Gone are the days when the world had to rely only on the Word Wide Web to get information and data online. Now, there is a vast collection of easily accessible browsers scattered across the globe.
Not only that, various operating systems bring the game to a whole new level by having their unique built-in browsers. Mac OS, for example, comes with a powerful, ultrafast browser called Safari.
As a Mac user, you are quite familiar with the Safari browser and may have used it for a long time now. However, if you are curious to know what other browsers have to offer or you are outright tired of using Safari, then you are reading the perfect resource.
In this article, we will outline the ten best browsers for Mac apart from Safari and why you should consider any of them if you intend to surf the web on a whole new interface.
Best browsers for Mac
1. Google Chrome
Chrome is a household name among regular browser users across the globe. It is an extremely fast browser, thanks to the dynamic Javascript and the WebKit Open source rendering engine it is built on. With just a click, you can open multiple tabs and web pages.
Not only does Chrome save your passwords when you sign up for a service on a website, but it also synchronizes this information through all your devices. It keeps the up-to-date history of all pages you visit and you can bookmark a web address for easy reference.
You can also bring your Chrome browser to life by customizing it with themes. This browser has thousands of extensions for writers, students, designers, architects, and more in its web store.
Chrome is among the best browsers for Mac you can get if you are looking for speed, flexibility, security, and functionality in just one browser. Despite all its amazing features, Chrome is not the best option if you are running low on RAM space.
Key Features
- Easy to navigate
- Extremely fast
- Massive library of extensions
- Outstanding User Interface
- Multiple users sign-in feature
- Across-device synchronization
2. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is a lightweight browser alternative to turn to especially if your RAM space is low. It has an alluring user interface with many beautiful themes in different colors to spice up the home page.
The outstanding feature of Mozilla Firefox is that it allows you to transfer all your browsing history from another browser on your device. You can merge passwords, extensions, and all your data in a short time.
This browser is also big on privacy and security. It prevents web trackers from sniffing out your information when you are browsing on a private window. It equally has a reading mode that you can switch to if ads are interrupting your online experience.
The browser is swift though not up to the level of Google Chrome. It also has a share option that helps you share discoveries with friends or save them to your device directories for future purposes.
Mozilla Firefox is one of the best browsers for Mac if you are running out of storage and you fancy a colorful browser.
Key features
- Standard privacy features
- Built-in video and voice calling
- Reading mode free from ads
- Lightweight
- Fast and dependable
3. Edge Chromium
This is the modern internet explorer now accessible to Mac users all over the world. It has a similar interface as Google Chrome but is way more secure and upholds users’ privacy. Edge is known to manage memory effectively. So, if you want to run your new browser on an old version of Mac or your memory space is gradually hitting red, then go for Edge.
It has amazing features like the Edge collection where you collect related web pages into a single named folder. It also has a floating bar that gives you a glimpse into the weather forecasts, news, and extra edge features.
Edge has a default ad-blocking property that prevents suspicious ads from reaching you while you are online. The speed of this browser is good enough to complete daily tasks seamlessly. As long as we’re talking about the best browsers for Mac, Edge is definitely one of them.
Key features
- Simple to use
- Supports Chrome web store
- Has Ad-blocking trackers
- Uses less space
4. Opera Browser
This is another browser that is lightweight and comes with several additional functionalities. It has exciting themes and colors to choose from. On the left panel of Opera’s home page are shortcuts to social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. With this function, you can chat and surf the net simultaneously.
The browser is big on security and protecting users’ information. It has a free built-in VPN and Ad-blocker to stop any third party from stealing your data or tracking your online activities. Opera is also one of the best browsers for Mac, especially if you value anonymity and safety while browsing the internet.
Key features
- Aesthetic UI
- Integrated VPN
- Ad-blocker
- Workspace (same as Safari’s Group tabs)
- Social media web apps
5. Brave
Brave is the go-to browser if you want relief from the constant ads that mar your browsing experience. This is because it blocks off all advertisements from popping up on your screen. This browser also gives users the privilege to earn while surfing the internet by viewing ‘Privacy-respecting ads’ for a fee. If this is your kind of thing then you’ll enjoy the browser.
