the browser itself. It introduced a predictive website preload ability, and an Instant Search feature isolates search results in their separate window while the current page fades into the background, letting users more easily focus on the research task at hand.

You can install extensions from the Opera Add-ons store , which are just like Chrome extensions. Similar to Google’s browser, you’ll find useful tools like Giphy, Amazon Assistant, Avast Online Security, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and more. If Chrome’s wide variety of extensions is important to you, then Opera becomes an intriguing alternative. It might just be one of the best browsers for quickly navigating web pages.

Opera also features a built-in “Stash” for saving pages to read later. There’s no need to sign up for a Pocket or Evernote account to save a page for later reading. Similarly, Opera features a speed-dial menu that puts all your most frequently visited pages in one place. Google Chrome also does this, but only on a blank new tab. Finally, Opera has a built-in unlimited VPN service, making it a more secure browser option.

The biggest changes came with Opera 60 and Reborn 3, a complete revamp that brought a new borderless design, Web 3 support, and a Crypto Wallet, allowing users to prepare for blockchain-based sites. With version 69, Opera became the first browser with a built-in Twitter tool, and the company has added others as well including Instagram and TikTok. Just click the icon on the toolbar, log in to your account, and tweet away right from within the slide-out menu.

Other recent advancements include Lucid Mode, which sharpens video playing on a variety of platforms, supports emojis instead of web links, and other enhancements. The Opera Sidebar adds new functionality much like Edge’s Sidebar, allowing quick access to various Opera features. And Opera Aria adds new generative AI capabilities built right into the browser.

You can see that we’re well into hair-splitting territory, which is why it’s important to remember that your choice of browser is, more than any other service or app you use each day, entirely dependent on your personal preferences — what feels most right for you. The Opera web browser has a unique look and feel, and it combines some of the best features of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Alternative browsers

While the preceding browsers will meet most users’ needs, other alternatives exist for anyone looking for something different. This section is for those who have a more niche preference in web browsers  or want to try something new.

Apple Safari

If you use Apple devices exclusively, Safari is already your default browser. It’s also significantly faster than in the past, surpassing Chrome in its quickness. It’s integrated into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and you’ll likely get better battery life thanks to Apple’s in-house optimizations and the underlying hardware.

Safari also focuses a great deal on privacy and security. If you want to minimize how you’re tracked and whether Big Brother is looking over your shoulder, then Safari is a good choice. If you also use an iPhone and/or an iPad, then using Safari on your Mac will make for the most seamless transition between platforms. Open websites on an iPad or iPhone are carried over to macOS.

Safari is not offered outside the Apple ecosystem.

Vivaldi Browser

The Vivaldi browser is truly unique. No two Vivaldi users will have the same setup. When you run it for the first time, you’re guided through a setup process that lays out your browser in a way that makes sense for you. You choose where your tabs and address bar go and whether you want browser tabs displayed at the top of the page or in a separate side panel. This is a browser built from the ground up to deliver a unique user experience, and for the most part, it succeeds. Vivaldi 2.0 enhanced the customization features and made them easier to access.

This browser excels at customization, and you can choose from a variety of tasteful themes that don’t feel dated or out of place on a modern PC, in addition to the aforementioned UI choices. It also has some standout privacy-enhancing features, like its team-up with DuckDuckGo to make the non-tracking search tool the default option when in privacy mode.

Finally, recent updates added more powerful tab management, enhancements like Web Panels that make for smarter browsing, and (as mentioned) even more powerful customization options. Other new updates include a built-in ad blocker, a built-in tracker blocker, a clock in the Status Bar, a new Notes Manager, and a Break Mode for pausing the internet while keeping the browser open.

Brave Browser

One of the most unusual browsers around is Brave — or, perhaps, it’s Brave’s business model that’s the strangest. Brave blocks all ads on all web pages by default, which makes it arguably the fastest browser around. Ads are a huge portion of how many websites make money — block these ads, and suddenly the most important web financial tool is eliminated.

That’s where the Brave Rewards program comes in. Users receive Basic Attention Tokens (BATs) when they view alternative ads that Brave places in the browsing stream. Users can pass along a portion of their tokens to publishers. As of January 2021, there were over 70,000 websites that supported BAT-based transactions through the Brave browser, including Wikipedia, The Guardian, WikiHow, MacRumors, and more.

What’s in it for users? Simply put, if you’re not waiting for ads to download along with website content, then your web experience will feel much faster. Brave performs no user tracking, making it ideal for private browsing as well.

Tor Browser

The Tor Browser is a version of Firefox that serves one very specific purpose: A simple entry point for The Onion Router, or Tor .

Tor is software combined with an open network aimed at making you invisible by routing your traffic through several anonymous servers. While it’s not foolproof, it’s very difficult for someone to identify you when you’re properly configured and using something like the Tor Browser to surf the web — especially if combined with a VPN .

There are many legitimate uses of the Tor Browser and the Tor network. It’s a good choice for people who live in countries with repressive governments, as well as journalists and activists. The dark web is also one of the destinations for people using Tor, which includes many nefarious and illegal sites.

In any event, if you want to remain completely anonymous while surfing the web, the Tor Browser and network are for you. If you want a more mainstream alternative, Opera includes a VPN component, but it’s far less private.

Avast Secure Browser

Avast Secure Browser first arrived as the Opera-based Avast Safezone Browser in 2016 as part of the Avast Antivirus paid bundle. It was revised and rebranded in 2018 as a free stand-alone product based on Chromium. Originally the “SafeZone” aspect kicked in when users visited websites to make purchases or manage money.

Avast Secure Browser provides several built-in tools to protect your data and privacy. These include an anti-phishing module, fingerprinting and online tracking prevention, an ad blocker, and a Webcam Guard tool to control which websites can access your camera. The Hack Check tool will determine if your info was leaked in a data breach.

Avast Secure Browser is a stand-alone download for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The desktop version doesn’t include an integrated VPN but instead directs users to download the company’s separate SecureLine VPN software. The listed Bank Mode — part of the Avast Free Antivirus client — flips on when users load a banking website.

Best web browser features — what to look for

Benchmark tests.

Notice we don’t include Safari in our main comparison. Apple’s Safari web browser is unavailable on Windows, Android, or Chrome OS, so we removed it from our primary list.

Most browsers are compatible with web standards and handle performance with relative ease. A casual user probably won’t notice a difference in the rendering speed between today’s modern browsers, as all six are much faster and leaner than those of a few years ago.

We ran the following benchmarks on a desktop with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive, and Windows 11. All browsers were clean installs of the most current production versions as of January 2023, and all were run at their default settings.

First, JetStream 2 is a JavaScript and WebAssembly benchmark. It tests how quickly a web browser can start and execute code, and how smoothly it runs. Higher numbers are better.

Notice how all three Chromium-based browsers outperform Firefox. In fact, there’s very little difference between them, while Firefox’s performance is quite poor by comparison.

The next test we ran was Speedometer 2.0 . It measures how responsive a browser is to web applications by repeatedly adding a large number of items to a to-do list. Higher numbers are better.

Here, Opera led the pack, with Chrome and Edge running nearly neck to neck. Firefox came in last here with a relatively low score.

Finally, we tested how much RAM each browser uses, both with no tabs open and then with 10 tabs open accessing the same popular sites. We made sure that each browser had no extensions running, and we let each browser settle in before looking at its memory use. For the test with 10 tabs open, we averaged memory use when all the tabs were opened and then five minutes later to account for any variability.

It’s not a scientific test, but it should be sound enough to give you an idea of which browsers are the most and least efficient in terms of taking up your RAM. We found Opera to use the least amount of RAM when first opened, barely ahead of Edge, while Chrome used the most. Edge used the least with all 10 tabs loaded by a significant margin, a third or less than the other browsers. Chrome used the most with all 10 tabs open, and Firefox and Opera weren’t far behind.

Security and privacy

The most valuable tool for secure and private browsing is user discretion, especially when you consider that every web browser has encountered security breaches in the past. In particular, Internet Explorer and Chrome’s reputations for protecting users’ security and privacy credentials are spotty at best.

Chrome, Safari, Vivaldi, Opera, and Firefox all rely on Google’s Safe Browsing API to detect potentially dangerous sites. Thanks to constant updates, Mozilla, Chrome, and Opera all make constant security improvements. Microsoft disabled this API in Edge.

All browsers offer a private session option, too. Private sessions prevent the storage of browsing history, temporary internet files, and cookies. Browser support for Do Not Track remains spotty.

Mozilla made some strides in differentiating itself from others with a real focus on privacy in recent years. It even debuted a Facebook Container  in 2018 to make it harder for the social network to harvest user information.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to use a VPN when browsing the web? 

You do not have to use a VPN when browsing the internet. However, a VPN can be a good tool to use as it protects your privacy and data by creating a secure and encrypted data tunnel between your browser and a VPN server. In turn, that server creates a secure and encrypted connection between it and the target website.

As a result, the website can’t identify you personally, nor can it see your true geological location or internet address. Not even your ISP knows where you’re surfing or the device you use with a VPN enabled. Some VPN services are free while others require a subscription. We have a list of the current best VPN services .

Which browser is most used in the world? 

Google Chrome leads the web browser market with a 64.68% share, according to Statcounter . Apple Safari follows with 18.29%, Edge at 4.23%, Mozilla Firefox at 3.01%%, and Opera at 2.25%. Internet Explorer is still in use with 0.81%, while Microsoft Edge “Legacy” is fading out at 0.32%.

