edge vs safari privacy

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari: Which One You Should Use?

In the ever-evolving landscape of web browsers, two major contenders stand out: Microsoft Edge and Safari. Both browsers have their strengths, unique features, and dedicated user bases. In this detailed comparison, we will delve into various aspects of Microsoft Edge and Safari, including performance, features, compatibility, security, and user experience.

By exploring these key areas, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis to help you choose the browser that best suits your needs.

1. Introduction to Microsoft Edge and Safari

Microsoft edge:.

Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft, introduced in 2015 as a replacement for Internet Explorer. It is based on the Chromium open-source project, which also powers Google Chrome. Edge is known for its speed, performance optimizations, and integration with Microsoft services such as Bing, OneDrive, and Office 365. It is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms.

Safari is Apple’s proprietary web browser, designed specifically for Apple devices. It was first released in 2003 and has since become the default browser on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. Safari is known for its sleek interface, energy efficiency, and deep integration with Apple ecosystem services like iCloud, Apple Pay, and Siri. It emphasizes privacy and security features, making it a popular choice among Apple users.

2. Performance and Speed

Microsoft Edge, especially the Chromium-based version, is praised for its speed and performance optimizations. It utilizes the same underlying engine as Google Chrome, known for its fast page rendering, efficient memory management, and support for modern web standards. Edge also includes features like hardware acceleration, which leverages your device’s GPU to enhance graphics rendering and overall performance.

Safari is known for its excellent performance on Apple devices, thanks to optimizations tailored for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It uses Apple’s WebKit rendering engine, which is known for its speed and efficiency. Safari’s performance benefits from Apple’s hardware and software integration, delivering smooth browsing experiences, fast page loads, and efficient battery usage, particularly on MacBooks and iOS devices.

Winner: Both Edge and Safari excel in performance, with Edge leveraging Chromium’s speed optimizations and Safari benefitting from Apple’s hardware and software integration. The choice between them may depend on the specific device you’re using and your preferences regarding ecosystem integration.

3. Features and Functionality

Microsoft Edge offers a range of features aimed at enhancing productivity, collaboration, and customization. Some notable features include:

Collections: A tool for organizing and saving web content, including text, images, and links, into curated collections for easy reference.
Immersive Reader: A reading mode that removes distractions and enhances readability by adjusting text spacing, font size, and background color.
Web Capture: Allows users to capture and annotate screenshots of web pages directly within the browser.
Extensions: Edge supports a wide range of extensions from the Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store as well as extensions from the Chrome Web Store, thanks to its Chromium base.
Vertical Tabs: A feature that lets users organize tabs vertically on the side of the browser window for better tab management.

Safari emphasizes simplicity, privacy, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Its key features include:

Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP): Safari’s built-in privacy feature that blocks third-party trackers and helps protect user privacy while browsing.
Reader View: Similar to Edge’s Immersive Reader, Reader View in Safari offers a distraction-free reading experience by removing clutter from web pages.
Tab Groups: Allows users to organize tabs into groups for better tab management and easier navigation.
Apple Pay Integration: Seamless integration with Apple Pay for secure online payments directly from Safari on supported websites.
iCloud Tabs: Syncs open tabs across devices using iCloud, allowing users to continue browsing seamlessly between their Apple devices.

Winner: The choice of features depends on your priorities. Edge offers robust productivity features like Collections and Web Capture, while Safari focuses on privacy, integration with Apple services, and seamless cross-device syncing.

4. Compatibility and Cross-Platform Support

Microsoft Edge is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Its Chromium base ensures compatibility with a wide range of websites and web applications, making it a versatile choice for users across different devices and operating systems.

Safari is primarily designed for Apple devices and is the default browser on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. While Safari is well-optimized for Apple platforms and offers excellent performance and integration, its availability is limited to Apple’s ecosystem.

Winner: In terms of cross-platform support, Microsoft Edge has the edge (pun intended) due to its availability on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Safari, on the other hand, is best suited for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.

5. Security and Privacy

Microsoft Edge places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. It includes features such as:

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Protects against phishing attempts and malicious websites by warning users and blocking potentially harmful content.
Tracking Prevention: Similar to Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention, Edge offers built-in tracking prevention features to enhance user privacy.
Secure Browsing: Edge leverages Microsoft’s security infrastructure to provide a secure browsing experience, including regular security updates and vulnerability patches.

Safari is known for its strong privacy features and is often praised for its approach to user data protection. Key security and privacy features in Safari include:

Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP): As mentioned earlier, Safari’s ITP feature blocks third-party trackers to protect user privacy and prevent data tracking across websites.
Sandboxing: Safari uses sandboxing to isolate web processes, reducing the impact of potential security vulnerabilities and preventing malicious code execution.
Secure Payment Integration: Apple Pay integration in Safari ensures secure and encrypted online payments without sharing sensitive payment information with websites.
Privacy Report: Safari provides a privacy report that shows users which trackers have been blocked and provides insights into website privacy practices.

Winner: Both Edge and Safari prioritize security and privacy, with features like tracking prevention, secure browsing, and encryption. Safari’s strong stance on privacy, especially with its Intelligent Tracking Prevention, gives it an edge in this category.

6. User Experience and Interface

Microsoft Edge offers a modern and customizable user interface. Its interface is similar to Google Chrome, with a clean design, customizable start page, and support for themes. Edge’s vertical tabs feature and integration with Microsoft services contribute to a seamless user experience.

Safari is known for its sleek and minimalist interface, optimized for Apple devices. It features a unified address bar and search field, a customizable start page with favorites and frequently visited sites, and a focus on content visibility. Safari’s interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, particularly on macOS and iOS devices.

Winner: User experience preferences can vary, but both Edge and Safari provide intuitive interfaces with customizable features. Edge may appeal to users who prefer a familiar Chrome-like experience, while Safari excels in providing a seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem.

7. Developer Tools and Web Standards

Microsoft Edge’s developer tools are built on Chromium’s DevTools platform

, offering a robust set of tools for web developers. Edge supports modern web standards, including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, ensuring compatibility with the latest web technologies and frameworks.

Safari’s WebKit engine and developer tools are highly regarded in the web development community. It supports web standards and specifications while also focusing on performance optimizations for Apple devices. Safari’s developer tools provide insights into web performance, debugging capabilities, and compatibility testing.

Winner: Both Edge and Safari offer powerful developer tools and support for modern web standards. The choice may depend on your specific development needs and preferences.

8. Market Share and Adoption

Microsoft Edge has seen significant growth since its transition to the Chromium engine. It has gained popularity among Windows users and is also available on other platforms, contributing to its increasing market share.

Safari’s market share is primarily driven by Apple device users, including MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads. It is the default browser on Apple devices, leading to a substantial user base within the Apple ecosystem.

Winner: Market share and adoption vary based on platforms and regions. Edge’s availability across multiple platforms gives it broader adoption, while Safari maintains a strong presence among Apple device users.

