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

Mike Peterson's Avatar

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

firefox vs safari mac m1

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

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

Browser benchmarks

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

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

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

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

JetStream 2 browser benchmarks

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

MotionMark browser benchmarks

Safari was the fastest in MotionMark benchmark testing.

Speedometer browser benchmarks

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

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

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

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

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

Apple Safari

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

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

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

Google Chrome

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

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

Google Chrome

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mozilla Firefox

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

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

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

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

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

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

Microsoft Edge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Firefox 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.

firefox vs safari mac m1

Comparing Firefox Browser with Apple Safari

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

firefox vs safari mac m1

Security and Privacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download Firefox Browser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portability

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

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

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

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

Overall Assessment

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

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

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

How-To Geek

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

Safari is (Arguably) the Best Mac Browser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Firefox is the Privacy-Conscious Safari Alternative

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

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

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

Chrome is Number One for Compatibility and Extensions

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

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

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

Chromium-Based Browsers Offer Unique Alternatives to Chrome

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

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

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

Alternatively, Try Something Completely Unique

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

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

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

The Case for Multiple Browsers

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

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

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Best web browser for Mac

Martyn Casserly

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

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

Safari

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Google Chrome

Google Chrome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edge Chromium

Edge Chromium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Firefox

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opera

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brave

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vivaldi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Avast Secure Browser

Avast Secure Browser

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

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

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

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

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

Duck Duck Go for Mac

Duck Duck Go for Mac

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

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

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

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

firefox vs safari mac m1

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

Recent stories by Martyn Casserly:

  • How to get InDesign on a Mac
  • How to edit a PDF on Mac
  • How to recover unsaved Word documents on a Mac

Guiding Tech

We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions.

​Safari vs Firefox for Mac: Which Browser Is Better for You

Safari and Firefox are two of the last major browsers that don’t use Google’s Chromium rendering engine. Safari is using Webkit while Firefox has opted for the Gecko engine. With each iteration of macOS, Apple has improved the default browsing experience on Mac.

Browser

The majority is inclined to use Safari on macOS as the browser also comes by default (which you can’t change though), and the user can smoothly carry-forward browsing data between the devices.

Firefox is emphasizing on the rapid development of the browser to lure users and take the lead from the rivals.

In this post, we are going to compare the Safari browser to Firefox on Mac. Unlike iOS, the battleground is even here for both the contenders as the system lets you change the default browser.

The comparison will be based on UI, features, themes, news integration, password management, and more. Let’s start with the cross-platform availability.

Cross-Platform Availability

As its case with every Apple software, the Safari browser is only available on iOS and Mac. While in Firefox’s case, you can access the browser everywhere. It’s available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and even Linux.

Download Firefox for Mac

User Interface and Theme

Safari is sticking to the trusted interface design for navigation. It hasn’t changed much in years. The default page shows the favorites tabs, frequently visited websites, and Siri’s suggestion under it.

Safari Ui1

The extensions (more on that later), history, reading list, and share menu are at the top. I would advise you to master keyboard shortcuts to quickly access and navigate available in the Safari browser. It also supports the system-wide dark theme introduced in macOS Mojave.

Safari Dark

Firefox has gone through some interface changes, and I found it slightly better looking than Safari browser. It displays the default search engine, top sites, and highlights. Highlights is a useful addition.

Firefox Ui1

It’s a combination of recently visited pages, bookmarks, downloads, and saved articles to Pocket service. You can customize that from the Settings menu.

Firefox has a different take on the theming engine. Go to Preferences > Extensions & Themes > Themes select from the various available options. Firefox also offers the ability to custom create the theme from scratch.

Firefox Theme

The added changes apply to the search bar, tabs bar, and settings menu.

A browser experience isn’t just limited to loading and reading a webpage. Nowadays, users demand a rich experience with added functions. Safari offers a clean looking reading mode that strips away the unnecessary elements from a webpage such as ads, social integration, and comments.

