When something comes to our mind, we open a web browser to do research about that topic. The browser is an outdated-fashioned way of hunting things on the internet. It can serve us well for various purposes. It can help you in finding the right accessory or the best home remedy for common ailments or any other information. Different browsers are compatible with different operating systems and if you are a Mac user then here are the top browsers for macOS.
Every operating system has its own built-in browser. Windows has an Edge browser, and Linux Ubuntu has a Mozilla Firefox browser, Unlike other operating systems Mac also has its own built-in browser called Safari browser. This browser is fast and efficient enough to serve you well with your browsing purposes.
Best Browsers for macOS
However, most people are not satisfied with the inbuilt browser and look for other options. There are many browsers out there in the market that provide a seamless browsing experience to Mac users allowing them to customize it accordingly.
Here is the list of the best browsers for Mac.
1. Safari
On our list, the first browser we have is Safari. Safari browser has been the best native browser on Mac for more than a decade. It can do almost everything that a browser needs to do. It is highly optimized for Apple’s desktop operating system and is fully packed with all of the necessary features that would make it your browser of choice out of the box.
Safari has a sleek and simple user interface and it is well-optimized. It doesn’t take up much RAM and CPU usage, which makes it the least power-hungry browser for Mac. When it comes to security, Apple devices, and Software are more secure than any other. So, there are no chances of getting viruses and malware through the Safari browser.
While all may sound optimistic, there’s one major department that sees Safari lag behind. It is not fully customizable and doesn’t have any support for extensions, unlike Google Chrome and Firefox. And one sad thing about Safari is some websites don’t support it but Apple’s website works fluently. Overall, Safari is the best browser for Mac if you choose to go with the default.
2. Google Chrome
I know we all are familiar with the Google Chrome browser because it is the most popular browser for Windows and Mac. Google Chrome is the first alternative to the default browser for any operating system. It is based on Chromium which is the open-source version of the Google Chrome browser.
It is well-optimized for any operating system. You can get a seamless browsing experience on your Mac, which is fully customizable, unlike the Safari browser. There are thousands of extensions, add-ons, themes, and background wallpapers on the Chrome Web Store. Check our guide on; how to install and manage extensions in Chrome.
If we talk about the features and security, then I have to say that it is fully packed with lots of features such as you can sync your Google account on Mac, translate websites, integrated PDF reader, built-in protection against harmful websites, parental controls, and more. But there are some issues, the browser is power-hungry.
Google Chrome consumes more battery when you’re consuming media on a Mac. However, it adds new features such as Energy Saver and Memory Saver. Moreover, it is less secure compared to Safari browsers. Nevertheless, it remains the best browser for Mac.
3. Opera
Opera has been in this web browsing business for many years. However, the browser has witnessed a lot of changes in the past few years. Opera launched a browser for Mac users as well which has been one of the best till now. Opera is famous because of its fast connection. If your internet speed is not so good then also the web pages load fast.
Like Google Chrome, Opera is also based on Chromium. As it is based on Chromium, you can use the Chrome extension in the Opera browser. Additionally, Opera offers several features such as an inbuilt torrent downloader and built-in instant messenger services like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram.
This is, however, not the highlight of the Opera browser. It is designed to keep privacy in mind. We have a built-in ad blocker that blocks ads on the webpages and blocks some malicious websites and a native Opera VPN, offering unlimited access. With the help of a VPN, we can get access to blocked websites, as well as safeguards against any online threats. The only major problem I notice is Opera crashes under heavy workloads. There are no battery drain issues as Opera has an inbuilt battery saver.
4. Mozilla Firefox
Next, on our list, we have Mozilla Firefox. Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source browser developed by Mozilla Foundation. It is one of the best free browsers for Mac. Firefox uses a new engine built for rapid performance. It loads web pages faster even if the internet connection is slow and uses less memory of the computer. Besides these main features, firefox has the best user interface and can be easily customizable.
A unique feature of this browser is that it keeps your system in optimized condition while working on it. This means even if you load the browser with various websites it will not hinder the performance of your system.
Another reason Firefox is popular among Mac users is the easy availability of extensions, add-ons, and themes. With the help of these, you can fully customize the browser to your liking. Besides these, there are other unique features I’ll appreciate the most would have to be fast loading time, stopping third-party tracking, blocking cookies, and trackers, that would stop websites from collecting your personal data.
5. Brave
The last name on our list is the Brave Browser. You might not have come across this name very often. The Brave browser in the market is designed exclusively for Mac users. Brave browser is 8x faster than normal browsers. Brave also has built-in ads and tracker blockers to restrict ads and unwanted content providing you a seamless experience with the browser. The nice aspect of this is that it doesn’t trigger the ad-blocker alerts that some websites surface.
