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firefox vs safari energy consumption

Comparing Firefox Browser with Apple Safari

If you use a Mac or have an iPhone, chances are you’re familiar with the Safari web browser. The fact that it’s pre-installed as the default browser for Apple product users definitely gives it an early advantage, but Firefox has its own set of useful features that make it an attractive alternative and can now be set as your default browser on your Mac and iPhone. Here we’ll explore the main differences between our browser and Safari in terms of privacy, utility and portability between devices.

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Security and Privacy

Privacy has become a white hot topic for tech companies as they realize more and more people are feeling vulnerable to things like data breaches, ad trackers and hackers. But when it comes down to the real tools people use to navigate the actual interwebs, is it all talk or are they actually taking action to keep your data secure?

As alluded to before, Apple is one of those companies that recently decided to step up their privacy game. Not long ago, Apple implemented cross-site tracking prevention in Safari, which prevents ads from following you around the internet. Safari also offers a strong password suggestion when you sign up for a new account on any website. And if you’re invested in the iCloud ecosystem, it syncs that password securely with your other devices, so you never actually have to remember it.

Like Safari, we at Firefox have made a point of focusing on privacy and security. But unlike Safari, we’ve been standing on the privacy soap box for a long time. In fact, Mozilla (our parent company) was one of the first voices in the tech community to sound the alarm for online privacy.

Our Private Browsing mode blocks trackers and erases your passwords, cookies and history every time you close it. But you can also experience our advanced privacy features even in regular browsing mode. With the latest edition of Firefox, enhanced tracking prevention is turned on by default. This prevents things like cross-site trackers from following you as you jump around the web. Also, with Facebook being caught out almost daily for privacy problems, our Facebook Container extension makes a lot of sense. It makes it harder for Facebook to track you around the web — similar to what Safari does to prevent cross-site tracking — but Firefox actually isolates your Facebook session into a separate container blocking Facebook from tracking what you do on other websites. Why do they need to know what you look up on WebMD anyway?

As far as security goes, Firefox is solid there as well. Any time you’re in Firefox, you can right-click in the password field to securely generate a strong password using the Fill Password option. When you save your new password, we will prompt you to save to its built-in password manager, Lockwise . We also serve up users and account holders with another free and useful product called Monitor that automatically alerts you if your data is included in a known data breach.

If you choose to use Safari, you’re in safe hands as long as you’re using an Apple device. But Safari only works on Apple devices, whereas Firefox works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux. So no matter what operating system you choose, Firefox has you covered with our security and privacy protections.

Download Firefox Browser

Apple is widely known for its closed ecosystem as it relates to creating software for its products. But inside the App Store, it does offer a section to developers to create plugins and add-ons to make the browser more robust. These extensions are also browsable through the App Store and easily added to Safari.

In addition to the regular set of features you’d expect in a browser, such as tabbed browsing and private browsing, Safari has some unexpected features as well. For instance, if a user were to right-click a word anywhere on a page inside Safari, then click Look Up, they’d get a dictionary definition plus entries from the thesaurus, App Store, movies and more. Safari’s Parental Controls are easy to customize, allowing the adults to breathe a little easier when the kids begin to get curious about the internet.

Like Safari, Firefox encourages its enthusiastic developer community to create add-ons and extensions to the browser. And since our platform is open-source, there’s a vast selection adding a wealth of functionality.

Also, when you sign up for a Mozilla account, you get access to unique services like Pocket that integrate directly into the browser. The Pocket for Firefox button lets you save web pages and videos to Pocket in just one click, so you can read a clean, distraction-free version whenever and wherever you want — even offline.

Firefox is also great for video and audio. With autoplay blocking built directly into the browser and turned on automatically, no website will ever shout or bark at you uninvited.

Screenshots is another popular feature built right into the Firefox browser, allowing you to easily capture a picture of your screen. When you take a screenshot, you can choose to copy the file or choose which folder you want to find it in, instead of cluttering your desktop.

Both browsers have a lot of crossover features, as well as some unique functions. It’s worth mentioning, if you take a lot of screenshots, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this handy feature that’s built right into Firefox. But if you’re just looking for a fast, private browser for surfing and shopping, then you may want to give Firefox a try — especially if you’ve been exclusively using Safari because it came preloaded as the default browser on your computer. Eventually, you’ll discover which one is more suited to your needs.

Portability

Firefox and Safari both provide a seamless experience when moving from desktop to mobile browsing or vice versa. For Safari, one of its main strengths is its continuity features. It syncs your bookmarks, tabs, history and more to iCloud so they’re available on all your devices. That means you can open a tab on your iPhone and have it also appear on your macOS laptop with just a click.

Firefox also offers a similar sync feature when you sign up for a free Mozilla account that enables users to easily synchronize their bookmarks, browsing history, preferences, passwords, filled forms, add-ons, and the last 25 opened tabs across multiple computers. What sets Firefox apart from Safari is that it is available on any desktop or mobile platform, iOS, Android, Windows or macOS, boosting its portability across any device you may own.

The Firefox app for iOS and Android is one of the fastest browsers available and also has solid security and anti-tracking features — a huge plus if you’re constantly bouncing between a laptop and mobile devices.

Since Safari is Apple’s proprietary web browser, its iCloud syncing works exclusively with Apple products. This can be somewhat limiting if, for example, you’re both an Android user and an iPhone user or if you have a Windows based PC for work but use an iPhone as your personal device.

Overall Assessment

Safari does a great job of making the browsing experience simple, fast, and seamless if you’re an Apple user with multiple Apple products. Like Safari, Firefox is a fast and utilitarian browser, but privacy and cross-platform compatibility are our defining features. Firefox updates each month with new features and functionality. For example, one recent update switched on our Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) by default for new users, which effectively blocks cookies and cross-site trackers.

In the end, it just boils down to what you value in your browser. If you’re integrated with the Apple ecosystem, Safari is still a great choice. But if you value having the latest and greatest privacy protections and being able to work across multiple operating systems, we think Firefox is your best bet. Firefox is also a solid option as a secondary browser for those Apple-exclusive users who may want to switch into a different browser for those online moments that call for extra layers of privacy protection.

The comparisons made here were done so with default settings and across browser release versions as follows: Firefox (81) | Safari (14) This page is updated semi-quarterly to reflect latest versioning and may not always reflect latest updates.

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Which browser is best for battery life: We test Edge vs. Chrome vs. Opera vs. Firefox

Lots of claims are made about which browser is better or worse for a device’s battery life. Can a browser really make that much of a difference? Yes indeed, but determining just how much of a difference and whether it even matters to your individual use case is the difficult part.

I began testing the question of different web browsers’ impact on battery life about two months ago, and what I’ve concluded is that there’s a lot of work to be done here.

What’s generally wrong with browsing tests

I’ve read about people using browsing as a rundown test for laptops but I have concerns about how that’s done. As you know, the internet is a dynamic living organism. What I get when I point my browser at PCWorld.com at 2:14 a.m. EDT on August 29, is going to be different than what I get on 8 a.m. on January 1.

Even trying to browse with the same laptop just minutes apart could yield quite a different experience in terms of Flash ads, embedded videos, and other dynamic elements.

That’s not even mentioning that the route the packets take to reach your screen could differ considerably moment to moment. These and other uncontrollable variables are enough to scare me off of running comparative tests using the live internet.

Enter EMBC BrowsingBench

EMBC is a small benchmarking outfit that claims its BrowsingBench test removes the variability in testing browsers. The benchmark runs on Linux from a USB key. You boot into Ubuntu on a laptop that’s connected via ethernet to a wireless router, and then connect your test laptop to that router’s Wi-Fi.

screenshot 1

With EMBC’s BrowsingBench, you can test browsers in a controlled environment.

You select between page types, how long you want the test to dwell on a page, and even set the bandwidth you want simulated. The pages are stored and served by the benchmark, which means every single page and every single Flash ad is the same.

I configured BrowsingBench with a rather long “dwell” time on each page, rather than just jamming through a bunch of pages. I figured people don’t browse that way so what’s the value of it.

If you were to watch the benchmark run, it would look like a person went to a site, scrolled down maybe a third of the page, paused, scrolled another third, paused, and so on.

screenshot 8

EMBC’s BrowsingBench lets you vary how long the page stays on the screen, so I tried to simulate what I thought was a realistic portrayal of browsing.

It’s so not perfect

As much as I think EMBC’s BrowsingBench is pretty nifty, it’s far from perfect. The test is actually designed to scale to phones, tablets, and even set-top boxes. It includes webpages that are pure mobile sites as well as the desktop versions (I selected only the desktop versions), but the pages are clearly very light workloads for a PC.

The test is also designed for single-tab browsing. That’s just not realistic today. EMBC officials tell me they’re working on heavier page loads for the next version of BrowsingBench, but you have to go with the benchmark you have, not the one you want.

That doesn’t discount the results I’ll show you here today, but you should know that they reflect a light-duty-browsing scenario.  

toshiba satellite radius 12

I used a Toshiba Radius 12 for the bulk of my testing.

The hardware

I used the same Toshiba Radius 12 that I used for my media-player shootout . This laptop has a Core i7 Skylake CPU, 8GB of RAM, an M.2 SSD, and an Ultra HD 4K panel with 10-point touch. With its 41-watt battery, battery life is a little underwhelming. That’s to be expected though, as both 4K resolution and touch can be draining. I ran all of my tests at 155 nits, which is a reasonable brightness for an office environment where you are trying to save power.