Safari Reading

It’s customizable too. You can change the font style, size, and background color of the reading mode.

Safari enjoys a seamless integration between iOS and macOS. Tap on the tab switcher, and the browser shows the tab opened on your iPhone. Similarly, when you are browsing on iOS, the handoff function will let you carry-forward the same webpage on macOS.

Safari Sync

You can also use the default Spotlight Search (Command + Space shortcut) and start typing the webpage name and it will show the suggestions from the Safari history. I use it frequently to visit a webpage without opening the browser. The functionality is not available for third-party browsers.

Firefox also offers a syncing capability, but it’s hidden in the Options menu. Go to Options > Library > Synced Tabs and that’s where you will see the opened Firefox tabs on iPhone or Android. Yes, it works with Android too.

Firefox Sync

Firefox’s reading mode is a step ahead of Safari. Not only it offers a way to change font size and style, but it also lets you save an article directly to Pocket and read it load for you.

Firefox Reading

The browser also provides a capable built-in screenshot tool to clip and save the web information on Mac.

Firefox recently introduced advanced privacy protection options with live data and charts. The browser displays the numbers of trackers and cookies blocked during the browsing time. Tap on the shield icon in the search bar and have a peace of mind.

Firefox Security

Search Engine

Both the browsers offer Google as the default search engine out of the box. In Safari, you can change it via going into Preferences > Search and choose from Bing, Yahoo, or DuckDuckGo.

Safari Search Engine

Firefox once again edges out Safari here. In Firefox, the user doesn’t need to go to settings to search using a different engine. When you start typing a keyword in the search bar, it displays the available search engine options at the bottom. You can search using Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Twitter, and Wikipedia.

Firefox Search Engine

In terms of extension support, Safari falls behind Firefox. The extension list is limited, and you will have a hard time searching for an extension for every need. Go to Safari > Safari Extensions and install it from the list.

Safari Extension

You can manage them by going into Preferences > Extensions and integrate them into your browser experience.

Firefox offers a rich collection neatly categorized into different sections. There is an extension for every use scenario.

Firefox Extension

Password Management

Flawless password management is a key aspect of today’s browser experience. By default, Safari stores all the credentials into iCloud keychain. So the next time, when you try to login to an account, just use the login info from iCloud keychain or tap on the Touch ID to auto-fill details.

Safari Password

Firefox has introduced Firefox Lockwise to save and store every login detail. It’s not full-featured password management but has enough functions to get the job done. As a bonus, the service is also available on Android and iOS.

Firefox Password

Download Firefox Lockwise for Android

Download Firefox Lockwise for iOS

Convenience Or Features?

The answer is simple here. If you have an iPhone, then Apple’s tight integration between the Safari browser on iOS and macOS might win you over. Moreover, it has decent extension support, capable password management, and the right number of features to get you started.

Firefox is cross-platform, meaning your data is accessible on every platform. The software also provides a better extension and a theming engine to truly customize the browsing experience.

Next up: Interested about the same comparison on iOS? Read the post below to find the details between Safari and Firefox on iPhone.

Last updated on 03 February, 2022

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

firefox vs safari mac m1

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firefox vs safari mac m1

Parth Shah is an evergreen freelance writer covering how-tos, app guides, comparisons, listicles, and troubleshooting guides on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and smart TV platforms. He has over five years of experience and has covered 1,500+ articles on GuidingTech and Android Police. In his free time, you will see him binge-watching Netflix shows, reading books, and traveling.

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Maximizing M1 Performance: Firefox vs Safari Battery Life Battle!

Maximizing M1 Performance: Firefox vs Safari Battery Life Battle!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Firefox Updated With Native Support for M1 Macs, Mozilla Touts 'Dramatic Performance Improvements'

Mozilla today released Firefox version 84 with native support for Apple Silicon Macs with the M1 chip, touting "dramatic performance improvements" over the previous, unoptimized version of the web browser.

mozilla firefox banner

If you are using a Mac with the M1 chip, Mozilla says you will need to fully exit and restart Firefox after upgrading to version 84 in order for the browser to run natively on Apple Silicon. Mozilla promises not only faster performance, but also better battery life.