9. Future Developments and Updates

Microsoft continues to invest in Edge’s development, with regular updates, feature enhancements, and performance optimizations. Edge benefits from the ongoing contributions to the Chromium project, ensuring it remains competitive and up to date with the latest web technologies.

Apple provides regular updates to Safari, introducing new features, security enhancements, and performance improvements. Safari updates are typically integrated with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS updates, ensuring seamless compatibility and functionality across Apple devices.

Winner: Both Edge and Safari receive regular updates and improvements, aligning with their respective platforms’ development cycles and user feedback.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Browser

In conclusion, the choice between Microsoft Edge and Safari depends on your specific needs, preferences, and device ecosystem. Here’s a summary of key considerations:

Performance: Edge and Safari both offer excellent performance, with Edge leveraging Chromium’s speed optimizations and Safari benefiting from Apple’s hardware and software integration.
Features: Edge emphasizes productivity features like Collections and Web Capture, while Safari focuses on privacy, integration with Apple services, and seamless cross-device syncing.
Compatibility: Edge is available on multiple platforms, making it versatile, while Safari is optimized for Apple devices and ecosystem integration.
Security and Privacy: Both browsers prioritize security and privacy, with features like tracking prevention, secure browsing, and encryption.
User Experience: Edge provides a modern and customizable interface, while Safari offers a sleek and minimalist design tailored for Apple devices.
Developer Tools: Both Edge and Safari offer powerful developer tools and support for modern web standards.

Ultimately, if you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize seamless integration, privacy, and efficiency on macOS, iOS, or iPadOS devices, Safari may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value cross-platform compatibility, productivity features, and integration with Microsoft services, Microsoft Edge offers a compelling alternative.

Consider your device preferences, workflow requirements, and browsing habits when making your decision. Both Edge and Safari are capable browsers that cater to different user needs and preferences in the ever-evolving digital landscape of web browsing.

Safari May Be Most Popular, But Experts Say MS Edge Most Useful Browser

There’s a lot to love about Microsoft’s offering

Macalester College
Columbia University

Western Kentucky University
Gulf Coast Community College
Mobile Phones
Internet & Security
Computers & Tablets
Tech Leaders
Home Theater & Entertainment
Software & Apps
Social Media
Women in Gaming
Apple’s Safari Browser now has more users than Microsoft Edge.
Experts say that Edge has new AI features worth checking out.
Safari might be a better choice for users worried about security.

Unsplash / Mockup Photos

Apple is narrowly winning the browser battle for the hearts and clicks of users, but experts say that rival Microsoft Edge has features worth trying.

Apple's Safari has retaken the lead over Microsoft Edge to become the world's second most popular desktop browser, according to StatCounter. Safari is used on 11.87 percent of desktop computers, 0.87 percent more than Edge, which comes in at 11 percent.

"Edge is known for its speed and performance, making it a great choice for users who want a fast and reliable browsing experience," Piyush Tripathi , a software engineer for Square , told Lifewire in an email interview. "It also has a clean and modern interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great choice for users who are new to web browsing."

Browser Battles

Apple and Microsoft are locked in a ferocious competition for users. Last year, Edge beat Safari for second place by less than one percent margin, thanks to positive reviews.

"Safari is known for its security and privacy features, making it a good choice for users who are concerned about their online safety," Tripathi said. "It also has a lot of useful features, such as the ability to save and organize bookmarks and a built-in reader mode that makes it easier to read articles online."

Safari also has many tools that make it an excellent choice for users who want to customize their browsing experience, Tripathi added. For example, it has a built-in password manager that makes storing and managing passwords easy, and a solid set of extensions, such as AdBlock, that can enhance the browsing experience.

"It also has tight integration with Apple's ecosystem, which is great for Mac and iPhone users," he added.

Edge’s Edge

While Safari offers solid performance, Edge has new features that make it a great choice for users who want to stay up-to-date with the latest web technologies, Tripathi said. The browser has a built-in PDF reader that makes it easy to view and edit PDF files and a range of tools that work seamlessly with the Windows platform and make it easier to share content with others.

One area where Edge is winning over Safari is in the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). Microsoft recently announced that it's boosting its Edge features that rely on Bing search powered by AI. The browser's Bing feature will change from single-use search sessions to multi-session productivity experiences with chat history and persistent chats within Edge.

"Looking to the future, we can expect to see new browser enhancements, especially related to artificial intelligence, that will make it easier for users to browse the web," Tripathi said. "For example, we may see more advanced security features that make it easier to protect personal information online, as well as new AI-based tools that make it easier to collaborate and share content with others."

Windows / Unsplash

The new Edge update adds several visual search features, including the ability to search using images. It also allows users to generate charts, graphs, and other visual answers as part of a search. Microsoft plans to expand its Image Creation Tool, enabling users to create images through chat prompts, to support more than 100 languages.

As part of the upgrade, Edge gets a sleeker look with rounded corners, organized containers, and semi-transparent visual elements. The browser will also soon support plugins.

For example, if you're researching the latest restaurant for dinner in Bing chat, it will leverage OpenTable to help you find and book a reservation. Or, with Wolfram|Alpha, you can create powerful visualizations and get answers to complex science, math, and human-curated data-based questions directly from Bing chat.

But the most interesting browser might not be available from Apple or Microsoft. Will Ward , the founder of Industry Arabic , pointed to Arc Browser , which he called "an impressive new browser built with Chromium that is entirely focused on customization and creating user-specific workspaces. It's only available on Apple devices for the moment, but the start-up browser company really sets the bar high for customization."

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

The Legacy Internet Explorer Leaves Behind
1Password Introduces Biometric Support For Desktop Users
iCloud+’s New Privacy Features Are Good, but Limiting
Why Google Chrome Copying Safari’s Bottom Search Bar Is Great News
Microsoft Will Finally Shut Down Internet Explorer
Your Computer Hardware May Be Leaking Data About You
Why It Matters That Google Is Developing a Browser Not Based on Webkit
Experts Worry Microsoft Forcing Edge on Us Is Just the Beginning
Brave Browser Falls Short of Its Promises of Privacy
Why You Shouldn’t Use Chrome’s Updated Password Manager
Still Using That Old-Fashioned Browser? Maybe It's Time for Something New
Experts Say White House’s Call for Coders Was Risky
Why You May Want to Try a Cloud Browser
Why Experts Say You Need This New VPN Browser to Protect Your Privacy
Now You Can Block Web Fonts You Probably Didn’t Know Are Tracking You
Google Brings Improved Search Features to Chrome on Android and iOS

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested

Why you can trust ZDNET

33 years of experience 30 hands-on product reviewers 10,000 square feet of lab space

What to Consider

Services and software cover a variety of categories. Make sure the one you purchase has the features you're looking for.

Check any up-front as well as ongoing monthly costs before you make a decision. Some services have one price for a set amount of time that goes up later, while others may automatically renew you at a higher rate.

Read the privacy policy to ensure these companies are adequately protecting your user data.