The laptop was running Windows 10 Home with the latest updates installed prior to starting the tests. Once I updated the laptop, it stayed off the Internet to keep the OS at a consistent state.

To test the accuracy of the benchmark, I ran repeated tests in Chrome (each of which took several hours) and the results were within four minutes of each other. I used a LInksys 802.11n router for the tests, which was about two feet from the test laptop.

The browsers

Remember, I began my testing about two months ago so the browser versions are what was current at that time. For example, this was started prior to Opera pushing out its power-saving-mode version. The browsers I tested include: Chrome 50, Firefox 46, Edge 13.1, Opera 37, and Internet Explorer 11. (I did try a beta of Opera 39 with its power-saving mode switched on much later but ran into an issue where pages would not load correctly.)

As Firefox and Opera do not include Flash support by default, I installed the Adobe Flash plugin for both. All the browsers were running Flash 21.0.0. The only 64-bit browser was Microsoft’s Edge. The rest were all the 32-bit versions, which is the default browser of choice even if you’re running a 64-bit OS.

The results

This is a lot of lead up to something that’s a little  anticlimactic . My testing with a “light” browser load shows that Microsoft makes the most power-efficient browser, and the most power-inefficient one. 

Yes, Microsoft’s Edge 13.1 browser was clearly the winner here. I hit 385 minutes with the Edge browser, which is almost an hour more than Internet Explorer 11 lasted in browsing. 

Google’s much-maligned Chrome (which has a reputation for being a power hog) pulled into second place with about half an hour less battery life than Edge. Firefox was just about as bad as Internet Explorer, and Opera was on par with Chrome.

browser life 155 nits tosh 4k i7 embc pcw load

Under a light browsing load with some Flash content, Microsoft offers the best and the worst browser for battery life.

Disappointed?

The thing is, you were probably expecting far more dramatic results. Kinda like Microsoft’s own test that it released this week . If you didn’t catch it, Microsoft testers  browsed various websites (on the open Internet apparently) while looking at the power consumption  so the testers could measure power consumption. Microsoft’s tests—conducted on the open internet apparently, and using a special instrumented Surface Book—showed from 36 percent to 53 percent better battery life over the competition when browsing in Edge. In a video test, Edge edged out Opera’s new power-saving mode by 17 percent, bested Firefox by 43 percent, and Chrome by a whopping 70 percent.

The company also showed all four browsers running a streamed video until they tapped out with Edge again taking the lead.

Microsoft further showed telemetry from “millions” of Windows 10 machines that it has captured, which supports its results (umm, does anyone else think it’s creepy that your OS is dutifully reporting anonymous telemetry data to be used for marketing purposes?).

I don’t actually doubt Microsoft’s numbers. In fact, they reinforce my own personal experience using various browsers. Chrome “seems” to cause the battery to plummet, while Edge “seems” to sip power during use.

But that’s just my anecdotal experience and without the ability to measure it reliably, I’ll just leave it at that. And to be perfectly honest, I still use Chrome, except when I’m really trying to maximize battery life. Then I switch to Edge.

browser power consumption telemetry

Microsoft Edge is more power efficient according to millions of Windows 10 machines, the company says.

So here’s the thing. My own tests shows Edge has a clear power advantage in light browsing chores; it’s just not as dramatic as Microsoft’s own tests. But the truth is actually more complicated because our browsing habits are so different, and can change from day to day.  If you play a game or use Outlook all day, you can make a pretty good guess about how each will impact battery life. A browser though is a window to the unlimited and ever-changing Internet and no one uses it the same way.

Do you sit with 10 tabs of Flash- and video-heavy webpages open all day? Or do you sit in Google Docs for eight hours? Do you park your browser on YouTube or some shady streaming website for long stretches? All three of those use cases will likely have very different effects on battery life and going by anyone’s generic “browser battery-life” figures doesn’t make much sense.

Are browser benchmarks still valuable? Yes, but only to the extent that you understand the scenario being tested. For example, after doing my tests, I’m pretty confident telling you that if you’re just doing very light web browsing with the screen brightness at a medium-to-dim 150 nits, Edge is the most power-efficient choice, but the other’s ain’t so bad either.

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Compared: Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS in 2022

Mike Peterson's Avatar

Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS, compared.

firefox vs safari energy consumption

The truth is, the perfect browser doesn't exist. Each of the four most popular macOS browsers has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, just based on the engine that's used for web rendering, and what the developers of the big-four have prioritized.

While the best browser for the individual varies on use case, and which websites behave the best on any given browser, there are a series of benchmarking tools that can measure performance on synthetic tasks.

Browser benchmarks

We tested each browser on three different testing platforms: JetStream 2, Speedometer, and MotionMark.

JetStream 2 is a JavaScript-benchmark that scores browsers based on how quickly they can start and execute code, which translates to faster JavaScript performance. Since JavaScript is used on most web browsers, it's a good test of snappiness for code-intensive sites.

MotionMark is a graphical browser testing suite that measures the ability to render complex web pages. Think a page that has complicated graphics and animations. A higher score results in smoother transitions and animations.

Speedometer 2.0 determines the responsiveness of a browser when running web applications. Among the three, it's the truest option for testing real-world performance across many popular websites and online services. A good example is adding tasks to a to-do list in a web app.

JetStream 2 browser benchmarks

Chrome came out on top in JetStream 2 testing, while Safari took second place.

MotionMark browser benchmarks

Safari was the fastest in MotionMark benchmark testing.

Speedometer browser benchmarks

Speedometer testing showed off interesting results, with Firefox and Edge coming in first and second, and Safari in last place.

Different testing platforms result in different scores, so your own mileage may vary. Safari was the best for graphical performance, for example, but its responsiveness lagged behind others. Choose what specific metrics are most important to you.

For Mac users, Safari is an institution. It's the default browser on Apple platforms and is generally lightweight and efficient. As you'd expect for an Apple product, Safari also emphasizing privacy while you browser online.

From the very first boot on a new Mac, Safari is instantly available and configured for easy, private browsing. That makes it the best choice for the most non-technical among us, since you won't need to download and install anything. Safari "just works" out of the box.

It also features the tighest integration across Apple's other devices and systems. You can use Continuity to easy hand-off your browsing between your Mac and any iPhone or iPad you have around. If you need to buy something with Apple Pay , you can authenticate purchases with Face ID or Touch ID.

Apple Safari

Safari also features some strong privacy protections, including mechanisms aimed at mitigating cross-site tracking and ad targeting. It features a built-in password manager that allows you to save and store passwords — with easy autofill options — across your Apple devices.

As an Apple-made product, Safari is the most convenient option on this list for Mac users — particularly those who own multiple Apple devices. It's also a good choice for the privacy conscious, though it isn't the fastest and it doesn't yet have a strong extension marketplace.

  • Default Mac browser with effortless setup
  • Strong privacy protections
  • Integration with other Apple products
  • Not the fastest or most responsive browser in some testing
  • Lackluster support for add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a massively popular browser, and a particular favorite of those who routinely use extensions to customize their web experience. It's the most-used web browser in the world, and it's faster and more RAM-efficient than it used to be. Chrome is even currently speedier than Safari on macOS.

The browser also has one of the world's most extensive list of add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions. From plugins focused on online privacy or to video content downloaders, there are around 190,000 extensions in total to choose from. You can also choose from a number of different themes and customization options.

Google Chrome

Intelligent Google-made features include automatic site translations and deep integration with the company's online tools and services — so it's great for those who rely on Gmail, Google Docs, or another Google service. Syncing between Google apps on different devices is also top-notch.

However, Google is a data company that relies on collecting information about its users. While the company has taken steps to bolster its privacy reputation, it's still a company that makes money on harvesting data. Those who are particularly privacy-conscious will probably want to look elsewhere.

It's hard to go wrong with the world's most popular web browser, particularly with its seamless workflow features and customization options. However, if you are even slightly concerned about online privacy, you may want to go with another option.

  • Simple to learn, fastest option in some cases
  • Syncs your Google account across other devices
  • Extensive list of extensions and add-ons
  • It's Google — so not that private
  • Is a RAM and CPU hog

Mozilla Firefox is one of the only popular and mainstream browsers to have started life as an open source project. It's still a free and open source browser with a hefty focus on privacy and security, which could make it a good fit for those who want a Google Chrome alternative.

Because of its open source nature, users are free to explore Firefox's code — and they do. The browser doesn't have any hidden secrets or data-harvesters. It also features some excellent built-in privacy and security protections, including Enhanced Tracking Protection and an extensive list of customizable permissions.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox was also the first browser to actually offer third-party extensions and add-ons. Although it might not have as many extensions as Google Chrome, you'll still find a hefty list of options ranging from privacy add-ons to customizable themes for your browser.

Although Firefox has some cross-platform integration between its app and built-in Pocket support, it isn't as seamless as Chrome or Safari. If speed if your primary concern, it's also important to note that Firefox isn't the fastest browser by most metrics.

Users who want an open source browser or are committed to Mozilla's mission of keeping the internet open and free will find a browser after their own hearts here. For the average user, however, another browser on this list might be a better fit.

  • Completely free and open source
  • Extremely customizable with extensions, themes, etc.
  • The best option for hardcore privacy
  • Not the fastest or most RAM efficient
  • Synchronicity isn't as robust

Microsoft Edge is the spiritual successor to Internet Explorer that was first released in 2015. Originally HTML-based, Microsoft overhauled the browser to be based on Chromium, which is the same underlying software used to make Google Chrome.