Firefox 84 is also the final version to support Adobe Flash.

Apple recently shared a list of popular apps optimized for M1 Macs that are available in the Mac App Store, such as Pixelmator Pro, Adobe Lightroom, Affinity Designer, Darkroom, Fantastical, OmniFocus, BBEdit, Instapaper, and Twitter. Apple boasted that apps optimized for the M1 chip deliver "game-changing speed and capabilities."

Last month, Apple released its first Macs with the M1 chip, including a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini.

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  • The 7 Best Browser for Mac in 2024: Safari, Chrome, Firefox & More

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Best Browser for Mac

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

Grace Micere

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

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

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

Facts & Expert Analysis

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

Logo: Vivaldi

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

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

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

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: Vivaldi

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

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

The Best Browser for Mac: Our Top 7 Choices

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

1. Vivaldi — Best Browser for Mac

vivaldi homepage

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

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

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

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

2. Brave — Most Secure Browser for Mac

brave homepage

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

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

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

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

3. Chrome — Fastest Browser for Mac

chrome homepage

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

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

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

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

4. Safari — Default Browser for Mac

safari homepage

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

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

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

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

5. Firefox — Safe Browser for Mac

firefox homepage

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

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

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

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

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

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

opera homepage

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

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

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

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

7. Edge — Second-Fastest Browser for Mac

edge homepage

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

FAQ: Mac Browsers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The best browser for Mac in 2022

Alex Blake

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

Apple Safari

Google chrome, microsoft edge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Alex Blake

If you’re in search of some great Apple deals, or more specifically some of the best MacBook deals, one of the best places to look is the refurbished aisle. Shopping refurbished can save you a ton on a MacBook, and because of the quality of Apple laptops you know you’ll be getting a MacBook with a lot of life left in it. You’ll also get a MacBook backed by a warranty when you shop refurbished, so in many ways it’s similar to buying something brand new from Apple. There are quite a few refurbished MacBook deals taking place right now, and we’ve done the heavy lifting of tracking them down. Keep reading for the best refurbished MacBook deals and a little information on what each model has to offer. MacBook Air 11.6-inch (2015) -- from $165

Once the latest MacBook Air but now eight years old and still competent, the MacBook Air 11.6-inch (2015) is a great starting point for anyone new to macOS or who just needs something financially on par with a Chromebook. It's a refurbished model but it comes with a one-year warranty so there's peace of mind here. It won't run the latest macOS unfortunately, but its Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory and 128GB of SSD storage helps you perform the basics. It still has all the style of a MacBook so we're thinking this could be a good entry point as your child's first MacBook or if you want a project.

One of the best parts about owning an Apple computer is the massive ecosystem of superb Mac apps it gives you access to. There are apps available to Mac users no matter what you are looking for, whether that's productivity, photo and video editors, security suites, and more. You can get them from Apple's own App Store or from third-party developer websites, and many of the best Mac apps are even free.

Whether you just bought your first Mac or you're a longtime Apple customer, here's a look at some of the best Mac apps you can get. Mac apps to change your interface

The MacBooks versus Windows laptops debate has been raging for decades, but never has it been this intense or important. New advances in chip technology are propelling even entry-level MacBooks to high-performance targets, and a shift in Windows laptops away from cheap plastics evens the playing field between these two platforms. Both Windows 11 and macOS are intuitive and clean operating systems. But where they differ comes down to one key element: their ecosystems.

What this means for you is that choosing an option from a list of the best laptops isn't so simple. The laptop you choose today can greatly influence which accessories you buy, which apps you use, and even what kind of phone you carry. Your entire workflow will depend on the platform you go with, from how you manage windows to which keyboard shortcuts work best. It's not a light decision. Build quality vs. variety The Dell XPS 14. Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

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Apple Safari vs. Mozilla Firefox

Both browsers have strengths and weaknesses

firefox vs safari mac m1

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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Kingpin Private Browser

Safari vs Firefox: Which browser is better for Mac?

