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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.

mozilla safari difference

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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Apple Safari vs. Mozilla Firefox

Both browsers have strengths and weaknesses

mozilla safari difference

In This Article

Jump to a Section

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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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.

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

You don't need to spend thousands of dollars to get into PC gaming because there are gaming laptop deals like Best Buy's offer for the Acer Nitro 5. The starter gaming laptop, which is already relatively affordable at its original price of $950, is currently even cheaper at just $700. You'll be able to use the $250 in savings on video games and gaming accessories, but you'll have to act fast if you want it because we're not sure how much time is remaining before the bargain disappears, and once that happens, we don't know when you'll get another chance at it.

Why you should buy the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop The Acer Nitro 5 is equipped with the 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, and 16GB of RAM. It's not going to challenge the performance of the top-of-the-line models of the best gaming laptops, but it's going to be more than enough to play the best PC games. Some of the more demanding titles may force you to choose low graphics settings, but that's a fine trade-off for a gaming laptop that you can get for less than $1,000.

XPS 13 9315 Digital Trends

Big changes are coming to the Dell XPS 13 with the current model being discontinued in favor of something that’s much more like the Dell XPS 13 Plus. That might not delight everyone so now is the time to buy with Dell selling off the Dell XPS 13 as one of its many laptop deals available today. If you’ve been meaning to buy a Dell XPS 13 for a while, this is likely to be one of your final chances to do so with 2024 bringing in new and tweaked models. Right now, you can buy the Dell XPS 13 for $599 as part of Dell’s ominous-sounding ‘final sale’ with the price usually $799. Keen to learn more? Let’s take a look at this soon-to-be retired laptop model.

A good gaming PC is not just a top-notch graphics card, a reliable processor, and a bunch of irrelevant components. Every part plays a role in delivering a smooth gaming experience, and while those two big-ticket components may have the biggest impact, the amount of memory (RAM) in your PC is also a huge deal.

Trust me -- and this is coming from someone who was still running 16GB last year -- the difference between 16GB and 32GB RAM is like night and day. Whether we like it or not, that upgrade is one that's looming on the horizon for many gamers -- and now is a surprisingly good time to pull that trigger. We're on the brink of a RAM evolution It's safe to say that the narrative around memory, and I mean both regular RAM and video memory (VRAM) found in graphics cards, has shifted a lot in the past year or so. Previously a somewhat overlooked component, RAM became a hot topic among PC gamers and in the media, and knowing how much RAM your PC needs has become a necessity.

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.

mozilla safari difference

Google Chrome

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.

mozilla safari difference

Apple Safari

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.

mozilla safari difference

Microsoft Edge

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 safari difference

Mozilla Firefox

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.

mozilla safari difference

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.

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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.

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  • The Best Cloud Storage and File-Sharing Services for 2024
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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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Browser battles: IE vs. Firefox vs. Chrome vs. Opera vs. Safari

We run-down the latest versions of all the main browsers in a head-to-head comparison to sort out where each browser scores well or offers something unique that makes them a must-use proposition. Should you make a switch?

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  • Internet Explorer

A good browser does what you want, when you want it to. At a basic level, any browser you choose will do the basics — page display, secure websites for matters such as online commerce and banking — to a standardised level. So what marks out one browser from another?

We've taken a look at the latest and greatest from Microsoft, Apple, Opera, Google and Mozilla to sort out where each browser scores well or offers something unique that makes them a must-use proposition. Most users tend to use one browser and stick to it as a familiar kind of playground, but are they missing out on the best the web can offer as a result?

We're well past the point where you have to pay for a browser, and with the exception of Internet Explorer, everything we're looking at works across multiple computing platforms. These aren't benchmarks or reviews per se; we're just using the currently most up-to-date browsers to point out where it might be worth switching browsers.

The biggest players get to go first. So up first, we've got Internet Explorer 9.

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Internet Explorer 9 Beta

Where to get it: http://ie.microsoft.com/testdrive /

There was a time when Internet Explorer was the internet for most folks, with market share that was fast approaching 100 per cent. That time has passed, but IE still holds a commanding market share, and its status as default Windows browser makes it the standard choice for a lot of web users.

Still in beta at the time of writing, most of Internet Explorer 9 's big new features are under the hood and promise speed jumps over previous versions of Internet Explorer. To put it kindly, previous versions could often tend to be rather keen on using up as much memory as possible, but our sampling of IE9 suggests it's been slimmed down extensively. Likewise, the user interface finally drops the toolbar-heavy approach for a slimmed down interface that draws obvious comparisons with Google's Chrome. There's no shame in utilising a good idea, however, and that's what the slick Internet Explorer 9 interface does, right down to integrated search in the URL bar. Bing is not surprisingly the default, but you can easily add other search engines.

Speed is always a very relative thing to test, but in our use of Internet Explorer 9 , we couldn't call it sluggish the way one could so easily do with previous versions. HTML5 is natively supported, the underlying JavaScript engine has been rewritten, and there's support for hardware-accelerated text rendering, depending on the power of your underlying system. All of these things add up to a browser that, for Internet Explorer, is refreshingly fast and lean.

In terms of tweaked features, the two standouts are pinned tabs and the very nifty way that IE manages your add-ons. Pinned sites can be dragged down to the Windows Taskbar where they act like an individual program application instance. You can launch the sites of your choice automatically, and if the site developer enables it, right-click to launch site jump-lists. One-click site launching is very cool, and one of the first things we did with IE9 was add CNET.com.au to our Windows Taskbar. We'll wait while you do the same.

As for Add-On management, the very first time you start up IE9, it'll search out your add-ons and tell you how much time they add to the program start time, with the option to disable them individually or all at once. So if you enable an add-on and IE9 starts dragging its feet, it's easy to find the culprit and lop its head off in just a couple of clicks with no confusion.

And finally — and it's taken long enough, Microsoft — Internet Explorer has a download manager. Quite why we had to wait so long for such a basic feature will no doubt go down as one of history's great mysteries.

If you're still using Windows XP, however, there'll be no Internet Explorer 9 for you. The minimum requirements call for Vista SP2 or better. If you're stuck on XP for a specific reason, we'd suggest switching camps to Chrome or Firefox rather than sticking with an older and potentially less secure IE version, especially as its market penetration make it a favourite of hackers.

In terms of browsers, the current "Fords vs. Holdens" analogy would have to be Internet Explorer vs. Firefox. Over to all things Mozilla we head...

Firefox 4 Beta

Where to get it: www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/beta/

From looking at the beta version of Firefox 4 , it's clear that browser minimalism and top-loading tabs are the new black in browser design. Like IE9, Chrome and Safari, the newest version of Firefox eschews complicated toolbars in favour of a clean layout that emphasises the pages you're surfing to. On Windows (Vista and 7 only), the minimalist design means that all of Firefox's menus spring out from the inventively named (and arguably Opera-borrowed) "Firefox button" that sits at the top left of the user interface. Standard menu layouts can also be invoked with a tap of the Alt key. Our only complaint with the Firefox button is that it sits in a vertical plane by itself, taking up what feels like a lot of screen real estate. It's still early beta days, so hopefully that'll change for final release. Tabs have shifted by default from the bottom to the top, although you can tweak this back if you're not in favour of it.

If you're the type of web surfer who always has hundreds of tabs open, you'll appreciate Firefox 4's Switch To Tab feature. If you're entering in the URL bar ... sorry, "Awesome Bar" by official Firefox parlance, the details of something that matches an existing open tab, it'll offer you the option to switch straight to that tab. Not so useful for single tabs, but if you've got dozens shrunk down to the point where they can't be found, it's potentially quite handy.

mozilla safari difference

On the technical side, Firefox 4 supports yet another new video standard, WebM. It's open source and seems reasonably slick, but whether it'll unseat Flash and H.264 in any significant way isn't yet clear.

Firefox 4 is still very much in beta, and with that in mind, there's a permanently affixed Feedback button on the top left of the browser screen. We'll give them extra points for naming the feedback options "FireFox Made Me Happy Because" and "Firefox Made Me Sad Because..." if only because it's a cute way to engage browser testers.

Firefox 4 is still a beta, and it showed intermittently in our testing, with a few crashes along the way. Other than that, however, it's a swift browser that performs well. Existing Firefox users should upgrade to it once it's gone final, and those wanting cross-platform compatibility and a good browser could well be tempted to switch camps.

Between them, Firefox and Internet Explorer eat up at least 80 per cent of the world's browser share. Moving over to Google next...

Google Chrome 8.0.552.224 Beta

Where to get it: www.google.com/landing/chrome/beta/

Is Google's Chrome ever not in beta? You can always play it safe and download the stable version, but for those who like to live a little on the wild side, Google's Chrome page has a permanent link to the latest beta version of the company's search-centric application. This makes picking the beta-specific updates rather tricky to actually spot, as so many features end up being organically adopted by the browser along the way. We tested with version 8.0.552.224, but there could well be a more fresh public beta by the time you read this. It gave us the choice on loading of importing existing settings and, to our surprise, choosing our preferred search engine. If ever there was a setting we'd figure Google would lock down by default, it's search.

mozilla safari difference

The big new feature (from a web surfer's perspective) in the Chrome 8.0.552 branch is Google's Chrome Web Store, a one-stop shop for various applications — everything from games to productivity applications is on offer, although at the time of writing, it's technically US only. This can be worked around with a credit card and a Google Checkout account, but developers keen on getting money out of Google should note that there's no way for Aussie developers to get paid — yet. Chrome Apps aren't really applications in the standard Windows sense; they're more like a mix of add-ons/extensions mixed with web pages, as nothing ends up as a distinct application on your desktop in the way you might expect.

As a browser, Chrome continues to be good at its core competency points. The stripped down look that every other browser is "borrowing" for its 2011 look was pioneered on Chrome, and it still arguably does it best, with a single bar for all searches and URL entry. PDF viewing is built in, and in version 8 it's sandboxed, so if you do end up with an errant PDF that would otherwise crash the whole browser session, everything else is protected.

The Chrome Web Store, in its current incarnation, probably isn't enough to get anyone to particularly switch camps if they're married to their current browser, but Chrome's swift page rendering, even in beta form, just might be.

From Google, we head into Operatic territory...