What are the best ad blockers to use for your browser? 

We have a guide on the best ad blockers for Google Chrome , but here’s a short list:

• AdBlock and AdBlock Plus
• AdGuard (Chrome only)
• CyberSec by NordVPN
• Poper Blocker (Chrome only)
• Stands Fair AdBlocker (Chrome only)
• uBlock Origin (Chrome and Firefox only)

What is browser fingerprinting and how can you prevent it? 

Websites want to know everything about you: Your tastes, your habits, and where you like to surf. When you load a website, it quietly runs scripts in the background that collect information about you and your device. The operating system, the web browser, all installed extensions, your time zone — all of this information is strung together to create a “fingerprint,” which in turn can be used to trace you across the internet via cross-site tracking.

Avast provides a detailed explanation and outlines various forms of fingerprinting. For example, the “canvas” method forces the browser to draw an image or text in the background, without the user knowing, to determine the operating system, web browser, graphics card, installed drivers, and the current font style. Device fingerprinting determines all internal and external device components.

As your fingerprint is tracked across the internet, this “profile” can be sold to data brokers, who then resell the data to advertisers. It’s a more silent means of gathering information about you versus using cookies that require your consent. The problem is, browser fingerprinting is still perfectly legal.

The best way to prevent browser fingerprinting is by randomizing and generalizing data. Third-party software like Avast AntiTrack does this by inserting “fake” data when website scripts try to collect your information. However, this tool allows scripts to continue running in the background so the website doesn’t “break.”

Many browsers offer some type of anti-fingerprinting protection. These include Avast Secure Browser (see above), Brave Browser (randomization), Mozilla Firefox (blocks fingerprinting scripts), and Tor Browser (generalization).

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Mark has been a geek since MS-DOS gave way to Windows and the PalmPilot was a thing. He’s translated his love for technology into a marketing, consulting, and freelance writing career aimed at helping people use technology to enhance their lives. At Digital Trends, he reviews laptops and desktops, including the latest from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and more, and writes news and easy to understand how-to articles about the computing industry as a whole.

When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading and watching science fiction, taking photos with his family, and obsessing over Indiana University basketball.

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Online Security

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

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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.

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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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6 of the Best Safari Alternatives for Your Mac

As the default browser on Apple computers, Safari offers compelling usage, thanks to its deep integration into the Mac ecosystem, yet it isn’t without its faults and shortcomings. If you are interested in exploring other web browsers, check out these Safari alternatives.

1. Best Overall Safari Alternative: Opera

2. best open-source safari alternative: brave, 3. best for people already using microsoft software: microsoft edge, 4. best for extensions: google chrome, 5. best for built-in privacy: duckduckgo, 6. best for the environmentally conscious user: ecosia.

One of the best known of the “mid-tier” Internet browsers, Opera has been in the browser game since 1996 and Windows 95. With a solid balance of speed and power, a number of built-in features help make Opera a standout choice. By including a free VPN, Opera effortlessly helps shield your browsing habits and blocks cryptocurrency mining.

Similarly, Opera includes built-in ad-blocking to remove ads that can slow down page load times to ensure that Opera remains fast, without having to worry about adding an excessive number of extensions. Opera also shines on the Mac with its built-in Messenger programs. Messaging services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are all integrated into a sidebar on the left side of the Opera window.

Like Safari, Opera also offers a beautiful mobile app on both Android and iOS that can easily sync bookmarks, open tabs, and more. Using Opera on Mac means adding all of Safari’s best features, plus a whole host of features you never knew you needed. It’s a win-win for any Mac user.

In the world of Internet browsing, Brave remains something of an anomaly. Launched by one of the original Firefox creators, Brave stormed out of the gate promising something no other browser has previously done . Unlike Safari, Brave adds all of today’s browser essentials, like built-in ad-blocking.

Where Brave differentiates itself is that it will pay you to look at ads. This is something Safari users can only dream about. In lieu of ads on web pages, Brave instead shows you random ads and pays you to look at them. You’ll be paid in cryptocurrency, and this unique idea has earned Brave lots of attention.

Brave also has a feature that lets you answer search queries with AI. When you do this, you’ll see a ChatGPT-style breakdown.

Microsoft Edge is built on the same platform as Chrome and works off the same rendering engine, with terrific results. Where Microsoft diverges from Google is that it added strong privacy tools right from the get-go. This approach closely matches the experience Apple provides with Safari, meaning Edge users don’t give up personal security while browsing online.

Outside of its privacy focus, Edge excels with a native look on Mac, so it feels right at home during browsing sessions. Any MacBook Pro users with the Touch Bar will discover native video controls and easy access to tabs. Given that few browsers have prioritized Touch Bar support, Edge’s focus on the user experience helps make it an easy transition out of Safari.

Microsoft Edge also has a “Deep search” feature that’s powered by AI. After the search has been finalized, you can segment based on different categories that may meet your needs. If you have a question, use Microsoft Copilot to answer instead of looking for results.

Google Chrome is often seen as one of the main Safari alternatives for Mac users, and for good reason. The browser is easy to navigate and lets you quickly bookmark essential tabs that you access daily. Moreover, you can add shortcuts to your favorite web pages.

Chrome also has several extensions to access frequent apps and simplify your browsing workflows. For example, you can automate boring browser tasks with your Chrome extensions , and even prank your friends with funny extensions .

Google Chrome has a helpful Passwords and Autofill feature that lets you save online login details for easy access. You can also customize your browser with several themes.

DuckDuckGo is one of the most renowned browsers for privacy , and it has an impressive suite of built-in features. The browser lets you search for and block trackers, block cookie pop-ups, and import login details from other browsers.

For each website you visit, DuckDuckGo will show you which trackers it has blocked. You can also toggle whether to switch on protections for specific websites.

DuckDuckGo has a “Burn” feature that lets you clear your browsing history after each session. Access the tool via the fire button.

Ecosia is an easy-to-use web browser that doesn’t require an app download. It lacks many of the in-depth features that you’ll find in other Safari alternatives, but it’s fine if you just need something that performs basic functions.

One of Ecosia’s biggest draws is that it’ll plant trees when you find the information you need. Ecosia claims that it has planted over 200 million trees, making it a great choice if you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious.

Ecosia also has an AI chat tool that works like an assistant chatbot. After asking a question, you’ll receive an explanation with the chance to explore the web further if needed.

Mac users have plenty of Safari alternatives to choose from, and you’ll almost certainly find something that meets your needs. From privacy-oriented solutions, to search engines with advanced customization, think about your needs and explore each of these options. If you decide to stick with Safari, learn how to check and search your browsing history .

Image credit: DALL-E 3. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.

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Danny has written for online audiences for 10+ years. He specializes in Apple products and loves writing on his MacBook, keeping in touch on his iPhone, and measuring his workouts on his Apple Watch. Danny's work has featured in multiple places online, including MUO, Lifewire, and Guiding Tech. Away from the keyboard, he's passionate about photography and leading an active lifestyle outdoors.

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Safari Alternative: 6 Fast, Secure, and Customizable Options

published on July 11, 2024

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If you’ve just switched over from Apple or you’re otherwise looking for a Safari alternative, I’ll show you how it stacks up against other leading web browsers.

I tested over 25 options to give you the top 6. Here’s what they bring to the table:

Best 6 Safari Alternative Browsers

1. opera – best safari alternative.

Opera is the natural alternative. It’s packed with organizational features and lets you use social media and messaging apps in the sidebar. It now comes with Aria AI to streamline tasks and information gathering.

Although Safari integrates with Siri, it won’t fully unleash AI until macOS 15 and iOS 18.

On Opera, Aria lets you highlight any text on a page to explore the information further. You can also ask the chatbot questions rather than going straight to Google. Like an assistant, it can even generate content such as email responses using the Compose feature .

I particularly like Opera’s workspaces and tab management . These allow you to group different tabs, pin the most important ones, and even search through tabs if you have many open.

Like Safari, it attempts to keep resource usage low by snoozing inactive tabs without closing them. However, as a Chromium-based browser , it does take up quite a bit of RAM.

Both offer private browsing and ad-blocking , but Opera stands out with a free, unlimited VPN that encrypts your online activity and hides your IP address.

The only area that Safari still has a clear edge is its Intelligent Tracking Prevention. This blocks cookies that are used for cross-site tracking and targeted advertising.

• More advanced tab management
• Integrated social media and messenger apps
• Can be resource intensive
• Lacks intelligent tracking prevention

2. Chrome – Most User-friendly Alternative

Based on browser stats , Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, and not without good reason. It’s incredibly user-friendly , especially if you use Google as your main web account and want a seamless experience across devices.

Compared to Safari, it also supports far more features through its huge library of extensions .

Furthermore, you can also download Chrome’s new experimental AI features right now. These include tab grouping suggestions, generative AI themes, and a Help Me Write tool. Safari’s AI is not yet public.

On the other hand, while Chrome is faster than the older version of Safari on Windows, if you’re switching from Mac, you’ll notice Chrome tends to consume more RAM . Moreover, Safari has a bit less happening on screen, thanks to its disappearing tab bar.

While private browsing is available on both, Safari’s ad-blocking and intelligent tracking is a cut above Google’s. On Chrome , you’ll need a third-party extension to effectively block ads and tracking cookies.

• More third-party extensions
• AI is rolling out now
• Excellent cross device support and syncing
• More resource-intensive
• Not as privacy-conscious as Safari

3. Edge – Best Alternative for Windows Enthusiasts

Microsoft’s Edge is always an excellent Safari alternative because it’s finely tuned to Windows .