Safari vs. Firefox: Which browser is better for Mac?

When it comes to a comparison between Safari and Firefox, which of them is better for the macOS? Mac users get the default Safari browser built into their devices. But it might not be the most popular one around. Firefox has its fair share of browser loyalists who choose them over Safari. Privacy is another reason Mac users look elsewhere. If you too are concerned about privacy, you might want to use a private browser like Kingpin. Kingpin has a default incognito mode and an inbuilt ad block feature to keep away trackers.

We have already listed the differences between Safari and Chrome as alternative Mac browsers . We’ve also shown you how Firefox compares to Chrome . Now it’s time for a showdown between Safari and Firefox. Let us see how availability, speed, features, interface, security, and privacy affect the final choice between the two contenders.

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#1 Firefox is available on all devices, including Mac

While Safari comes paired with Mac and is available on Apple’s devices alone, Firefox has a wider reach. Even if you pick up other devices, you can find Firefox on it and use it as a browser on that device. You can use Firefox even on your Mac. Mac users can make Firefox their default browser from within Mac and enjoy the benefits that come with an open-source platform.

Winner: Firefox

Firefox comes with a Reader View button that turns a webpage look neater. It strips away unwanted ads, videos, and such, making the basic version load faster. Yet, when it comes to fast browsing, Safari takes the lead. On a Mac, Safari can load web pages 1.4 times faster than Firefox. Besides, Safari comes enabled with a reading mode that effectively makes web pages lighter. When you switch to this mode, the browser shows you a slimmer version of the page without distracting images, or texts, comments, social media buttons, graphics, or other avoidable media.

So, is Firefox slower than Safari? In one word, yes.

Winner: Safari

Firefox and Mozilla Foundation, the organization behind the browser, are champions of user privacy. There are many privacy features that have been pioneered by Mozilla. You can limit or allow cookies, ads, and tracking when browsing on Firefox on Mac. But you will find it hard to stop tracking altogether. Safari, on a similar note, offers little privacy to users. Although it has Parental Controls to restrict what minors do online, it does not actively block marketers from targeting you.

In such cases, Mac users often switch to another browser. Kingpin, for example, provides excellent privacy. Unlike Firefox or Safari, it does not save cookies or caches. Once your session is up, browsing data is erased. To show how serious Kingpin is about user privacy, it offers PIN protected tabs. If you accidentally or intentionally close tabs in a hurry, the browser will ask for a 4 digit PIN to reopen tabs. It noticeably reduces the chances of snooping. Besides, an inbuilt ad block feature ensures that marketers are not trailing you from session to session and website to website.

So when it comes to privacy, Safari is prone to leaking user data. Firefox performs slightly better owing to the non-profit organization that developed it. Both browsers gather user statistics for development.

Winner: Firefox .

#4 Features

When it comes to features, both Firefox and Safari offer users a rich experience. They have been on the scene for decades. Firefox as well as Safari receive updates regularly, outfitting them with better functioning and bug fixes. Let us see how the two browsers compare.

  • Customization

Both Safari and Firefox offer excellent customization options for Mac users. From changing themes to selecting font sizes to apply a favorite color palette, users are spoilt for choices. Firefox goes out of its way to let users go back to the drawing board and develop custom themes.

  • User Interface

Both Safari and Firefox come with easy-to-navigate interfaces. Safari displays a list of most-visited sites, website suggestions, and frequently opened tabs – your browsing history, bookmarks, and preferences. You can also access these using keyboard shortcuts. The interface is like a comfort zone for users, having incorporated little change over the years. You look for and find buttons, links, and menu items at expected places. The Dark Mode is a cool new addition.