Web browsers have become flooded with ad-sponsored content, making browsers a key battleground for end-user privacy. While Chrome is the most widely used browser in the world, there are alternative browsers and ways to improve your security available to help you stay anonymous online.

Data is one of today's key ingredients for generating revenue. Online advertising companies can use web browsing histories to fingerprint individual browsers over time, creating shadow user profiles to reveal information including a user's interests, product searches, and more -- which can lead to targeted advertising. When you look for a privacy-focused browser, you will want to investigate how advertising trackers and cookies are managed, whether or not search histories are stored or shared, and whether or not the browser developer has a transparent privacy policy in place.

Also: The best VPN services (and why you need one to protect your privacy)

What is the best secure browser for privacy in 2024?

ZDNET experts have kept a finger on the pulse of the secure browser market for decades and many of us have tried and tested different options throughout the years. Brave is our top pick for the best browser for privacy based on its approach to user privacy, ad tracking prevention, privacy settings, usability, and speed.

Below, you will find other recommendations for secure browsers that can protect your privacy -- not only from cyberattacks but also from businesses that scrape, store, and sell your data.

Best secure browsers for privacy in 2024

Not in the traditional online ad business
Privacy-focused by default
Chromium challenger
Some users report compute resource issues

Best browser for privacy overall

Brave is a Chromium-based browser that blocks ads, fingerprinting, and ad trackers by default.

Brave supports millions of users worldwide. The organization's business model relies on privacy-protecting ads that pay publishers and users when users pay attention to ads. The company is transparent about this revenue stream, and it is optional. Users are rewarded in crypto tokens if they opt into ad viewing.

Brave has several privacy-enhancing settings, including blocking third-party ad trackers, upgrading unsecured HTTPS connections, and blocking cookies and fingerprinting. Disabling invasive ads and trackers, the company says, improves loading times on desktop and mobile.

Also: The best web hosting services for building your dream website

Brave removed Google code from its Chromium to improve user privacy, including some account integration, background sync, and inline extensions. A "Tor mode" is also available, providing anonymized onion network routing.

The browser developer also offers a VPN and firewall service that protects sessions, even outside the browser, and recently introduced a "secure" AI-based search engine.

Many users say the browser exceeds expectations, although others find some functionality, such as VPN connectivity, could use improvement.

Brave also offers a feature called " Off the Record " (OTR) for users who may be victims of intimate partner violence. The browser developer says the feature "aims to help people who need to hide their browsing behavior from others who have access to their computer or phone."

Enhanced tracking prevention
Focus on accessibility
Trusted by millions of users
Strict tracking protection may break websites
May require heavy PC resources

Mozilla Firefox

Most secure browser for tracking protection.

Firefox is a must-have for individual browser privacy across multiple devices.

One of Firefox's most important privacy features is enhanced tracking protection. Mozilla has borrowed Tor techniques to block browser fingerprinting, and Firefox developers are constantly seeking to improve tracking-prevention features.

Firefox is rich with choices to customize the browser for privacy. It blocks social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, tracking in private windows, crypto miners, and fingerprinting scripts. There is a "strict" mode, too, that might break some sites when trackers are hidden in content -- but there are ways to allow enhanced tracking protection for trusted sites. Furthermore, the introduction of Encrypted Client Hello (ECH) has recently improved.

Users enjoy Firefox's privacy focus but note that it can be a resource hog.

Another option for Firefox fans is Firefox Focus , a privacy-focused browser for iOS and Android that blocks trackers and has a built-in ad blocker. Mozilla continues to work on productivity boosters and improvements to speed and performance.

Mozilla also offers a VPN ($4.99/month), with the option to connect up to five devices to over 500 servers in 30 countries.

High levels of anonymity
DuckDuckGo integration
Constant updates and improvements
Learning curve to use
Can be slow

The Tor browser

Best for anonymous browsing.

Another excellent choice for improving your privacy on the web is the Tor browser, a non-profit project focused on anonymizing users online.

Its proprietary web browser disguises a user's IP address and activity by relaying it through a network of servers (nodes) run by volunteers. Bouncing your information around makes tracking exceptionally difficult, which is excellent if you don't want your ISP or anyone else spying on your online activity.

Tor can be crucial for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and people avoiding censorship. The Tor browser is also a popular choice for accessing the deep web: A collection of websites and pages inaccessible through traditional means, like search engines, in what is known as the "clear" web.

Also: How to use Tor browser (and why you should)

The Tor browser's default search engine is DuckDuckGo, which will not log or store your search queries.

While it isn't a mainstream choice, the Tor browser is well-regarded for people who don't want to be tracked across the web. The Tor Project updates it frequently, and the browser is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. Users applaud the network's uncompromising approach to privacy but note slow speeds and occasional problems with Captchas.

Due to the architecture of the Tor network, page loads in the Tor browser can be slower, and some sites might not work well. Nonetheless, the Tor browser is a privacy-preserving browser worthy of consideration.

The Tor browser f eatures : High levels of security and anonymization | Onion routing | DuckDuckGo integration | Access to websites outside of the clear web

Available across different operating systems
Solid commitment to user privacy
Email protection settings
Bland browser design

Best browser for private searches

When it comes to DuckDuckGo, user privacy comes first.

The privacy-focused search engine and browser is a vocal supporter of consumer privacy rights and now handles millions of user search queries daily.

There is a growing appetite for privacy-focused alternatives to tech giants like Facebook and Google. DuckDuckGo's Privacy Essentials extension for Chrome , Firefox , and Microsoft's Edge has also proven popular. Its reputation is built on the idea that it does not collect user data but can provide the same search results as those that do.

DuckDuckGo used to be a search engine rather than a full browser, but then released a mobile-friendly browser app and, now, a desktop version. The organization's browser provides a private search, website protection and blockers, web encryption, and more.

DuckDuckGo is experimenting with AI-assisted technologies to improve the search experience and has recently upgraded its browser . Users appreciate the firm's privacy focus, although some complain of censorship -- a concept DuckDuckGo staunchly denies .

A new offering is Privacy Pro , a paid subscription. Users happy to pay $9.99/month (or $99.99 per year) will have access to a VPN, online personal information removal services, and identity theft restoration.

Two heavyweight privacy developers
Fingerprint, tracker blocks
Tor-based privacy features
New, so less thoroughly tested

Mullvad Browser

Best for use with a vpn.

Not to be confused with the Tor browser, the Mullvad Browser is marketed as the "Tor Browser without the Tor network." The Tor Project team built the browser, which is distributed by Mullvad, a respected Swedish virtual private network provider.

The browser's idea is to emulate the Tor network by creating a similar fingerprint for all users, improving anonymity. Furthermore, the browser comes with a private mode out of the box, tracking and cookies are blocked, and online functions used to extract information from visitors—such as device identifiers—are prevented.

The Mullvad Browser is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, or as a Firefox extension.

You can use the browser as a standalone product or combine it with Mullvad VPN . Users have generally given positive reviews, although you may find yourself signing up for the VPN for the best setup -- and it's not the cheapest on the market.