As such, Microsoft Edge is now much more competitive than it used to be. It's far from a Google Chrome clone, but you should expect a similar level of performance from it. Some users believe that Microsoft Edge even feels snappier than Chrome on a Mac.

Microsoft Edge

Because it's Chromium-based, Microsoft Edge also has a list of extensions similar to Chrome. It also sports a number of unique features, such as a "Collections" ability that lets you save information like text or webpages to a built-in notebook. There's also a vertical tab bar, a built-in read aloud feature, and an easy native screenshot tool.

It's a solid option for anyone that doesn't like Safari and wants an alternative to Google Chrome because of privacy reasons. If you use a Microsoft account like some use a Google account, then Edge might also be a solid option.

  • Snappy, lower RAM and CPU usage
  • Unique features like Read Aloud and Collections
  • Good performance in most metrics
  • Can be slower than Chrome in terms of pure performance
  • Syncing isn't as strong as Safari or Chrome

The perfect browser doesn't exist, but you can pick and choose what you need

There's no clear answer for what the "best" browser on macOS is. However, some browsers are better suited to specific tasks than others.

When it comes to smooth JavaScript execution, Chrome is in the top spot with Safari a close second. Safari, according to the MotionMark testing, handles complex web pages better than any other browser.

Firefox, interestingly enough, may be the fastest when it comes to general everyday web apps.

Of course, there's also the issues of extension support, privacy, and synchronization across other devices. Many of the browsers are evenly matched on these metrics, but some excel in specific areas like privacy or cross-platform integration.

But, unlike on iOS, you aren't effectively stuck with one browser core technology. These four browsers, and several more, are available on macOS, and can be run in parallel.

While we don't recommend running all four unless you're a web developer or unit case tester, two or three different browsers can be run at-will, if any given browser doesn't handle your work case well.

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firefox vs safari energy consumption

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Maximizing M1 Performance: Firefox vs Safari Battery Life Battle!

Maximizing M1 Performance: Firefox vs Safari Battery Life Battle!

When it comes to choosing a web browser for your M1-powered device, two popular options that often come to mind are Firefox and Safari. Both browsers have their own unique set of features and advantages, but one aspect that users often consider is the battery life. The M1 chip is known for its efficiency and power-saving capabilities, and users want to ensure that their web browsing experience doesn’t drain their battery too quickly. In this article, we will compare the battery life of Firefox and Safari on M1-powered devices, examining their performance, resource usage, and any potential optimizations that can help you make an informed decision on which browser to use for maximizing your battery life. So, if you’re curious to know which browser is more battery-friendly on your M1 device, read on to find out!

  • Does Firefox or Safari have better battery life on the M1 chip?

What are the factors that affect battery life when using Firefox or Safari on the M1 chip?

Are there any specific settings or extensions that can optimize battery life when using firefox or safari on the m1 chip, m1 chip battle: firefox vs safari – which browser offers superior battery life, unleashing the power of m1: a comparative analysis of firefox and safari’s battery efficiency, optimizing battery performance on m1 macs: a deep dive into firefox and safari, firefox vs safari: the ultimate showdown for m1 mac users’ battery longevity.

When it comes to comparing the battery life of Firefox and Safari on the M1 chip, it’s important to consider various factors. While both browsers are optimized for Apple’s M1 architecture, Safari tends to offer better battery efficiency due to its deep integration with macOS. Safari’s power-saving features, such as Intelligent Tracking Prevention and hardware acceleration, contribute to its excellent battery performance. However, Firefox has also made significant improvements, offering a more streamlined browsing experience and enhancing power management. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and usage patterns.

On the M1 chip, Safari outperforms Firefox in terms of battery life. Safari’s deep integration with macOS and power-saving features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and hardware acceleration contribute to its superior efficiency. Although Firefox has made strides in power management and offers a streamlined browsing experience, Safari remains the top choice for those seeking optimal battery performance.

When using Firefox or Safari on the M1 chip, several factors can impact battery life. Firstly, the number of open tabs and active extensions can drain the battery faster, as they require additional processing power. Secondly, media-heavy websites with autoplaying videos or animations consume more energy. Thirdly, certain browser settings like hardware acceleration or syncing can contribute to increased power consumption. Lastly, outdated browser versions might not be optimized for the M1 chip, leading to diminished battery efficiency. Considering these factors and optimizing browser usage can help extend battery life on the M1 chip.

It’s important to be mindful of certain factors that can affect battery life when using Firefox or Safari on the M1 chip. These factors include the number of open tabs and active extensions, media-heavy websites, browser settings, and outdated browser versions. By optimizing browser usage and considering these factors, users can help extend their battery life on the M1 chip.

When it comes to optimizing battery life while using Firefox or Safari on the M1 chip, there are a few settings and extensions worth considering. In Firefox, enabling the “Enhanced Tracking Protection” feature can help reduce the battery drain caused by ads and trackers. Additionally, disabling unnecessary add-ons and plugins can further enhance performance. As for Safari, enabling the “Power Saver” feature can help extend battery life by reducing the energy consumed by websites. It’s also recommended to limit the number of open tabs and disable auto-playing videos to conserve power.

On the M1 chip, optimizing battery life while using Firefox or Safari involves a few key settings and extensions. For Firefox, activating “Enhanced Tracking Protection” reduces battery drain from ads and trackers, while disabling unnecessary add-ons and plugins improves performance. Safari users can benefit from the “Power Saver” feature, which conserves energy by minimizing website consumption. Additionally, limiting open tabs and disabling auto-playing videos are recommended for maximizing battery life.

With the introduction of the new M1 chip, users are eager to explore its capabilities and determine which browser offers superior battery life – Firefox or Safari. Both browsers have their own unique features and loyal fan bases, but when it comes to efficiency, Safari seems to take the lead. Initial tests have shown that Safari consumes significantly less power compared to Firefox, resulting in longer battery life for MacBook users. However, Firefox enthusiasts argue that their browser provides a more customizable experience, making it worth the slight sacrifice in battery efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these two browsers will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Firefox enthusiasts argue that their browser offers a more customizable experience, which may outweigh the slightly lower battery efficiency compared to Safari. Ultimately, the choice between the two browsers will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

In today’s world, where technology is an integral part of our lives, the battery efficiency of our devices plays a crucial role. This article aims to delve into the power-saving capabilities of two popular web browsers, Firefox and Safari, on Apple’s M1 chip. By conducting a comparative analysis, we will explore how these browsers optimize battery usage and harness the potential of the M1 architecture. Understanding the differences in battery efficiency will empower users to make informed choices and maximize their browsing experience while preserving battery life.

How do Firefox and Safari on Apple’s M1 chip compare when it comes to battery efficiency? This article will analyze their power-saving capabilities, exploring how they optimize battery usage and harness the potential of the M1 architecture. By understanding these differences, users can make informed choices and maximize their browsing experience while preserving battery life.

When it comes to optimizing battery performance on M1 Macs, understanding how different applications consume power is crucial. In this deep dive, we explore the battery usage of two popular web browsers, Firefox and Safari, on Apple’s latest silicon. While Safari stands out for its exceptional energy efficiency and optimized performance, Firefox lags behind due to its resource-intensive nature. We delve into the reasons behind these differences and provide tips on how to make the most out of your M1 Mac’s battery life when using these browsers.

Firefox and Safari have distinct battery usage on M1 Macs. Safari excels in energy efficiency and performance, while Firefox falls short due to its resource-heavy nature. Understanding these differences is vital for optimizing battery performance. This article explores the reasons behind the contrast and offers tips to maximize your M1 Mac’s battery life when using these browsers.

With the introduction of Apple’s M1 chip, Mac users are now presented with a new dilemma: which browser is best for maximizing battery longevity? Firefox and Safari have long been popular choices, but with the M1’s power efficiency in mind, it’s time for the ultimate showdown. Both browsers have their strengths and weaknesses, but when it comes to battery life, Safari has the upper hand. Its optimization for the M1 chip allows for significantly longer browsing sessions compared to Firefox. So, if you’re an M1 Mac user concerned about battery longevity, Safari might just be your best bet.

For M1 Mac users looking to maximize battery life, Safari is the clear winner. Its optimization for the M1 chip gives it a significant advantage over Firefox, allowing for longer browsing sessions without draining the battery.

In conclusion, when comparing the battery life of Firefox and Safari on the M1 Macs, it is evident that Safari outperforms Firefox in terms of power efficiency. The optimized design and integration of Safari with Apple’s hardware and operating system give it the edge in conserving battery life. While Firefox offers a range of features and customization options, it falls short when it comes to battery longevity on M1 devices. However, it is important to note that individual usage patterns and preferences may vary, so it is worth considering personal requirements before settling on a browser. Nevertheless, for M1 Mac users seeking to maximize their battery life, Safari remains the recommended choice. With its seamless integration, speed, and power efficiency, Safari proves to be the ideal browser for those who prioritize prolonged battery endurance on their M1 devices.

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The best web browsers for speed, battery life, and customization.

Let's be honest: Modern web browsers are all pretty solid.

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The best overall for most people: google chrome, the best for battery life: microsoft edge (windows) and apple safari (mac), the best for customization: mozilla firefox, benchmarked: which browsers are the fastest, raw benchmark scores: windows 10 anniversary update, raw benchmark scores: macos sierra.

Let's be honest: Modern web browsers are all pretty solid. Even Microsoft Edge is much better than older versions of Internet Explorer. But we believe Google Chrome is still the best web browser for most people.