Firefox, on the other hand, has changed its Interface to keep pace with time and draw away users from other browsers. One issue with the interface is that useful buttons like the sync button are often hidden in the Menu. But this is usually not a problem. With the Pocket tool, Mac users can now save pages for later. Moreover, the inbuilt screenshot feature makes it easy to save any online article or information on the browser and go back to it later.

Firefox has an extensive collection of Extensions and add-ons to bring to Mac users an unforgettable browsing experience. Open-source and developer friendly, Firefox regularly adds to its collection of add-ons, plug-ins, or pop-ups.  The same cannot be said of Safari. Being controlled by Apple with an iron fist, Safari extensions on Mac are few and far in between. To find them, visit the Safari Extensions on the browser and download them.

It helps to note that sometimes extensions may cause your browser to malfunction – crash, freeze or get a virus. Hence, keeping an additional browser is handy. Kingpin , for instance, auto disables Extensions to ward off malware attacks.

So, in the features area, we see the two browsers going head to head. Safari has an easier Interface, while Firefox excels at features and add-ons.

#5 Security

Once again, both browses offer solid security to users. Take Safari for instance. Backed with Apple’s fingerprinting guard, the browser makes it challenging for web marketers to infer your identity from the Mac specs. It also comes with a password lock and stores usernames and passwords on the cloud.  You don’t need to remember them individually.

Firefox uses Google Safe Browsing and protects Mac users from malware attacks. It also has a password saver but the feature is not auto-enabled.

So, at the end of this round, Safari is back in the game and has taken the lead.

Final score

So, which browser is best for Mac users? It all comes down to what you need at the end of the day.

  • If you want a fast and familiar browsing session, Safari is the obvious choice. Safari on Mac has superior speed and brilliant security features.
  • If you want more customization and minimized risk of tracking, Firefox is your friend.

But if you want to sail past privacy breaches while still enjoying lightning fast browsing and unbeatable security, choosing a different browser like Kingpin makes sense. It is also low on RAM consumption which makes it light and efficient.

Related Posts:

How to update the Safari browser on your Mac

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Edge or Safari on M1 MacBook?

  • Thread starter iphonefreak450
  • Start date Feb 23, 2023
  • Sort by reaction score

iphonefreak450

Macrumors 6502a.

  • Feb 23, 2023

I’m thinking about switching to the Edge browser on MacBook M1 due to some compatibility reasons example being that I am not able to add my Yubikey onto my email account since Safari doesn’t support the FIDO2 protocol. And Safari still doesn’t support Microsoft Teams when trying to launch the web version of Teams. Is Edge more faster and takes less RAM usage? How is one’s experience with Edge on MacBooks?  

davidmcdougal

Macrumors newbie.

Greenshot 2023-02-23 20.15.17.png

macrumors 6502

I'm Mac user since 2011. I have tried and loved and hated a lot of software. But I never encountered as much problems as with using Microsoft products on Mac. Don't get me wrong, they are trying hard and they are getting better and better but it is still a mess. Microsoft using their own proprietary Email standards messing with almost any other client and even their own, Microsoft and Onedrive constantly syncing till the end of time, Microsoft Office and so on. Regarding browsers: Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium engine and this makes it to some kind of a resource hog. Yes, there are better examples like Brave and others but in general, Chromium needs way more RAM than Webkit (Safari). Safari is especially made by Apple for MacOS. All the goodies it has like Private Relay and so on are just in Safari. Apple Passwords is just working with Safari. I'm using Firefox on Mac sometimes but I would never ever use Edge. And regarding Teams: I'm using Teams with my iPhone because the Mac.app is melting the battery like icecream in the sun. I guess this is because they are using Electron. Which is basically a Chromium wrapper.  

  • Feb 26, 2023

I primarily use Safari, but use Edge for sites that don’t work with Safari. Both on a MacBook Air M1 and a Mini 2018 Intel. Edge strikes me as slightly faster and I don’t see it using a lot of resources (memory) in Activity Monitor.  