However, you should remember that Mullvad was subject to a search warrant by the National Operations Department (NOA) of the Swedish Police in 2023. Mullvad staff said that as the customer data did not exist, law enforcement was left with nothing (and no customer information).

Mullvad Browser f eatures : Fingerprint masking approach | Removes online identifiers | Private mode enabled by default | Blocks trackers, cookies

What is the best browser for privacy?

Brave is our top pick for the best browser for privacy based on its approach to user privacy, ad tracking prevention, the wide range of privacy settings on offer, usability, and speed. However, no browser is perfect, so you must decide which option suits you best.

Which is the right browser for privacy for you?

There is no one size fits all, so refer to the table below to better understand which browser suits your use case.

Factors to consider when choosing a secure browser

When you are switching to a more secure browser, there are some important factors to consider:

Online identifiers : You should check if the browser tracks your activities, visits, or search queries. This data can be used to create profiles for targeted advertising and may be used to track you across different websites.
Audits : The best secure browsers will conduct frequent security audits and have consistent patch releases to fix vulnerabilities and bugs that could expose users to risk.
Speed vs. security : Some browsers will route your traffic through a number of servers to vastly reduce the likelihood of you being tracked. However, you will need to decide how slow you're willing the connections and browsing to be.
VPN : If you want to use a VPN, consider whether or not the browser works well with one -- or if the browser offers a built-in solution.
Mobile support : Not every secure browser has a mobile-ready app, and this needs to be kept in mind if you want to stick with just one browser.

How did we choose these browsers for privacy?

While investigating the best browsers for privacy in 2024, we compared each of these browsers and extensions to determine what makes them different and which is best for different use cases.

Balance : The balance between managing user privacy and funding a business can be a tricky one for companies to manage, but as we've shown, many developers are willing to wave the security flag on behalf of users over potential opportunities to generate more revenue.
User experience : We reviewed customer feedback to ensure that the majority of users find the browsers easy to install and use.
Features : We like to see additional privacy-enhancing features, like onion routing. We chose providers who offer more than standard browsing experiences.
Platform support : We selected browsers offering a range of support for different operating systems and platforms, as well as mobile coverage.

How does a privacy browser work?

A privacy browser works by automatically erasing your browsing and search history and cookies. It also may limit web tracking, and some even help hide your location (IP address). Privacy-focused browsers may also promote virtual private network (VPN) usage and may include features designed to bypass censorship blocks and keep users as anonymous as possible, such as access to onion routing and refusing to log site visits or web searches.

Do I need a privacy browser?

If you are concerned about your online privacy, you should install a privacy browser or at least an extension. We have to take responsibility for our own privacy online these days, and you can't rely on companies to do the job for you.

Also: How to delete yourself from internet search results and hide your identity online

We can recommend a few basic steps to take: Download one of the privacy-first browsers listed above that doesn't log your queries and activities, install a VPN, and use messaging apps with end-to-end encryption.

Does using a private browsing window hide my IP address?

Private browsing sessions do not tend to mask your IP address. For example, an incognito window doesn't hide your IP address if you're using Chrome. It simply doesn't store your browser history, the information you've entered into forms, or what permissions you've given to sites you've visited.

Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Opera all use a similar form of "anonymous" web window for browsing, but they aren't truly hiding your online identity.

Also: The best VPN services (and whether it's worth trying free VPNs)

If you want to block your IP address from being viewed or tracked, you can download a VPN , which masks your IP address so your service provider (or anyone else, for that matter) can't see what you're doing.

What is the most common personal web security risk?

Honestly? Putting your personal or contact information on social media. If you have your full name, phone number, address, or place of work anywhere on your social media, someone can use it to wreak havoc on your personal accounts.

To prevent this, avoid using your real name online where possible, turn off location tracking, and don't post about your place of work if you can help it. All it takes is a single piece of personal information for someone with very bad intentions to get ahold of your entire online presence -- and so if you're posting photos of you away from home and on holiday, for example, you're letting people know your home is vulnerable.

Also: The best security keys

Those innocent-looking name generator memes are another big issue; the ones that have you type out your first pet's name and your childhood street name (or something similar) to tell you your fortune or personality type. These are answers to common password recovery questions, so by letting the world know that your pet was called Fluffy, you could be handing over all of your personal accounts to internet criminals.

Is DuckDuckGo actually private?

DuckDuckGo started out as a search engine that did not log your queries or allow advertisers to track you. The search engine is still there, but it is now bolstered by a browser -- a feature that fans have been requesting for years.

Like other secure and private browsers on the market, DuckDuckGo isn't perfect, but the company behind the service has been an advocate for consumer rights and privacy since its inception and offers one of the most private browsing experiences out there.

It's a project swiftly implementing various privacy-focused policies and technologies, and I could see it becoming an extremely popular browser in years to come.

Are there other browsers worth considering?

Online privacy and security are hot topics today. The amount of data quietly collected on each and every one of us is staggering -- and beyond targeted advertisements, you may not realize it.

The browsers we've recommended above can help tighten up your defenses against tracking and online monitoring, but as no browser is a perfect solution, you may also want to consider the alternatives below:

ZDNET Recommends

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Compared: Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS in 2022

Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS, compared.

The truth is, the perfect browser doesn't exist. Each of the four most popular macOS browsers has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, just based on the engine that's used for web rendering, and what the developers of the big-four have prioritized.

While the best browser for the individual varies on use case, and which websites behave the best on any given browser, there are a series of benchmarking tools that can measure performance on synthetic tasks.

Browser benchmarks

We tested each browser on three different testing platforms: JetStream 2, Speedometer, and MotionMark.

JetStream 2 is a JavaScript-benchmark that scores browsers based on how quickly they can start and execute code, which translates to faster JavaScript performance. Since JavaScript is used on most web browsers, it's a good test of snappiness for code-intensive sites.

MotionMark is a graphical browser testing suite that measures the ability to render complex web pages. Think a page that has complicated graphics and animations. A higher score results in smoother transitions and animations.

Speedometer 2.0 determines the responsiveness of a browser when running web applications. Among the three, it's the truest option for testing real-world performance across many popular websites and online services. A good example is adding tasks to a to-do list in a web app.

Chrome came out on top in JetStream 2 testing, while Safari took second place.

Safari was the fastest in MotionMark benchmark testing.

Speedometer testing showed off interesting results, with Firefox and Edge coming in first and second, and Safari in last place.

Different testing platforms result in different scores, so your own mileage may vary. Safari was the best for graphical performance, for example, but its responsiveness lagged behind others. Choose what specific metrics are most important to you.

For Mac users, Safari is an institution. It's the default browser on Apple platforms and is generally lightweight and efficient. As you'd expect for an Apple product, Safari also emphasizing privacy while you browser online.

From the very first boot on a new Mac, Safari is instantly available and configured for easy, private browsing. That makes it the best choice for the most non-technical among us, since you won't need to download and install anything. Safari "just works" out of the box.