Overall, we prefer Google Chrome . To start, it just feels snappier than other browsers like Firefox and Edge, although Edge has improved somewhat since Windows 10's release. Google owns Chrome and uses it as a platform to improve and advance the web in general, so Chrome often gets new features before other browsers. It also has some unique features---you can only cast to a Chromecast from the Chrome browser, for example.

Chrome generally comes out on top in benchmarks, showing it's the speediest browser as well (see the last section of this article). Microsoft Edge is catching up with Chrome and may top it in a benchmark or two, but Edge isn't nearly as feature-filled.

If Chrome doesn't have a feature you want, well, you're in luck: it has built up a massive catalog of extensions  over the last few years, so any feature you want to add, you probably can. Chrome is also available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android---in addition to Chromebooks, of course. This means you can synchronize your bookmarks, saved tabs, and even passwords across all your devices to access them from anywhere.

Related: Why It's Good That Your Computer's RAM Is Full

Chrome certainly isn't perfect, of course. It isn't the most battery-efficient browser for laptops or the most customizable tool for power users. In addition, it uses an awful lot of RAM, which may make it feel slow on older computers. But, that RAM usage is generally used for useful features and speed improvements on modern computers (remember, used RAM is good ), so this isn't as much of a con as most people would have you believe. It's mostly only a problem on older or low-powered machines.

Plus, Google is getting pretty good at stripping unnecessary cruft from Chrome. They've trashed little-used features like the Chrome app launcher , notification center , and Chrome apps . Google seems like it's taking Chrome in the right direction, simplifying it and focusing on  battery life improvements while continuing to add powerful features for developers. No matter who you are, Chrome will probably serve you well.

While Chrome has its strengths, long battery life is not one of them. If find yourself struggling to keep your laptop alive between charges, you might be able to do better.

Microsoft and Apple, as the companies that make Windows and macOS, respectively, really want to boast high battery life estimates for their computers. All these numbers are measured using Edge  on Windows and Safari  on macOS. Edge and Safari are just more optimized for battery life.

On a Windows PC, the Microsoft Edge web browser offers noticeably longer battery life than Chrome. On a Mac, Apple's Safari browser offers hours more. Chrome has made some strides recently---and it's good to see Google making an effort---but Edge and Safari are still ahead.

This doesn't mean all laptop users should automatically pick Edge or Safari. Rather, it means they're worth a try if you don't need advanced features, and really need every hour of battery you can get in that moment. Edge and Safari still don't measure up to Chrome in terms of features.

For example, both Edge and Safari offer far fewer extensions . They also can't sync to the same amount of platforms---Edge can only sync between Windows 10 and Windows Mobile 10, while Safari can only sync between macOS and iOS. Chrome also runs on older versions of Windows and macOS, where you can't run Microsoft Edge or the latest version of Safari.

Edge can also be a little flaky because it's based on Windows 10's new Universal Windows Platform (UWP) . Microsoft still has work to do on UWP. Edge isn't as bad as it was when Windows 10 was released, but the interface still sometimes seems oddly slow.

Mozilla positions Firefox  as the only browser not controlled by a major corporation; one that's responsive to the needs of its users rather than the needs of a big company that wants to lock you into its platform. That's a compelling narrative, but some of Firefox's moves---like the choice of Yahoo! as its default search engine, and the forced integration of the Pocket read-it-later service---undermine it. We like Pocket, and we understand that Mozilla needs to make money to stay alive, but these forced changes end up being annoying. People shouldn't be  forced to use about:config if they want to disable them.

Unfortunately, Firefox is still behind Chrome, Edge, and Safari in critical ways. It doesn't offer the same multi-process architecture and security sandboxing features other browsers offer. The long-delayed Electrolysis project , which will add multi-process features, is still unfinished. This makes the browser less responsive, especially on CPUs with multiple cores, and means Firefox is less protected against security vulnerabilities. Firefox is also consistently the slowest browser in benchmarks.

That said, Firefox is still the most customizable of the lot. Its add-on framework is the most powerful. For example, you can't easily get tree-style tabs in a vertical sidebar on Chrome, Edge, or Safari---but you can do this on Firefox by quickly installing an add-on. If there's something you can't do with a Chrome extension, you can probably do it with a Firefox add-on. Though a lot of options are available in about:config, so in some cases, you may not even need an add-on. Of course, most people don't need these powerful customization options. But if you do, Firefox is the place to get them.

Mozilla is currently working on a new add-on framework for Firefox that will be more Chrome-like , so it remains to be seen if Firefox will stay this customizable. Mozilla does promise that it will extend the add-on framework to allow popular add-ons to continue to function, even if they couldn't on Chrome. There's reason for some optimism here, but we wouldn't use Firefox ourselves until Electrolysis is done.

We know people like seeing raw benchmarks, so we chose to benchmark the latest browsers on both Windows 10's Anniversary Update and macOS Sierra .

Just keep in mind: Benchmarks don't tell the entire story.  Modern browsers are all within spitting distance of each other, and a browser might underperform on benchmarks but perform better in day-to-day use. Features like Google Instant or Chrome's pre-rendering will make a browser faster in day-to-day use, but won't show up in benchmarks, for example. So we don't recommend choosing your browser based on benchmarks alone.

On Windows 10, Chrome appears to be the fastest browser with Edge in second place. Edge does pull ahead of Chrome on the Octane 2.0 benchmark, however. Firefox is consistently in last place.

Jetstream 1.1  (Bigger Scores Are Better)

  • Chrome 53: 207.81
  • Microsoft Edge 38: 201.14
  • Firefox 49: 167.10

Kraken 1.1  (Smaller Times Are Better)

  • Chrome 53: 861.9ms
  • Microsoft Edge 38: 1082.6ms
  • Firefox 49: 1174.9ms

Octane 2.0  (Bigger Scores Are Better)

  • Microsoft Edge 38: 35326
  • Chrome 53: 34107
  • Firefox 49: 30987

On macOS Sierra, Chrome appears to be the fastest browser with Safari in second place. Firefox is consistently in last place.

  • Chrome 53: 135.47
  • Safari 10: 99.407
  • Firefox 49: 95.411
  • Chrome 53: 1297.6ms
  • Safari 10: 1299.6ms
  • Firefox 49: 1534.6ms
  • Chrome 53: 22978
  • Safari 10: 22084
  • Firefox 49: 21643

No one browser will be on top forever. The browser wars will continue, and competition is constantly making every browser better. Competition is forcing Google to improve Chrome's battery life, Mozilla to make Firefox multi-process, and Microsoft and Apple to keep improving their browsers with new features.

Safari Offers Longer Battery Life than Chrome or Firefox

Using Safari on a MacBook will give you longer battery life, according to tests run by the BatteryBox Blog . The company tested Apple's Safari, Google's Chrome, and Firefox on video sites, music streaming sites, webmail sites, news sites, and more, and found that Safari used less power than the other browsers, giving users 52 more minutes of battery life.

"If you’re a MacBook user," the company wrote, "you're losing an average of 1 hour of total battery life by using Chrome. Firefox is a little better, but Safari is the clear winner. You’ll want to use Safari if you want to get the most battery out of your laptop."

Chart Showing Average Battery Life in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari Tests

Average Battery Life in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari Tests Source: BatteryBox

BatteryBox sells a device called BatteryBox, a portable battery for Apple's MacBook, iPhone, and iPad. The company's blog follows battery-related issues, and this test didn't involve the company's products.

The company said it conducted the tests using power consumption measuring devices and testing each site for one hour. The data captured from that test was then run through Matlab to extrapolate battery life.

As the world goes mobile, battery life matters more and more. None of the companies or organizations that makes a browser has yet to make battery life a competitive issue, but it's something that some folks do notice.

In fact, BatteryBox's blog post said the company decided to run the tests after the sole Safari user in its office was seen to be getting consistently longer battery life than his compatriots.

"Being the geeks we are," the blog post said, "it had to be investigated."

We included the averages chart above, but BatteryBox offered charts breaking down specific functions. Check out the blog post for more details.

  • Bryan Chaffin
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firefox vs safari energy consumption

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Mozilla Firefox vs Safari: A Comprehensive Browser Comparison

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When it comes to choosing a browser, there are plenty of options on the market. Two of the most popular browsers are Mozilla Firefox and Safari, both offering unique features and benefits to users. In this article, we'll take a closer look at both browsers to give you a better understanding of which one might be right for you.

Introduction to Mozilla Firefox and Safari

Mozilla Firefox is an open-source browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. Its development began in 2002, and since then, it has become one of the most popular browsers out there. Firefox is known for its speed, privacy features, and customization options. It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for users across the globe.

Firefox offers a range of features that make it a popular choice among users. One of its most significant advantages is its privacy features. Firefox has built-in tracking protection, which blocks third-party trackers from following you around the web. It also has a private browsing mode, which doesn't save your browsing history, cookies, or temporary files. Firefox also has a range of add-ons that can be used to further enhance your browsing experience.

Safari, on the other hand, is a browser developed by Apple exclusively for their devices. It was first released in 2003 and has since become a well-known browser among Apple users. Safari is known for its speed and energy efficiency. It is available on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, making it a popular choice for Apple users across devices.

Safari offers a range of features that make it a popular choice among Apple users. One of its most significant advantages is its integration with the Apple ecosystem. Safari can sync your browsing history, bookmarks, and tabs across all your Apple devices, making it easy to pick up where you left off. Safari also has a range of privacy features, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which blocks third-party trackers from following you around the web.