If you use Cortana, Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and the Office 365 apps, these are all integrated into the browsing experience.

Its AI Copilot is now out in full force, offering a chatbot, Compose feature, and page summaries. It also has a useful shopping tool for finding coupon codes and doing price comparisons.

As with most Safari alternatives using Chromium, you’ll find many more extensions that add extra features to the browser.

Both offer robust privacy features, but Edge has excelled in recent years with its tracking prevention levels and site-specific privacy settings .

I like that Edge handles tabs vertically and lets you to easily group them together. Similar to Safari, it also retracts when not in use to conserve screen space. However, there’s a lot more going on onscreen in terms of sidebars and settings.

• Access Chromium extensions
• Comes with AI Copilot
• Integrates with Microsoft apps
• More control over privacy settings
• Interface is more cluttered
• Not the fastest alternative

4. Brave – Best for Privacy

If you’re looking for a browser that makes privacy a key concern, then Brave is the best alternative. Unlike Safari, it blocks all ads , not just trackers and the most intrusive ones.

It also has a built-in Tor mode , which encrypts your connection beyond the standard HTTPS protocol, providing complete anonymity. Since Tor can be slow, Brave offers a built-in VPN for faster encrypted browsing too. The drawback is this is a premium service unlike Opera.

While Brave is Chromium-based, I find it suffers less in performance than other browsers of the same type because it doesn’t get bogged down by banner ads and other junk loading on the page.

It also provides a minimalist interface with vertical tabs , a combined search and address bar, and only the essential features visible by default.

Brave has already implemented an AI assistant called Leo . You can get search info by asking it questions, summarize pages and documents for fast consumption, and generate your own text content.

• The most privacy-focused browser available
• Minimalist interface
• Built-in AI assistant
• Limited support for extensions and add-ons
• Doesn’t automatically sync across devices

5. Firefox – Best for Offline Saving

Firefox has had its ups and downs but in 2024, it remains a strong contender and a good alternative to Safari.

If you’re someone who likes extra features, it benefits from being open-source with a long history of customization. Firefox’s extension library is much larger than Safari’s . You can also move menus and toolbars to your desired locations.

Like Safari’s reading list, Firefox supports saving articles, videos, and other content to its Pocket. I prefer Firefox because you can access this content offline .

Both Firefox and Safari offer strong privacy features. Firefox protects against tracking cookies, offers private browsing, and has a password manager . This is similar to Safari’s intelligent tracking prevention and iCloud Keychain.

If you want more control, go with Firefox, as you can manage protection on a per-site basis or choose between Standard and Strict levels.

Like Chrome, Firefox is more taxing on low-spec computers .

• More customizable than Safari
• Offline saving
• Full control over privacy settings
• Resource intensive
• Bulkier interface

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6. Vivaldi – Most Customizable Alternative

If we view Safari as part of Apple’s walled-off garden, then Vivaldi opens the gate and gives you free reign over everything.

Originally an Opera spin-off, Vivaldi stands on its own as the most customizable browser and it doesn’t require extensions to do so. You can tweak almost every element of the UI , assign endless custom keyboard shortcuts, and manage your tabs in ways not possible in Safari or elsewhere.

This includes stacking, tiles, a tree structure, and other options. Moreover, since it runs on Chromium, it can still access most of the extensions of Chrome on top of its customization.

On the other hand, too much freedom can be a burden and Safari offers a simpler experience.

They both offer a built-in note taking feature , private browsing, and tracker blocking. However, Vivaldi also boasts an integrated VPN and full ad blocker by default.

• VPN and ad-blocker
• Customizable user interface
• Chromium extensions
• Third-party extension required to use AI
• Safari is simpler to use

Get Vivaldi

How to Choose The Best Safari Alternative

The best Safari alternative for you will depend on your own requirements. Some key things to consider include:

• Tab Organization : Whether you prefer vertical or horizontal tabs, the ability to group, search, and otherwise customize tabs for better organization is important.
• Browser Layout : Safari’s layout is generally considered clean and minimalist, with most of its features hidden. Even the tab bar disappears when not in use. Other browsers include visible sidebars and other menus, which could be viewed as easy-to-use or cluttered, depending on what you like.
• Performance: Most modern PCs can handle every common browser without severely impacting performance but depending on your specs and number of open tabs, things can start to slow down. Safari is generally considered less resource-intensive compared to Chrome, Chromium-based browsers, and Firefox. Check our benchmarks below for a comparison.
• AI Assistant: As AI advances, it’s streamlining the way we use web browsers. A good alternative should have AI features for finding web information and generating content. Safari is currently lagging behind in this regard.
• Add-ons: It’s all good having a feature-rich browser by default, but many users wish to expand functionality with add-ons and extensions. Safari has a decent library itself, but other browsers offer more. If you want to tweak every aspect of your browsing experience, choose a solution that has the add-ons you need.
• Privacy: While Safari is considered pretty good for privacy within the Apple ecosystem, the last working Windows version is now unsupported and vulnerable. The latest Apple release has private browsing, ad-blocking, and intelligent tracking, but no extras like a VPN.

Overall, Opera stands out thanks to its great AI copilot and free VPN. However, if privacy is important to you, Brave is the best option.

In terms of extensions and user-friendliness, Chrome is an obvious alternative that’s now rolling out AI.

If you are diving into Windows and making use of all its features, you should consider Microsoft’ Edge browser.

For customization Firefox is better than most, but every aspect can be tweaked on Vivaldi.

Browser performance and resource usage is key, so to get more insight I put all the alternatives head-to-head. Here’s what we see after opening the same 5 tabs and comparing how much load it puts on your computer:

Which Safari alternative did you go for? Let me know in the comments!

Journalist & Software Expert

Keelan has covered tech and software for a decade. You'll find him getting hands-on with reviews or crunching the numbers to find interesting stats.

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8 Great Safari Browser Alternatives for Mac Users

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I prioritize these 3 upgrades when buying a new mac, this hidden score shows you how well your pc runs windows.

With every Mac since 2003, users have gotten a copy of Safari. It's basically Apple's vision of the ideal web browser, targeted at general users. But there are many Safari alternatives for Mac users—some common, some more obscure.

It's worth checking them out, because although Safari isn't a bad browser, other Mac browsers can often offer something different.

So with that in mind, here are some of the best Mac web browsers you'll find right now.

1. Google Chrome

There isn't much to say about Chrome. In a relatively short time, it's grown far beyond every other browser. It's one of the most extensible browsers you can use. You can get everything from password safes to full-on text editors that all live right in your browser.

Even with all the additions, Chrome is a strong contender for the fastest browser.

But this power all comes at a cost. If you're on a laptop, Chrome can chew up a ton of battery life with only a few browser tabs. If you're looking to extend your battery life, this is not the best choice. It is great for web apps, though, especially Google's.

One of the most unsung aspects of Chrome is its built-in web developer tools. If you're messing around with JavaScript, you have a full-on console to experiment in.

Download: Chrome (Free)

Firefox is the original alternative browser and one that many called "doomed" when Chrome came on the scene. Firefox is not dead, but it was touch and go for a few years as there was a persistent idea that it was slow.

Firefox has a renewed sense of relevance driven by quick updates. Performance can also be improved by clearing out old extensions that might hurt performance.

Related: Reasons to Switch From Google Chrome to Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is not the same as Chrome. You won't find an array of apps that turn your browser into an OS. But you will find an excellent array of extensions that make your browser more powerful.

If you're wary of the resources Chrome consumes on your system, Firefox is worth a new look.

Download: Firefox (Free)

Opera is the vinyl record of web browsers. Its fans are deep and devoted, but a little outside of the mainstream. Opera was never the dominant browser on the web. Yet it was usually first to market with features that are now standards in other web browsers.

After a decade of putting Opera on everything with a CPU, the browser has a renewed focus on the desktop. It certainly has some interesting features.

The first is that there is an Opera-branded free VPN you can add as an extension. There's also support for embedding social chat apps into the sidebar. Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger are standard, but you can add others as extensions. There's a built-in RSS reader included as well.

There's even a battery-saving feature included for laptops, which works by tweaking options on the page as it loads.

Opera is a great, lightweight Mac browser if you like features. Beyond its built-in ecosystem, there's an extension that allows you to Chrome Extensions. It's a solid browser, fixing many of the issues that plague Chrome.

Download: Opera (Free)

Vivaldi is meant to be a reboot of Opera, stripping everything down to a bare-bones browser. That bare-bones approach to the browser is not to say that Vivaldi is generic.

Vivaldi has a good balance of features without getting in the way. You can move the tab bar to any side of the window. There are many color themes you can use, which can change based on the time of day. You can even adjust the browser theme based on your Hue light bulb settings.

Vivaldi also has built-in compatibility with Chrome plugins. Web history has in-depth analysis, allowing you to do a deep dive into your browsing habits. The Vivaldi Sync feature lets you access your data elsewhere . There's a notebook included, and you can take notes that include screenshots and attachments.

There are just a few of the reasons to consider Vivaldi as your new web browser for Mac. Considering it only launched officially in 2016, it's come a long way in a short few years.

Download: Vivaldi (Free)

Having been the dominant player in the browser market for so long, it's kind of weird to see Microsoft so far behind now. Sure, it's the second-most used web browser in the world, but its userbase is nowhere near Chrome's.

