So, in this article, I’ll talk about some of the best web browsers available for Macs right now and help you choose one that suits your needs.
1. Edge – Editor’s choice
One might be surprised to hear it, but just like Apple, Microsoft had been working silently to improve its browser – Edge. When they were ready, they launched with a bang. Now, with the ChatGPT integration, it is one of the most feature-rich and stable browsers in the market. With the new Edge and Bing, Microsoft is all set to take on the browser market dominated by Google Chrome. The main features include complex analysis tools, and creating content such as blog posts, emails, or even a paragraph based on your prompt. There’s even a dedicated section for programmers out there! Apart from that, you can enjoy many features, such as the ability to color code Tab groups similar to Safari and an advanced reader mode to escape from ads without using any ad-blockers. The visitors can even make the browser read the contents aloud. That’s not all; there is also a built-in PDF editor. This small place won’t be enough to list down all the features of Edge, but you get the point. Unfortunately, this excess feature can become a boon for the browser since it might confuse new users to adopt it. Download
Based on Chromium Integrates ChatGPT features Feature-rich
Might confuse first-time users
2. Safari – Built-in browser
Typically, Mac users login to Safari and only download another preferred browser. However, that trend is ending, and it’s time to reconsider Safari as your default browser. Why? Because Apple has made some noticeable improvements to the browser after the recent macOS Ventura updates. Safari now has one of the sleekest looks among all the browsers available on Mac. There have been significant performance improvements as well. Apart from that, there are other unique features such as Tab Groups, the ability to sync website settings, and much more! However, its limited support for extension might be a huge dealbreaker for many. This browser comes by default installed on your Mac
Sleek design Fast performance Comes with many productive features
Limited support for extensions
3. Firefox – No trackers
While Firefox’s glory days are history, it is still one of the best browsers for Mac. Firefox has always been at the forefront of bringing new features, which competitors adapt eventually. One such feature is the introduction of add-ons to the browser. Firefox is one of the most secure browsers for Mac if you are fed up with major tech giants and Google trying to track your activities and sell your data. It is interesting to note that Firefox is managed by an open-source organization with user data protection as a top priority. Apart from protecting user data, there aren’t many stand-out features that can force users to switch to this browser. Along with that, many users have complained about the high RAM usage of Firefox too. Download
Based on Chromium Support for a wide range of ad-ons A lot of privacy-focused features
High RAM usage
4. Chrome – Everybody’s favorite
I don’t think there’s much need to mention Chrome since it is the go-to option for many and has the largest market share in browsers for Mac and PC. I still remember the first day when I unboxed my Mac. After setting it up, I opened Safari and installed Chrome browser on my Mac without any second thoughts. Chrome has influenced us so much over the years that it is almost unimaginable to even consider a new Mac browser. Chrome supports a wide range of extensions, password managers, and more. Unfortunately, Chrome is a hacker’s paradise and has often been the host of leaked user data. If you are a privacy-conscious person, Chrome is not a good choice. But, if you are ready to let Google know your browsing history, you can continue using or consider downloading it. Download
Easy to use Sync across devices Support for a wide range of extensions
Tracks user data
5. Opera – Feature-rich browser
Like Chrome and Microsoft Edge, Opera browser is built on the famous Chromium platform. As a result, it shares similar features and performance but has a different UI and valuable tools. One of the most prominent features of Opera browser is its sidebar, where you can get shortcuts to various tools and popular apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Instagram. There’s also an option to send webpages directly to their iPhone using My Flow. Additionally, Opera also provides users with privacy tools, such as ad blockers and even a free VPN, that make browsing more secure. Finally, since it is built on the same platform as Chrome, Opera is compatible with all those extensions and themes compatible with the former. In fact, it also has a feature similar to Safari’s Tab groups, with many customization options. However, because of so many features, the browser is a bit cluttered, which everyone might not be a fan of. Download
Built-on Chromium platform Comes with an ad blocker Feature-rich
Cluttered UI
6. Vivaldi – Beautiful-looking browser
