As the default browser on Apple computers, Safari offers compelling usage, thanks to its deep integration into the Mac ecosystem, yet it isn’t without its faults and shortcomings. If you are interested in exploring other web browsers, check out these Safari alternatives.
1. Best Overall Safari Alternative: Opera
One of the best known of the “mid-tier” Internet browsers, Opera has been in the browser game since 1996 and Windows 95. With a solid balance of speed and power, a number of built-in features help make Opera a standout choice. By including a free VPN, Opera effortlessly helps shield your browsing habits and blocks cryptocurrency mining.
Similarly, Opera includes built-in ad-blocking to remove ads that can slow down page load times to ensure that Opera remains fast, without having to worry about adding an excessive number of extensions. Opera also shines on the Mac with its built-in Messenger programs. Messaging services like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are all integrated into a sidebar on the left side of the Opera window.
Like Safari, Opera also offers a beautiful mobile app on both Android and iOS that can easily sync bookmarks, open tabs, and more. Using Opera on Mac means adding all of Safari’s best features, plus a whole host of features you never knew you needed. It’s a win-win for any Mac user.
2. Best Open-Source Safari Alternative: Brave
In the world of Internet browsing, Brave remains something of an anomaly. Launched by one of the original Firefox creators, Brave stormed out of the gate promising something no other browser has previously done. Unlike Safari, Brave adds all of today’s browser essentials, like built-in ad-blocking.
Where Brave differentiates itself is that it will pay you to look at ads. This is something Safari users can only dream about. In lieu of ads on web pages, Brave instead shows you random ads and pays you to look at them. You’ll be paid in cryptocurrency, and this unique idea has earned Brave lots of attention.
Brave also has a feature that lets you answer search queries with AI. When you do this, you’ll see a ChatGPT-style breakdown.
3. Best for People Already Using Microsoft Software: Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is built on the same platform as Chrome and works off the same rendering engine, with terrific results. Where Microsoft diverges from Google is that it added strong privacy tools right from the get-go. This approach closely matches the experience Apple provides with Safari, meaning Edge users don’t give up personal security while browsing online.
Outside of its privacy focus, Edge excels with a native look on Mac, so it feels right at home during browsing sessions. Any MacBook Pro users with the Touch Bar will discover native video controls and easy access to tabs. Given that few browsers have prioritized Touch Bar support, Edge’s focus on the user experience helps make it an easy transition out of Safari.
Microsoft Edge also has a “Deep search” feature that’s powered by AI. After the search has been finalized, you can segment based on different categories that may meet your needs. If you have a question, use Microsoft Copilot to answer instead of looking for results.
4. Best for Extensions: Google Chrome
Google Chrome is often seen as one of the main Safari alternatives for Mac users, and for good reason. The browser is easy to navigate and lets you quickly bookmark essential tabs that you access daily. Moreover, you can add shortcuts to your favorite web pages.
Chrome also has several extensions to access frequent apps and simplify your browsing workflows. For example, you can automate boring browser tasks with your Chrome extensions, and even prank your friends with funny extensions.
Google Chrome has a helpful Passwords and Autofill feature that lets you save online login details for easy access. You can also customize your browser with several themes.
5. Best for Built-in Privacy: DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is one of the most renowned browsers for privacy, and it has an impressive suite of built-in features. The browser lets you search for and block trackers, block cookie pop-ups, and import login details from other browsers.
For each website you visit, DuckDuckGo will show you which trackers it has blocked. You can also toggle whether to switch on protections for specific websites.
DuckDuckGo has a “Burn” feature that lets you clear your browsing history after each session. Access the tool via the fire button.
6. Best for the Environmentally Conscious User: Ecosia
Ecosia is an easy-to-use web browser that doesn’t require an app download. It lacks many of the in-depth features that you’ll find in other Safari alternatives, but it’s fine if you just need something that performs basic functions.
One of Ecosia’s biggest draws is that it’ll plant trees when you find the information you need. Ecosia claims that it has planted over 200 million trees, making it a great choice if you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious.
Ecosia also has an AI chat tool that works like an assistant chatbot. After asking a question, you’ll receive an explanation with the chance to explore the web further if needed.
Mac users have plenty of Safari alternatives to choose from, and you’ll almost certainly find something that meets your needs. From privacy-oriented solutions, to search engines with advanced customization, think about your needs and explore each of these options. If you decide to stick with Safari, learn how to check and search your browsing history.
Image credit: DALL-E 3. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.
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