It also features the tighest integration across Apple's other devices and systems. You can use Continuity to easy hand-off your browsing between your Mac and any iPhone or iPad you have around. If you need to buy something with Apple Pay , you can authenticate purchases with Face ID or Touch ID.

Safari also features some strong privacy protections, including mechanisms aimed at mitigating cross-site tracking and ad targeting. It features a built-in password manager that allows you to save and store passwords — with easy autofill options — across your Apple devices.

As an Apple-made product, Safari is the most convenient option on this list for Mac users — particularly those who own multiple Apple devices. It's also a good choice for the privacy conscious, though it isn't the fastest and it doesn't yet have a strong extension marketplace.

Default Mac browser with effortless setup
Strong privacy protections
Integration with other Apple products
Not the fastest or most responsive browser in some testing
Lackluster support for add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a massively popular browser, and a particular favorite of those who routinely use extensions to customize their web experience. It's the most-used web browser in the world, and it's faster and more RAM-efficient than it used to be. Chrome is even currently speedier than Safari on macOS.

The browser also has one of the world's most extensive list of add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions. From plugins focused on online privacy or to video content downloaders, there are around 190,000 extensions in total to choose from. You can also choose from a number of different themes and customization options.

Intelligent Google-made features include automatic site translations and deep integration with the company's online tools and services — so it's great for those who rely on Gmail, Google Docs, or another Google service. Syncing between Google apps on different devices is also top-notch.

However, Google is a data company that relies on collecting information about its users. While the company has taken steps to bolster its privacy reputation, it's still a company that makes money on harvesting data. Those who are particularly privacy-conscious will probably want to look elsewhere.

It's hard to go wrong with the world's most popular web browser, particularly with its seamless workflow features and customization options. However, if you are even slightly concerned about online privacy, you may want to go with another option.

Simple to learn, fastest option in some cases
Syncs your Google account across other devices
Extensive list of extensions and add-ons
It's Google — so not that private
Is a RAM and CPU hog

Mozilla Firefox is one of the only popular and mainstream browsers to have started life as an open source project. It's still a free and open source browser with a hefty focus on privacy and security, which could make it a good fit for those who want a Google Chrome alternative.

Because of its open source nature, users are free to explore Firefox's code — and they do. The browser doesn't have any hidden secrets or data-harvesters. It also features some excellent built-in privacy and security protections, including Enhanced Tracking Protection and an extensive list of customizable permissions.

Firefox was also the first browser to actually offer third-party extensions and add-ons. Although it might not have as many extensions as Google Chrome, you'll still find a hefty list of options ranging from privacy add-ons to customizable themes for your browser.

Although Firefox has some cross-platform integration between its app and built-in Pocket support, it isn't as seamless as Chrome or Safari. If speed if your primary concern, it's also important to note that Firefox isn't the fastest browser by most metrics.

Users who want an open source browser or are committed to Mozilla's mission of keeping the internet open and free will find a browser after their own hearts here. For the average user, however, another browser on this list might be a better fit.

Completely free and open source
Extremely customizable with extensions, themes, etc.
The best option for hardcore privacy
Not the fastest or most RAM efficient
Synchronicity isn't as robust

Microsoft Edge is the spiritual successor to Internet Explorer that was first released in 2015. Originally HTML-based, Microsoft overhauled the browser to be based on Chromium, which is the same underlying software used to make Google Chrome.

As such, Microsoft Edge is now much more competitive than it used to be. It's far from a Google Chrome clone, but you should expect a similar level of performance from it. Some users believe that Microsoft Edge even feels snappier than Chrome on a Mac.

Because it's Chromium-based, Microsoft Edge also has a list of extensions similar to Chrome. It also sports a number of unique features, such as a "Collections" ability that lets you save information like text or webpages to a built-in notebook. There's also a vertical tab bar, a built-in read aloud feature, and an easy native screenshot tool.

It's a solid option for anyone that doesn't like Safari and wants an alternative to Google Chrome because of privacy reasons. If you use a Microsoft account like some use a Google account, then Edge might also be a solid option.

Snappy, lower RAM and CPU usage
Unique features like Read Aloud and Collections
Good performance in most metrics
Can be slower than Chrome in terms of pure performance
Syncing isn't as strong as Safari or Chrome

The perfect browser doesn't exist, but you can pick and choose what you need

There's no clear answer for what the "best" browser on macOS is. However, some browsers are better suited to specific tasks than others.

When it comes to smooth JavaScript execution, Chrome is in the top spot with Safari a close second. Safari, according to the MotionMark testing, handles complex web pages better than any other browser.

Firefox, interestingly enough, may be the fastest when it comes to general everyday web apps.

Of course, there's also the issues of extension support, privacy, and synchronization across other devices. Many of the browsers are evenly matched on these metrics, but some excel in specific areas like privacy or cross-platform integration.

But, unlike on iOS, you aren't effectively stuck with one browser core technology. These four browsers, and several more, are available on macOS, and can be run in parallel.

While we don't recommend running all four unless you're a web developer or unit case tester, two or three different browsers can be run at-will, if any given browser doesn't handle your work case well.

Exclusive: every iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Pro camera spec & Capture Button detail revealed

Apple's future iPhone Flip - all the rumors about a possible foldable iPhone

New M4 Mac models being tested ahead of likely October release

How to check if your social security number has been stolen in a giant data theft

iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Pro — What Apple's prototypes say is coming

Featured deals.

Apple's M3 Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro drops to $1,499, the lowest price ever

Grab Apple's M3 MacBook Air with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD at all-time best $1,249 price

Today only: get a 14-inch MacBook Pro with 1TB SSD, 19-core GPU for just $1,699

For 24 hours only, Apple Authorized Reseller B&H is slashing the price of this premium M2 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch to $1,699. Packed with upgrades, including a bump up to a 19-core GPU, this deal reflects a discount of $800 off MSRP.

First-world problems drives Apple's robotics development

Apple's potential push into robotics is due to needing new ways to expand, with the first-world problem solutions potentially introducing a new personality like Siri.

'Ted Lasso' season 4 is showing signs of life

After months of will-they won't-they in interviews and press junkets, it appears that Warner Bros. Has picked up options of some of the main characters of the show, in preparation for a fourth season.

Labor Day deals hit Sonos speakers & headphones, offering up to $280 off

Labor Day sales are starting early, with Sonos speakers and headphones heavily discounted at popular retailers.

Meta cancels its headset rival to Apple Vision Pro

Meta's chief technology officer has all but confirmed reports that the company is abandoning its plan to take on the Apple Vision Pro with a similarly powerful device.

New report confirms iPhone 16 launch is on September 10

Following our original report putting the iPhone 16 and other hardware event on September 10, another source is confirming the date and release schedule.

Recently discovered developer test logs suggest that Apple is preparing to release a new M4 Mac a month after the iPhone 16 event.

The iPhone Fold may get the most attention as an upcoming foldable smartphone, but Apple is said to be working on a second option. This is what could be in store for the iPhone Flip.