I liked Vivaldi mainly because of how beautiful it looks. Vivaldi has two primary areas of focus: privacy and customization. You will get granular levels of control over the browsing experience with Vivaldi. While it uses the Chromium engine at the core, it differs from the rest with data protection features. Like Opera, Vivaldi has a sidebar that provides various options such as downloads, bookmarks, history, and innovative features. Apart from that, Vivaldi also comes with a built-in Notes feature, which allows you to quickly jot down information and even add screenshots to it without leaving the browser. There is also support for tab groups and stacking them on two levels in the menu bar. Additionally, Vivaldi also offers further options at the bottom of the page, such as screenshots, a slider-based zoom adjuster, turning off images and videos on a page, and even a comprehensive list of page actions. Eventually, Vivaldi also comes with a Mail, Calendar, Translate, and much more. Like some other feature-rich browsers in our list, the excessive inclusion of features might confuse the users. Download
Looks beautiful Comes with lots of customization features Based on the Chromium platform
The plethora of features can be confusing
7. Brave – For crypto nerds
Brave has got wider recognition from the community thanks to its similarity to Chrome and other chromium-based browsers. It comes with inbuilt features such as an ad blocker and anti-tracker tools. However, creators might not like Brave because it blocks ads and reduces their revenue. You also get features such as password managers, bookmark menus, and even a built-in Crypto wallet. Brave is that balanced set of necessary features and regular usability. Regardless, users can quickly get most of the features of Brave by using good extensions on any other browser. Download
Based on Chromium Built-in ad blocker Awards users with rewards for using the browser
Doesn’t have any stand-out features
8. Tor browser – Enter the dark space
Ever dreamt of disappearing and relocating to a new place? Unless someone breaks the matrix, I don’t think that will happen. But you can somewhat do it in the virtual world with the help of Tor browser. While many browsers provide some options to secure your data, Tor takes it to the next level with its features. If you’re looking for an extra layer of privacy beyond the standard incognito tab or Brave’s built-in tracker blockers, Tor is your answer. In addition to shielding your browsing history, Tor also conceals your IP address from the websites you visit, making you completely anonymous and preventing websites from tracking you. Besides protecting users’ data, Tor lets users enter another world, the dark one! Yeah, I might be a bit too dramatic there. Basically, it will help you enter the dark web, where you can see the other side of the internet. Unfortunately, the browser consumes a lot of RAM and might also take some time to load websites because of the background activities. It has to block all the tracks while ensuring the anonymity of users. Download
Keeps user’s data private Helps to access the dark web Comes with a built-in VPN
Slow to load
9. DuckDuckGo for Mac – Privacy personified
Since we are concerned about privacy, how can we not talk about DuckDuckGo? Apart from offering a search engine, DDG also has its own browser for Mac! As one might guess, the primary intention of this browser is also to prevent tracking while maintaining user privacy in the virtual world. It uses the same WebKit engine as Safari but offers a more streamlined experience where users can quickly find the content they want. Users also get additional features such as password management and bookmarks. And when it comes to features, that’s all you get. You must pay the price of sacrificing features to get privacy and security in the virtual world. Or you can just check out any other option in our suggestion for the best browser for Mac. Download
Minimal Based on the same WebKit used by Safari Protects users’ data from trackers
Not many features compared to the competition.
10. Min – Minimal browser for Mac
While many browsers for Mac offer tons of features, most users end up using very few of these, and some only use them for browsing. People behind Min realized that many browsers available today had forgotten their main purpose: to help users browse the internet and boost their productivity. That’s where the Min browser comes into the picture. The primary purpose of this browser is to boost productivity and let users work in a distraction-free environment. It has a minimal user interface that helps users to have a distraction-free browsing experience on Mac. Another great feature of Min is that it is an open-source browser worth checking out. Moreover, Min also comes with a built-in Task Manager that can further help you fuel your productivity. Finally, Min also allows you to block third-party ads and even trackers. That’s not all. There are also features such as Reader mode and password managers which are very basic but handy features. The development team also takes constant feedback from the community and updates regularly, adding necessary features and improving security. However, it is not the best performance browser for Mac compared to the other options in the list. Download
Minimal UI Comes with necessary basic features Open source
It might not please performance-hungry users
Enjoy browsing on Mac! In our list of the best browsers for Mac, we have included only the best options available while considering various factors and user scenarios. However, if you still have any suggestions or queries, drop them in the comments below. More interesting reads:
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