Where to get it: www.opera.com/browser/next/

Opera's main web page poses the question "What is faster than the fastest?", which, if nothing else, proves that the Norwegian firm doesn't really understand how comparative terms actually work. We do get what they're aiming at, though, which is to claim that Opera's browser is, perhaps, quicker than other browsers you might consider. The speed jokes continue with the latest beta, with the Spinal Tap-inspired tag line "This one goes to Eleven".

Opera has grimly kept hold of an idea that once permeated the browser space, namely that your browser could be multiple applications at once. It's the only browser in our round-up that comes with an integrated email client. It's neatly enough laid out, but the utility of this (especially in an age of web-based email clients that work across any browser) is debatable.

mozilla safari difference

Opera's claim is that the browser code itself has been optimised to be 30 per cent smaller than Opera 10.60, making it a swifter install. It was fast to install in our tests, and while we weren't sitting with a stopwatch, we couldn't honestly say it was significantly faster than other browser installs. Once it's installed, it's there permanently anyway.

The big new feature for web surfers that Opera touts in Opera 11 is Tab Stacking. Clearly, we're all opening too many tabs at once, and Opera's solution to this crisis is to allow you to stack them into logical groups, which can then be previewed by hovering over a group, or fanned out across the tab bar. Creating groups is as simple as dragging one tab on top of another, although we did find it frustrating that you can't drag tabs sideways to group them. You've got to fully detach them from the tab bar and slot them back up onto another tab to create groups.

Mouse gestures have been made easier to access with a full visual GUI for quick page flipping, zooming, minimisation and duplication, depending on the gestures you wish to use. Mouse gestures are one of those features that you either love or loathe, but they're easily switched off if you don't like them.

Opera 11's browser bar also shrinks down longer URLs and more clearly displays the security information of a given site. Given the prevalence of phishing attacks, this is clearly a good thing.

And moving out of the beta space completely, we go on a Safari...

Apple Safari 5

Where to get it: www.apple.com/safari/download

Apple's notorious for not giving anything away until it's ready to say something, which makes reviewing Safari betas available to the general public rather difficult, although the company did reverse that position for a little while with Safari 4. As such, in the interests of testing something you can use too, we're stuck just looking at the regular stable release of Safari, which at the time of writing was version 5.03.

mozilla safari difference

Safari doesn't boast a huge range of world-altering web browsing features, instead opting to run with that rather well-worn Apple credo of "it just works". And, indeed, Safari does just work, with a simple and slick interface that handles basic web tasks competently, if not in a manner that's all that exciting. The default "Top Sites" panel of commonly visited sites is a little more slick-looking than Google Chrome's very similar-looking "Most Visited" panel, but they both basically just do the same thing.

On a Mac, Safari takes the pride of place that Internet Explorer enjoys on Windows, and as such it's the default browser of many Mac users simply because it's "just there". On Windows, however, the reasons to switch to Safari, compared to other, more feature rich browsers, are less obvious. If you're a Mac user who intermittently dips into the PC world we could see the sense in a common user interface, but otherwise switchers would do better with something like Chrome or Firefox for an alternate browsing experience. It's not that Safari's bad at what it does, but in the free browser space, the alternatives simply do a little bit more.

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Browser comparison: How the five leaders stack up in speed, ease of use and more

The best browser for your desktop could be one you’re not using. Whether Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, or Safari is your current choice, our tests found distinct differences in speed and ease of use. We also compared how each browser uses system resources, a near-invisible trait that could be discreetly bogging down your PC. For the online lifestyle, the right browser could save you time and frustration.

See how they run

Browsers largely look and act the same: They render HTML in multiple tabs or separate windows, let you bookmark pages, support HTTP and FTP file transfer, or offer private browsing (no data is stored). Deep inside each one, however, are operational differences that may or may not fulfill your needs.

Opera had a long-standing and well-deserved reputation for being fast, but not rendering all pages correctly. A switch from a proprietary HTML layout engine to free and widely-used WebKit (currently version 537 as with Chrome) has made that a thing of the past.

Internet Explorer has a history of being exploited by bad guys, both because of its immense popularity and its ActiveX technology. Give Microsoft credit: It’s doggedly improved the Trident layout engine, adopted standards, and improved security. IE is no longer something I advise users to avoid.

Firefox is a longtime worthy IE competitor, and Chrome’s a strong newcomer. As Safari was installed with iTunes for years, many Windows users have it, but have never tried it—possibly because Apple has never given it a truly Windows-like look.

I’ll be comparing browser performance and resource usage as well as features and ease of use.

Chrome 36 (WebKit 537): Stable and speedy

browser roundup sept 2014 chrome screen

Google’s Chrome browser has gained traction quickly against longstanding competitors like Internet Explorer.

A lot of people use Google’s Chrome browser, because lots of people use Google’s search engine. Chrome is fast and generally reliable. It was my go-to for a couple of years, partly because of a great text-to-speech add-on called SpeakIt! that I used to proofread articles. Recently, however, it revealed a propensity for playing the video and audio portion of some popup windows without actually showing the popup. This is an interaction with Adobe’s Flash player that also currently affects Firefox.

browser roundup sept 2014 chrome version

Chrome posted the fastest Browsermark score in our browser comparison tests.

There’s no denying that Chrome is fast: It scored 5773 on Browsermark, took 150.4ms to complete Sunspider, and scored 5627 on Peacekeeper. That’s two first places and a third. To achieve those results, however, it uses a lot of memory and separate processes: 775MB and 14 processes in my hands-on, nine tab test. And there was nothing special going on in any of the tabs.

browser roundup sept 2014 chrome processes

Chrome is one of the fastest browsers for rendering HTML, but it spawns a lot of processes to achieve that.

Additionally, relatively simple options such as changing your homepage are distinctly unintuitive. You might even get the feeling that Google doesn’t want you to change things. Another issue with Chrome, as well as Opera and IE, is that it spawns a number of processes, making it harder to shut down when things go bad.

Minor issues aside, Chrome is still a top browser option because of its stability and speed.

Firefox 31 (Gecko): Looking good, running fast

browser roundup sept 2014 firefox screen cropped

Mozilla Firefox just got an interface makeover and offers many useful add-ons. 

Firefox is the long-time competitor to IE that staved off a Microsoft browser monopoly for years until Chrome showed up to “help.” It’s fast and very reliable. Despite a longstanding memory leak that forced the occasional restart, it was the browser I recommended for many users to avoid the malware attacks that once plagued IE.

The memory leak in its Gecko rendering engine seems to be gone and Firefox has recently received an upgrade that was radical enough to rile a few longtime users. (There is a way to bring back the old-style menus.)

I prefer the new look and find it the most intuitive of all the browsers for bookmarking and changing options. Firefox also has a vast array of add-ons, including one of the best video downloaders out there, the aptly-named DownloadHelper.

browser roundup sept 2014 firefox version

Firefox was the slowest among the browsers we compared in Browsermark, though its score was still decent. 

In our performance texts, Firefox tucked neatly into third place overall: It scored 4540 in BrowserMark; took 134.4ms to complete Sunspider (better than Chrome or Opera); and scored 3956 in Peacekeeper.

The feel is slightly slower than Chrome or Opera, but not enough that it should irritate you. It uses fewer resources than Chrome or Opera, spawning only a single process, and using only 510MB of memory. Only the super-thrifty Safari used less memory.

Keep reading for details on Internet Explorer 11 and more …

Internet Explorer 11 (Trident)

browser roundup sept 2014 ie11 screen

Internet Explorer remains the most widely distributed browser, and the one most targeted by malware.

IE remains extremely popular and useful—if for nothing else that downloading your browser of choice with a fresh install of Windows. It’s decently fast with HTML, exceptionally fast with Javascript, and renders pages reliably.

Also, because of its ActiveX technology, IE is sometimes easier to use with business-related sites such as Webex and HTML IT consoles such as Kaseya. These sites can seamlessly integrate their functionality into IE. With other browsers you must sometimes download and install an extension or background app. Windows User Account Control can prolong that process, so in a pinch I often simply switch to IE.

browser roundup sept 2014 ie11 version

Internet Explorer 11 can be easier to use with business sites because of its ActiveX technology.

IE was unable to complete BrowserMark, a problem noted only after a recent update, but it did score 3670 on Peacekeeper. More notably, it took a mere 74.1ms to complete Sunspider, making it easily the fastest browser for running Javascript.

Sadly, it’s every bit the memory hog that Chrome and Opera are, using 714MB in my nine-tab test. On the other hand, it used “only” 7 processes, half that of the WebKit-based Chrome and Opera.

Opera 23 (WebKit 537)

browser roundup sept 2014 opera screen

Among the browsers we compared, Opera is worth a look for its easy configuration.

After a long, dark age of badly rendered pages, Opera’s now near-perfect in that regard. I say this even after uninstalling it just a few months ago due to its incompatibility with PCWorld’s own web tools. Updates have smoothed out those kinks, and it’s only a hair slower than Chrome.

Unlike Chrome and Firefox, Opera 23 doesn’t suffer invisible popups. It does use the same Webkit engine and run as multiple processes, and it’s more difficult to shut down. It also lacks a home button, instead relying solely on a launch page of oft-used sites (Speed Dial).

browser roundup sept 2014 opera version

In our browser comparison running Browsermark, Opera was nearly as fast as Chrome.

Speed Dial is great if you work off of multiple sites, but it adds another step for those who work from a single page. My minor complaint: There’s no native feature for emailing a link to a page. You must install an extension for this functionality.

For HTML rendering, Opera was only a hair slower than first-place Chrome, scoring 5625 on BrowserMark and 5447 in Peacekeeper. It was a hair faster with Javascript, completing the Sunspider test in 150.1ms. Overall, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference between the two WekKit 537-based browsers in a hands-on.

Despite the list of minor complaints, Opera is currently my main work browser because it’s nearly as fast as Chrome, but easier to configure.

Safari 5.1.17 (WebKit 534)

browser roundup sept 2014 safari screen

Among the browsers we compared, Safari is easy to use and runs with very low processing overhead. 

Though king on the Mac, Safari is probably the least popular of the top browsers under Windows—a bit sad as it’s competent, easy to use, and light on the memory profile. Apple apparently ceased supporting Windows as of version 5.1.17, but we tested it anyway because of its thrifty use of memory.

And ‘thrifty’ is understating the case. It spawns only a single process and in my nine-tab hands-on test, required only 115MB of memory to display it. What happened between the WebKit 534 that Safari uses, and WebKit 537, the current choice of Chrome and Opera is quite amazing. The latter offers way more speed but sucks up a lot of resources.

browser roundup sept 2014 safari version

Safari posted a slower score in Browsermark than most of the competition, but it’s still reasonably peppy. 