The good news is it's a great web browser for Mac users. Having replaced Internet Explorer, Edge is fast and easy to use. But like many modern browsers, it owes a huge debt to Google, because it's based on the open-source Chromium browser.

Edge offers plenty of extensibility through the Microsoft Edge add-ons store, but it also supports Chrome extensions. Plus it has features like PDF support, themes, and online tracker blocking.

All things considered, it's an impressive alternative to Safari.

Download: Edge (Free)

6. Tor Browser

The Tor network is a unique way of disguising traffic by routing it through several nodes. For a long time, it was tricky to set up, but the project now offers a browser bundle as a standalone install.

The app is essentially Firefox but with the strictest privacy settings. Your history erases between sessions. Also included are the No Script and HTTPS Everywhere plugins. These add-ons increase security even further. It's not bulletproof, but it should provide some sense of security.

The Tor bundle is an excellent ancillary browser. Using it ensures that your sensitive traffic is not tracked during normal browsing. If you worry about privacy, the Tor browser bundle is for you.

Download: Tor Browser (Free)

Created with the mission of making web browsing safer and faster, Brave's team includes the inventor of JavaScript and the co-founder of Mozilla.

It promises to load pages three to six times quicker than Chrome and Firefox. But that's not the big selling point here, privacy is.

Brave doesn't see or store your browsing data, and it will never be sold to a third party. Brave also includes ad-blocking and private browsing via Tor.

If you need add-ons with your Mac browser, then you'll be pleased to know Brave can use most Chrome extensions. You also sync across different devices, as you would with browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Download: Brave (Free)

If you remember the late 90s or early 00s, browser suites were all the rage. Even Opera took the form of a suite for a while there. Maxthon combines a notebook app, mail program, a screenshot app, a password manager, and a browser. It is one of the only alternative browsers on the Mac App Store.

Beyond the range of apps built in, there isn't anything that makes Maxthon stand out. The newest version for Mac doesn't even support extensions.

Yet, if you live in your web browser, having everything in one window might be helpful. You have a notebook that you can keep everything in, even your bookmarks. Rather than a sidebar app like Vivaldi, this is a full tab in the browser. Everything is passable here; it's just not distinctive beyond all being in one place.

Download: Maxthon (Free)

One of Your Most Important Apps

Browsers are probably the most-used apps on any modern Mac. Each of these options offers something unique to each user. Give each of them a spin and find out which works best for you. You'll likely find that one of these browsers fits your workflow better than others.

You might find that Safari does fine most of the time—it is designed with Mac users in mind, after all. In that case, you might use one of these Safari alternatives only for supplemental browsing. Plus it never hurts to have a few options installed and ready to go, especially if you experience any problems with Safari.

• Safari Browser

16 Best Web Browsers for iPhone (Safari Alternatives)

Aside from Safari, prepare to explore some of the best web browsers for iPhone!

In this digital era, finding the best browser can significantly impact your surfing experience. Choosing one that provides smooth performance, strong security, and user-friendly features is critical with so many alternatives. In this article, we will look for the best web browser for iPhone.

Table of Contents

Best Web Browsers for iPhone (Safari Alternatives)

Even though Safari is the default web browser for all Apple devices. Sometimes, you may want some other alternatives for the best user experience. If You are one such person who is looking for a switch from your default browser, we have compiled a list of the top Safari alternatives for Apple users.

1. Google Chrome

If you were an Android user and switched to an iPhone, Google Chrome would be a better option as you are already familiar with this platform. It also provides excellent features like syncing the browsing history and all your bookmarks , across all devices, on your iPhone and iPad by signing in with your Gmail account . So this will be the best Safari alternative for iPhone and iPad.

2. Firefox Focus

Firefox Focus is considered as best Safari alternative for iPhone free as it offers excellent privacy features, including Enhanced Tracking Protection, and supports add-ons for customization . The private browsing mode prevents remembering your browsing history. It will also allow the deletion of any saved information and account with one tap, putting you in complete control of your internet history.

3. Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a full-featured browser with tabs, a password manager , a reading list, a language translator , and many other useful features like built-in tracking prevention . It’s the best Safari alternative for iPhone and iPad use. However, the disadvantage is that you must have a Microsoft account.

Also Read: 21 Best Web Browsers for Your Roku Device

Brave is known for its privacy-focused approach with built-in ad blocking and tracking protection. This browser is approximately six times faster than Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for iPhone and iOS. Hence it is considered as best iOS web browser for iPhone. It has no private mode like many other browsers but allows you to hide your browsing history from prying eyes when using the internet.

5. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo Browser may be the best iOS web browser for iPhone if you value privacy and wish to browse the web without being monitored . It’s ideal for people worried about their online privacy and who wish to limit the amount of information gathered about their browsing history.

Opera was designed for people who are always on the move and is considered one of the fastest browsers for iPhone users. Its user interface and unique features cater to users who appreciate innovative design , seamless cross-device synchronization , and intuitive navigation. It’s worth trying Opera Touch to see if its features align with your preferences and browsing habits.

Also Read: 14 Best Fastest Browsers for Android

The Puffin browser is a fast iPhone Web Browser on the net, which cannot go unnoticed. It is not free to download , but you can do so after making a nominal payment for its services . Puffin browser’s cloud-based architecture and its support for Flash content set it apart from many other mobile browsers. Users looking for quick browsing speeds and users who need to access Flash-based material will find it especially helpful.

Dolphin Browser is yet another best web browsers for iPhone users. It’s well-known for its gesture-based navigation , customizability, and user-friendly interference. The browser also features the Sonar voice search and control option. This can be activated by simply shaking the device through a clever shake and speak option , but downloading this feature involves a nominal cost. The Dolphin browser also allows you to choose from plenty of themes.

Maxthon is a lightweight cloud-based iOS web browser that is free to download and use with iPhones. It has numerous features, and because it is cloud-based, you can sync your data with both iOS and non-iOS devices , allowing you to use your data at all times. It includes an ad blocker to help you avoid unwanted pop-ups and advertising while you work. This will enable you to keep your work pace without interruptions. The night mode feature lets you browse the internet without straining your eyes.

10. Ghostery

Ghostery is one of the best web browsers for iPhone and is ideal for individuals adamant about maintaining anonymity and privacy while avoiding annoying adverts, etc., on their iOS devices. For increased anonymity, it uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine rather than the standard search engines such as Bing , Yahoo, or Google. This browser also has tracker blocking and can turn off cookies and caches with a single click. Unless you allow Ghostery to construct its database , no signups or data are collected by the app.

Also Read: Top 11 Best Private Browsers For Android

The Aloha web browser is a versatile and privacy-focused internet browser known for its user-friendly interface and advanced security features. With built-in ad-blocker , VPN, and enhanced tracking protection, Aloha aims to provide a seamless and secure browsing experience for users, ensuring their online activities remain private and protected.

12. Ad-block web browser

An Ad-block web browser is intended to provide consumers with a smooth and ad-free browsing experience . These browsers prioritize user privacy , faster page loading speeds, and decreased distractions by automatically eliminating annoying adverts , pop-ups, and trackers, boosting the overall online experience.

13. Yandex Browser

Yandex browser is known for its speed and security features, the browser integrates with Yandex’s search engine and offers built-in protection against malicious websites and phishing scams. Its user-friendly interface and customizable options make it a favored choice for users seeking a reliable browsing experience.

14. Onion Browser

Onion browser is free and open-source software for iOS, which enables browsing the internet over the Tor VPN browser. It helps access the internet with complete privacy and safety at no extra cost. It disables trackers and also keeps you safe from insecure wireless networks and ISPs when browsing the World Wide Web over the Internet. Those .onion sites that are only accessible over Tor can also be connected using this browser.

Also Read: 25 Best Android Browsers for Surfing the Internet

15. Private Browser

A private browser, commonly referred to as incognito or private mode , is a function provided by web browsers that enables users to access the internet without saving their browsing, cookie, or search histories . The purpose of this option is to increase privacy by prohibiting the browser from saving any data about the user’s online activities while they are using it.

16. Tor VPN Browser

The Tor VPN Browser is a virtual private network (VPN)-based web browsing solution with a privacy-focused approach that combines the anonymity of the Tor network with security. Users’ identities and online activities are hidden by the system by routing traffic across several encrypted nodes . This effective solution is a popular option for anyone looking to preserve their digital footprint because it provides improved online privacy and security against spying. 

These are the best web browsers for iPhone users, but the final call is left to the user to pick up, as it all boils down to personal preference and meeting your needs and wants. Those interested in downloading may go to the Apple Play Store, as most are free.

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Safari alternatives: 11 smart iOS browser options

While all ios browsers use the same core rendering engine as safari, many of them offer additional functions useful in business. here are a handful of safari alternatives to test drive..

Chances are your corporate IT policy dictates which browser you use on your laptop or desktop. On your iPhone, though, you may be free to choose a more exotic browser. We’ve rounded up a dozen Safari alternatives for iOS that may suit you better.

Ever since the release of iOS 14 in 2020, Apple has allowed users to select a default browser (the one that opens when you tap on a link in an email or an app) other than Safari. Many alternate browsers will even ask if you want to set them as your default the first time you launch them, though you might want to test drive them for a bit before committing to one.

It’s worth noting, however, that Apple requires developers to use the same WebKit rendering engine as Safari to display web pages on screen, so iOS web browsers are really all just WebKit in a different wrapper. That said, some alternative browsers offer quite different interfaces and/or more expansive feature sets. For instance, one entrant on this list includes a VPN that can be used to secure connections and port your requests through a different location or country.