  • Feb 27, 2023
MikeDr206 said: I primarily use Safari, but use Edge for sites that don’t work with Safari. Both on a MacBook Air M1 and a Mini 2018 Intel. Edge strikes me as slightly faster and I don’t see it using a lot of resources (memory) in Activity Monitor. Click to expand...

CoMoMacUser

Macrumors 65816.

I recently installed Edge on my Studio because 1) the transcription feature in the online version of Word is not available with Safari and 2) Safari doesn't support the OneNote web clipper extension. No complaints. Both are great browsers, but my personal preference is Edge.  

AF_APPLETALK

AF_APPLETALK

Edge is fine, it's just chromium with a browser shell done by Microsoft. it's basically spyware in the same way that actual chrome is, except it's all going to Microsoft instead of google.  

maflynn

macrumors Haswell

  • Feb 28, 2023

Edge in general doesn't have the bloat that chrome has, at least the windows version. I generally just use chrome since it just works (to steal a motto)  

MBAir2010

macrumors 603

I would fear using Bing Chat as well as Edge on any Macbook in 2023. because my friend who edits PC World is still trying to master that feature.  

ratspg

macrumors 68020

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Brave For Mac Performance Metrics & Benchmarks

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03/28/24 •  4 min read

brave for mac performance (1)

I recently started using the Brave web browser on my Mac. I noticed it was quite a lot faster, so I did some benchmarks to find out more. Here’s the test results…

The Brave web browser isn’t your normal, run of the mill Chrome-alternative. It does things very differently – in a good way.

Brave is completely open-source, built on the Chromium project, and it is headed-up by none other than Branden Eich, ex-Mozilla CEO and inventor of JavaScript.

Positioned as the ANTI-CHROME browser, Brave doesn’t track anything . It blocks everything too – from ad scripts to cookies (and everything else in between).

It uses something called BAT (basic attention tokens) to reward creators and its users for their time, and it is deadly quick on both my Mac and my iPhone.

Brave For Mac Benchmarks

Brave For Mac Performance Metrics & Benchmarks

Brave makes some pretty big claims about the performance of its browser versus more popular types like Chrome, Edge, and Safari. Talk of 3-6 times the performance is mentioned in its official documents and marketing.

Once I’d installed Brave on my Mac and booted it up, I went about setting up all my most-used sites and tools. During this process, it was immediately obvious that Brave was significantly snappier than Chrome – sites loaded faster, pages visibly scrolled smoother. The works.

To get some actual numbers, something a little more empirical than general feel, I ran a few basic benchmark tests using Speedometer. And as you can see from the results below, Brave ran rings around both Firefox and Chrome.

Brave For Mac Performance Metrics & Benchmarks

The score for Brave is roughly 18 times higher than that of Chrome and Firefox. This suggests that Brave is significantly more efficient at handling the types of web app responsiveness tasks that Speedometer measures.

These tasks include DOM API calls, string operations, and other common tasks needed to dynamically update the content of a web page.

Conclusions & Key Takeaways

Based on these results, I believe there are a few potential implications:

  • Firstly, Brave’s architecture and its emphasis on blocking trackers and ads may contribute to its efficiency. Without the overhead of processing ads and trackers, Brave can likely allocate more resources to executing web applications, potentially leading to the higher score I observed.
  • Secondly, for users who prioritize performance, especially when running web applications, Brave could offer a notable advantage over Chrome and Firefox. The significantly higher Speedometer score suggests that web apps may feel more responsive and snappy in Brave.

With Safari, it’s a similar story as outline in this post from the Mac Rumors forum :

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

Things To Keep In Mind…

Brave For Mac Performance Metrics & Benchmarks

It’s important to note that this is just one benchmark, and real-world performance can vary depending on numerous factors. The specific web applications you interact with, as well as your device and system configuration, can – and will – impact performance metrics.

For the record, these tests were all done consecutively on the same machine (Mac Studio). They’re not definitive by any stretch but they do show pretty much what I was experiencing when I made the switch:

Brave is orders of magnitude faster than Chrome and Firefox.