Safari could be very handy on older systems with only 512MB or 1GB of memory. It has all the standard features found in the others, so you’re not giving away anything.

Performance in BrowserMark and Peacekeeper was decent: 4831 and 3062, respectively. It lagged in the Sunspider Javascript test, with a score of 179.9ms.

browser roundup sept 2014 browsermark

In our browser comparison, the Browsermark test showed pretty close performance by all products (except IE, which Browsermark could not run).

Test Results

To gauge each browser’s rendering performance, we ran Rightware’s Browsermark and FutureMark’s Peacekeeper HTML5 tests, as well as the Sunspider Javascript benchmark.

If you want the fastest browser for rendering HTML—by far the majority of the actions that a browser performs—you have a choice between Chrome and Opera. They both spawn a lot of processes and memory to accomplish it. Of the two, I’d pick Opera for overall easier configuration.

browser roundup sept 2014 peacekeeper

In our browser roundup, Chrome 36 posted the fastest time on Peacekeeper, while Safari was almost twice as slow.

If Javascript is a priority, Internet Explorer is easily the fastest running it. IE uses a lot of memory as well, if about half the processes of Chrome and Opera.

A big shout-out to Safari which used by far the least amount of memory to present the same nine tabs. If you’re working on a computer with only 512MB or 1GB of system memory, its spend-thrift ways might come in handy.

However, if I had to pick just one to keep on my system, it would be Firefox. It’s fast enough, it has the slickest interface, it uses considerably less memory than Chrome, IE, and Opera, and it’s just generally the easiest to use.

browser roundup sept 2014 sunspider

 Internet Explorer emerged as the fastest browsers running the Sunspider Javascript test, with Safari limping in at more than twice as slow.

Performance and memory usage may be moot if your needs extend beyond the ordinary, in which case the browser you choose as your mainstay may come down to add-ons.

Fortunately, as all the browsers we tested are competent, free and export and import bookmarks, you can use any, or all of them. Yes, life is good in the browser world.

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Safari vs Firefox

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

Firefox is one of the widely used web browsers as it is free for everybody means you don’t need to pay any money for its use but you should follow the licence agreement and community guidelines for its use. Development credit for this software goes to Mozilla Foundation.

mozilla safari difference

Following is a table of differences between Firefox and Google Chrome:

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Firefox has 454 reviews and a rating of 4.42 / 5 stars vs Safari which has 217 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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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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Battle of the Browsers: Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Safari

If you’re in search of the most efficient web browser, you’ve landed on the right page. We’re here to offer a comprehensive comparison of the top web browsers, dissecting their speed, security, and unique features. Our goal is to assist you in making an informed choice that perfectly suits your browsing needs. 

Web browsers are more than just a tool for accessing the internet. They’re the gateway to the vast and diverse world of the web. Whether you’re into online gaming, shopping, reading, or working, it’s the quality and performance of your browser that can make all the difference. Hence, choosing the right one matters more than you think.

Introduction: The Battle Begins

Welcome to the battlefield of web browsers, where speed, security, and unique features determine who rides to glory and who bites the dust. If you’ve ever pondered over which browser to use or wondered how they stack up against each other, you’re in the right place. Let us dive deep into this exciting duel, comparing the top contenders and laying out the nitty-gritty, one detail at a time. 

The Need for Speed 

When you’re navigating through the vast realm of the internet, a few extra milliseconds can feel like an agonizing stretch. That’s why fast browsing speed is paramount. We’ve taken the leading web browsers through rigorous speed tests to find the crème de la crème for you. 

In this corner, we’ve got Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge, to name a few. Our tests showed significant differences between them. Google Chrome, known for its zippy speed and reliability, stood out in terms of raw browsing speed. Firefox followed close behind, displaying impressive consistency and speed in loading high-data websites, while Safari scored top marks for quick load times on Apple devices. Last but not least, Microsoft Edge demonstrated admirable speed, slightly lagging behind the pack. 

Security: Your Shield against the Dark (Net) 

Avoiding the perils of the internet requires a strong shield — robust security features. Each browser we reviewed has its unique approach to ensure your digital wellbeing. 

Google Chrome has the Safe Browsing feature, which displays warnings about potentially dangerous sites and downloads. Firefox, on the other hand, counters threats with its Enhanced Tracking Protection, blocking third-party tracking cookies by default. Safari offers robust protection against harmful sites and phishing attempts, while Microsoft Edge employs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen for real-time protection against security threats. 

The Feature-Rich Battlefield 

Amid the clamor of speed and security, let’s not forget the unique features that might tip the scale for you. 

  • Google Chrome’s vast collection of browser extensions enhances its utility.
  • Firefox’s privacy-focused browsing mode gives you control over your data.
  • Safari’s Reading List feature lets you save webpages for offline reading, a boon for data conservation.
  • Microsoft Edge’s ‘Read Aloud’ tool, built to improve accessibility, can narrate webpages aloud, making it easier for visually impaired users.

The battlefield of web browsers is vast and dynamic. As technologies advance, so do these titans. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor their evolution, ensuring you have the latest intel to make an informed decision. After all, knowledge is power!

Chrome: The Lightning Fast Giant

Roaring through the internet, Google Chrome holds the coveted position as the world’s most popular web browser. It’s speedy, armed with a robust feature set, and baked into the ecosystem of Google-powered devices. This racing giant of a browser is renowned for its rapid page load times, vast library of extensions, and strong support for progressive web apps. However, let’s dig deeper into what makes this browser stand out. 

Speed and Performance 

Chrome’s most significant selling point lies in its speed. Known for its swift startup time and quick page loading, it offers users a smooth browsing experience. Whether you’re flicking through social media or delving into research, speed isn’t an issue for Chrome. Thanks to the browser’s V8 JavaScript engine, even content-heavy websites load briskly. 

Feature-Packed and Customizable 

The browser also shines when it comes to functionality and customizability. With a deep reservoir of extensions available on Chrome Web Store, users can customize their browsing experience to fit their unique needs. From ad-blockers to productivity tools, the possibilities are almost endless. Plus, Chrome’s simplistic design and clean layout make the customization process straightforward and user-friendly. 

Sync and Compatibility 

Another notable advantage of Chrome is its compatibility. Regardless of the device you’re using – whether it’s a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet – Chrome delivers a consistent and seamless browsing experience. Add to this, the ability to sync your bookmarks, history, and preferences across all devices by simply logging into your Google account is a blessing for tech multi-taskers. 

Resources and Security 

However, Chrome isn’t without its drawbacks. The browser is known for its high resource usage, which can significantly slow down your device if you have multiple tabs or extensions running. On the other hand, Chrome continually receives security updates which makes it one of the most secure browsers available today. It’s built-in malware and phishing protection offers additional security layers while you browse. 

  • Chrome is known for its speedy performance and quick startup times
  • The browser offers a vast array of customizable features and extensions
  • Across different devices, Chrome provides a seamless browsing experience
  • An added benefit is the browser’s compatibility; it works equally well on different platforms
  • Chrome receives frequent security updates and has built-in malware protection

Safari: Apple’s Streamlined and Resource-Friendly Choice

Are you an Apple aficionado? If so, you’ll enjoy their proprietary browser, Safari. Built into every device Apple makes, from iPhones to iMacs, it is elegantly streamlined and designed for low resource use. But that doesn’t mean it skimps on features or quality. Let’s dive in and see what it brings to the table. 

Efficiency and Speed 

Safari is well loved for its sleek performance. Many users testify that it feels significantly faster than other browsers when used on Apple devices. This is due in large part to its unique Nitro JavaScript engine, which radically speeds up browsing. Furthermore, Safari also does a fantastic job when it comes to battery life. It’s designed to be incredibly power-efficient, letting you browse longer without recharging. 

Security and Privacy 

In terms of security, Safari is a reliable choice. It automatically identifies and blocks suspicious and harmful websites, ensuring your browsing experience remains secure. As for privacy, the Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature helps limit trackers from profiling your behavior. Plus, with Safari, you can easily access privacy reports to see just who’s been blocked from tracking you. 

Ease of Use and Features 

One of the key strengths of Safari is its user-friendly interface. The start page can be easily customized to include your favorite websites, and there’s a handy sidebar for reading lists and bookmarks. Furthermore, the browser boasts a range of useful built-in features. From Apple Pay, making online shopping a breeze, to seamless integration with other Apple devices via iCloud, Safari takes convenience to another level. 

However, one potential downside is that it lacks the vast selection of extensions found in other browsers like Chrome or Firefox. That might limit its appeal if you’re a power user who likes to tailor their browsing experience with specific tools and add-ons.

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Firefox: The Versatile and Secure Choice

When it comes to versatility and robust security, Firefox often springs to mind. This Mozilla-created browser has built a name for itself on user privacy and a collection of tools designed to keep you secure as you browse the internet. Firefox is not only a sturdy choice for security, but its variety of features and customization options also make it a truly appealing choice for numerous internet users. 

Security Features Superior 

Firefox takes your online protection seriously. As the internet becomes a more dangerous place, replete with hackers and malware, Firefox stands as a bulwark against these nefarious elements. For example, Firefox offers automatic updates to ensure you’re using the latest, most secure version. It also has a robust pop-up blocker to stop annoying or potentially harmful pop-up windows and ads, and it regularly updates its phishing and malware protection to guard against the latest threats. 

Customizable to Your Heart’s Content 

No two internet users are alike, and Firefox understands this. Through its extensive personalization features, you can tailor your browsing experience to your own individual needs and preferences. For example, you can customize your toolbar to have the features you use the most, organize your bookmarks, and tweak a multitude of settings to fine-tune your browsing experience. Plus, Firefox boasts a plethora of extensions and add-ons, so you can augment your browser with the functions and features you find most useful. 

Dedicated to Privacy 

In an era where personal data becomes increasingly valuable, Firefox adopts a hardline stance on privacy. Unlike some browsers that sell your data to advertisers or third parties, Firefox keeps your information private. They also include features like ‘Tracking Protection’ to avoid ad trackers, and a private browsing mode that doesn’t store history or cookies. 

Cross-Platform Delight 

Whether you prefer the comfort of home with a desktop computer or the portability of a smartphone, Firefox has got you covered. The browser’s cross-platform compatibility ensures you can browse safely and seamlessly on any device of your choice. It also offers syncing capabilities, allowing you to access your bookmarks, history, and tabs from any device. This makes Firefox an excellent choice for those juggling their online activities across multiple devices.