Both Firefox and Safari have their advantages and disadvantages. Firefox is a versatile browser that is available on multiple platforms and offers a range of customization options. Safari, on the other hand, is a browser that is optimized for Apple devices and offers seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Ultimately, the choice between the two browsers comes down to personal preference and the devices you use.

Browser Performance

When it comes to browsing the internet, the performance of your browser can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Two popular browsers, Firefox and Safari, have both made strides in improving their performance in recent years.

Speed and Load Times

One of the most crucial aspects of browser performance is speed and load times. Firefox has a reputation for being a speedy browser, and recent updates have only improved its performance. The browser's Quantum engine has made significant improvements in page rendering and overall speed. On the other hand, Safari also performs well in terms of speed and load times, particularly on Apple devices. Safari's use of Apple's Nitro JavaScript engine and hardware acceleration has made it one of the fastest browsers available.

However, it's important to note that the speed and load times of a browser can be affected by various factors, such as internet connection speed and the complexity of the website being accessed.

Memory Usage and Efficiency

Another significant factor that can determine a browser's performance is memory usage and efficiency. Firefox has improved in this area with recent updates, but it does tend to use more memory than Safari. This can be a concern for users with limited RAM on their devices, as it can slow down overall performance. Safari, on the other hand, tends to be more efficient in its memory usage, making it a better option for users who have limited RAM on their devices.

It's worth noting that both browsers have implemented features to reduce memory usage, such as Firefox's "performance" settings and Safari's "energy-saving" mode. These features can help improve browser performance and reduce memory usage.

Stability and Reliability

When it comes to stability and reliability, both Firefox and Safari are relatively stable and reliable. However, Firefox does have a reputation among some users for occasional crashes. This can be a concern for users who rely heavily on their browser for work or other tasks. On the other hand, Safari is often praised for its stability and rarely experiences crashes or other issues.

Overall, both Firefox and Safari are popular and reliable browsers with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right browser for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Security and Privacy Features

In today's digital age, security and privacy are of utmost importance to internet users. With the rise of cyber attacks and data breaches, it's crucial to have a web browser that offers robust security and privacy features. Two of the most popular web browsers, Firefox and Safari, offer a range of built-in security measures and privacy controls to ensure safe browsing.

Built-in Security Measures

Firefox and Safari both have their own set of built-in security measures to protect users from online threats. Firefox, for instance, has its own certificate authority, which helps to verify the authenticity of websites and ensure secure connections. The browser also offers phishing and malware protection, which helps to prevent users from falling victim to malicious attacks.

Similarly, Safari has an anti-phishing feature that warns users when they come across suspicious websites. It also has a secure password manager that helps to keep passwords safe and secure.

Privacy Settings and Controls

Privacy is a growing concern for internet users, and both Firefox and Safari offer a range of privacy settings and controls to help users protect their data. Firefox, in particular, has been focusing on enhancing its privacy features in recent updates. The browser now offers encrypted DNS, which helps to prevent third-party entities from tracking user activity. It also has remote anti-tracking, which helps to prevent websites from tracking users across the internet.

Safari, on the other hand, has been improving its intelligent tracking prevention feature, which helps to prevent cross-site tracking. The browser also has a range of privacy settings that users can customize to their liking.

Third-Party Extensions and Add-ons

Both Firefox and Safari allow users to install third-party extensions and add-ons to enhance their browsing experience. Firefox tends to have a wider selection of add-ons, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While users have more options to choose from, some add-ons may not be secure and could potentially compromise user data.

Safari, on the other hand, has a more curated selection of extensions and add-ons. This helps to ensure that users are installing only secure and trustworthy add-ons.

In conclusion, both Firefox and Safari offer a range of security and privacy features to ensure safe browsing. Users can choose the browser that best suits their needs based on their preferences and priorities.

User Interface and Customization

When it comes to user interface and customization, there are many factors to consider. While both Firefox and Safari have a clean and straightforward design, there are some notable differences between the two.

Design and Layout

Firefox and Safari both have a modern and sleek design, but Firefox takes it a step further with its customization options. Users can enable dark mode for a more comfortable browsing experience in low light environments, and they can choose from a variety of themes to personalize the look of their browser.

On the other hand, Safari has a simpler design with fewer distractions, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a streamlined interface. The minimalist approach of Safari also makes it easier to focus on the content of the webpage without any distractions.

Customization Options

Firefox offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to move menus and toolbars to different locations on the browser window. This level of customization can be useful for users who want to optimize their browsing experience to fit their specific needs.

While Safari doesn't offer as many customization options as Firefox, it still provides enough flexibility to make it a viable option for many users. The simplicity of Safari's interface can be appealing to those who prefer a more straightforward browsing experience.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is an important consideration for many users, and both Firefox and Safari offer features to make browsing more accessible to everyone. For example, users can enable voice commands to navigate the web using their voice, and they can enlarge the font to make it easier to read.

Firefox also offers a range of accessibility features, such as high contrast mode and the ability to change the font size and type. These features can be particularly useful for users with visual impairments or other disabilities.

Overall, both Firefox and Safari have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to user interface and customization. While Firefox offers more customization options, Safari's simplicity may be more appealing to some users. Regardless of which browser you choose, both Firefox and Safari provide accessibility features to make browsing more accessible to everyone.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Cross-platform compatibility is a critical factor for users who want to access their browsing history, bookmarks, and preferences across multiple devices. Both Safari and Firefox offer integration between their desktop and mobile versions, allowing users to sync bookmarks and browse seamlessly between devices.

Desktop and Mobile Integration

Firefox Sync offers seamless integration between desktop and mobile versions of the browser. Users can access their browsing history, bookmarks, and preferences across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Similarly, Safari offers integration across Apple devices, including macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. This means that users can access their bookmarks, browsing history, and preferences on their iPhone, iPad, and Mac without any hassle.

Syncing and Cloud Services

Safari has its own cloud service, iCloud, which allows users to integrate across Apple devices. With iCloud, users can sync their bookmarks, browsing history, and preferences across all their Apple devices. Firefox also offers syncing options, including the ability to sync add-ons and bookmarks to the cloud. This means that users can access their favorite add-ons and bookmarks on any device with Firefox installed.

Supported Operating Systems

Firefox is compatible with a range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it a versatile browser that can be used on a variety of devices. Safari, on the other hand, is exclusively available on Apple devices, including macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. This means that if you want to use Safari, you need to have an Apple device. However, if you do have an Apple device, you can enjoy the benefits of seamless integration across all your devices.

Developer Tools and Support

Developing a website can be a complex and challenging process, but luckily there are many tools and resources available to make it easier. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the developer tools and support offered by two popular web browsers: Firefox and Safari.

Built-in Developer Tools

Firefox and Safari both offer built-in developer tools that allow developers to debug and test their websites easily. These tools include a variety of features such as a console for logging errors, a network tab for monitoring network activity, and an element inspector for examining the HTML and CSS of a web page.

Firefox's developer tools are particularly robust, with a wide range of features and customization options. In addition to the standard tools mentioned above, Firefox also offers a responsive design mode for testing how a website looks on different screen sizes, a JavaScript debugger for finding and fixing errors in your code, and a performance tool for optimizing website speed.

Safari's developer tools are also powerful, but they have a simpler interface and fewer customization options than Firefox. However, Safari does offer some unique features such as a timeline tool for visualizing website performance and a canvas inspector for examining HTML5 canvas elements.

Extension and Add-on Development

Firefox has long been a favorite among developers, thanks to its wealth of add-ons and extensions. These add-ons can enhance the functionality of the browser itself, as well as provide tools for web development. Firefox's add-on development platform is open and flexible, allowing developers to create a wide range of extensions and customize the browser to their needs.

Safari, on the other hand, has stricter rules and guidelines around add-on development, making it a more curated experience. While this means there are fewer add-ons available for Safari, it also ensures that the ones that do exist are high-quality and well-maintained.

Community and Documentation

Firefox has a large and active developer community, offering a wealth of resources and support. The Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) is a comprehensive resource for web developers, with documentation, tutorials, and forums for asking questions and getting help. Firefox also has a strong presence on social media and hosts regular events and meetups for developers.

Safari also has developer resources available, but not to the same degree as Firefox. Apple's developer website offers documentation and guides for web development, as well as forums for asking questions and getting help. However, Safari's community is smaller and less active than Firefox's.

In conclusion, both Firefox and Safari offer powerful developer tools and resources, but Firefox has a more robust and active developer community, while Safari has a more curated approach to add-on development. Ultimately, the choice between these two browsers will depend on the specific needs and preferences of each individual developer.

Conclusion: Which Browser is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between Firefox and Safari comes down to personal preference and needs. Firefox may be a better choice for users who value customization and add-ons, while Safari is ideal for those in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize stability and security. Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of what each browser offers, helping you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a browser.

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The best web browsers for 2023

Mark Coppock

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.

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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 Coppock

A 2-in-1 laptop is a great way to add some versatility to your digital workflow, as in one device you’ll get something that offers a lot of what the best tablets and the best laptops have to offer. With many of the best 2-in-1 laptops you’ll get the power of a laptop with the touchscreen functionality of a tablet. Because of this, 2-in-1 laptops are often more expensive than their traditional counterparts, which makes tracking down some of the best 2-in-1 laptops deals worth the effort. We’ve done all of that heavy lifting for you, and have rounded up all of the best 2-in-1 laptop deals you can currently shop right now. Among them you’ll find some of the best laptop brands, including Microsoft, Samsung, and HP, so read onward for more details on how to save.