Takeaways? What I get from this is that Brave’s approach to browser design, with its focus on blocking unwanted content and optimizing resource usage, translates into snappier performance across the board.

Add in things like Brave’s insanely good privacy features and I honestly cannot think of a single reason why anyone would not want to use this browser full time.

I am officially converted.

firefox vs safari mac m1

Richard Goodwin has been working as a tech journalist for over 10 years. He has written for Den of Geek, Fortean Times, IT PRO, PC Pro, ALPHR, and many other technology sites. He is the editor and owner of KnowYourMobile.

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MacBook Air

Why the m1 macbook air is the best mac value ever.

Avatar for Chance Miller

The MacBook Air lineup is stronger than ever right now, but maybe not for the reasons you think. Yes, the M2 and M3 MacBook Air are great computers. But do you know what’s also a great computer? The M1 MacBook Air, especially when it’s available for under $700 .

In fact, it’s probably the best Mac value ever.

The M1 MacBook Air is a steal

Last week, Walmart announced that it was teaming up with Apple to sell the M1 MacBook Air for $699 – an incredible deal, considering Apple was selling it for $999 just a few weeks ago. Following Walmart’s announcement, Best Buy subsequently dropped its M1 MacBook Air price to $649 .

While Walmart appears to have plenty of stock on hand, Best Buy’s M1 MacBook Air inventory appears to be going quickly.

The M1 chip’s performance is not quite up-to-par with the M2 or M3, but you’ll struggle to notice a difference between the M1, M2, or M3 in their base configurations. Any of them will handle the vast majority of tasks you throw at them. Only on the higher-end models do the big performance differences really show up.

One thing consistent between the M1, M2, and M3 MacBook Air is the base model configurations for RAM and storage:

  • $ 699 M1 MacBook Air : 8GB RAM/256GB storage
  • $999 M2 MacBook Air : 8GB RAM/256GB storage
  • $1099 M3 MacBook Air : 8GB RAM/256GB storage

M1 MacBook Air

The M1 MacBook Air’s design is showing its age, but that’s primarily because of the bezels around the display. The wedge-shaped form factor is still iconic today, and some people even prefer it to the flat-sided modern MacBook Air design language.

The vast majority of people looking to buy a MacBook right now – whether they are upgrading from an Intel machine or buying their first Mac – should start by looking at the M1 MacBook Air. There are a few questions to then ask:

  • If yes: buy the M3 MacBook Air.
  • If yes: Look for inventory through Best Buy/Amazon or configure a custom order through Apple.
  • If yes: buy the M2 or M3 MacBook Air.

If none of those things really matter to you, then the M1 MacBook Air is the Mac for you.

I struggle to think of a Mac that’s ever been as good of a bargain as the M1 MacBook Air is right now. The M2 Mac mini shines at $599 (or $499 for education buyers), but you’ll have to bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse. The M2 Mac mini’s base configuration also starts at 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

Another funny realization I had last week: the M1 MacBook Air is now cheaper than the iPad Pro. The price differences between the iPad Pro and MacBook Air have always been perplexing, but this takes things to a different level. I struggle to think of any reason for someone to buy an iPad Pro over a MacBook Air for the fast majority of things.

We’ve heard a few different reports that Apple might be planning a low-cost MacBook that would compete with Chromebooks. Right now, the M1 MacBook Air fills that spot in Apple’s lineup, and it does it perfectly.

What do you think of the current MacBook Air lineup? Is it the strongest Mac lineup we’ve ever seen? Is Apple making the right call by keeping the M1 MacBook Air around? Let us know down in the comments.

Follow Chance :  Threads ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , and  Mastodon . 

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Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

MacBook Air

In 2008 Steve Jobs introduced the first ultra-th…

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Chance is an editor for the entire 9to5 network and covers the latest Apple news for 9to5Mac.