Safari: Apple’s Sleek and Efficient Option

Imagine a web browser that’s clean, efficient, and designed to operate seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem. That’s Safari for you — Apple’s sleek and snappy browser that integrates effortlessly with your other Apple devices. Bundled with various unique features, superior performance, and a high concern for security, it’s a browser choice you might want to consider. Let’s dive in further to find out more about Safari. 

Sleek Design and User-Friendly Interface 

Safari grants an intuitive browsing experience with its uncluttered and streamlined design. Its top bar has been optimized to maximize screen space and minimize distractions. Moreover, the browser interface adapts color dynamically to match the site being visited, giving an immersive web experience. In addition, Safari encompasses functions like the sidebar, featuring bookmarks, Reading List, and Shared Links to add to the user’s convenience and enhance productivity. 

Performance that Matches Apple’s Reputation 

Given that Safari is tuned to work best with Apple hardware, it exhibits extraordinary performance. Safari’s JavaScript engine — ‘Nitro’ — aids rapid page loading, making it faster than most other browsers on Mac. Besides, the energy-saving technology integrated into Safari ensures your browsing doesn’t drain your battery life, assuring longer browsing sessions without needing a power source. 

Security Features and Privacy 

Safari leads the pack in terms of security and privacy protection. It blocks third-party cookies by default, and grants options to control which sites can access your device location, camera, microphone, etc. Safari’s cross-site tracking prevention feature extends its commitment to privacy. Additionally, it offers a unique privacy report, providing visibility into how websites treat your privacy, and how Safari protects you. 

Device Sync and Ecosystem Integration 

With Safari, your browsing experience flows smoothly across all your Apple devices. Thanks to the iCloud integration, bookmarks, history, open tabs — everything is synced across your Apple devices, making your browsing consistent and seamless. Moreover, the handoff feature allows you to commence your browsing on one device, and continue on the other effortlessly. 

  • Safari has an elegant, uncluttered design for easy navigation.
  • Nitro engine enables fast page loading and efficient battery usage.
  • Security features include third-party cookie blocking and cross-site tracking prevention.
  • iCloud syncing and the handoff feature supports continuation of browsing across devices.

Speed Test: Which Browser Comes Out on Top?

Hold on tight, because we’re shifting gears into a full-throttle speed comparison of your favored web browsers. In a world that craves snappy responses and instant gratification, the fleet-footedness of your browser can make all the difference to your online experience. So, which one comes out on top in the cyber relay race? Let’s find out! 

Sprinting Through The Start Line: Initial Load Time 

Initial load time matters, it’s the first impression your browser makes. In these early milliseconds, Chrome sprints ahead delightfully, followed closely by Firefox. Unfortunately, Safari has a difficult time catching up due to more stringent system requirements and slower startup times.

Lappind Pages: Tab Load Speeds 

When it comes to handling multiple tabs, again, Chrome shines with its rapid-fire tab loading, offering a seamless multitasking environment. Firefox also performs admirably here, demonstrating intricate resource management skills. Safari, while a tad slower, still offers an optimized, efficient multitasking experience for Mac users. 

Under The Hood: JavaScript Performance 

The engine driving a large part of your browsing operation is JavaScript. In terms of raw computational JavaScript power, Chrome steals the limelight again, though Firefox’s commendable performance should not be overlooked. Safari, despite its streamlined approach, lags slightly behind in this technical head-to-head. 

  • Chrome takes the lead due to its high-speed V8 JavaScript Engine.
  • Firefox is hot on Chrome’s tail, employing its SpiderMonkey Engine to keep up the pace.
  • Safari, with its Nitro JavaScript engine, does a decent job, but it’s not quite at the forefront of this race.

Speed tests are close races, with no clear ‘one-size-fits-all’ winner. Chrome might seem like the frontrunner, but don’t discount Firefox’s robust performance and Safari’s resource-efficient approach. It’s all a matter of where you place your priorities.

Security Features: Protecting Your Online Experience

Navigating the curious world of the internet safely calls for vital defence mechanisms to counteract lurking threats. These threats can range from potent viruses to the omnipresent specter of digital spying. This is where the role of security features in web browsers comes into play. They are the knights that preserve your online expedition from the risky underbelly of the digital universe.

SSL/TLS Protocol Protection 

These are cryptographic protocols that provide communication security over networks, such as the internet. While SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the predecessor, most modern web browsers now primarily use TLS (Transport Layer Security) for more robust security. Both Chrome and Firefox are equipped to ensure website communications are secure and tamper-free by warning the user when a website’s SSL certificate is not trusted.

Sandboxing: Staying Ahead of Threats 

Sandboxing is a technique that isolates applications, preventing malicious or malfunctioning programs from damaging or snooping into your system. For example, Google Chrome is well reputed for its effective sandboxing technique. Each tab in Chrome operates as a separate process on your operating system. These individual processes are confined to their sandboxes so they can’t interact directly with your operating system or other processes.

Phishing and Malware Protection 

Phishing protection is fundamental to browser security as it helps to shield your personal and financial information from prying eyes. Web browsers, particularly Chrome and Firefox, employ real-time phishing detection. They check websites against a frequently updated list of phishing and malware sites, and present warnings if these sites are encountered.

Private Browsing and Tracking Protection 

While not a defence against external threats, privacy measures do protect your data from being harvested by companies. Private browsing, for example, allows you to explore the internet without storing local data that could be retrieved at a later date. Firefox’s ‘Enhanced Tracking Protection’ blocks many common forms of trackers right out of the box, offering a level of privacy not usually found in other browsers.

  • Google Chrome: Chrome’s Incognito Mode allows users to browse privately, leaving no trace of the browsing experience on their device.
  • Firefox: In addition to its private browsing mode, Firefox offers a comprehensive ‘Privacy and Security’ settings page, which lets you control your data and privacy in more detail.
  • Safari: Apple’s browser also includes a private browsing feature and intelligent tracking prevention to protect users from invasive ad tracking.

Privacy Matters: How Each Browser Handles Your Data

The online world is a treasure trove of information, but with this wealth of data comes the ever-growing concern of privacy. Each web browser has its unique approach to handling your personal information, and understanding these can greatly influence your choice of which to use. How a browser respects your privacy could potentially be a defining factor in determining the most suitable one for you.

Google Chrome: Observing Your Habits 

Google Chrome is notorious for its extensive data collection practices. It monitors your habits and uses this data to inform its algorithms, often leading to highly personalized ad experiences. While this can feel invasive, it can also streamline your browsing. There are options to limit data collection, but this may affect the browser’s functionality. 

  • Collects extensive data on user habits
  • Uses data to inform ad generation
  • Options to limit data collection are available

Safari: Prioritizing User Privacy 

Safari, under Apple’s jurisdiction, prioritizes user privacy. It blocks cross-site tracking by default and encrypts your data to prevent unauthorized access. This secure environment, however, comes at the expense of strict third-party cookie policies and limited customization options. 

  • Blocks cross-site tracking by default
  • Encrypts data for added security
  • Enforces strict third-party cookie policies

Firefox: The Privacy-Centric Choice 

Firefox is a popular choice for privacy enthusiasts. The browser’s Enhanced Tracking Protection offers a high-level of defense against tracking cookies. It doesn’t sell user data and allows comprehensive control over your privacy settings. Its advanced features, however, may seem overwhelming to casual users. 

  • Offers Enhanced Tracking Protection
  • Doesn’t sell any user data
  • Provides comprehensive controls over privacy settings

User Interface: Aesthetics and Navigation

A compelling user interface is the gateway to a pleasant web browsing experience. The interplay of aesthetics and navigation can profoundly shape the overall usability and accessibility of a browser. We’ll delve deep into how Chrome, Safari, and Firefox present their user interfaces, focusing on their visual design, arrangement of features, and navigational ease.

Visually Pleasing: The Aesthetics at Play 

When it comes to design, each browser has a unique approach. Chrome’s modern and minimalist approach emphasizes a neat, clutter-free space. Safari, synonymous with Apple’s sleek aesthetic vision, adopts an elegant, sophisticated look. Firefox, while maintaining simplicity, favors a more colorful and lively interface that’s visually appealing. 

The Blueprint: Arrangement of Features 

The organization of browser options, menus, and tabs can significantly impact users’ browsing efficiency. Chrome’s layout is straightforward, featuring a prominent URL bar and easily accessible features. Safari organizes its favorite websites elegantly and offers an easy-to-access reading list. Firefox sorts its features and settings in one easily accessible dropdown menu, ensuring smooth navigation. 

A Smooth Sail: Navigation Ease 

Intuitive and easy navigation is just as crucial for a great browser experience. Chrome offers easy switching between incognito and regular tabs and effortless bookmark management. Safari integrates its search and URL bar for simpler use and provides an eye-catching display of your most visited sites. Firefox boasts efficient tab management with a visual overview of all open tabs and a quick search feature. 

Customizability: Making it Your Own 

Lastly, the ability to personalize your browser enhances usability. Chrome stands out with its extensive theme library and customizable toolbar. Safari allows users to personalize their start page and integrate Siri suggestions. Firefox outshines with its flexible toolbar and wide range of unique themes.

Extensions and Add-Ons: Enhancing Your Browsing Experience

One of the distinguishing features that dramatically affect your browsing experience are the nifty extensions and add-ons. They’re like little software programs which improve the standard functionalities, giving you the ability to tailor and enhance your browser according to your needs. Whether you need an ad-blocker, password manager, language translator, or an extension for quick access to your notes — there’s something out there for everybody. But remember, the efficacy and range of these tools can vary greatly across different browsers. 

Enhancing capabilities: The role of extensions and add-ons  

Imagine having miniature software right inside your browser, enhancing its capabilities, and making your online sessions more efficient. That’s exactly the purpose of extensions and add-ons. They bring new features and improve existing ones, making most mundane tasks quicker and more straightforward. For instance, save articles for later reading with Pocket, or manage multiple tasks with the Todoist extension. The options are virtually endless. 

Comparison: Which browser offers better extensions? 

In the world of browsers, quantity and quality of available extensions can significantly influence your choice. Chrome boasts a vast library, characterized by Google’s intensive vetting process that ensures safer, reliable tools. Firefox, on the other hand, is known for its open-source extensions, offering many unique options not found elsewhere. Safari’s extensions are primarily geared towards Apple-users, with the added benefit of seamless integration with iOS applications. 