Apple-1 owned by Apple's first applications engineer sells for over $300,000

An Apple-1 computer owned by Apple's first applications engineer, Dana Redington, has commanded quite the price on the auction block, along with a panoply of other Apple-related items.

Apple Podcasts no longer king as competitors gain ground

A new study has found that Apple Podcasts faces a significant decline as YouTube and Spotify solidify themselves in the space.

Latest Videos

Hands on: All the changes in iOS 18.1 beta 2 & iOS 18 beta 6

Retro gold rush: which emulators are on the App Store, and what's coming

Latest reviews.

Rode Wireless Pro review: Impressive features, superb audio quality

Backbone One 2nd gen review: sleek upgrades to a classic iPhone controller

Apple Vision Pro review: six month stasis

Download Free

Safari vs Microsoft Edge: A Comprehensive Browser Comparison

It's free and super easy to set up

When it comes to internet browsing, two big names stand out in the market today: Safari, Apple's default browser, and Microsoft Edge, the successor to Internet Explorer. Both these browsers come packed with features and their own unique design approach. In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of these two browsers and help you decide which one is right for you.

Introduction to Safari and Microsoft Edge

Web browsers have become an essential part of our lives, and with the ever-growing number of options available, it can be challenging to choose the right browser for your needs. In this article, we will be discussing two popular web browsers: Safari and Microsoft Edge.

Safari: Apple's Default Browser

Safari was launched by Apple in 2003 and has since become the default browser on all Apple devices. Its design is known for its minimalist approach and visually appealing interface. Safari has a proven record of being fast, efficient and has useful features tailored to the Apple ecosystem.

One of the most notable features of Safari is its integration with Apple's iCloud. This allows users to sync their bookmarks, history, and even open tabs across all their Apple devices. Additionally, Safari has a built-in reader mode that removes ads and distractions from articles, making it easier to read and focus on the content.

Safari also comes with a powerful privacy feature called Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP). This feature blocks third-party trackers from following users across the web, making it harder for advertisers to track user behavior and serve targeted ads. This makes Safari a great browser for users who value their privacy and security.

Microsoft Edge: The Successor to Internet Explorer

Microsoft Edge was introduced as the successor to Internet Explorer in 2015. Edge has evolved to become a more feature-rich and user-friendly web browser. The browser comes packed with various customization options and features that promise to enhance your browsing experience.

One of the most significant improvements in Edge is its speed and performance. Edge uses the same rendering engine as Google Chrome, which means it can handle complex web pages quickly and efficiently. Additionally, Edge has a built-in feature called "Collections," which allows users to save and organize web content for later use.

Edge also comes with a powerful privacy feature called "Tracking Prevention." This feature blocks third-party trackers from following users across the web, similar to Safari's ITP feature. Additionally, Edge has a "SmartScreen" feature that warns users about potentially malicious websites and downloads.

Overall, both Safari and Microsoft Edge are great options for web browsing. While Safari is tailored to the Apple ecosystem and has a minimalist design, Microsoft Edge is more customizable and has a wider range of features. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and individual needs.

User Interface and Design

Safari's minimalist approach.

Safari's interface is simplistic and aesthetic, making it an approachable browser for novice users. The user interface is designed to provide a clean-inspired design that is easy to navigate. Safari's address bar sits right at the top with the search button right beside it.

The tabs on Safari are well-spaced and more prominent in contrast to the content on the website you are browsing. This provides a more natural and uncluttered way of browsing multiple websites at once.

Microsoft Edge's Fluent Design

Microsoft Edge has done an excellent job at keeping up with modern design trends by introducing the Fluent Design system. Edge's design consists of plain white tabs and a single search bar that is located in the center. The result is a dazzlingly clean design that enables users to focus on the website's content.

Their "Collections" feature in Edge allows users to easily organize web pages into sections for future reference. Additionally, the "Vertical Tabs" feature helps you manage your tabs efficiently, providing more space for you to work.

Performance and Speed

Safari's optimization for apple devices.

Safari is designed to take advantage of the hardware in Apple's devices, which results in fast and efficient browsing. Apple's development team has put in extra effort to optimize Safari's performance for Apple devices such as MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and even older models like the Mac Pro.

The browser is engineered with a system that reduces power usage, which is especially beneficial when using Apple laptops. Safari's JavaScript Engine also speeds up page loading times, making browsing faster and smoother for Apple users.

Another feature that makes Safari stand out is its ability to sync with other Apple devices. If you have an iPhone or an iPad, you can easily sync your browsing history, bookmarks, and passwords across all your devices. This feature is not only convenient but also saves time, making it easier for you to pick up where you left off on any device.

Microsoft Edge's Cross-Platform Performance

Microsoft Edge supports all major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Android. They have fine-tuned the browser's performance to run smoothly and efficiently across all these platforms. The company has done an excellent job at reducing the browser's RAM usage, increasing loading speeds, and overall performance.

One of the most impressive features of Microsoft Edge is its ability to customize the new tab page. You can choose from a variety of layouts, including a personalized news feed, your most visited sites, and even inspirational quotes. This feature not only makes browsing more enjoyable but also saves time by providing quick access to your favorite sites.

Microsoft Edge's exclusive feature, "Sleeping Tabs," helps save memory and manages freezing tabs. This feature makes the Edge browser a much more reliable option compared to other browsers available on the market today. Additionally, Microsoft Edge has built-in security features such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which helps protect users from phishing and malware attacks.

Security and Privacy Features

With the rise of cyber attacks and data breaches, it's important to have a browser that prioritizes security and privacy. Both Safari and Microsoft Edge have built-in features that help protect users' online activity and data.

Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention

Apple takes privacy very seriously and has built various privacy features into the Safari browser. On the top of the list is Intelligent Tracking Prevention. Intelligent Tracking identifies and blocks websites from tracking users' activity across the web, making sure that your data is kept confidential.

But how does Intelligent Tracking Prevention work? It uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user's online behavior and identify patterns that indicate tracking. Once identified, Safari blocks the tracking cookies, preventing websites from collecting data on users' browsing history.

Furthermore, Safari has features such as automatic blocking of pop-ups and blocking of third-party cookies, ensuring that users' data is safe from unwanted data collection and bots. By blocking pop-ups, Safari prevents malicious websites from tricking users into downloading harmful software. And by blocking third-party cookies, Safari prevents advertisers from tracking users across different websites.

Safari's privacy features put user's privacy as a top priority, making it a safer option when browsing the web.

Microsoft Edge's SmartScreen and Tracking Prevention

Microsoft Edge also has a strong focus on security and privacy, with unique features such as SmartScreen and Tracking Prevention.

SmartScreen is a feature that offers protection against phishing and malware attacks. It checks the URLs websites send users, and Windows sends Microsoft a report in case there is suspicious activity. This allows Microsoft to quickly identify and block malicious websites, protecting users from potential harm.

Microsoft Edge's Tracking Prevention feature goes a step further in protecting users' privacy by blocking cookies and other trackers. The feature focuses on being able to block the maximum amount of trackers so that users' data is protected. This means that advertisers and other third-party companies are unable to track users' activity across the web, providing a safer and more private browsing experience.