Tips, questions, typos to [email protected]

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  2. Best browser for M1 chips? : r/MacOS

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    Firefox (M1 Optimized) 5. Opera (M1 Optimized) 6. Brave Browser (M1 Optimized) 7. Vivaldi (M1 Optimized) The Best Browser for macOS to Surf Faster FAQs. The kind of browser you use plays a significant role in your experience with the internet. Each browser has a different set of features and a different selling point.

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    Firefox and Safari bring up the rear, at 515 and 468, respectively. (Safari's score has actually gone down since previous test runs, perhaps as a result of the move to M1 CPUs.) Which Web Browser ...

  9. Maximizing M1 Performance: Firefox vs Safari Battery Life Battle

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  10. Firefox Updated With Native Support for M1 Macs, Mozilla Touts

    Last month, Apple released its first Macs with the M1 chip, including a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. Tags: Firefox , M1 Guide , Mozilla [ 60 comments ]

  11. 7 Best Browser for Mac 2024: Safari, Chrome, Firefox & More

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    Buy me a beer if you are too rich.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/yoyosanOne of the major advantages of using Safari browser is that it is usually extremely bat...

  13. Which browser do you prefer on a M1 Mac, and why? : r/MacOS

    Brave! It's like chrome only it's faster and doesn't use near the resources. Plus it's nice to have ad-blocking by default. And it's great to be able to watch youtube videos with no ads. It can also sync bookmarks and other stuff to other machines, even non-OSX machines like Linux. South_Butterfly6681.

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  16. Firefox vs Safari when it comes to battery/energy efficiency on Apple

    mmarollo. • 1 yr. ago. Safari is always going to be better on any apple hardware. The same goes for pretty much all software. Apple's version, if there is one, is usually the best choice on a Mac. Chrome is a nightmare on macOS. space_iio. •. The main battery hog in my case was video and it was fixed by setting.

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    Yet, when it comes to fast browsing, Safari takes the lead. On a Mac, Safari can load web pages 1.4 times faster than Firefox. Besides, Safari comes enabled with a reading mode that effectively makes web pages lighter. When you switch to this mode, the browser shows you a slimmer version of the page without distracting images, or texts ...

  18. Edge or Safari on M1 MacBook?

    Safari is especially made by Apple for MacOS. All the goodies it has like Private Relay and so on are just in Safari. Apple Passwords is just working with Safari. I'm using Firefox on Mac sometimes but I would never ever use Edge. And regarding Teams: I'm using Teams with my iPhone because the Mac.app is melting the battery like icecream in the ...

  19. Am I crazy or does Edge run better than Safari on the M1 Mac?

    Nor do I use a Macbook. I have an M1 Mac Mini. So I don't know how well Safari actually works on the M1 and haven't commented on that. My main browsers are Brave Browser (a Chromium based browser) and Firefox. I will only run Safari if a customer complains that a specific feature of their website does not work in Safari.

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  21. Brave For Mac Performance Metrics & Benchmarks

    With Safari, it's a similar story as outline in this post from the Mac Rumors forum: Browser benchmarks: Brave vs Safari. Since Sonoma I am active user of Brave web browser. For many years I was a fan of Safari. And here is why things now changed… Environment. MacBook Pro w/ M1 Max CPU, 32 GB RAM. External monitor w/ MacBook closed lid ...

  22. Better experience with Firefox on Macbook than Safari : r/apple

    Scan this QR code to download the app now. Or check it out in the app stores. Call of Duty: Warzone. Atlanta Hawks. Philadelphia 76ers. Add a Comment. reply reply reply reply. I want to use firefox everywhere, but on iOS its just a webkit skin without extensions. I like brave better than the other two.

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    Night and day difference in ram usage with Microsoft Edge vs Safari, Firefox, and Chrome. ... (Non-Scientific test) I have used Safari, Firefox, and Chrome over the last month of owning my 16" M1 Pro with 16GB and 512GB SSD. On each of those browsers with at least 20 internet tabs open and having the following apps open: ... Mac by not letting ...