Proceed with caution: Security implications 

While there’s no denying the convenience and benefits of extensions, it’s still crucial to recognize the potential risks. Malicious extensions can expose you to threats such as data theft, privacy invasion, or worse. Always verify the source and reputation of any extension before installing to ensure it’s secure and reliable. Furthermore, too many active extensions can also affect your browser’s speed and overall performance. 

  • Before downloading an extension, check user reviews and ratings for additional insight.
  • Regularly update your add-ons, as old versions might contain security vulnerabilities.
  • Be aware of the permissions requested by extensions. If they exceed what’s required for its function, you may want to give it a miss.
  • Use a reputable security tool to regularly scan your installed extensions and ensure they haven’t turned malicious.

Customization: Tailoring Your Browser to Fit Your Needs

When it comes to your internet experience, personal preferences play a big role. That’s why customization capabilities of a web browser turn out to be a significant factor for many users. After all, you want a space that feels like your own, right? Do you prefer a minimalist design or like to have all your tools at your fingertips? Let’s delve into how these top browsers cater to your tastes and needs.

The Palette: Theme and Appearance Customization 

Whether you like it dark, vibrant, or neutral, the manner in which these browsers allow you to tweak their appearance varies substantially. Google Chrome provides a plethora of themes available for download via its web store, allowing you to completely alter its look. Safari, restricted to Apple’s design aesthetic, offers fewer options, but you can still switch between light and dark modes. Firefox, on the other hand, gives you a balanced mix – easy to use theme settings with options for light, dark, and auto modes, and a considerable selection of downloadable themes.

Functionality: Prioritizing Your Tools 

Customizing your tools and their arrangement significantly impacts how smoothly your browsing experience goes. Chrome excels in this department, supplying a detailed settings menu, easy access to extensions, rearrangement capability for the bookmarks bar, and more.

Apple’s Safari keeps it simple with options to customize the toolbar and manage extensions but lacks more detailed functionality adjustments. Similarly, Firefox offers extensive toolbar customization, preferences arrangements, a significant number of add-ons, resulting in a highly personalized experience.

The Flow: Configuring the Browsing 

As we continue our comparison, let’s consider how these browsers handle the overall flow of your browsing experience. Whether it’s the way they manage tabs and windows, how they handle downloads, or even the way you navigate their settings, this element plays an integral role in making your online ventures as smooth as possible. So, we’ll examine how effectively Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox manage this aspect.

Tab Management: 

Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all provide tabbed browsing, but with different approaches and features. Chrome offers a compact and straightforward tab system. You can group tabs, and even mute individual ones. Safari goes a step further, providing a unique ‘Tab Exposé’ view, showing a preview of all open tabs, which is especially handy when you have multiple tabs open. Firefox reigns superior in terms of control over your tabs. Not only can you pin and mute tabs, but you can also reopen closed ones or quickly search within your open tabs. 

Download Handling: 

When it comes to managing downloads, Chrome provides a simplistic interface outlining the download progress, where you can pause, cancel, or resume downloads directly. Safari offers a similar streamlined experience, automatically organizing downloads by date in its dedicated downloads list. Firefox, once again, provides finer control. You can adjust download actions for different file types, setting an automatic destination, or choosing a specific action for each downloaded file. 

Settings Navigation: 

Google Chrome offers a simplistic, clean menu with a built-in search function, making it easy to find the setting you need. Safari once again focuses on simplicity, providing its settings within a unified preferences window, while its extensive suite of advanced options is tucked away in a separate menu. Firefox’s settings menu is both simple and comprehensive. With a built-in search function and category tabs, finding and adjusting preferences is indeed a breeze.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Which Browser Works Best on All Devices?

In today’s digital landscape, the ability to switch between devices seamlessly while maintaining the same browsing experience is a critical aspect. Web browsers need to perform consistently and smoothly across multiple platforms, whether you’re using a Windows laptop, an Android smartphone, a macOS desktop, or an iOS tablet. A cross-platform browser offers consistency, convenience, and robust functionality, all of which are important factors when evaluating the top web browsers. Let’s dig deeper into how each browser fares in terms of cross-platform compatibility. 

Google Chrome: A Universal Choice 

Google Chrome stands out as a truly cross-platform browser. It operates on a multitude of devices, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Being linked to a Google account, Chrome allows for a synchronized browsing experience across all your devices. Change your theme or add a bookmark on one device, and it instantly reflects on all others. 

Safari: Limited to Apple Devices 

Safari, designed by Apple, is essentially tied to Apple’s ecosystem. It runs quite seamlessly on macOS and iOS devices. However, a significant disadvantage of Safari is its unavailability on non-Apple devices, limiting its cross-compatibility. 

Firefox: Flexibility at its Core 

Firefox, like Chrome, is another browser offering a consistent experience across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. One of its unique features is Firefox Sync, which seamlessly synchronizes your bookmarks, history, tabs, and passwords across all your devices. 

Cross-Platform Extensions and Add-ons 

Extensions and add-ons are vital to personalizing your browsing experience. Chrome and Firefox support a vast array of extensions across various platforms. However, Safari users might find their options to be somewhat limited, especially when using iOS devices. 

Consistency in User Interface 

The user interface plays an essential role in creating an intuitive and unified browsing experience. Chrome and Firefox maintain a consistent look and feel across all platforms, making it easier for users to switch devices without the need to adapt. On the other hand, Safari’s user interface changes slightly between macOS and iOS.

Mobile Browsing: How Do They Perform on Smartphones and Tablets?

In today’s digital age, your mobile device is just as important as your computer for browsing the web. This raises the question: how do these top web browsers perform on your smartphones and tablets? Just as you’d expect, this part of our comparison considers how Chrome, Safari, and Firefox hold up when they’re not on a desktop or laptop. 

Mobile Adaptability: How Well Do They Transition? 

It’s crucial that a browser can adapt to the smaller screen sizes and different user interface of a mobile device while maintaining functionality. Chrome consistently provides a seamless experience across devices, with some features even specifically designed for mobile. Safari, while limited to Apple devices, is well-matched to the iOS interface. Firefox, with its focus on customization, allow users to create a mobile browsing experience suited to their preferences. 

Mobile Speed: Does It Mirror the Desktop? 

Speed continues to be a critical factor for any device. How quickly a browser can load pages on a mobile device can significantly impact the user’s browsing experience. Chrome, known for its speed, maintains reputation in the mobile platform as well, while Safari provides a smooth and efficient browsing environment on iOS devices. Firefox also ensures quick loading times, even on mobile devices. 

Mobile Security Features: Are They on Par? 

The security features of a browser should not be compromised just because it’s on a mobile device. Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all take mobile security seriously, offering the same robust features as their desktop versions. 

Mobile Features and Plugins: How Many Made the Leap? 

The range of features and plugins available on a browser’s mobile version often differs from the desktop version. While Chrome offers a significant range of Google services on mobile, Safari tends to focus more on user-friendliness on its mobile platform. Firefox offers most of its desktop plugins on its mobile version as well, maintaining its feature-rich reputation.

The quest to find the best web browser often boils down to personal preference. Things such as performance, aesthetics, security, and a plethora of other factors can influence this decision. In the end, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all have their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive breakdown equips you with the knowledge needed to pick the browser that’s right for your needs. 

Whether you prioritize speed and efficiency, a vast array of features, privacy protection, or a seamlessly integrated ecosystem, there’s a browser out there for you. So, take this knowledge, choose wisely, and enhance your browsing experience!

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What’s the Difference Between the Web Browsers? (Edge, Firefox, Chrome, etc.)

Ron Cervantes | Posted on December 15, 2020 |

What's the Difference Between the Web Browsers? (Edge, Firefox, Chrome, etc.)

How do you know which web browser is the right one to use? There are multiple browsers to choose from, and beyond the most popular options, there are other less well-known options out there like Brave.

People spend a lot of their online time in a web browser searching online or using cloud solutions , which means the one you choose can have a big impact on your overall online experience.

Which browser is most popular?

As of October 2020, Chrome was far out ahead of the pack with 48.29% of the U.S. browser market share. Safari is next with 35.55%, followed by Edge with 4.97%, and Firefox with 3.81%.

But just because a browser is the most popular, doesn’t mean it’s the one that you’re going to find the most productive and secure for your needs.

We’ll go through a rundown below of several different types of browser and what they offer.

Internet Browser Comparison

Below, we’ll review the main features of several different browsers, including their strengths and weaknesses, to help you make an informed decision.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome has become the most popular browser used globally. It doesn’t hurt that Google will recommend it when you land on its search engine (also the most used globally).

Many people like the multiple extensions and ease of use. Chrome is simple and uncomplicated.

Pros of Chrome:

  • Speed: Chrome is fairly fast and has been sped up over the years.
  • Lots of Extensions: Because Chrome is the most popular browser, you won’t have any trouble finding it supported and it offers tons of browser extensions.
  • Developer Tools: Developers appreciate the tools they have available for troubleshooting websites.
  • Regular Automatic Updates: Chrome updates regularly about every 6-8 weeks.

Cons of Chrome:

  • Memory Hog: Chrome is known to be a memory hog, which can cause a computer with low RAM to slow down and experience freezing issues.
  • Privacy Concerns: Because Google’s main business is selling advertising based upon user behavior, may people worry about the tracking and privacy of the browser.

Apple Safari

Safari is the second most popular browser because it’s the default on Apple devices. The same streamlined simplicity you find in Apple products, you also find in its browser.

Pros of Safari:

  • Clean Layout: The browser has a clean layout, which is a benefit to many business users who just want to work undistracted.
  • Security: Safari has an Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature that makes it hard for advertisers to target you with tracking.
  • Very Fast: Safari is very fast, especially when used on Apple devices.

Cons of Safari:

  • Not Always Supported: You can often run into websites or forms not working properly in Safari.
  • Fewer Extensions: Because Apple doesn’t always like to openly share its product details, there are fewer developed 3 rd party extensions  

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has been working hard to improve Microsoft Edge ever since it came out, and recently upgraded the platform to a much faster Chromium-based version.

The company is transitioning Internet Explorer users to the newer Edge browser, which comes as the default on Windows devices.

