Choosing the right browser can make a big difference in your productivity on Mac. However, some may wonder what the difference is in a browser if all that matters is the search engine! Well, that’s not entirely true. In addition to surfing the web, we use browsers for work, online shopping, and more. Speed, security, user experience, etc. are the main factors that determine which web browser you should purchase.
So, in this article, I’ll go over some of the best web browsers available for Mac right now and help you choose the one that suits your needs.
1. Edge – Editors’ Choice
It may come as a surprise to some, but like Apple, Microsoft has been silently working to improve its Edge browser. When they were ready, they started with a bang. Now, with ChatGPT integration, it’s one of the most feature-rich and stable browsers on the market.
With the new Edge and Bing, Microsoft is poised to take on the browser market dominated by Google Chrome. Key features include sophisticated analysis tools and content creation such as blog posts, emails, or even paragraphs based on your invitation.
There’s even a dedicated section for programmers! In addition, you can enjoy many features, such as the ability to color tab groups like in Safari, and advanced reading mode to avoid ads without using any ad blockers.
Visitors can even force the browser to read content aloud. That’s not all; there is also a built-in PDF editor. This small space won’t be enough to list all Edge’s features, but you get the idea. Unfortunately, this redundant feature can be a boon for the browser as it can be confusing for new users.
pros
- Chromium based
- Integrates ChatGPT features
- Multifunctional
Minuses
- Can be confusing for new users
2. Safari – built-in browser
Typically, Mac users log into Safari and only download their other preferred browser. However, this trend is ending and it’s time to rethink Safari as the default browser.
Why? Because Apple has made notable improvements to the browser since the recent macOS Ventura updates. Safari now has one of the most stylish interfaces of any browser available on the Mac. Significant performance improvements have also been achieved.
Plus, there are other unique features like tab groups, the ability to sync site settings, and more! However, its limited extension support can be a major handicap for many.
pros
- Elegant Design
- High performance
- Comes with many productive features
Minuses
- Limited extension support
This browser is installed by default on your Mac.
3. Firefox – no trackers
Although Firefox’s glory days are gone, it’s still one of the best browsers for Mac. Firefox has always been at the forefront of introducing new features that competitors have adapted over time. One such possibility is the introduction of add-ons into the browser.
Firefox is one of the safest browsers for Mac if you’re tired of the big tech giants and Google trying to track your activities and sell your data. It’s interesting to note that Firefox is run by an open source organization that makes protecting user data a top priority.
Apart from protecting user data, there are not many outstanding features that can make users switch to this browser. Along with this, many users have also complained about Firefox’s high RAM usage.
pros
- Chromium based
- Support for a wide range of add-ons
- Lots of privacy-focused features
Minuses
- High RAM usage
4. Chrome is everyone’s favorite
I don’t think there’s a need to mention Chrome as it is a popular option for many and has the largest market share of Mac and PC browsers. I still remember that first day when I unpacked my Mac. Once set up, I opened Safari and installed the Chrome browser on my Mac without a second thought.
Chrome has influenced us so much over the years that it’s almost unimaginable to even think of a new browser for the Mac. Chrome supports many extensions, password managers, and more. Unfortunately, Chrome is a hacker’s paradise that often leaks user data.
If you care about privacy, Chrome is not the best choice. But if you’re willing to let Google know your browsing history, you can continue to use it or consider downloading it.
pros
- Easy to use
- Synchronization between devices
- Support for a wide range of extensions
Minuses
- Tracks user data
5. Opera is a multifunctional browser
Like Chrome and Microsoft Edge, Opera is built on the famous Chromium platform. As a result, it has similar features and performance, but a different user interface and valuable tools.
One of the most notable features of the 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. It’s also possible to send web pages directly to iPhone using My Flow.
In addition, Opera also provides users with privacy tools such as ad blockers and even a free VPN that make browsing more secure. Finally, since Opera is built on the same platform as Chrome, it is compatible with all extensions and themes compatible with the previous one.
In fact, it also has a feature similar to Safari’s tab groups, with many customization options. However, due to the large number of features, the browser is a little cluttered, which is not to everyone’s liking.
pros
- Embedded Chromium Platform
- Comes with an ad blocker
- Multifunctional
Minuses
- Messy user interface
6. Vivaldi is a beautiful browser
I liked Vivaldi mainly because of how handsome he looks. Vivaldi focuses on two main areas: privacy and personalization. You will get granular control over your web browsing with Vivaldi. Although it uses the Chromium engine at its core, it differs from the rest in its data protection features.