Chromebook Duet 3 — $315, was $400

The Apple Studio Display is the Apple monitor made for most of its users. It’s the perfect monitor solution for laptops like the Apple MacBook Pro and the Apple MacBook Air, particularly if you want to keep all of your hardware within the Apple ecosystem. While the Apple Studio Display is a little pricier than most consumer monitors, it’s currently one of the better Apple deals you’ll find. It also makes one of the best monitor deals you’ll find, as there are a couple of different versions of the Apple Studio Display on sale right now. So whether you’re one of the creative pros the monitor is meant for or somebody looking for a premium 5K monitor to pair with your computer, these are the best Apple Studio Display deals you’ll find right now. Apple Studio Display — $1,499, was $1,599

The Apple Studio Display is one of the more premium monitors on the market. It’s not to be confused with the Apple Pro Display XDR, which is Apple’s professional, high end monitor. And while the Apple Studio Display and Pro Display XDR have some similarities, the Studio Display comes in at a much lower price tag. It has a 27-inch screen that comes with 5K resolution and 600 nits of brightness, as well as support for one billion colors and the P3 wide color gamut. It also has a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, which makes it a great place to sit down and watch movie.

Best Buy is always one of the best places to buy a laptop online. It carries all of the best laptop brands, has a lot of inventory to choose from, and almost always has some of the best laptop deals. This is all good news if you’re in the market for a new laptop, as Best Buy currently has a lot of laptops discounted. Some of the best Best Buy laptop deals include models by Dell, HP, Lenovo, and even Apple. We’ve tracked them all down to make landing some savings more convenient. Consult our laptop buying guide as needed and read onward for more information on some of the Best Buy laptop deals you can currently take advantage of. HP 14-inch Chromebook — $149, was $299

The HP 14-inch Chromebook is a fast and fun computing device. It is a great option for anyone searching the best laptops for high school students or the best laptops for college. It has an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of system RAM that combine to push through homework assignments, work presentations, and hours upon hours of binge watching. The 14-inch screen sports HD resolution, and makes this HP Chromebook a great way to enjoy movies, photos, and other digital content. It has a minimal design that makes it as portable as any Chromebook. The HP 14-inch laptop is able to reach up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it a great all-day option for people who like to do their work on the go.

We review products independently , but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use .

Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best for 2024?

Don't take your browser for granted we help you narrow your options by comparing the best web browsers on speed, privacy, and other important features..

Michael Muchmore

Most people browse the web using Google Chrome without really thinking about their options. Gmail or YouTube or some other site once suggested they use Chrome, and perhaps they never questioned it. The truth is you do have options when it comes to your web browser, and you may find another that serves your needs better. Browsers offer varying levels of privacy, security , performance, and power efficiency. They differ even more when it comes to unique and helpful features beyond merely displaying websites.

Here we examine the top five browsers in the US, in order of popularity. That criterion rules out  Brave  and  Vivaldi , with usage rates hovering near or below 1%, even though they are both first-class browsers. If you're interested in those two, check out our article on the  best alternative web browsers . Or, if your utmost concern is security, see what makes the best private browsers different.

Below are short reviews of the top five browsers. After that, keep reading for more information about the browser landscape, additional details about our testing, and advice on what you should take into consideration when choosing a web browser.

Google Chrome

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Google Chrome Web Browser

Most people need no introduction to the search behemoth's browser, Google Chrome. It’s attractively designed and quick at loading pages. Most website codes now target Chrome, so compatibility is seldom an issue. Chrome is available for all major platforms, and the mobile version offers syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and settings.

Chrome doesn't have many unique browsing features, however, and it's the only browser included here that you won't find in the desktop app stores for macOS and Windows. There’s no built-in VPN, no cryptocurrency locker, no note feature, and no screenshot tool. Google has announced a feeble gesture towards adding a reading mode; feeble because it will only be in a sidebar, with the full, noisy distracting page still displaying in the main central browser window. The lack of a true reading mode makes sense for a company that earns its keep through web ads since reading modes hide them. All the other browsers here have full-page reading modes.

Chrome allows multiple user profiles, meaning different users of the same computer can have their own browser settings, history, and favorites. The browser also finally caught up with others by adding a Share icon to the address bar that eases sending sites via social media or email.

A few years ago, Google controversially announced it would be removing the API function that allowed ad-blocker software to fully block ads. As of now, it seems ad blockers may be limited starting at some point in 2024. Some Chrome development, though, has centered around security and privacy, notably among them a plan to kill off tracking cookies in favor of Google's tracking mechanisms. The company's Privacy Sandbox initiative (in development) tries to cater to both  ad targeting and user privacy . Some worry both of these developments will only result in more consolidation of the company's grip on web advertising and user profiling.

Apple Safari

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Apple Safari 5

The default Mac and iOS browser is a strong choice, though its interface has some nonstandard elements. Safari was a forerunner in several areas of browser features. For example, it was the first with a Reading mode, which cleared unnecessary clutter like ads and videos from web articles you want to read. That feature debuted in 2010 and has made its way into all other browsers except for Chrome.

Apple has brought up the topic of fingerprinting protection—preventing web trackers from identifying you by your system specs. Unfortunately, the EFF's Cover Your Tracks test site only shows partial protection from trackers in Safari, while several competitors get a result of Strong protection. Other benefits include Apple Pay support and a "Sign in with Apple" feature to replace Facebook and Google as web account authorizers.

In macOS Monterey, the browser gained a compact tab bar with floating tabs like Firefox's and Tab Groups that live in a convenient sidebar, and with Ventura , they become shareable and pinnable. Safari also supports Apple's proprietary Shared with You feature in its proprietary iMessage system. For iCloud+ subscribers, a Private Relay obscures your IP address, similar to a VPN.

If you use an iPhone and a Mac, Safari integration makes a lot of sense, since Apple’s Handoff feature lets you continue your browsing session between devices. Safari trails other browsers on support for emerging HTML features, but we haven’t run into or heard of any major site incompatibilities with it.

Microsoft Edge

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Microsoft Edge Web Browser

The latest version of Microsoft Edge uses Chrome’s webpage-rendering code, Chromium, guaranteeing site compatibility and freeing up its developers to add unique features. You won’t run into the site incompatibilities users of the previous incarnation of Edge occasionally encountered, and the browser performs snappily. Edge now runs on Apple macOS and Windows 11 and earlier. Mobile versions for Android and iPhone let you sync history, favorites, and passwords.

Edge is a leader in performance, thrifty memory management, and disk usage. Startup Boost technology reduces the time it takes to open the browser, and sleeping tabs save memory on tabs you're not viewing. Edge's Efficiency mode can extend laptop battery life. The initial focuses for the browser were privacy, the customizable start page, and the intriguing Collections feature for web research. For enterprise customers who still rely on Internet Explorer to run legacy programs, Edge offers an IE Mode .

The Collections feature uses a sidebar onto which you can drag webpages and images, write notes, and then share the whole assemblage to Excel, OneNote, or Word. It's a great organization and planning tool . Edge's Immersive Reader mode not only offers distraction-free web reading, stripping out ads and nonessential eye candy, but it can also read webpage text aloud using lifelike Neural Voices. It's worth trying because it reads with sentence intonation, rather than simply word by word, as we’ve come to expect text-to-speech audio.

Other notable Edge options include built-in web sharing, tabs down the side rather than across the top, a built-in screenshot tool, automatic coupons for shopping sites, and timely themes to dress up your browser. Recent additions include a side panel that integrates the new Bing AI chat search , game controller haptic feedback, and a multitasking side toolbar that lets you access first- and third-party services for social networking, search, messaging, search, and productivity.

Mozilla Firefox

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Firefox Web Browser

Firefox, an open-source project from the nonprofit Mozilla Foundation, has long been a PCMag favorite. The browser has pioneered many web capabilities and the organization that develops it has been a strong advocate for online privacy. It’s also notable for its wealth of available extensions. The unique Multi-Account Containers extension lets you sequester multiple logins to the same site on different tabs. Without it, you'd have to open a private browsing window or another browser to sign out of all your web accounts and start a fresh session.

Mozilla’s browser is in the vanguard of supporting new HTML and CSS capabilities, and the company is working on open-source AR and speech synthesis standards. The organization now offers a full password management service called Lockwise, which can generate complex passwords, sync them between devices, and secure everything under a strong master password. That and the organization's VPN offering are paid extras.

The mobile Firefox apps offer excellent interfaces, and you can send a webpage tab from any device to any others that are logged into your syncing account. That’s right: You can be reading a webpage on your desktop PC, and have it instantly open on your iPhone or vice versa. It's a slick and useful feature.

If that’s not enough, Firefox has a Pocket button in the address bar, letting you save a page for later viewing anywhere with one click. The Reader View button declutters a webpage loaded with ads, promos, and videos, so you can peruse it with no distractions. PiP video supports closed captions and HDR and AV1 video formats. The browser is ultra customizable, letting you select and arrange buttons on the toolbar to taste, as well as select from a large number of Theme add-ons that change window border patterns and colors.

Recent additions include PDF editing and the Firefox View feature, basically a pinned tab of recent sites that syncs between the desktop and mobile versions of the browser.