The browser features ‘private tabs with Tor’ providing a truly private browsing experience to the users. When it comes to customization, the browser only supports a few extensions. Brave is based on Chromium, the open-source engine that also drives Google Chrome. As it is built on Chromium, we can install the Chrome extension and themes from the Chrome web store.
A unique feature of Brave is Brave Rewards. With it, you can support your favorite sites with micropayments. Brave features blockchain-based tokens which can be used to reward content creators and publishers. Here you can learn more about Brave Rewards. Moreover, Brave is the best browser for Mac users. It is a secure, fast, and stable browser that blocks ads and trackers.
6. Vivaldi
When it comes to alternative browsers for Mac, Vivaldi is a standout choice. Just like Google Chrome, Vivaldi is built on the Chromium framework, which ensures seamless compatibility with Mac OS. Vivaldi’s greatest strength lies in its customization options. You can tweak and personalize almost every aspect of the browser to suit your preferences, making it a fantastic choice for those who like to tailor their browsing experience.
The feature set in Vivaldi is impressive. It offers a robust tab management system, allowing you to stack, tile, or group tabs for improved organization. Vivaldi also boasts a powerful note-taking tool, an integrated ad blocker, and advanced mouse gestures for streamlined navigation. Privacy-conscious users will appreciate Vivaldi’s focus on user data protection.
However, it’s worth noting that Vivaldi can be resource-intensive at times, which may affect your Mac’s battery life. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a highly customizable and feature-rich browser for your Mac, Vivaldi is a strong contender.
7. Tor
For users who prioritize privacy and anonymity while browsing, the Tor Browser is the go-to choice. Tor is renowned for its commitment to online security and anonymity. It routes your internet traffic through a network of volunteer-run servers, making it extremely difficult for anyone to trace your online activities back to you.
Tor is available for Mac and provides a secure browsing environment, preventing websites from tracking your location and identity. It’s particularly favored by individuals who need to access the dark web or simply value their privacy. However, it’s important to note that Tor’s focus on security may result in slower browsing speeds compared to mainstream browsers.
In short, if privacy is your top concern and you’re willing to trade a bit of speed for enhanced security, the Tor Browser is an excellent choice for Mac users.
8. Puffin
Puffin Browser offers a unique twist on web browsing for Mac users. Unlike traditional browsers, Puffin leverages cloud computing to accelerate web page loading and rendering, providing faster and smoother browsing experiences.
Puffin’s claim to fame is its speed. By offloading much of the processing to its cloud servers, Puffin can deliver snappy performance even on less powerful Macs. This is especially beneficial when browsing media-rich websites or streaming content. Puffin also includes a virtual trackpad and gamepad, making it ideal for users who want to play browser-based games. It also supports Adobe Flash, a feature many other browsers have phased out.
Some users might be concerned about privacy, as Puffin routes web traffic through its servers. Despite its impressive speed and unique features, it may not be the best choice for those who prioritize privacy above all else.
9. Arc Browser
If you’re in search of an innovative web browsing experience on your Mac, look no further than Arc Browser. This browser, developed by The Browser Company, offers a fresh perspective on how we interact with the internet.
One of the standout features of Arc Browser is its “Collections” feature. Instead of traditional bookmarks, Collections allow you to organize and save web content in a more visual and user-friendly manner. This feature streamlines your research or content curation efforts. Arc Browser also incorporates privacy-conscious features, such as built-in ad-blocking and enhanced tracking protection. It prioritizes your online security and privacy, ensuring you can explore the web without constantly worrying about intrusive ads or data tracking.
Arc Browser is optimized for Mac, ensuring it leverages your device’s capabilities for optimal performance. However, it’s essential to note that Arc Browser is relatively new, so while it offers a unique browsing experience, it may not have the extensive library of extensions and add-ons found in more established browsers.
10. Sidekick
Sidekick is a refreshing entry into the world of Mac browsers, designed to cater to users who seek simplicity and productivity in their browsing experience. It takes a minimalistic approach, making it easy for Mac users to focus on their tasks.
Sidekick’s main selling point is its distraction-free environment. It’s perfect for professionals, students, or anyone looking to maximize their productivity. The browser minimizes clutter, with a clean interface that ensures you can concentrate on your work without distractions. It offers features like tab grouping and smart bookmarking to help you organize your web content efficiently. It also includes a powerful search functionality, making it effortless to find the information you need.
Sidekick may not be the ideal choice for users who require extensive browser customization or a wide range of extensions. It prioritizes simplicity over a wealth of features, so if you’re looking for a straightforward and streamlined browsing experience on your Mac, Sidekick is worth considering.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice of the best browser for Mac in 2024 depends on individual preferences and requirements. While Safari offers seamless integration with the Mac ecosystem, you can also use other browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and more. Mac users should evaluate their priorities and experiment with different browsers to find the one that suits them best.
