Apple includes many free apps and features within macOS Sequoia, including Safari 18. In fact, as a user of some of the best Macs you can buy, Safari is typically my browser of choice. However, there are plenty of reasons you might want to swap out Safari for a third-party browser. Perhaps you're looking for an extension or plugin that isn't available on Apple's browser, or frequently use a site that works better on a competing browser. If you are ready to try something new but aren't sure where to start, we've rounded up five of the best Safari replacements for macOS users.
✕ Remove Ads
Related
We found all 164 new features in macOS Sequoia
Yes, we really mean every single one
5 Brave
A browser built for privacy -- and lightweight enough for gaming
Close
One of the reasons I love Safari is that it brings a handful of built-in privacy features, like tracker blocking and weekly privacy reports. If you love Safari's privacy focus, you'll love Brave. It takes privacy to the next level, with inbuilt "Brave protection" that automatically blocks trackers and tells you exactly how many trackers a website is using. On top of that, there's a built-in (albeit paid) VPN you can use right inside the browser. Although Brave is renowned for its privacy focus, it's also an excellent gaming browser due to its lightweight nature and limited memory usage.
✕ Remove Ads
Brave Browser
The Brave browser is made for the more privacy-conscious users, with a built-in VPN and ad blocker. It's also light on resources, making it great for use while gaming and multitasking.
See at Brave
4 Arc
A radical idea of what the future of web browsers should be
Arc, one of the newest browsers on the block, is not for everyone. In fact, I might go as far as to say that Arc isn't for most people. Although the browser is based on the Chromium engine -- and thus shares may things with Chrome, like Chrome extensions -- it does a lot of things differently. Namely, the Arc browser includes a mandatory vertical tab layout and treats bookmarks as pinned tabs. It attempts to deliver a streamlined and refined experience, with a tight and compact user-interface that adds productivity features, such as a split view for sites.
✕ Remove Ads
Related
Arc vs. Google Chrome: Should you switch to the latest web browser?
Arc brings a breath of fresh air to the web browser space. But is it good enough to be your primary browser?
So, if Arc isn't for everyone, why am I recommending it as an alternative to Safari? Well, think about why people choose macOS in the first place. They want simplicity, ease-of-use, productivity features, and in some ways, an operating system that breaks the mold. Arc checks all those boxes, and then some.
Arc Browser
Arc is an innovative browser that tries to think outside the box, with things like vertical tabs and a mission to bring back RSS support.
See at Arc
3 Vivaldi
A heavy, feature-packed browser with tons of customization
Close
✕ Remove Ads
Arc is the flashy new browser on the block with a huge following, but what if I told you that Vivaldi can do many of the things Arc is known for -- plus more? Arguably the biggest criticism of Vivaldi is that it's too heavy of a browser, and the features make it larger and slower. However, if you're someone who likes to customize your browser, Vivaldi is the best option. You can decide exactly where you want your tabs positioned, easily set a browser theme, and block trackers or ads at the browser-level. Additionally, there's a useful sidebar that beats the one found in Edge and other browsers.
Related
5 reasons Vivaldi should be your web browser
You may not have heard of it, but Vivaldi is the best web browser for a few reasons. Here are some of my favorites.
Vivaldi is more than just a browser, which is why a few XDA writers and editors swear by it. There's an email client built-in, for example. The amount of customization Vivaldi offers is certainly its calling card; you can even remove the forward and back buttons if you don't need them.
Vivaldi Browser
Vivaldi is one of the most feature-packed browsers on the market, but when it comes down to its basics, it's still relatively light. It's great for power users, but also suitable for just about anyone.
See at Vivaldi
✕ Remove Ads
2 Google Chrome
A familiar and versatile, albeit flawed, alternative to Safari
Close
Google Chrome is a basic, but reliable, alternative browser to Safari. I'm not the biggest fan of Chrome due to its bloated feel and extreme memory usage, but I also have it downloaded on every single one of my Macs. That's because most websites are designed for Chrome, so if you're having an issue loading a site in Safari or an alternative browser, Google's browser could solve your problems. Additionally, Chrome has a significantly larger pool of available extensions and plugins than Safari.
✕ Remove Ads
Related
Google Chrome vs. Apple Safari: Which browser is better on Mac
Picking an ideal web browser is an essential part of your workflow
It's also fantastic for cross-platform use. If you have a Mac and use other devices, like Windows PCs or the best Android phones, you won't be able to access saved Safari tabs, bookmarks, passwords, and more on those third-party products. On the contrary, Chrome is available on plenty of platforms. By using Google's browser, you can use the built-in Chrome password manager and get the same experience on every computer and mobile device you own.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the most popular browser on the planet, and it's a fantastic alternative to Safari, especially if you want integration with Google services.
Download at Google
1 Firefox
A lighter, open-source alternative to Chrome and Safari
✕ Remove Ads
Firefox is like a blend of Chrome and the other Safari alternatives on this list. It's highly customizable with default settings and Firefox extensions, but it's also reliable and familiar. The entire project is open source, and privacy is a key focus of Firefox. Compared to Chrome specifically, Firefox is a bit lighter and will consume less of your Mac's memory. If you're not ready to take the jump and try Arc, Brave, or Vivaldi, Firefox is an excellent way to get a better browsing experience than Chrome or Safari.
Related
5 great Firefox extensions and tweaks to improve your privacy
Retaining your privacy online can be difficult, but these great extensions make it easier than ever
Another crucial benefit of going with Firefox is that the browser generally supports older hardware longer than Apple or Google. When your Mac gets older, and stops receiving new macOS upgrades, you may not be able to use the latest versions of Chrome or Safari. In fact, Chrome will become unsupported altogether when your Mac ages enough. All the while, Firefox will still be around -- you can count on this browser for the long haul.
✕ Remove Ads
Firefox
Firefox is a free, open-source browser popular for its privacy and ease-of-use.
See at Mozilla
Which Safari alternative is right for you?
Choosing the right browser is a surprisingly personal choice that will really come down to your specific needs. If you're used to Google Chrome and want a familiar alternative, that should be your pick. There are other options, though, like the open-source Firefox. If you're a power user that wants to get into the weeds of customization, Arc or Vivaldi are stellar choices. Finally, for those who want a private, secure, and lightweight browser, Brave won't let you down.