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Opera Web Browser

Perennially hovering around the 2% usage level, the Opera browser has long been a pioneer in the segment, inventing basic browser innovations like tabs, CSS, and the built-in search box. Opera can make a bigger privacy claim than the other browsers here—if you’re a believer in VPNs. It includes a built-in VPN (actually an encrypted proxy server) that protects and reroutes traffic from Opera to cloak your IP address. Opera uses the Chromium page-rendering engine, so you'll rarely run into site incompatibilities, and performance is fast. It's available for all major platforms, and the Opera Touch mobile browser is a beautifully designed app that connects (via quick QR scan) to your desktop.

Beyond the VPN, another unique feature in Opera is its built-in ad blocker, which also blocks crypto-mining scripts and trackers. Ad blocking also means less data consumed, especially of interest to those using metered connections or mobile plans with data caps.

More unique features in Opera include its Speed Dial start and New Tab page, as well as its quick-access sidebar of frequently needed services like WhatsApp or Spotify. My Flow lets you send webpages and notes between devices easily. The browser also includes a video pop-out window, a Pinboard feature similar to Edge's Collections, and a Workspaces feature that lets you create function-based tab views. Opera uniquely offers a cryptocurrency wallet as an option, which supports most popular tokens.

Opera offers a gaming version called Opera GX , and the company recently bought a gaming engine , moving into that specialty even further. The company also offers a futuristic secure Crypto Browser for navigating Web3 . And like Edge, Opera is adding AI ChatGPT capabilities to the browser , starting with a summarizer tool for text you highlight or even full sites.

More Inside PCMag.com

  • Stop Trackers Dead: The Best Private Browsers for 2024
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  • Has Chrome Lost Its Shine? These Are the Best Alternative Web Browsers

About Michael Muchmore

PC hardware is nice, but it’s not much use without innovative software. I’ve been reviewing software for PCMag since 2008, and I still get a kick out of seeing what's new in video and photo editing software, and how operating systems change over time. I was privileged to byline the cover story of the last print issue of PC Magazine , the Windows 7 review, and I’ve witnessed every Microsoft win and misstep up to the latest Windows 11.

More From Michael Muchmore

  • ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate
  • Adobe Adds 'Structure Reference' Option to Firefly Generative AI
  • DxO PureRAW
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  • Copilot for Microsoft 365 Rolling Out in Windows

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Firefox vs Safari

Firefox

Firefox has 454 reviews and a rating of 4.42 / 5 stars vs Safari which has 221 reviews and a rating of 4.48 / 5 stars. Compare the similarities and differences between software options with real user reviews focused on features, ease of use, customer service, and value for money.

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User Ratings & Reviews

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

  • I like all the features included on this software and I find the speed of it pretty good, since Firefox doesn't require a lot of RAM usage of my desktop PC.
  • The fact that you easily organise your tabs into collections, and automatically block ad trackers makes it one of my favourite browsers. Its ease of use makes it more lovely.
  • Switching between tabs is slow at times. Updates can be troublesome at times, at times you can not open Firefox until the update is installed.
  • As well as there is a big problem with firefox, some CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) animation can't load properly on Firefox, and older few HTML codes not work properly.
  • It is very light easy and gives best performance and its portable along with apple products.
  • It provides privacy tracker feature that help me most to find out which websites stalk and try to track me,safari saved password is very protected with touch id or face id that was i like most.
  • Sometimes it can have glitches with our other software, but that might be the other programs having problems on their own.
  • I don't like that the menu bar with the search bar, tab menu, etc. gets hidden when you're scrolling as it can be annoying to get that back up to change tabs.

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Apple Safari vs. Mozilla Firefox

Both browsers have strengths and weaknesses

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In This Article

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Overall Findings

  • Availability
  • Page Load Speed
  • Final Verdict

If you're a Mac user, two of the most powerful web browsers are available to you: Apple Safari  and  Mozilla Firefox . Both are free of charge, and each has distinct advantages. We compared both to help you decide which web browser will give you the best web experience.

These features were tested on Safari 13 and Firefox 67 in macOS Catalina, but are generally applicable to all recent versions across macOS and Windows desktop platforms.

Integrated with most macOS programs and devices.

Faster page loading.

More extensions available than Safari.

Open-source platform.

Available on more operating systems, including Windows and macOS

The Apple Safari browser, now a key piece of macOS, is seamlessly integrated into some core Apple applications, including Apple Mail and Photos . This is one of the advantages of Apple having an its own browser.

Mozilla Firefox is a popular alternative to Safari. Although it may not be as fast, the difference isn't enough to discount Firefox as your browser of choice. Although Safari's speed and integration with the operating system may give it a leg up at first glance, Firefox has some appealing features.

Availability: Safari Is Mainly an Apple Thing

Developed primarily for Apple devices.

Also available for Windows.

Available for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.

Because Safari is Apple's proprietary web browser, it mainly exists on Apple products. It comes pre-installed on Macs, iPads, and iPhones. You can download it for Windows machines, but it doesn't have an official release for Android phones.

Firefox was not initially available on iOS devices , but it's now available in the App Store for iPhone and iPad. It's also available for Android and Linux, so if you use several platforms, Firefox works with all of them.

Page Load Speed: Safari Is Faster

1.4 times faster page loading than Firefox.

Slower page loading than Safari.

The developers at Apple did not rush the planning of the Safari infrastructure. This attention becomes apparent when you first launch the application and notice how quickly the main window and home page load. Apple has publicly benchmarked Safari as having HTML page load speeds at 1.4 times that of its Firefox counterpart.

Add-Ons: Firefox Offers More Extensions

Smaller selection of extensions.

Built-in parental controls.

Thousands of extensions from third-party developers.

Parental controls.

Along with all of the features expected in a modern browser, such as tabbed browsing and privacy settings, Safari offers additional functionality.

Safari features parental control settings that are easy to customize, allowing you to facilitate a child-safe environment. In other browsers, these controls are not easily configurable and usually require third-party downloads. If you use Safari on a Mac, parental controls are set in the Settings menu under Screen Time.

Apple exerts the same control over Safari as it does over its other software, so it isn't open-source like Firefox. However, it does offer a section in its App Store that allows developers to create plug-ins and add-ons to enrich the browsing experience.

Like Safari, Firefox provides a platform that allows developers to create powerful add-ons and extensions . Firefox's selection is much greater than Safari's, and developers have added a wealth of new functionality to the browser.

Final Verdict: It's All About Preference and Availability

These browsers have many similar features, as well as some unique functions. When choosing between the two, here are some factors to consider:

  • If you use Apple Mail as your email client and want to perform several email tasks from the browser, Safari may be the best choice.
  • If you want to use Automator for everyday browsing tasks, Safari may be right for you.
  • If you search sites such as eBay, Answers.com, and Amazon often, Firefox may make more sense as your primary browser.
  • If you like to take advantage of add-ons and extensions to customize and supercharge your browser, give Firefox a try.
  • If you have children who use your computer and you need to enforce parental controls, Safari is your best bet.
  • If the only thing you care about is speed, go with Safari.

If none of these features stand out, your choice may be a toss-up. In this case, try both for a couple of days. You can install and run Firefox and Safari at the same time without conflict. Eventually, you'll discover that one is more preferable than the other.

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firefox vs safari energy consumption

The Best Browser for Battery Life: Chrome vs Edge vs Firefox

Posted by Tom Li | Mar 9, 2017 | Articles , Editorials | 16 |

The Best Browser for Battery Life: Chrome vs Edge vs Firefox

If you’ve used a PC lately, you’ve probably seen messages from both Microsoft and Google trying to coax you into using their respective web browsers. Google’s iconic “Get Chrome” banner on Google.com appears so often that many people just download Chrome simply to get rid of it. Microsoft on the other hand peppers your Windows 10 desktop with persistent notifications, constantly reminding you about the new Edge browser and how much safer, faster, or power efficient it is. Then you have Mozilla Firefox, the humble, open-source browser silently watching from the sidelines.

While all three browsers have their pros and cons, one thing they all claim to do is offer the best battery life. But as the great saying goes, there can be only one.

Today, we’re going to find “the one”.

The Big 3 and How They Conserve Battery

Microsoft edge.

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Microsoft’s Edge browser was conceived for Windows 1o to gain back some of the browser market share Microsoft lost to Google Chrome. Although based on Microsoft’s Trident engine, the Microsoft Edge browser is essentially built from scratch, taking nearly nothing from Internet Explorer. As a result, Edge revitalized Microsoft’s abomination of a browser into something that’s fast and user-friendly. A bit like how Internet Explorer was before Microsoft messed it all up. Of course, there are still bugs to iron out, and its extension library is minuscule at best, but the Edge browser is aggressively being groomed to replace Internet Explorer.

The Microsoft Edge browser aims to reduce power consumption in several ways. One way is by limiting the refresh rate of Javascript tasks. These items which include ad analyzers, push notification updates and animations can continue to run even when the web page itself is hidden from view. By limiting the script’s refresh rate to once per second through a universal Javascript timer, Edge can drastically cut down on resource use without impacting user experience.

Adobe Flash has always been one of the biggest problems for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. In addition to fancy Javascript animations, many ads are Flash-based. When they’re coded carelessly (like many ads are), Flash objects could hog up a considerable amount of resources on both CPU and GPU. Flash is also a major security risk in many instances as outdated versions of Flash Player invite exploits that can infect millions. In Edge, Flash is contained in a separate process that can be easily managed by the system. Flash elements that aren’t integral to the function of the page is paused by default, and Flash processes can be terminated individually without affecting the page.

Finally, network performance is also a key factor in improving battery life. Using new connection methods such as TCP Open, Tail Loss Probe, and Recent Acknowledgement, the power-hungry Wi-Fi antenna can be turned off sooner, thus saving battery in the process.