In addition to these features, Microsoft Edge also has built-in security measures such as Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which helps protect against phishing and malware attacks, and Windows Hello, which allows users to log in using biometric authentication such as facial recognition or fingerprints.

Overall, both Safari and Microsoft Edge offer strong security and privacy features that help protect users' online activity and data. Whether you're browsing the web for work or leisure, it's important to use a browser that prioritizes your privacy and security.

Extension Support and Compatibility

Safari's extension gallery.

Safari's extension gallery offers some of the best extensions in the market. The gallery features some curated extensions that are selected to provide a minimalist yet powerful experience. Safari's extension store has extensions for various functions ranging from ad-blockers and password managers to simpler functionalities like screen dimmers.

One of the most popular extensions on Safari's extension gallery is the Grammarly extension. Grammarly is a writing tool that helps you check your grammar and spelling mistakes. It is a great tool for anyone who writes a lot, whether it be for work or personal use.

Another popular extension on Safari's extension gallery is the LastPass extension. LastPass is a password manager that helps you keep track of all your passwords. With LastPass, you only need to remember one master password, and it will take care of the rest. It is a great tool for anyone who has trouble remembering passwords or wants to keep their passwords secure.

Microsoft Edge's Support for Chrome Extensions

Edge's transition to the Chromium engine allowed it to launch with broader support for Chrome extensions. This included the availability of major browser extensions like Grammarly, Adblock, and even Honey - one of the best coupon hunter extensions out there.

With the support for Chrome extensions, Edge has become more compatible with other Chrome-compatible tools, making it a more viable option if you use numerous Chrome extensions. One of the most popular Chrome extensions that now works on Edge is the Google Translate extension. Google Translate is a great tool for anyone who needs to translate web pages or documents on a regular basis.

Another popular Chrome extension that now works on Edge is the Pocket extension. Pocket is a tool that allows you to save articles and videos to read later. It is a great tool for anyone who wants to save time by reading articles or watching videos at a later time.

Overall, both Safari and Edge offer great extension support and compatibility. Whether you prefer Safari's curated extension gallery or Edge's support for Chrome extensions, both browsers have something to offer for everyone.

Cross-Platform Availability and Syncing

Cross-platform availability and syncing have become essential features for modern web browsers. With users accessing the internet from multiple devices, it is crucial to have a seamless experience across all platforms. In this regard, both Safari and Microsoft Edge offer excellent solutions for syncing and integration.

Safari's Ecosystem Integration

Safari, Apple's default web browser, has a significant advantage when it comes to ecosystem integration. As Apple's operating systems, iOS, and macOS are tightly integrated, Safari can offer seamless syncing of browsing history, bookmarks, and preferences across all Apple devices. This means that users can start browsing on their iPhone, continue on their MacBook, and finish on their iPad without any interruptions.

To enable synchronization, users need to enable the feature via their iCloud account and select the "Safari" option on their mobile devices. Once enabled, Safari will automatically sync all browsing data across all devices, making it easier for users to switch between devices without losing their browsing history or bookmarks.

Microsoft Edge's Expanding Reach

Microsoft Edge, on the other hand, has a broader reach when it comes to cross-platform compatibility. The browser is designed to work seamlessly with Windows' various operating systems and can also run on Android and iOS devices. This means that users can access their browsing history, bookmarks, and preferences across different platforms.

Microsoft has extensively tested and improved the service by allowing users to download the Microsoft Edge browser application from the mobile app stores. This means that users can easily download the browser on their mobile devices and start syncing their data across all platforms.

Furthermore, Microsoft Edge's compatibility with different operating systems means that users can enjoy a consistent browsing experience across all devices, regardless of the platform they are using. This is especially useful for users who frequently switch between devices and want to maintain a consistent browsing experience.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, both Safari and Microsoft Edge offer excellent solutions for cross-platform availability and syncing. While Safari's ecosystem integration offers seamless syncing across all Apple devices, Microsoft Edge's expanding reach and compatibility with different operating systems make it an excellent choice for users who frequently switch between devices and platforms.

Developer Tools and Web Standards

Web development has come a long way since the early days of the internet. With the rise of dynamic web applications and the increasing complexity of websites, developers need powerful tools to help them debug and optimize their code. Fortunately, modern web browsers come equipped with developer tools that make it easier than ever to build and maintain high-quality web applications.

Safari's Web Inspector

Safari's Web Inspector is one such tool that offers a simple, intuitive interface that makes web debugging easy and straightforward. With the Web Inspector, web developers can run a website's source code and check its performance. This powerful tool also allows the inspection of JavaScript files for debugging purposes, making it an indispensable tool for web developers who work with complex web applications.

One of the standout features of Safari's Web Inspector is its ability to display a live view of a website's CSS styles and layout. This makes it easy for developers to understand how changes to their code will impact the appearance of their website. The Web Inspector also includes a powerful JavaScript debugger that allows developers to step through their code line by line, set breakpoints, and inspect variables in real-time.

Microsoft Edge's DevTools

Microsoft Edge's DevTools is another powerful browser inspection tool that is widely used by web developers. The interface is similar to the more popular Chrome DevTools, making it an easier option to use. The tool takes advantage of modern-day debugging tools by integrating debugging experiences such as an interactive console, source control, and a network panel.

One of the standout features of Edge's DevTools is its ability to debug web applications across multiple devices and platforms. This makes it easy for developers to test their code on a wide range of devices, ensuring that their web applications work seamlessly across all platforms. The tool also includes a powerful performance profiler that allows developers to identify and optimize performance bottlenecks in their code.

Overall, both Safari's Web Inspector and Microsoft Edge's DevTools are powerful tools that can help web developers build and maintain high-quality web applications. With their intuitive interfaces and powerful debugging features, these tools are essential for any web developer who wants to build websites that are fast, reliable, and user-friendly.

Accessibility and User Experience

Safari's reader mode and voiceover.

Safari's Reader Mode is an excellent feature that creates an ad-free environment on a website, making it easier for users to read through articles without distractions. Additionally, Safari's VoiceOver feature provides voice assistance and speech recognition to users with different abilities.

Microsoft Edge's Read Aloud and Immersive Reader

Microsoft Edge's Read Aloud feature is a text-to-speech feature that is beneficial to users with visual impairments. Additionally, the Immersive Reader feature helps simplify text on websites, making it easier for learners or reading beginners to catch up on articles.

Conclusion: Which Browser is Right for You?

Both Safari and Microsoft Edge have their unique features and design approaches. What makes the difference between the two is the device the user is using. If you are a Mac or Apple device user, Safari would be your browser of choice given its optimization features. If you need broader cross-platform support, and compatibility with third-party tools, then Microsoft Edge is the better option.

In conclusion, regardless of which browser you select, it's still important to ensure that the browser you use guarantees your browsing safety and meets your specific needs. You can now make an informed choice based on the comparison between Safari and Microsoft Edge.

Let's set you up !

Working on the web!