Pros of Microsoft Edge:

  • Fast and Responsive: The Chromium upgrade made Edge much faster to use and it’s not nearly as much of a memory hog as Chrome.
  • Collections Feature: Edge has a handy Collections feature which makes it easier to save a group of websites on a certain topic than using bookmarks.
  • Security: Edge has multiple security features including a main setting that allow you to choose “Basic,” “Balanced,” or “Strict” tracking controls.

Cons of Microsoft Edge:

  • Not Always Supported: Because this browser is still fairly young, you will still run across applications that don’t support it.
  • You Need to Be Upgraded: Earlier versions of Edge were missing important features (like “reopen last tab”), so you need to make sure you’re updated to the latest version to have the best features.

Mozilla Firefox

For a while a few years back, Firefox was giving Chrome a run for its money, but lately the browser has lagged behind. Mozilla is now trying to recapture some of the market share and is still a recognizable name.

Pros of Firefox:

  • Great Default Security: Firefox is one of the more secure browsers from installation because it defaults to several protective features.
  • Healthy Extension Choices: Firefox has several 3 rd party extension options to choose from.
  • Simple Interface: Many people like Firefox because it has a low learning curve.

Cons of Firefox:

  • Memory Hog: Like Chrome, Firefox is also a memory hog and can take up a lot of resources, which can freeze low RAM computers.
  • Issues with HTML 5: Firefox has some web compatibility issues and one of these is with reading HTML 5. This can cause page loading problems.

Brave is a newer contender in the browser market and is trying to beat everyone by combining both privacy and speed. On the browser’s website it claims to be “three times faster than Chrome” and to have better default privacy than Firefox.

Pros of Brave:

  • Very Secure: Brave is one of the most secure of the browsers and defaults to highly secure settings.
  • Fast Speeds: The browser does come through on its claim of being faster than Chrome, with pages loading faster on both desktop and mobile.

Cons of Brave:

  • Lack of Extensions: You won’t find many extensions yet for Brave because it’s so new.
  • Site Problems: You can run across problems with not having site features work correctly when using the browser.

Are Your Computers Using the Most Productive Browsers?

The browser that’s best for you can have a lot to do with the workflows you have and the apps you use. C Solutions do a browser need evaluation for your central Florida business to ensure your browsing is fully optimized.

Schedule a free consultation today! Call 407-536-8381 or reach us online .

Ask Any Difference

Safari vs Firefox: Difference and Comparison

Apple Safari and Mozilla Firefox are two free web browsers available to users. As they offer several similar features, choosing one of the two browsers becomes difficult.

However, Safari and Firefox have several prominent differences in their speed, availability of extensions, applicability on devices and privacy settings.

Key Takeaways Safari is a web browser developed by Apple, while Firefox is a web browser developed by Mozilla. Safari is known for its speed and efficiency, while Firefox is known for its customizability and security features. Safari is available exclusively for Apple devices, while Firefox can be used on various operating systems.

Safari vs Firefox 

Safari is a type of web browser developed by Apple and is the default browser for Apple devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Firefox, is an open-source web browser developed by Mozilla and is available for a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Safari vs Firefox

Test your knowledge about topics related to technology

Which two websites offer free e-mail services?

What is the radix of the octal number system?

Who founded Apple Computers?

What is Artificial Intelligence?

'IoT' refers to

AI systems are made up of

Geo-stationary satellite revolves at –

Which of the following is not a search engine

Which of the following is defined as an attempt to steal, spy, damage or destroy computer systems, networks, or their associated information?

Which of these is not a social media platform?

Your score is

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Safari is a web browser that offers several customization features, industry-leading battery life, and robust privacy protection. It is available for both Apple and Windows.

Additionally, safari has built-in parental controls and provides a child-safe environment. It is an ideal option for individuals who want to use Automator for everyday computing tasks. 

Firefox is a web browser available for Mac, Windows, and Linux operations. It is also available in over 90 languages. It offers multiple extensions from third-party developers.

Firefox emphasizes the privacy and security of users. It allows users to search from the address bar and engine options and provides smart search suggestions. 

Comparison Table

What is safari.

Apple Safari is a web browser launched by Apple Inc. initially on 7 January 2003. Described as blazing fast and incredibly private.

Safari is one of the most effective web browsers to experience the internet on all Apple devices. Over the years, Safari has become one of the most prominently used web browsers because of its variety of options and features. 

The Safari browser has a Javascript engine that makes it the fastest browser in the world. It is a battery-efficient and low-power-consuming browser.

Additionally, the Safari speed has reached new levels with the Apple silicon. Currently, Safari is integrated with almost all MacOS devices and programs, such as iPods, iPhones, MacBooks and so on.

The most recent update of Safari offers customisation options. It includes a customizable start page and other third-party extensions.

The feature allows the users to change the background image of the browser. Moreover, it permits users to fine-tune the safari window with their favourite features, such as Siri suggestions, favourites, or a privacy report. 

Safari offers increased performance and increased efficiency as compared to other web browsers. It allows users to watch their favourite web series and movies in the best light.

It also has a built-in privacy protection technology to prevent any misuse of information. In conclusion, the safari browser offers various features that are crucial in today’s digitised world. 

safari browser

What is Firefox?

Firefox, or Mozilla Firefox, is a web browser launched by Mozilla Mozilla Foundation and Mozilla Corporation on 23 September 2002.

It is a free, open-source web browser with the Gecko rendering engine. Firefox offers features such as OS availability, primary password, autoplay blocking, and social tracker blocking. 

Firefox enables the user to multitask while watching a video as it provides the picture-in-picture option. It also provides the expanded dark mode feature option to prevent any extra strain on the eyes.

In addition, Firefox is a web browser compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operations. It is also available in over 90 languages. 

Firefox has a built-in screenshot tool, spell check, and reader mode. It allows users to search from the address bar and engine options and provides smart search suggestions.

In terms of privacy, firefox offers crypto miner blocking, private browsing mode, and individual protections report. Moreover, it offers features to change your settings to suit your interests. 

Firefox is available on all devices, whether it be mobile phones or desktops. Firefox works effectively with all google products.

Firefox is an all-rounder web browser with features like Enhanced Tracking Protection, screenshots, and Facebook containers.

In conclusion, firefox has several features that offer protection and assurance to users. 

mozilla safari difference

Main Differences Between Safari and Firefox

  • Apple Safari is a web browser launched by Apple Inc. initially on 7 January 2003. In contrast, Firefox, or Mozilla Firefox, is a web browser launched by Mozilla Mozilla Foundation and Mozilla Corporation on 23 September 2002. 
  • Safari has a limited number of extensions to choose from. On the other hand, Firefox offers a wide selection of extensions.
  •  Safari is 1.4 times faster than Firefox in page loading. 
  • Safari is integrated with almost all macOS devices and programs. In contrast, Firefox is a web browser compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operations.
  • Safari offers the feature of parental controls. However, parental controls are not offered by firefox. 

Difference Between Safari and

  • https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4302-3715-0_17  
  • https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.5555/1863166.1863177  

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page .

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15 thoughts on “safari vs firefox: difference and comparison”.

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The comparison is certainly intriguing. These distinctive features are crucial in making a well-informed decision when choosing a web browser that best suits individual needs and preferences.

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Difference Between Safari and Firefox

• Categorized under Software | Difference Between Safari and Firefox

mozilla safari difference

Safari vs Firefox

Web browsers have now come into the forefront of software development as this area is now heavily contested by many offerings. Two of these are Safari, from Apple, and Mozilla’s Firefox. The main difference between Safari and Firefox is the rendering engines that they use. Firefox uses the Gecko rendering engine while Safari uses the WebKit rendering engine which is also being used by Google’s Chrome web browser.

Another major difference between Safari and Firefox is the licensing of the code. Firefox is an open-source software, and the development is steered by the Mozilla corporation. In contrast, Safari is a proprietary browser and development is controlled solely by Apple.

Because Safari is Apple’s own product, it is quite understandable that it is also the default browser and ships with every Apple product from Macs, to iPads, iPhones, and even iPods. But outside of Apple’s own products, you do not see Safari much. It is also available in Windows where it faces rather stiff competition from IE, Firefox, and even Opera. On the other hand, Firefox is available on almost any platform. You can use Firefox in Windows, Mac, and in different Linux distributions. If you constantly jump from one OS to another, it is probably better to use Firefox as you get a more consistent feel. Those who have iPads or iPhones are out of luck, though, as Apple’s stranglehold on apps means that there is no Firefox for the iOS.

One of the biggest advantages of Firefox over Safari is the presence of an abundance of add-ons that you can activate on your browser. The add-ons can open new features like slideshow style tab management, assistance on filling up forms, or the elimination of ads on sites that you visit. This makes Firefox a very flexible browser that you can heavily customize to suit your own needs.

The lack of add-ons also plays as a strength for Safari because it simplifies the browser and prevents sluggish performance which can happen to Firefox due to errant or badly coded add-ons. For those who are not so technologically inclined, Safari provides a consistent and simple way to access the Internet and get things done.

1.Safari is based on WebKit while Firefox is based on Gecko. 2.Firefox is open-source while Safari is proprietary. 3.Firefox is on more platforms than Safari. 4.Firefox has a lot more add-ons than Safari.

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Cite APA 7 , l. (2011, July 14). Difference Between Safari and Firefox. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/software-technology/difference-between-safari-and-firefox/. MLA 8 , lanceben. "Difference Between Safari and Firefox." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 14 July, 2011, http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/software-technology/difference-between-safari-and-firefox/.

Then what is internet explorer?

Hi there, I am using safari browner for my personal emails, but I am require to use Firefox for my school. Recently, I have being having problems with my computer, and just find out that my hard drive is about to die any time soon. So I am trying to save my school files and trying to figure out how to use my school mail from my iPhone4. Yes, if I cannot open Firefox on my phone, I will have big difficulties finishing my school assignments. Is it there Anyway to use both software??????

Computer, computer!!! One cannot live with one, but cannot live without one either!!!!!!!!!!!

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mozilla safari difference

Chrome vs Firefox vs Safari vs Edge: Which is the best browser for an iPhone?

mozilla safari difference

I n the age of internet millennialism, browsers are an essential tool to help you connect. Most of our browsing online is done on a mobile these days. And unlike desktop browsers, mobile browsers vary a lot in terms of performance, design, reliability, support, etc. Even a general user might be able to make out the difference the choice of a correct browser makes, which is not the case when it comes to desktops.