Brave encrypts your traffic and conceals your IP address. Which means you can go in and out of the internet undetected. It even has the Tor browser embedded in it, and it also lets you access some geo-restricted websites and services.
The strength of Brave browser lies in its ability to secure users from trackers and hackers. So, it’s one of the best browsers for Mac.
Key features
- Cleans out malicious ads
- Pays users for viewing certain ads
- Cuts out unrelated search results
- Synchronizes better across Apple devices.
- Encrypts IP addresses
6. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is not the most popular browser out there but it is certainly worth the try. Its interface has a luxurious feel and the browser itself runs on the chromium engine just like Chrome and Edge.
This browser is user-friendly, meaning that you need less mental activation to navigate the functionalities on its interface. At the left panel of the browser is an array of options like bookmarks, history, notes and so much more.
There are more fun characteristics like screenshotting, turning on and off images, as well as additional page actions on the bar across the bottom of the page. You can even change screen orientation.
Vivaldi has a lot to offer and it’s growing in all ramifications yearly with the development team throwing in one or two extra uses every now and then. It can pass as one of the best browsers for Mac.
Key features
- User-friendly
- Blocks ads
- Reader mode
- Supports chrome plugins
- Customizable
7. Puffin
Puffin is really economical with your space. So, if you want a browser that will go easy on you while streaming or gaming, Puffin is the right solution. It is equally security conscious and blocks any malware or tracker from trying to reach you. It doesn’t matter how long you stay online, this browser covers you from being spied on.
Though due to the upgrade on Puffin recently, your location has to be turned on in order to use the browser effectively.
Key features
- Loads web pages faster than Safari
- Takes less RAM space
- Sieves out unwanted ads
- Brings back specific web results
8. Avast Secure Browser
Avast is built with security and privacy at the core of its functions. This is not surprising, seeing that it is owned by a cybersecurity company. It has a download manager that transfers HD videos from YouTube and other streaming sites to your device.
This browser has a proprietary VPN that protects your information, bypasses geo-blocks, and allows you to stream any content around the world uninterrupted. There’s a dark mode attribute on this browser, you can sync your browsing history, bookmarks, and all data across devices. It even has a private browsing option.
Key features
- Top security techniques
- Unblocks restricted websites
- Saves passwords
9. Maxthon
Maxthon is another outstanding browser that brings out the best in your browsing session. It protects you from all the spying eyes on the internet from tracking your location and stealing your data. It has an attractive interface that is reminiscent of the Opera browser.
It blocks suspicious ads from getting to your screen and even features an incognito mode where you can browse privately. Maxthon browser also syncs your browser settings across all devices. If you have installed both on your Mac and your iPhone, you can access your browser history and bookmarks on both devices.
Key features
- Ad blocker
- Easy synchronization
- Incognito mode
- Fast and reliable
- Secure
10. Stainless Browser
The Stainless browser is another alternative to Safari if you want something stylish yet satisfying. It serves its users effectively and keeps everything simple for the best user experience.
This browser is compatible with Mac and is easy to use. You can work on multiple tabs at the same time without any lag or stuttering. Unlike Google Chrome and Firefox, however, Stainless will not take a toll on your RAM as it is lightweight.
Key features
- Easy and fast
- Less stress on the RAM
- Beautiful User Interface
FAQs About the Best Browsers for Mac
Which is the fastest browser for Mac?
As long as browsers are concerned, Google Chrome is the fastest browser for Mac if you don’t want to use Safari. Putting its speed aside, Chrome offers a vast collection of extensions to increase productivity and improve general internet life.
What is the safest browser for Mac?
If you prioritize privacy and security over speed and functionalities, then it is best to opt for the Brave browser. It will give you access to anonymity and safe browsing. Avast browser is also a security-oriented browser that not only protects your data but also keeps your Mac safe from virus attacks.
What is the best browser for an Old Mac?
Are you using an old version of Mac? That is not a problem because browsers like Chrome, Brave, Vivaldi, and Firefox will run smoothly on your device.
Final Note
All the browsers mentioned in this article are great and unique in their own ways. Some are super-fast and others are super secure. Regardless, all are compatible with Mac. So try out the browser you fancy and keep switching till there’s one that meets your needs.