Check out these options to see if one or more might have a place in your business browsing. Unless otherwise noted, these browsers are free.

Aloha Browser

Aloha is a feature-laden mobile browser that packs a whole lot of Polynesian personality. Beyond the Hawaiian-themed start screen, Aloha offers privacy features including ad blocking; private tabs; a crypto wallet; an internal file manager for downloads, media, and documents; syncing across devices; and a VPN. A premium subscription ($6 per month or $50 per year) enables advanced VPN capabilities like automatic startup/reconnect and encrypting all traffic from your iPhone, instead of just the Aloha browser itself.

The Aloha browser pairs a laid-back Hawaiian look with serious privacy controls.

Google Chrome might be the most popular mobile browser overall, but that’s mostly due to Android’s dominance in the global smartphone market. On iPhones, it comes in as a distant second to Apple’s own Safari.

If you use the Chrome desktop browser, you can sync bookmarks and recently visited sites via your Google account, replicating Safari’s Handoff feature. There’s also one-touch access to Google Translate, voice search using Google Assistant rather than Siri, and a handy QR-code scanner above the virtual keyboard. Chrome’s Incognito mode doesn’t send cookies or store browser history.

Like many alternative iOS browsers, Chrome invites you to make it your default browser.

Dolphin Mobile Browser

The Dolphin browser has one of the longest feature lists of any of the mobile browsers. You can tell Dolphin where you want to go by tapping on one of its speed-dial buttons; selecting a destination from the bookmarks, history, or open tabs it has synchronized with your PC; or typing its address. You can also use touch gestures to select favorite destinations — perhaps tracing a C for Computerworld.com — and you can even control the browser by shaking your phone or speaking to it. On top of all that, you also get ad and tracking blocking and a useful drawer (tap the Dolphin icon) that makes it easy to access the bevy of features Dolphin Browser has to offer. 

The Dolphin browser offers a plethora of features.

DuckDuckGo Private Browser

It’s not just a search engine. In addition to giving the world a way to search the web free from tracking, monitoring, and monetizing your searches, DuckDuckGo offers its own browser . As you might guess, the big focus is on privacy, and it allows you surf the web without being tracked or leaving a trail from your phone.

A Fire button is prominently displayed in the toolbar below web pages; tapping it closes all tabs and clears all browsing data (and does it with your choice of four different animations). You can also “fireproof” sites, marking them as able to set cookies for things like logins, shopping carts, and so forth — but third-party trackers will still be blocked.

DuckDuckGo offers both privacy-focused search and privacy-focused browsing.

Microsoft Edge will sync favorites and passwords between all your devices logged into Microsoft’s cloud servers. Using its “Send to devices” command, you can send a tab from your phone to your other connected devices, and the Collections feature lets you gather and organize web content for later reference. Edge also offers voice search, tracking prevention, an ad blocker, InPrivate tabs that won’t store browsing data, and the ability use both personal and business Microsoft accounts.

If you sign into your Microsoft account, the Edge browser syncs favorites, passwords, Collections, and more between your devices.

Using Mozilla Firefox on the iPhone is a smart choice if you’re already using Firefox on other devices, since it will sync bookmarks, passwords and other information between them all to keep you up to speed. Its customizable home page includes shortcuts, recently visited sites, and more. Firefox on iOS also features the same anti-ad tracking technology found on the desktop and sports large visual tabs for fast retrieval.

Firefox offers a customizable home page and a rich set of features.

Firefox Focus

In addition to the mainstream Firefox web browser, Mozilla also offers a streamlined, distraction-free option called Firefox Focus . If you’re easily distracted, have ADHD, or just want a little help staying on task, it’s worth checking out as an alternative or addition to Apple’s Focus modes that are built into iOS. Firefox Focus blocks ads and trackers by default, and you can erase your browsing history, passwords, and cookies with a single tap on its ever-present trashcan icon.

The minimalist interface of Firefox Focus reduces distractions.

Onion Browser

Tor is a distributed system for anonymizing internet traffic. Developed by the Tor Project, the original (desktop) Tor Browser uses the Tor network to keep your identity and online activity secret — important protection for journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and people who live under repressive regimes that limit internet freedom. If you’re very serious about privacy, using a Tor browser provides far more protection than other options. Note, however, that routing traffic through Tor slows down your browsing, and many websites won’t work properly. For most users, a Tor browser isn’t necessary.

Several third-party developers have ported Tor to iOS. None are directly affiliated with the Tor Project, and the project notes that the WebKit engine underlying all iOS browsers prevents them from having privacy protections as extensive as its own Tor Browser. That said, the project recommends the Onion Browser , which uses Tor routing to ensure that your ISP can’t see what you’re browsing and websites can’t see your IP address.

If you’re an experienced Tor user, you’ll be able to configure the browser’s advanced settings. Otherwise, the Onion Browser makes configuration simple with three security-level presets (Gold, Silver, and Bronze).

The Onion Browser has an array of advanced security settings but also offers simple presets for varying levels of protection.

Orion Browser

At first glance, Orion seems like a very basic browser with the typical feature set. Look at the browser’s settings, however, and there’s a bit more to discover, including different modes to help you focus, streamline your data use, and even conserve battery life.

Orion also blocks ads and trackers. In addition to syncing content between multiple devices, you can protect private browsing tabs or the entire browser using Face/Touch ID or your phone’s passcode.

The Orion browser offers focus, data-saving, and low-power modes.

The name says it all. Search All is designed to search for almost anything, almost anywhere, all at once. You can select from more than 50 different sites to search across several categories including search engines, online stores, video sites, image repositories, wiki-based knowledge sites, some social networks, and even comics libraries and get results from each of them in separate tabs.

While it may not be a go-to browser for everyday use for most people, the ability to instantly search for anything across so many services is incredibly useful when you’re researching a fact, trying to find a specific video clip, comparing prices, or need a specific picture for a project.

Tap into the power of searching multiple sites simultaneously with Search All.

SPIN Safe Browser

The primary focus of the SPIN Safe Browser is safe browsing (hence the name). In addition to privacy controls, it includes content filtering that can hide questionable images and content as you browse. This makes it a good choice if you have kids or want to avoid looking at certain things on a device that you use for work.

What makes SPIN unique on this list is that the developer is focused on the education and enterprise market. It offers a $20 version of the browser that you can customize via an AppConfig-compatible mobile device management (MDM) platform, such as Jamf or Hexnode. This means that IT departments can deploy the browser and have a full set of controls for managing it throughout a school or company.

The SPIN Safe Browser offers standard features but also blocks NSFW content and can be managed via MDM software.

This article was originally published in October 2017 and most recently updated in May 2023.

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In This Article

Why choosing an alternative web browser, 7 best alternative web browsers, conclusion: the best web browser for you, related articles, 7 best alternative web browsers [to chrome, safari & firefox].

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Updated on: July 17, 2024

When people talk about “ alternative internet browsers ” they commonly refer to any web browser that isn’t one of the “Major Browsers”, like Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

There are plenty of other web browsers available that offer functionalities and features that may appeal to you. Things such as enhanced privacy, multi-layer protection, greater customization, and browsing tools.

If you’re one of the majority of internet users relying only on Google Chrome, you may miss out on several valuable features. For instance, Chrome has no reading mode, which is available in many of the best alternative open-source web browsers to Chrome we’ve mentioned here.

So, if you’re unhappy with your current browser or just want to explore the options, here is a list of the best alternative web browsers for you.

Alternative web browsers can provide you with more robust privacy protection, emphasize performance for your particular usage, or just provide you with the features that adjust better to your daily usage.

Numerous modified versions of the mainstream browsers are deployed as alternative browsers for Ubuntu, Windows, and Mac.

Are you using Ubuntu? Then you should be reading about the best web browsers for Ubuntu .

Several of these alternatives can be behind in terms of modifications and the implementation of web standards as they are often fully accessible projects or passion projects.

While switching from a popular browser may not sound alluring, alternative browsers offer their own perks.

1. Opera Web Browser

Price : Free OS : Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, macOS Best For : Eliminating unwanted ads and protecting your online privacy

The Opera web browser is one of the oldest and best alternative internet web browsers that perform efficiently on Linux, Windows, and macOS operating systems.

It also works well on Android and iOS. This evergreen browser has a good reputation for being fast and reliable and has many features.

Thanks to its 100% free VPN, you will enjoy reduced tracking and enhanced privacy while browsing the internet. Also, the built-in messengers enable you to stay connected with your family, friends, and coworkers right from the browser.

Opera can be a great alternative to Chrome as it’s quite similar in many ways too, such as Tabbed browsing, private tabs, password management, sync between devices, and many more.

Basic Features :

• Built-in Ad Blocker to reduce/eliminate unwanted ads
• Built-in 100% Free VPN for enhanced privacy
• Built-in Turbo feature for fast internet speed
• Opera has light hardware and is quick and easy to operate.
• Thanks to its browser tools, this web browser keeps your personal info safe and secure.
• Enjoy effective and optimal data synchronization potentials with this web browser platform.
• Locating the extensions in Opera is a bit challenging.
• Compatibility with older websites may not always be possible.

2. Brave – One of The Best Alternative Web Browsers

Price : Free OS : Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, macOS Best For : Enhanced protection and privacy

When it comes to alternative web browsers to Google Chrome (and others), Brave stands out as one of the most prominent candidates. This browser claims itself to be three times faster than Chrome, which is true to some extent.