Google Chrome

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Google Chrome has always had a reputation for being resource intensive, but extremely fast. The reason for Chrome’s voracious appetite for resources is due to the way each tab is managed. Instead of grouping all the tabs and plugins into a few big processes, Chrome isolates each item into its own process. This way, when one process crashes, it doesn’t take down the entire process tree with it. Isolating the processes also makes resource management easy, which is the main reason why Chrome has consistently been shown to be a speed demon.

In terms of power saving functionality, Chrome has implemented a host of features over its lifespan. With Chrome version 56, a tab throttling function has been added. In a nutshell, Chrome initializes a timer pool that sets the boundaries for how much of the CPU it’s allowed to use. Every process related to Chrome is assigned a timer limit that’s subtracted from the total pool. When the pool is reduced to a negative value, newly queued tasks will be suspended until part of the pool is freed. This effectively limits the number of background tasks that can run, saving battery life in the process.

Google’s approach to optimizing animation elements is different from Microsoft’s. Google recognized the inherent flaws within Flash and is now favoring HTML 5, the newest version of HTML that more efficiently handles videos and animations. Many prominent video platforms such as YouTube have already fully transitioned over to HTML 5.

Google is also aggressively curbing Chrome’s memory-hogging nature by introducing a ton of Javascript optimizations. According to Google, Chrome version 55 uses 50% less RAM for certain sites than the previous version. These changes are pushed out alongside other battery-saving features such as cache utilization optimizations.

Mozilla Firefox

firefox vs safari energy consumption

Mozilla Firefox is an open source web browser developed back in 2002 which aimed to challenge Microsoft Internet Explorer’s dominance in the browser space. Firefox aims to create a secure, standards based browser based on an open source philosophy.

In terms of power efficiency, how Firefox saves battery is a bit of a mystery. Unlike the other browsers in the category, Firefox doesn’t isolate its tasks into their own processes. This structure makes error handling a nightmare since the problem can’t be terminated on its own and can spread across the entire process tree. Firefox has a memory problem, too. Web browsing with just 13 tabs open pushed its memory usage to well beyond 1GB. With that said, it does look like Firefox performs some background memory management when the system is idle. Its memory usage dropped down to 900MB with the same set of tabs opened when the system is not in use.

The biggest incentive Firefox has is that it’s a completely open sourced browser. It’s probably the only major browser on the market that doesn’t actively collect its user’s information (though Mozilla does recommend you set up a Mozilla account with them so your stuff can sync across platforms).

Testing Methodology

In order to test each browser’s impact on battery life, we’ve developed a script which cycles through 13 popular websites with a blend of images and text. Of those 13 websites, three are social media sites with live updates. The script itself is fairly basic. It simply visits the sites, pauses on each site for 60 seconds and records a timestamp at every 10-second interval. At the end of each cycle, the browsers are closed and relaunched to simulate closing and opening multiple windows/tabs.

Using the same method, we also performed a video streaming test. In the video streaming test, we ran a 1 hour YouTube video at full screen at 1080p. At the end of the video, the browser is then closed and relaunched. This is done until the laptop shuts off.

firefox vs safari energy consumption

The test system is a Dell XPS 15 9560 outfitted with a 4K touch IPS panel, an Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a Nvidia GTX 1050 GPU, and a 97Wh battery.The screen brightness is locked at 60% which is comfortable enough for both indoor and outdoor use.

The three browsers we’re testing today include Chrome 56, Mozilla Firefox 51.0.1, and Microsoft Edge 38.143930.0. No add-ons extensions are installed on any browser.

All testing is initiated after the cache is cleared followed by a full system shutdown and cold boot. The battery is charged to maximum capacity before each test. All non-critical programs and Bluetooth are disabled. All drivers and software are updated to their latest version and all testing is done at the same time (4 A.M. EST) on multiple weekdays to ensure consistent network congestion.

Battery Life Testing Results

firefox vs safari energy consumption

The results were unexpectedly one-sided. Microsoft’s Edge browser won by a landslide, lasting 6 hours and 34 minutes compared to Chrome’s 5 hours and 18 minutes and Firefox’s 5 hours and 53 minutes. Video playback showed similar results with Edge coming out on top by an hour.

Firefox came in second for web browsing, a surprise since I expected Google Chrome’s process structure to be more efficient in both performance and battery impact. However, what’s unexpected is that Firefox severely lagged behind both Chrome and Edge in the video streaming test, lasting only 5h 5m on a full charge. I thought this was due to the inefficient Flash player, but Firefox has been using HTML 5 since version 40. It also has full support for all the latest video codecs. As such we’ll have to do a little more digging to understand why it did so poorly considering its decent power efficiency when doing standard web browsing.

Chrome’s battery life has improved compared to previous versions, but it wasn’t enough to beat out either Edge or Firefox. Interestingly, its video streaming time was longer than its web browsing time. This could be attributed to Chrome’s efficient handling of YouTube’s HTML 5 videos or it may simply be more power efficient when running only a single tab.

The web browser power efficiency testing was full of surprises. Not only did Microsoft Edge pull ahead of the competition, it trounced Chrome by a full hour in both the web browsing and streaming tests. Quite frankly I was shocked at the results as I’ve been a longtime user of Google Chrome. I also wasn’t expecting Firefox to come in second place in web browsing, but it’s definitely doing something right to pull it ahead of the competition. Chrome coming in last is disappointing considering how much Google has stated that it was making efforts towards battery life.

About The Author

Tom Li

Tom has a strong passion for computer hardware and technology. In his downtime, he enjoys gaming, playing guitar, and photography.

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16 Comments

Jack Smith

The problem is there is a significant security flaw in Edge that MS has yet to fix. This is a far bigger issue, IMO, then how long the battery last. MS has know about the problem for over 90 days now and still has not fixed!

“Google reports “high-severity” bug in Edge/IE, no patch available String of unpatched security flaws comes after February Patch Tuesday was canceled.”

https://arstechnica.com/security/2017/02/high-severity-vulnerability-in-edgeie-is-third-unpatched-msft-bug-this-month/

Sam Chen

What? It’s NOT 13% safer? *shock* LOL!

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/876e55feb40ef71f25e56e1e0031e1c3a16af16e6f3199e250eb5a6ee6049e88.jpg

Ordeith

You want unpatched security flaws? Take a look at Android ! :)

Ord, If you purchase a Pixel you will get patches really quick. It is now better with other Android phones but still not the level of the iPhone, IMO.

But this article is really about browsers. I do not think MS sells smartphones anymore do they?

matus201

Every major phone is on latest security updates. My galaxy S6 still keeps getting monthly security updates – even though it is on Marshmallow.

Of course if you look at 50 bucks Android phones, those do not get updates. However, they still include partial updates (their web browser is always up to date, unlike iOS web browser, that gets updated 3-4 times a year) as well as google play services updates.

Keep deluding yourself into a false sense of security. It’s sure to help you out someday.

None of what I said is false. Should monthly security updates make me feel invulnerable? No. But it’s the best you can get unless you want to not use a smartphone.

Or maybe use an old blackberry, I guess that still is technically a smartphone…

It’s the best you can get with Android , hence my original comment.

Do you know of any other platform that gets always up-to-date web browser, core services, monthly security updates with change logs, and if all that isn’t enough it has the ability to use open source software in case you don’t trust the manufacturer? Because I don’t. Once more, the openness of the platform means that blanket statements like “android is insecure” are highly inaccurate. Android is everything from the Honda Accord CarPlay screen all the way to that latest updated HTC phone.

LOL.. The “open source” parts of Android are only that way for Google to exploit free voluntary labor and work around copyright and patent laws. The parts of Android that most people think of as Android are far from open.

See the Ars Technica Story: Google’s iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary

That article states that your average Android phone is largely closed source – nobody argues there. Of course it is. My old Galaxy S6 had all the Samsung software closed source. But if I wanted, I could run an AOSP rom on a Nexus phone for example, and have everything open source. Sure, I’d have no Play Store and my experience would be affected, but it is possible. Compare that to other platforms, where that option is not present at all.

You can’t complain that going AOSP is too difficult, and at the same time favor completely closed source platforms. Choose one or the other.

You’re obfuscating and inventing arguments to detract from the terrible security and lack of timely patches on the Android platform. You’re going to have to try harder.

My S6 received monthly security updates to the core system, uncountable updates to the most vulnerable apps (web browser, Google Play Services, the app store). My current phone, iPhone 6s, received zero updates in the last 2 months I own the device. So tell me, which one is lacking timely patches and updates? iPhone is incredible at having everyone on the same iOS version at the same time, but that only means that everyone is outdated equally. Just because there is no newer version out there does not mean your current version is secure ;) .

iOS has far less vulnerabilities. Keep trying.

Sure. Based on CVE details:

iOS, 1091 vulnerabilities Android, 849 vulnerabilities

They are both pretty awful if you ask me. Frequent updates are important!

and now.. patched vulnerabilities. come on, you can do it.

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IMAGES

  1. Google Chrome vs Firefox vs Safari: Browser Battery Consumption

    firefox vs safari energy consumption

  2. Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Safari energy consumption at launching time

    firefox vs safari energy consumption

  3. Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Safari energy consumption at launching time

    firefox vs safari energy consumption

  4. Firefox, Opera Chrome and Safari energy consumption at loading HTML

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  5. Website energy consumption via browser profiling

    firefox vs safari energy consumption

  6. Per browser energy consumption (Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox

    firefox vs safari energy consumption

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