Nevertheless, sparing you all the technical testing for yourself, we’ve compared some of the ablest browsers available for you to download.

Just a heads up- this article is divided into four categories based on the factors involved that makes a particular browser the perfect choice. To make it as fair as possible, all the browsers are tested on the same iPhone using the same resources.

Let’s begin:

1. Javascript Compliance test

A browser not able to load stuff fast enough is not a browser, it’s a turtle. As far as an iPhone is concerned, Safari has always been the most reliable browser of all. Its javascript handling abilities are known to be almost unparalleled. Although, there is always a tough competition between the browsers being compared due to the frequency of updates being pushed to them.

For those who don’t know, javascript is one of the main aspects of a browser, which enhances the overall user experience. The animations you come along on a webpage, are due to javascript. It’s not that having javascript on a webpage is mandatory, but is essentially good for it.

JetStream javascript benchmarking produced the following results:  Higher is better

As you can perceive from the chart above, Microsoft’s Edge turned out to be the best deal in handling javascript leaving behind Safari in the second position and Chrome in the third. Additionally, we had to perform the same test thrice on Chrome because of some caching issues that Google’s brainchild sported. Unfortunately, Firefox wasn’t able to complete the test in the first place due to javascript errors which intermittently persisted, hence, the zero score.

Above all, even in real-world usage, it has been found that Microsoft’s Edge surprisingly has a knack over most of the browsers available. And that includes Safari as well. On the other hand, Chrome and Firefox are ‘usable’ browsers, but don’t provide an improvement over the latter. Adding to that, Chrome and Firefox feel kind of heavy with their design. Anyways, hold on, as I talk about the design later in this post.

2. HTML5 Compliance Test

Chrome and Safari have always been the real deal in terms of HTML5 inclusion. Google has been really pushing hard to improve its browsing experience by providing as much support a developer needs in order to make it a better place to browse.

It’s not just the case with Chrome, but Firefox is also a strong contender. Lately, it has been showing up for ads on its desktop version which explain developers non-delusive ways to append HTML codes into their projects.

HTML5 Compliance test results:  Closer to ‘555’ is better

The results clearly indicate that Safari is still the best browser to rely on when it comes to HTML5 compatibility, which is the language on which around 80% of the whole internet is based. Although, it is sad to see that Firefox failed miserably on this test as well. This shows the colossal difference between a desktop-based browser and a mobile browser. It’s like the coins have flipped completely.

Chrome managed to handle HTML blissfully, which is why it’s scored the second position. Chrome is also supposed to be well-adjusted for Google’s AMP program, which allows publishers to provide content on a blazing fast speed by basically hosting it on Google’s servers.

On the other hand, Edge did a pretty decent job as well. But more was expected of it considering it did so well in the javascript test.

3. Design and Features

Safari Browser best data saving browser for iPhone

Having a pure Apple essence is one of the things Safari is very good at. And a pure Apple essence demands simplicity to its core. If you are the one that prefers a clean and powerful browsing experience, no other browser except for Safari will win you over.

It has a reading mode which basically declutters a webpage and provides you only the useful information like texts and images. You can even get rid of ads using the reading mode. Although, sometimes it’s not as efficient as the algorithm behind it fails to detect the structure of a webpage and provides unuseful information.

Additionally, you have the option to save mobile bookmarklets so that you can easily traverse through your favorite websites right from your springboard. Above all, if you happen to have the rest of the Apple family (MacBook, iPad, iPod), you can seamlessly multitask. As an example, you can have a Safari tab open on your iPhone and can continue to browse exactly where you left off on your MacBook . This is not what other browsers offer.

From a design point of view, Safari’s design is overdue for a change. It has been the same looking browser since the Safari that came with the first iPhone, except it has become more minimalistic. If you’re looking for a browser that gets most of your job done efficiently right off the bat, then Safari could be the best deal for you.

Chrome Browser best browser for iPhone downloading

Google’s own browser helps with most of the stuff that is related to Google. Albeit, there’s no doubt that most of the stuff on the internet is related to Google. Seamless integration between different platforms is the characteristic feature of Google Chrome.

All you need is to sign in to your Google account in the Mobile browser and all of your bookmarks, passwords, history data and cached files are seamlessly synced. It’s so smooth that the whole process feels almost magical. The magical part about it is that you don’t even need to enter your account details manually. Chances are, if you’ve signed into any Google service using your iPhone, you have the account details already stored on the secure servers. With just a tap, you are signed into Chrome.

When you glance at the  new tab  page of Chrome, you’ll notice that a feed containing the latest trending news articles is already set up. Those news articles are curated based on your browsing pattern. Apart from that, the iOS keyboard gets an extra row of functions like a QR code scanner , some handy symbols etc. in the Chrome app.

Having a Chrome browser on mobile is similar to having it on a desktop except for the difference that you have a community of extensions on the desktop which is not currently the case with mobile.

The design, on the other hand, is kind of heavy and undesirable sometimes. Due to the heavy design, iOS tends to lag and freeze which becomes extremely annoying with constant usage. Chrome also has a reputation for being a battery hog on mobile devices . And it’s no different in this case. In fact, Chrome utilizes the CPU in such a way that in just a few minutes of normal browsing, the iPhone’s back becomes extensively hot. All of this could be a major setback for a someone who cares more to squeeze some juice until the end of the day.

Mozilla Firefox Mobile iOS fastest browser for iPhone

Despite its poor performance in the benchmarks, Firefox has the most features of all the browsers featured in this comparison. Similar to Chrome, it also has a seamless cross-platform syncing system. Although, you’ll have to create a separate Mozilla account without which it won’t be possible to sync between your desktop and your mobile.

Albeit, once you have the Mozilla account signed in on the mobile version of Firefox, all the bookmarks, history data, and passwords will seamlessly sync to your device. At the end of the day, it doesn’t have that magical element that makes Chrome so special.

After the recent update for the desktop version of Firefox- dubbed the  Quantum  update, there are a lot of under-the-hood engineering improvements, as stated by Mozilla. However, Mozilla also hinted that the Mobile version gets the same  Quantum  treatment. Basically, the new engineering framework leverages the multi-core processors in a fairly unique manner, according to Mozilla. Now it won’t make a huge difference in day-to-day usage but with further upgrades in processors with progressive devices, the experience is only getting better.

Some of the unique features of Firefox on mobile includes a dedicated night mode aimed at easing the usage of websites during the night. Wasn’t it certain? Also, just like Safari, Firefox also has a proper reading mode, but not as perfect as the reading mode on Safari. Although there is one thing that Firefox totally messes up- handling the cache.

The design is something for which Firefox is needed to be comprehended. Despite having a heavy design like Google’s Chrome browser, Firefox handles every task like a breeze. I haven’t faced any performance nor any battery issues while using Firefox in the course of time in which I had it for testing. Firefox could be a daily driver for someone who does like proficiency but is okay with the browser not able to handle caching well.

Edge Browser best web browser for iPad best ipad browser

Something about this browser makes browsing both smooth and laggy at the same time. And it’s not sure whether this is because of Microsoft’s legacy or something else . On the other hand, you can easily compare Edge with Safari because of the similarities they withhold between them. A reading mode, tools to bookmark and text searching on a webpage sum up to be almost all of the features of the browser.

And trust me, you won’t need more. The Edge browser for mobile has a lot in common with its desktop counterpart featurewise. You get a minimalistic news feed on the ‘new tab’ page along with some other recommended websites for you to consider to visit. Although it has that nostalgic Microsoft essence to it, and you can feel it, there’s no getting tired of this browser on mobile. Even though it doesn’t live up to the Chrome and Firefox standards in terms of seamlessness and the presence of features, it just simply works every time. And that certainly is not the case with any of the browsers in this comparison.

When it comes to interconnectivity, it’s not as magical as Chrome, but it’s doable. The medium for the same seamless connection between cross-platforms is a Hotmail account, or rather a Skype account. And the contents that get synced over are same as that of every other browser featured in this post.

Designwise, I must say that Edge has got an  edge  over other browsers. Simplicity is the key with this one. The flagship Microsoft interface is omnipresent and highly noticeable throughout the app. It slightly stresses the processor but gets the work done, which is browsing (of course!). However, websites tend to perform smoother on Edge than on Chrome or Firefox or for that matter, even Safari.

Perhaps, the most important sector of our browsing experiences, privacy is something that you should care about when choosing the perfect browser for yourself.

Apple, as we all know it, is extremely vested in privacy and often makes sure that it isn’t undermined by Safari. On the backend, Safari analyzes your behavior on the web space and based on your liking, restricts the transmission of your data to ad firms.

On the other hand, Chrome does exactly the opposite. It has a bad reputation in terms of data management as it monitors your browsing history along with relevant website data and uses it to provide a better experience- that’s what Google affirms. But having all of your data handled by a corporation at a fairly vast level is kind of threatening. And the recent Cambridge Analytica scam makes me more unnerved about Chrome’s data usage methods.

Although there’s absolutely no problem regarding Firefox’s privacy and security abilities, it could be better considering the vast user base. Also, if you care about extensive privacy regarding internet usage, Mozilla has a separate app named Firefox Focus that has an expertise in handling security and the privacy of the end user. Edge, on the other side of the bridge, is not as careful with user privacy as per the current industry standards, but it doesn’t jump too far like the privacy features in Chrome. And that provides the balance.

All of the browsers have a basic incognito mode, which generally does not register your browsing history in the first place. It also doesn’t allow for search engines to retrospect your search data.

Even though there are a lot of parameters that form an outline for the ‘best’ browser in the market, it all boils down to your liking and feeling towards a particular one. For instance, if you’ve been using the Chrome browser on an Android phone, you’ll end up using Chrome on iOS as well, when you make a switch. It becomes exasperatingly difficult to break out of the comfort zone once you’ve discovered it.

Although, Microsoft’s Edge is an exception as it’s a new release and doesn’t have a strong user base since the beginning, making it a difficult choice for most of the users out there.

Once again, it all cuts down to your affinity.

Download Chrome , Firefox , and Edge on iOS.

Download Chrome , Firefox , and Edge on Android.

mozilla safari difference

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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.

mozilla safari difference

Google Chrome

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.

mozilla safari difference

Apple Safari

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.

mozilla safari difference

Microsoft Edge

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 safari difference

Mozilla Firefox

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.

mozilla safari difference

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
  • Go Beyond Google: The Best Alternative Search Engines
  • 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

  • Microsoft Improves Windows 11 Voice Accessibility
  • Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11 Gets Plug-in Support
  • The Best Cloud Storage and File-Sharing Services for 2024
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Microsoft Windows 11

mozilla safari difference

Firefox is no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and below.