Furthermore, it offers enhanced energy efficiency and better privacy and protection. You can download it on your iOS and Android mobiles or simply use it on a device with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

• Refines Page Function to get rid of irrelevant information.
• Free video calls, independent search, offline playlists, and more
• “Private Tabs with Tor” for enhanced private browsing experience
• Brave is one of the most reliable alternative web browsers that protects users from malicious content, trackers, and online ads.
• It is the one-stop destination for incognito windows, ad-blocking, private independent search, and VPNs.
• This web browser is well-optimized to consume less power, hence saving your battery life and ensuring faster-loading speed.
• Although Brave is one of the fastest web browsers, it doesn’t feature some plug-ins, extensions, and add-ons.
• Brave tends to take up a lot of storage space on your device, which can result in slowing down the device altogether.

3. Microsoft Edge

Price : Free OS : Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, macOS Best For : Windows users who need a faster and safer browsing experience

Microsoft Edge is one of the most competitive alternative web browsers for Windows and other operating systems.

This web browser is integrated with enhanced protection and high-end security functions.

Like Chrome browser, Edge is also based on the same open-source Chromium project.

Discover what are the best Chromium-based web browsers .

Although it is Windows 10’s default system browser, it is not available in most older versions of Windows OS. This fast web browser showcases only a few obligatory components on its interface.

• Seamlessly import data from Safari, Firefox, and Chrome
• Enhanced control over the privacy
• Immersive Reader to only see the text content
• Like Chrome, edge also offers sleek minimalism and faster speed while ensuring a future full of apps, add-ons, and plugins.
• Thanks to its low memory consumption, you can enjoy quicker page loading, faster surfing, and a seamless user experience.
• It features a “distraction-free reading mode” to let you cut or eliminate irrelevant content, download pages, and read them at your convenience.
• Like Chrome, Microsoft Edge also needs relatively better system resources as it has minimal published hardware requirements.
• Unlike Chrome, Edge has a shortfall of many plug-ins and extensions. It is disappointing to those who think of using it as their daily driver.

4. Tor Project

Price : Free OS : Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Best For : Anonymity on the interwebs

Tor is abbreviated for The Onion Router and is one of the best open-source alternative web browsers. It holds a strong reputation for allowing users to browse the internet anonymously. Also, it’s well-known for being the only web browser that allows access to the dark web.

If you use a Mac, check out the best web browsers for Mac and, if you care about performance, discover what are the fastest web browsers for Mac .

No matter if you lack interest in the dark web, this network still ensures great anonymity with its multiple layers of encryption.

This anonymity offered by the browser is ideal for people who want safety while using an alternative browser to surf the internet.

• Cross-platform availability
• Advanced and top-notch data encryption
• The anonymity of websites and servers
• This browser hides your IP address and other private data while browsing the internet.
• This network lets you open websites that are all encrypted and secured.
• You are free to post anything while hiding your identity and enjoy doing democratic activities efficiently.
• This network lets you access blocked and deep web websites.
• It involves redirecting via at least three nodes, making the web browsing slower than usual.
• The startup time is much higher than other web browsers like Firefox or Chrome.
• This network doesn’t allow you to upload or download large files.

5. Avast – Web Browser

Price : Free OS : Windows, iOS, and Android Best For : Home users seeking enhanced cybersecurity

Avast is a prevalent web browser when it comes to cybersecurity.

This network features anti-malware and anti-virus solutions to protect your device from any malicious activity. Plus, the availability of the Avast secure browser on Windows and other OS makes it more popular than ever.

This web browser, that can be great alternative to Chrome , provides its users a private, safe, and secure browsing experience to afford privacy with ease. The browser can enhance your browsing experience by completely eliminating or reducing spammy, creepy ads.

• Automatic blocking of malicious downloads.
• Download manager for downloading high-quality YouTube videos
• The Avast browser has a password manager that ensures generating strong passwords and saves you from having to type a password every time you log in to some password-protected tab or profile.
• You can access geo-blocked websites while hiding your ID address with its integrated VPN technology.
• Due to its dedicated modes, it is beneficial for easy access to banking and shopping portals.
• This web browser is not available on the Mac app store.
• You may have to subscribe to a premium membership to access some of its security features.

If you want to save some storage space, here are some of the best browsers that uses the least RAM .

6. Polarity Browser

Price : Free OS : Windows, Android Best For : blocking ads and getting tracking protection.

Polarity is an amazing alternative dual-engine web browser powered by Trident and Chromium. It ensures low CPU and low RAM usage to focus on system efficiency. It is designed to be optimized for Windows and Android operating systems devices.

It lets you explore the web with a simple, intuitive UI, which is highly customizable with apps, themes, and extensions from the UserStyles, OpenUserJS, GreasyFork, and Polarity Store. Also, it features built-in privacy and adblocker tools like header masking and VPN support.

• Strong web filter that alerts and protects users
• Built-in ad blocker to filter out 90% of ads
• Built-in theming system for customization
• Compared to Chrome, Polarity takes 10x less memory to ensure fast and lightweight performance.
• You can browse the internet with multiple profiles and separate cookies, cache, and history thanks to parallel sessions.
• The customizable UI of the browser lets you customize window color, text color, tab color, and more.
• Although the browser is incredibly fast and lightweight, it crashes sometimes.
• One impractical thing about Polarity is you’ll need to use the built-in deinstallation tool to uninstall this browser.

7. Mozilla Firefox

Price : Free OS : Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Best For : Power users and privacy protection

Mozilla Firefox is an open-source, free web browser launched six years before Google Chrome. This web browser is being translated into over 90 languages, and it works effectively with Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Recently, Firefox has added plenty of other features to make its network more secure and protected for its users. For instance, Firefox now automatically blocks and prevents third-party cookies and tracking to safeguard your data from social trackers.

• Less RAM consumption and lightweight design
• Intuitive navigation for easy access
• Alleviates autoplay on embedded videos
• Retrieves web pages with embedded memory
• This web browser ensures enhanced protection for all your Internet browsing activities.
• Thanks to its tracking protection, websites won’t follow you around the internet.
• It provides enhanced network security, multiple add-ons for personalized browsing, and a more straightforward user interface.
• This browser comes with a slow startup time, which can be annoying.
• Unlike Chrome, its add-ons aren’t easy to access and navigate.

No matter why you want to switch from Chrome to a better alternative web browser, you can rest assured that there are plenty of better alternatives out there for free.

When considering an alternative web browser for your needs, contemplate all the features offered by each one of them.

The fact that these browsers are free to download and use makes it ideal and smart to test each one before committing to any particular.

Different browsers ensure different user experiences, so know what’s best for your needs and choose accordingly.

• Top Web3 Browsers 2023
• 22 Top Web Browsers for Linux
• 5+ Best Web Browsers for Windows 11
• Top 5 Chromebook Web Browsers 2022

Alvaro Trigo

I’m Alvaro, a full-stack web developer and a full-time entrepreneur. Creator of fullpage.js . You can follow me at Twitter .

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Best Mac browser: pick the best Safari alternative for you

We pitch Apple's browser against the popular alternatives

The chances are as a Mac user you do most of your browsing in Safari . It is, after all, a great browser, and the one that comes integrated into OS X, ready and waiting in the Dock to be fired up with every new Mac. It was first developed as a stripped-down alternative to the slow and bloated browsers of a decade ago.

Believe it or not, Apple used to bundle internet Explorer with OS X as far as Mac OS X 10.2 but then gradually phased it out, and Safari became the system default browser with Mac OS X 10.3.

There are some good reasons for using Safari: it's lightweight, quick and has hooks deep into the operating system . It's pretty great at supporting new technologies like HTML5 and can take advantage of Apple's increasingly ambitious iCloud syncing features like iCloud tabs and soon, passwords too.

• OS X 10.9 Mavericks review

It has been developed over the years to support extensions and notifications and of course mobile Safari on iOS enjoys an impressively high global share of web traffic. So if all this is true, why would you consider an alternative?

Part of Safari's appeal is that it is simple and uncluttered, but this also means that it lacks some of the features that other browsers can offer. Power users in particular like to customise and supercharge their browsing experience, going far beyond simple browsing to get more features and work more quickly. Developers need to check that the sites they are building will work across a range of browsers and platforms, and sometimes, despite Apple's assurances to the contrary, certain sites just work better in a browser other than Safari.

Browsing for more choice

The good news is that in recent years most competing browsers have upped their game considerably, and relative newcomers such as Chrome and the more venerable Firefox offer real alternatives to Safari.

There are a huge number of extensions available for these browsers so you can install add-ons to do things like use proxies to view content that is otherwise unavailable in your country, or blog or tweet straight from whatever window you happen to have open. They can be heavily customised, give you advanced bookmark management, download management and RSS feeds.

Many non-Apple browsers now also let you sync data between your various devices using their own systems rather than iCloud. Third-party developers such as Mozilla and Google (which makes Chrome), don't have to stick to Apple's release schedules or strategy, so they are free to add features and change things that Apple might be more reluctant to do with Safari.

• iTunes Radio review

Indeed, Apple doesn't really change Safari very frequently at all when it comes to adding features, preferring to fix security issues and tinker under the hood, like we will see in OS X Mavericks with the new power-saving technology that should reduce the CPU impact of browsing with multiple tabs. So if you're looking for stuff that Safari doesn't do, there's a good chance that Chrome, Firefox, Opera or an alternative iOS browser may well hold the answer.