Like Opera, Vivaldi has a sidebar that presents various options such as downloads, bookmarks, history, and innovative features. In addition, Vivaldi also has a built-in note-taking feature that allows you to quickly jot down information and even add screenshots to it without leaving your browser.
There is also support for tab groups and their placement on two levels in the menu bar. In addition, Vivaldi also offers additional options at the bottom of the page, such as screenshots, a slider-based zoom control, disabling images and videos on the page, and even a full list of actions on the page.
After all, Vivaldi also comes with mail, calendar, translator and more. As with some of the other feature rich browsers on our list, over-inclusion of features can confuse users.
pros
- Looks beautiful
- Comes with many customization features
- Based on the Chromium platform
Minuses
- Lots of features can be confusing
7. Brave is for crypto nerds
Brave has gained wider acceptance in the community due to its similarities to Chrome and other chromium-based browsers. It comes with built-in features such as an ad blocker and tracking protection tools. However, creators may not like Brave because it blocks ads and reduces their income.
You also get features like password managers, a bookmark menu, and even a built-in Crypto wallet. Brave is a balanced set of essential features and regular usability. Regardless, users can quickly get most of Brave’s features using good extensions on any other browser.
At the same time, there is nothing special about Brave, except for receiving rewards in cryptocurrency, which also does not have much value. Ironically, some browsers allow users to use Amazon/Walmart gift cards as a reward.
pros
- Chromium based
- Built-in ad blocker
- Rewards users for using the browser
Minuses
- Doesn’t have any outstanding features
8. Tor Browser – Enter the Dark Space
Have you ever dreamed of disappearing and moving to a new place? Unless someone breaks the matrix, I don’t think it will. But something can be done in the virtual world using the Tor browser. While many browsers provide some options to protect 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 protecting your browsing history, Tor also hides your IP address from the websites you visit, making you completely anonymous and preventing websites from tracking you.
In addition to protecting user data, Tor allows users to enter another world, the dark one! Yes, maybe I’m being too dramatic. 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 websites can take a while to load due to background activity. It should block all tracks, while ensuring the anonymity of users.
pros
- Keeps user data private
- Helps access the dark web
- Comes with built-in VPN
Minuses
- Slow loading
9. DuckDuckGo for Mac is the epitome of privacy
Since we’re concerned about privacy, how can we not talk about DuckDuckGo? Apart from the search engine, DDG also has its own browser for Mac! As you might guess, the main purpose of this browser is also to prevent tracking while maintaining the user’s privacy in the virtual world.
It uses the same WebKit engine as Safari, but offers a more user-friendly interface that allows users to quickly find the content they need. Users also get additional features such as password management and bookmarks. And when it comes to features, that’s all you get.
You have to pay the price of sacrificing features in order to gain privacy and security in the virtual world. Or you can just check out any other option in our pick for the best browser for Mac.
pros
- Minimum
- Based on the same WebKit used by Safari.
- Protects user data from trackers
Minuses
- Not many features compared to the competition.
10. Min – Minimal Browser for Mac
While many Mac browsers offer many features, most users end up using very few of them, and some only use them for browsing. The people behind Ming have realized that many of the browsers available today have forgotten their primary purpose: to help users browse the web and increase their productivity.
This is where the Min browser comes into play. The main purpose of this browser is to improve productivity and allow users to work in a distraction-free environment. It has a minimal user interface that helps users stay focused while browsing the web on Mac.
Another great thing about Min is that it’s an open source browser that’s worth checking out. In addition, Min also comes with a built-in task manager that can further help you boost your productivity. Finally, Min also allows you to block third-party ads and even trackers.
That’s not all. There are also features like Reader Mode and Password Managers which are very basic but handy features. The development team also receives constant feedback from the community and updates regularly to add needed features and improve security.
However, it’s not the best browser for Mac compared to the other options on the list.
pros
- Minimal interface
- Comes with essential basic features
- open source
Minuses
- This may not appeal to users who are hungry for performance.
Enjoy browsing on Mac!
In our list of the best browsers for Mac, we’ve included only the best options available based on various factors and user scenarios. However, if you still have any suggestions or questions, please leave them in the comments below.