Please download Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) to use Firefox.

Download Firefox ESR 64-bit

Download Firefox ESR 32-bit

Firefox is no longer supported on macOS 10.14 and below.

mozilla safari difference

Comparing Firefox Browser with Google Chrome

In 2008, Google introduced Chrome, and its impact as an innovation in browser technology was immediate. It was faster for loading sites, took up minimal screen space and offered an undeniably simple user interface.

Fast-forward to today, the competitive landscape for browsers has changed, with many people beginning to question just what is happening to their online data such as browsing history, passwords, and other sensitive information. A lot has changed since 2008 when Chrome came onto the scene. At Firefox, we’ve been heads down, working to redesign our interface and provide users with an ever growing number of privacy and performance enhancements that are automatic by default as well as plenty of handy browser tools.

And so here we are, the browser-wars are escalating once again and it’s time to reevaluate and compare Firefox Browser vs Google Chrome.

mozilla safari difference

Security and Privacy

At Firefox, we have a huge number of dedicated users who appreciate our steadfast dedication to online privacy. For example, the latest version of Firefox includes a feature called Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) which is turned on by default for all users worldwide. ETP blocks over 2,000 trackers, including social trackers from companies like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. It also has an integrated feature called Mozilla Monitor that automatically notifies you if your password has been breached or needs to be updated. In addition to these protections, Private Browsing mode in Firefox automatically deletes your browsing information such as history and cookies, leaving no trace after you finish your session.

We’ve also recently restated our commitment to privacy and transparency regarding user data in our most recent Privacy Notice that states, “At Mozilla, we believe that privacy is fundamental to a healthy internet.”

Google Chrome is by all accounts a secure browser, with features like Google Safe Browsing, which helps protect users by displaying an impossible-to-miss warning when they attempt to navigate to dangerous sites or download dangerous files.

In fact, both Chrome and Firefox have rigorous security in place. Both include a thing called “sandboxing” which separates the processes of the browser so something like a harmful website doesn’t infect other parts of your laptop or other device.

While Chrome proves to be a safe web browser, its privacy record is questionable. Google actually collects a disturbingly large amount of data from its users including location, search history and site visits. Google makes its case for data collection saying it’s doing it to improve its services – like helping you find a sweater or a coffee shop like the one you previously bought or visited. However, others might disagree, making the point that Google is actually gathering an unprecedented amount of data for its own marketing purposes. They tout that they’re keeping your information private from hackers, but that’s beside the point. Google itself runs the world’s largest advertising network, thanks in large part to data they harvest from their users.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not or where to draw the line with sharing things like your search history and shopping history. But if you’re anything like most people, you’ve probably searched for some things on the internet that you would rather keep private.

Download Firefox Browser

In terms of features, both Firefox and Chrome offer a large library of extensions and plug-ins, with Chrome’s catalog vastly outnumbering any other browser while nicely integrating with other Google services, like Gmail and Google Docs.

Although not as extensive as Chrome’s add-on library, Firefox, as open-source software with a huge number of active contributors, also features an incredible number of useful extensions.

Firefox also has a sync feature to see your open and recent tabs, browsing history, and bookmarks across all your devices.

While Chrome gets the nod with add-ons and extensions, Firefox has a nicely curated set of built-in features, such as the incredibly handy screen capture tool, and reading mode feature which strips away everything from the page except the text from the article you’re reading.

If having tons of open tabs is your thing, then it really comes down to your UI preference. Firefox features a horizontal scroll on all your open tabs rather than shrinking them smaller and smaller with each new one. Google Chrome prefers to shrink them down so just the favicon is visible. The only problem with this is when you have multiple tabs open from the same website, so you see the same favicon across your tabs.

As for customization, our fans will tell you one of the things they love most about our browser is its ability to allow you to move and arrange a majority of the UI elements to best suit your needs. Chrome allows you to hide certain UI elements but there’s not much allowance, if any, for moving things around based on your preferences. However, it should be noted that both Chrome and Firefox make it pretty easy to change your browser’s appearance and theme.

Portability

Almost needless to say, versions of both Firefox and Chrome are available for the most popular desktop and mobile operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).

Both Chrome and Firefox also allow you to sync things like passwords, bookmarks, and open tabs across all your devices. Firefox though has the added security of a primary password that keeps all the saved logins and passwords under an additional set of lock and key. If you have a Firefox account, you can manually send an open tab on your desktop to your mobile device or vice versa. With Chrome, it’s done automatically if you’ve chosen that setting in your preferences. Not having to manually send the tab from one device to the other is convenient when you want to do something like continue reading an article you didn’t finish earlier. But there could be times where automatic syncing might not be ideal if there’s a chance multiple users are browsing while signed in to your Google account.

Overall Assessment

We think it’s fair to say Firefox and Chrome are really neck and neck in terms of portability and utility, with Chrome having a slight edge in utility because of its huge library of extensions and add-on features. But in terms of Privacy, Firefox wins the day with our commitment to preserving our users’ online data and providing free baked-in services like password managers that also alert you if there happens to be a data breach involving your credentials.

For practical purposes, there’s obviously really nothing preventing you from using both browsers—Firefox for those moments in life when privacy really matters, and Chrome if you’re still invested in the Google ecosystem. Yet with the growing number of incursions into our personal data, Firefox may prove to be the right choice in the long run for those of us who value protecting our personal privacy online.

The comparisons made here were done so with default settings and across browser release versions as follows: Firefox (81) | Chrome (85) This page is updated semi-quarterly to reflect latest versioning and may not always reflect latest updates.

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/02/nist-releases-version-20-landmark-cybersecurity-framework

NIST Releases Version 2.0 of Landmark Cybersecurity Framework

The agency has finalized the framework’s first major update since its creation in 2014..

  • NIST’s cybersecurity framework (CSF) now explicitly aims to help all organizations — not just those in critical infrastructure, its original target audience — to manage and reduce risks.
  • NIST has updated the CSF’s core guidance and created a suite of resources to help all organizations achieve their cybersecurity goals, with added emphasis on governance as well as supply chains.
  • This update is the outcome of a multiyear process of discussions and public comments aimed at making the framework more effective.

Two roads lead to the 6-sectioned ring graphic representing the CSF’s six functions.

More roads lead to NIST’s updated cybersecurity framework, which now features quick-start guides aimed at specific audiences, success stories outlining other organizations’ implementations, and a searchable catalog of informative references that allows users to cross-reference the framework’s guidance to more than 50 other cybersecurity documents.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated the widely used Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), its landmark guidance document for reducing cybersecurity risk. The new 2.0 edition is designed for all audiences, industry sectors and organization types, from the smallest schools and nonprofits to the largest agencies and corporations — regardless of their degree of cybersecurity sophistication. 

In response to the numerous comments received on the draft version , NIST has expanded the CSF’s core guidance and developed related resources to help users get the most out of the framework. These resources are designed to provide different audiences with tailored pathways into the CSF and make the framework easier to put into action. 

“The CSF has been a vital tool for many organizations, helping them anticipate and deal with cybersecurity threats,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio. “CSF 2.0, which builds on previous versions, is not just about one document. It is about a suite of resources that can be customized and used individually or in combination over time as an organization’s cybersecurity needs change and its capabilities evolve.” 

The CSF 2.0, which supports implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy , has an expanded scope that goes beyond protecting critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and power plants, to all organizations in any sector. It also has a new focus on governance, which encompasses how organizations make and carry out informed decisions on cybersecurity strategy. The CSF’s governance component emphasizes that cybersecurity is a major source of enterprise risk that senior leaders should consider alongside others such as finance and reputation. 

“Developed by working closely with stakeholders and reflecting the most recent cybersecurity challenges and management practices, this update aims to make the framework even more relevant to a wider swath of users in the United States and abroad,” according to Kevin Stine, chief of NIST’s Applied Cybersecurity Division. 

Following a presidential Executive Order, NIST first released the CSF in 2014 to help organizations understand, reduce and communicate about cybersecurity risk. The framework’s core is now organized around six key functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover, along with CSF 2.0’s newly added Govern function. When considered together, these functions provide a comprehensive view of the life cycle for managing cybersecurity risk.

The updated framework anticipates that organizations will come to the CSF with varying needs and degrees of experience implementing cybersecurity tools. New adopters can learn from other users’ successes and select their topic of interest from a new set of implementation examples and quick-start guides designed for specific types of users, such as small businesses, enterprise risk managers, and organizations seeking to secure their supply chains. 

An image of a road with different NIST CSF resources labeled along the path

A new CSF 2.0 Reference Tool now simplifies the way organizations can implement the CSF, allowing users to browse, search and export data and details from the CSF’s core guidance in human-consumable and machine-readable formats.

In addition, the CSF 2.0 offers a searchable catalog of informative references that shows how their current actions map onto the CSF. This catalog allows an organization to cross-reference the CSF’s guidance to more than 50 other cybersecurity documents, including others from NIST, such as SP 800-53 Rev. 5 , a catalog of tools (called controls) for achieving specific cybersecurity outcomes.

Organizations can also consult the Cybersecurity and Privacy Reference Tool (CPRT), which contains an interrelated, browsable and downloadable set of NIST guidance documents that contextualizes these NIST resources, including the CSF, with other popular resources. And the CPRT offers ways to communicate these ideas to both technical experts and the C-suite, so that all levels of an organization can stay coordinated. 

NIST plans to continue enhancing its resources and making the CSF an even more helpful resource to a broader set of users, Stine said, and feedback from the community will be crucial. 

“As users customize the CSF, we hope they will share their examples and successes, because that will allow us to amplify their experiences and help others,” he said. “That will help organizations, sectors and even entire nations better understand and manage their cybersecurity risk.” 

The CSF is used widely internationally; Versions 1.1 and 1.0 have been translated into 13 languages, and NIST expects that CSF 2.0 also will be translated by volunteers around the world. Those translations will be added to NIST’s expanding portfolio of CSF resources. Over the last 11 years, NIST’s work with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), in conjunction with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), has helped to align multiple cybersecurity documents. ISO/IEC resources now allow organizations to build cybersecurity frameworks and organize controls using the CSF functions. NIST plans to continue working with ISO/IEC to continue this international alignment.

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