Extensions are particularly useful but there's other stuff that each one does differently, plus some people just like the way a particular browser looks or feels. There's nothing to stop you using several browsers: perhaps you like to use one for work and one for leisure. Browsing using Safari on iOS is substantially more limited than it is on OS X but here still you can power things up by installing a third-party browser, some of which have really useful features not found in Safari, such as ad blocking, download and file management, data compression, Flash support, plugins and the ability to report as different browsers, which is handy for controlling the way sites are presented to you.

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Best Safari alternatives for iPhone and iPad in 2024

Updated on:

Safari is a pretty good browser, but it falls shorts in several aspects. For instance, not all sites perform optimally, and it doesn’t feature the best tab management options. Thankfully, there are plenty of Safari alternatives for iPhone and iPad that are fast, secure, and feature-rich.

Moreover, with the ability to change the default browser in iOS 14, you can use your favorite one conveniently. Want to know what my choice is? Keep reading as I review some of the most popular iPhone browsers.

1. Google Chrome

I love Google Chrome so much that I did a detailed comparison with Safari to explain my reasons. Primarily, the stand-out feature is the seamless sync across devices, thanks to signing in with your Google account.

You can access recently opened pages, bookmarks, and favorites on any device that you’re signed into. For instance, I use Google Chrome across my iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android device, and Windows PC, and my data syncs across all to ease my workflow. This cross-platform support makes it the best for those who work on multiple devices.

Of course, there are loads of other attractive options such as efficient tab management and incognito mode for privacy.

• Impeccable cross-platform sync
• Great tab management features
• Built-in Google Voice Search to avoid manual typing
• Mighty Google Translate to convert web pages from one language to another.
• Data saver mode automatically compresses the web pages for faster loading
• Incognito mode which does not record history, cache, and cookies
• Tracks user data
• Hogs resources

2. Firefox and Firefox Focus

This one’s a close second to Chrome and boasts a similar clean UI. One of the most notable features is that it automatically blocks image(s) to reduce sites’ loading time. Of course, it’s pretty good at blocking ads and popups, too, for your safety.

For more privacy, you can go for the Firefox Focus browser, in which stealth mode is always on. It seamlessly blocks many common web trackers without needing to meddle with the settings.

• Private Browsing Mode makes sure that none of your online activities are being recorded.
• Enhanced Tracking Protection is known to block all harmful trackers, including crypto miners and fingerprints.
• Syncs passwords, bookmarks, and history across devices
• You need to create a Firefox account to allow data to sync
• No tracking protection in Private Browsing mode.

Firefox Focus

3. Microsoft Edge

Long gone are the days of Internet Explorer. Microsoft has created one of the best browsers in the form of Edge. It has a straightforward UI with many helpful features such as private tabs, swipe gestures, translate webpages, etc.

I especially appreciate the picture-in-picture functionality for video on most sites, including YouTube. I also love using the “Read aloud” feature that reads the text to you at the tap of a button.

Further, it comes with Adblock Plus built-in to block unwanted ads. The downside is that the default search engine is Bing, but you can easily change this to Google, Yahoo, etc.

• Minimal resource consumption
• Tracking Prevention to stop third-party trackers from accessing your browsing activity.
• Built-in Ad-Block Plus to stop intrusive ads
• InPrivate browsing Mode
• Immersive Reader Mode allows for a distraction-free experience.
• Password Manager to handle all your saved passwords
• You must have a Microsoft Account to make the most of the features.
• Sync is a bit slow
• Interface and navigation could be more responsive

4. Brave Browser

Here’s the best Safari alternative that puts privacy first. It blocks all ads by default that considerably decreases the page load time. Brave claims to be three times faster than Chrome while putting less strain on your device battery.

But, if ads are blocked, how do websites make revenue? Well, Brave supports publishers by compensating them at the end of each month, depending on your interaction with websites. Further, with HTTPS Everywhere, you can rest assured that you’re only visiting safe sites.

Moreover, you can also use TouchID/FaceID to unlock this browser. And there’s also an in-built Private VPN that allows you to hide your actual IP address and browse anonymously.

• Best security and privacy features
• Speedy browser
• In-built VPN
• Less resource consumption
• Data sync is a bit complicated to setup
• Payment methodology needs to be simplified for more developers and publishers to be on board.

Here’s another top browser for those concerned about privacy. It doesn’t log any of your activity, so you can freely browse without worrying about how your data will be used.

The interface takes inspiration from Google Chrome and is a breeze to navigate. Like Microsoft Edge, this browser’s highlight is how it lets you play YouTube and other videos in picture-in-picture mode. This is incredibly handy when you want to watch something while also carrying on with other tasks on your phone.

Moreover, Aloha claims to load webpages two times faster using hardware acceleration. Simultaneously, there is also a paid version of the browser called Aloha Premium that boasts even more advanced features such as an in-built VPN to browse anonymously and safeguard your privacy.

• Ad-free browsing experience
• In-built VR player allows you to enjoy VR videos
• Picture-in-picture / background play for videos
• Fast and secures
• Need to pay for full features

Price : Premium subscription starts at $2.99

6. Opera Browser

This iOS browser app has undergone a complete overhaul in recent times. One of the highlights of this is the Fast Action Button. This is inspired by Apple’s Control Center, and a single tap is enough to invoke quite a few functionalities such as refreshing the tab, closing it, or opening a new one.

Further, the ‘Flow’ feature allows you to link the device’s browser with its desktop version. You could then easily exchange the desired data from either end. It also comes with a built-in QR Code scanner, which blends well with its Flow feature.

Lastly, its ad and popup blocker ensures an immersive browsing experience.

• Ad-blocker and cryptocurrency mining protection
• Easy to use
• Fast Action Button for easy one-hand usage
• Lack of bookmark management
• No online data sync

7. DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser

This is the leading name among the most secure web browsers for iPhone and iPad. It gives equal attention to both privacy and customizations. Moreover, what makes it stand out is that it has a built-in search engine that doesn’t hog or track your data the way Google does. It is consistently scaling up to offer a better browsing experience.

Further, a badge beside the address bar shows the privacy grade of each website you visit which helps you stay safe and instantly gauge the site’s reliability.

• Blocks all third-party trackers by default
• Private search engine compared to Google
• Enforce Encryption makes sure that you always land upon the HTTPS version of a site rather than the HTTP (if available).
• Privacy scores from A to F for each site
• TouchID/ FaceID lock
• Detailed customization settings are time-consuming
• The default search engine is DuckDuckGo and cannot be changed

8. Yandex Browser

Yandex browser is all about safe and secure browsing. It reduces data usage and speeds up page load time with its special Turbo mode.

Its uniqueness lies in its ability to change the look of tabs using preset background designs or photos from your device. Pretty neat when you’re bored of the plain look of other browsers.

The browser also offers you recommended content, including news, articles, and videos based on your interests. You can also access all your favorite websites and bookmarks on any of your devices with a Yandex account.

• Voice search in multiple languages, including Russian, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
• Customized look and content to
• In-built ad blocker
• Fast and secure
• Some websites don’t display correctly
• Need to create a Yandex account for sync

This one’s more of a search engine than a full-fledged browser, but it’s the best choice if you care about the earth and sustainability.

For approximately every 45 searches you do, Ecosia plants a tree. Given how we are all constantly searching for things, this is an easy way to do something small for the planet.

For more information about their work and transparency, you can check out the Projects tab at the browser’s bottom. However, since Ecosia is primarily a search engine, it lacks many essential features such as tabs and privacy controls.

So, it would be preferable to use this within another browser at the URL ecosia.org.

• Uses search revenue to plant trees
• Save your favorite webpages
• Clean, beautiful look
• Search results not as accurate as Google
• Not a full-fledged browser

With so many options, you can find a Safari alternative that perfectly fits your unique needs. Which browser do you love using on your iPhone or iPad? Share your preference with me in the comments below.

• Best Safari Extensions for iPhone and iPad
• How to disable Safari on iPhone? Easy ways to do it!
• How to Clear Browsing History in Safari
• Delete frequently visited sites from Safari on iPhone

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10 Best iPhone Browsers: Top Safari Alternatives For 2022

Do you think S afari is not the best browser for iPhone? We have just the list for you. There are many other Safari alternatives that are among the best browsers for your iPhone outside the Apple ecosystem . These browsers also come with their own unique set of features that improve your browsing experience.

To help you choose the best browser for iPhone, we have compiled a list, and we have also highlighted the pros and cons of each. After iOS 14, and now with iOS 15, you can change your iPhone’s default browser using the steps here .

Before having a peek at the features of the shortlisted iPhone browser apps, have a look at the  best photo editing apps for iPhone to enhance your pictures in 2022.

10 Best iPhone Web Browser Apps for 2022

1. google chrome – best browser app for cross-platform syncing, 2. firefox focus – browser app for iphone to browse anonymously, 3. microsoft edge – bring your ms account to iphone, 4. duckduckgo browser – couple of neat features, 5. brave browser – iphone browser with its own news app, 6. aloha browser – iphone browser app with in-built vpn, 7. opera – iphone browser with built-in crypto wallet, 8. ghostery dawn – most private browser for iphone, 9. puffin browser – a fast iphone web browser app, 10. maxthon cloud web browser – a cloud-based ios browser.

Google Chrome is one of the best browser apps available for Windows and Android devices. Google’s famous browser is also available for iOS. While Chrome isn’t the most private browsing experience, it is refined. It has a number of extensions, decent privacy controls, and a neat user interface.

Chrome is available across platforms, so everything can be synced between all your devices. It also comes with an Omnibox address bar, quick search, tab groups, and other neat features. It is among the best iPhone browser apps for those who like to work on multiple devices running on different operating systems.

However, if you’re looking for a privacy-focused browser for iPhone, you should consider the other options on the list. While Chrome has gotten rid of cookies, Google FLoC is still a questionable privacy feature from the company.

Pros And Cons of Google Chrome

Firefox is not a shocking name in the web browsers list. Firefox for desktop has received applauds from many tech enthusiasts for its set of advanced features. Firefox Focus is a privacy-focused browser .

You don’t need to turn or any incognito mode to escape trackers; the stealth mode is always turned on in the browser. It blocks ads and trackers by default, making your browsing experience clean and tracking-free.

Firefox Focus is a basic app with advanced privacy protection features that you can surely give a try when looking for the best web browser for iPhone. Lack of tabs can be annoying at times, but otherwise, it is a decent browser app for iPhone if you want to hide your identity from the online world.

Pros and Cons of Firefox Focus

If you like Microsoft Edge on desktop, you can also use it as a Safari alternative on iPhone. Edge offers a neat and easily customizable homepage experience with secure browsing.

You can also choose to block all cookies, select your own default search engine, and use features like contextual search. One of the best features of Microsoft Edge is the homepage. You can customize it with a push of a button to show beautiful backgrounds, latest news, or enter focus mode.

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Edge

DuckDuckGo is also included in our list of the best Google Search alternatives . Now, the DuckDuckGo browser also makes for a capable Safari alternative. This is a privacy-focused browser and blocks many trackers by default.

You can also clear all your browsing data with the tap of a button, and still retain your sign-in information for sites you use. It also comes with DuckDuckGo Email protection , which removes trackers from your emails before you receive them in your inbox. You can also use your @Duck email address to sign up for other services without disclosing your real email address.

Pros and Cons of DuckDuckGo Browser

Brave browser has been making headlines lately. Recently, the company launched Brave Search beta , which is later used to replace Google Search as the default search engine in Brave browser.

Aside from its own search engine, Brave browser also comes with a baked-in VPN that you’ll have to subscribe to separately. You can also turn on Brave News and customize your feed with private RSS feeds. This is good if you want to get updates from set sources without being tracked online.

Pros and Cons of Brave Browser

If privacy is your concern, there is no better option than using a VPN for browsing on the internet. Aloha Browser for iPhone comes with an in-built VPN that allows you to browse anonymously on the internet. The iOS browser app focuses on privacy and hiding the internet footprints of the users.

The interface is straightforward and designed with inspiration from Google Chrome. Aloha Browser for iPhone says that it doesn’t log any of the activity, which is all the more reason to crown it as the best browser for iPhone in this data-hungry world.

There is also a paid version of the browser called Aloha Premium that comes with an even more advanced set of features. For hardcore privacy-focused individuals, Aloha Premium is a Safari alternative.

Pros and Cons of Aloha Browser

Opera Browser replaces Opera Touch and comes packed with a host of advanced features like a native ad blocker , built-in crypto wallet, and pop-ups and cookie dialogs blocker.

If you use the Opera Mini browser on your PC, you will be glad to know that Opera syncs seamlessly with other Opera browsers. You can connect to your PC’s Opera browser by simply scanning a QR code from inside the Opera iOS app. Once connected, you can share files on the go.

Pros and Cons of Opera iPhone browser

Ghostery started as a tracking blocker addon. Their browser offering is one of the best privacy browsers for iOS devices. Its remarkable privacy and tracking blocker features have made it popular amongst many users who want to surf the internet without trackers following them on every other website.

The browser app warns you if a tracker is trying to track you on a webpage. The basic functions of a browser app are performed effortlessly by the app. It also comes with Ghostery Glow as the default search engine, but you can change it in the settings.

Features of Ghostery Browser

Puffin Web Browser app is a fast web browsing app that is different from any other browser listed on this list. The compressing functionality of the app is pretty efficient, which keeps the page load time to a minimum.

Puffin iPhone browser app is intended for those who are working on resource-limited devices but want pages to load faster. It is unarguably one of the fastest iOS browsers you can download. With its virtual trackpad and dedicated video player, the app offers a unique web browsing experience to users.

Pros and Cons of Puffin Browser

Maxthon Cloud Web Browser app for iPhone is another lightweight browser that comes with good features such as a built-in ad-blocker, a note-taking tool, and a password manager. Being based on the cloud engine, Maxthon offers the facility to sync your data across Apple as well as non-Apple devices.

It is a great contender for the best iOS browser app with plenty of advanced features. What I liked most about the app is the feature to sync data between different platforms and the inbuilt password manager.

Pros and Cons of Maxthon Cloud Web Browser

How to choose the best browser for iphone.

With this list, we hope that you would be able to choose the best browser for iPhone in 2022. Picking out a browser app largely depends on your browsing interests and patterns. Different iPhone browsers offer a different set of features. Some users prefer apps that focus on privacy, while others like to use apps that minimize data consumption.

You may be looking for a Safari alternative to find a better browser for your iPhone. This list of Safari alternatives tells you the most popular browsers that we’ve tried and rated for a seamless browsing experience.

All the iPhone browser apps that we have mentioned above can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store. Do tell us your favorite iPhone browser app from the list, and if you think there are other noteworthy Safari alternatives, let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone Browsers FAQs:

Chrome and Safari offer at par smoothness and optimization. If you’re looking for a more privacy-focused browser, Safari is the better choice. However, Chrome offers better integration across platforms.

All the browsers in our Safari alternatives list are safe and secure. While some are more private than others, all of the browsers provide basic features like disabling cookies and trackers to give you a safe browsing experience.

Different browsers apply different ways to limit power consumption. Most of the browsers today are optimized to sip little battery and deliver more performance. However, if you’re looking for super lightweight browsers, the cloud browsers from our list are the least resource-intensive and work well with older phones.

Anmol is a tech journalist who handles reportage of cybersecurity and Apple and OnePlus devices at Fossbytes. He's an ambivert who is striving hard to appease existential crisis by eating, writing, and scrolling through memes.

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Ten Alternate Browsers You Can Try Safely

Every Windows user has a default browser – the one browser that opens links when you click on them. It can be any browser you have installed, but you can only choose one.

But did you know you can install as many browsers on your computer as you want – with only your good sense to limit you? And there is nothing wrong with having two or three browsers, besides your default browser, installed. You might find by exploring and trying a different browser, you will discover a browser you like better than the one you’re using. Who knows?

For instance, Darcy uses MS Edge as her default browser and TC uses Firefox as his default, but we both still use Google Chrome a lot. TC also has Brave, Arc, and DuckDuckGo browsers installed but uses them less frequently than the others.

We’ve put together a list of 10 alternate browsers that are safe to download and install. And if you don’t like them, they’re easy to uninstall. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to assume you all know the big three – Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. But if you haven’t given Firefox a try consider downloading it from here and giving it a try. You might like it.

Here’s our list of alternate browsers that we’ve tested at one time or another along with a brief description from their respective publisher and the browser’s official home page and download link. All browsers listed are free of charge and all are safe to install.

Ten Alternative Browsers You Might Want to Try

Opera Ditch the default. With its built-in ad-blocker, free VPN, integrated messengers, crypto wallet, and so much more, Opera offers a complete web experience you can’t get from system defaults such as Chrome, Safari, and Edge.

Home page and download links.

Vivaldi Get an easy-to-use browser that doesn’t track you. Essentials is a minimal, uncluttered setup with privacy options that put you in control of your data. A lot of Vivaldi’s functionality is hidden to keep things streamlined. But it’s there if you need it.

Making the browser is our job. How you use it is none of our business. We don’t track or profile you. We don’t do data collection. We don’t sell your data to third parties.

Brave The best privacy online. Browse privately. Search privately. And ditch Big Tech. By default, Brave blocks the trackers & creepy ads on every website you visit. And that thing where ads follow you across the Web? We block that, too.

Iridium A browser securing your privacy. That’s it.

Waterfox The best way to browse the web today. Waterfox gives you a sane way to browse the web. Built with you, the user, in mind. Waterfox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection safeguards your privacy while you surf.

Home page and download link.

Pale Moon Pale Moon offers you a browsing experience in a browser completely built from its own, independently developed source that has been forked off from Firefox/Mozilla code several years ago, with carefully selected features and optimizations to improve the browser’s stability and user experience, while offering full customization and a growing collection of extensions and themes to make the browser truly your own.

Home page Download links

Slim Browser Fastest web browser for Windows that blocks all Ads

Colibri Browse without tabs. Colibri browser is designed to be fast, efficient, and uncluttered… It helps you browse the Internet faster without the endless tabs.

Home page and download information.

DuckDuckGo Browser Search and browse more privately with the DuckDuckGo browser. Unlike Chrome and other browsers, DuckDuckGo claims they don’t track you.

Home page, download page, and more info.

Arc Browser Arc says: “Clean and calm, Arc shapes itself to how you use the internet.”

Home page, download page, and more info .

Go Ahead, Explore!

Don’t feel you are stuck with Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. There’s a whole world of browsers out there and you might just find one you like better than Edge or Chrome. So go ahead, explore your wild side! Download 2 or 3 new browsers from our list of alternative browsers, and give them a try. If you don’t like them, they’re easy to uninstall. And every one of the browsers on our list is free.  

One thought on “ Ten Alternate Browsers You Can Try Safely ”

I’ll stick with DuckDuckGo. I haven’t had one pop up from any ads for a long time since I switched to them.

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