Student Tips

Startup Tools

Browser Glossary

Browser Tips

Safari vs. Edge: Which Browser Is Better for Mac?

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

This New Browser Is a Productivity Miracle

This is how to compare antivirus software before you download, these are the best platforms where i find quality free games to play.

Microsoft Edge has quickly become a serious contender for many people’s coveted “Default Browser” position. This is true even on Macs, because, though Edge was made to be the default Windows 10 browser, it works really well in macOS.

But how does Edge compare to Safari, Apple's own default Mac browser?

We’ve pitted the browsers against each other in some key categories, and we found some surprising results. Read on to not only see which browser is better for Mac overall, but to decide which might be better for your Mac going forward!

It’s very likely you’ll spend a lot of time staring at your internet browser as you use your Mac. Therefore, it’s nice to have a browser that’s nice to look at. Between Edge and Safari, is there a browser that has a more visually appealing design?

We personally think both are sleek, with user interfaces that are pretty easy to jump into and understand.

Safari relies a lot more on icons, but looking at them might be easier than Edge’s slightly more minimal top menus. Safari also offers Dark Mode, if you prefer that look, or want that to activate it at a particular time of day.

Edge looks and acts a lot like Chrome, but with a few more appearance customizations. You can change Edge’s theme to switch up its entire color palette, and every time you open a new tab you can see a beautiful picture along with some news articles.

With new tabs in Safari, you can select a particular picture to be the background image. You won’t see headlines, but you’ll see your favorites, your frequently visited pages, and a Privacy Report.

So each browser is attractive, and customizable in some way. Edge’s themes make its design options a bit more varied, but Safari offers control over new tab customization. So this category might come down to personal preference.

Security and Privacy

When it comes to browsing the internet safely and anonymously, you can do so with both Edge and Safari. Though Safari might just be the better option.

There are several Safari features that boost privacy and security , including Intelligent Tracking Prevention, Privacy Reports, and a robust password manager that lets you know if your passwords have been detected in known data leaks.

Edge also blocks online tracking and will block access to potentially malicious sites via the built-in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen program. You will also soon be able to enjoy a super duper secure mode in Edge for correcting a flaw in JavaScript that can let in malicious code.

But Safari offers more customization with its tracking prevention, and its Privacy Report feature gives you a better idea of who’s after your data than anything Edge offers.

So in the battle for keeping your Mac safe and secure while you’re online, we’d say Safari is the winner here.

Organization

If you’re doing any sort of research online for something you want to buy or for a work task, it’s extremely helpful to have a browser that can keep you organized. Both Safari and Microsoft Edge can do that, but Edge a bit more so.

This is mainly because of Edge’s Collections feature. Rather than simply bookmarking important web pages, Edge lets you save webpages in groups you create, called Collections.

You could make a Collection of gift ideas for someone, and another one for vacation destinations. Then you could switch between them whenever you need to. You could also make a Collection for a research project or for important webpages you use at work a lot.

Collections can be shared with other Edge users, which is great for group work and event planning.

There are also hidden features in Edge , like the ability to pin tabs in a browser window, so you can never accidentally close an important resource, and you can always keep certain pages open when you open the browser. You can also orient its tabs vertically, if that helps you keep track of them more easily.

Safari also lets you pin tabs, and you'll soon be able to group tabs together in Safari with the macOS Monterey update. Tab groups seem to work like Collections, but Edge has one other feature we think puts it just above Safari in this category—Profiles.

When you make a profile in Edge, you can customize the bookmarks, Collections, pinned tabs, and appearance of that particular profile. Meaning you can make a work profile, and keep everything on it work-oriented, as well as home profile for fun and games.

You can of course keep tabs and windows organized in Safari. Edge just offers a few more features for it that we think can really help you out. So in terms of organization, we say Edge is the better Mac browser.

Safari and Edge both come with great features, but you can add even more via browser extensions. Extensions are downloaded and once added can act as ad blockers, grammar editors, tab managers, and so much more depending on what ones you get.

You can get many of the same extensions on Edge and Safari thanks to developers ensuring they can be downloaded on both. Or rather, developers have made sure their extensions are available on the Mac App Store and the Chrome Web Store for this purpose.

Yes, Edge extensions are really Google Chrome extensions. Edge was designed to allow users to use Chrome Web Store extensions with it, as a large library of them already exist. We have a few favorites, like our list of the best Chrome extensions for managing your reading list .

Safari predictably makes use of the Mac App Store for its extensions. The Chrome Web Store has more extensions available than the Mac App Store, so in terms of numbers, Edge is the winner here.

But Chrome extensions make Chrome, and therefore Edge, drain a lot of your CPU. Therefore, this category can go either way for us. If you want lots of extension options, you probably want Edge. If you want your Mac to run quickly and efficiently despite extensions, you should use Safari.

Performance

In addition to everything we’ve listed above, it’s important to consider which browser, Safari or Edge, works best on a Mac. In this regard, we think each browser has different strengths.

Edge is faster than Firefox , and faster than Safari per a HTML5test.com run for both browsers. It also has a built-in task manager that allows you to quit individual pages and processes to further speed up and improve its performance on your Mac.

Safari, meanwhile, can allow for 1.5 hours more streaming and up to 1 hour more browsing than Chrome and Firefox on a single charge, according to Apple . With the ability to stream in 4K and still pretty incredible speeds, it’s a powerful browser on a Mac.

This might be yet another draw category, but there is an important aspect to consider. Ultimately, because Safari and Macs are both made by Apple, Safari will always be optimized for Mac performance. Edge has historically been updated on new PCs first, and other systems second.

You might, therefore, get a better performance out of the Mac-native Safari in the long term. But Edge is still speedier right now, and that might be a major consideration for you.

Safari vs. Edge: Which One Wins on Mac?

Safari and Edge are hardly duplicates of one another, but it turns out they both work remarkably well on Mac. Based on our above categories, Safari might eke out the win here if you like its design or extension options more.

But if you prefer Edge on your Mac, or think it wins above based on your own needs, we’d still highly recommend it as a Mac browser. Regardless of which browser becomes your default, you’ll get a powerful, secure program letting your browse and stream quickly and easily.

Apple Watch
Accessories
Digital Magazine – Subscribe
Digital Magazine – Info
Smart Answers
Back To School
Apple Watch 2024
New AirPods
M4 Mac mini
11th-gen iPad
Best Mac antivirus
Best Mac VPN

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence .

Best web browser for Mac

A web browser is arguably the most important app on your Mac. It’s the one we use all day, every day, whether it’s for keeping up with friends, searching for things online, streaming entertainment, using services for work or doing a bit of shopping. So, choosing the one that best meets your needs is important. Many people just stick with Safari on their Mac, as it’s a fully developed app that’s already there and works very well with your other Apple devices. But, if you’re willing to look beyond Apple’s favored child, there are plenty of interesting alternatives available. With this in mind, we round up the best alternatives to Safari and see what they have to offer.

If you want to increase the privacy and security on your browser then you should also read Best VPN for Mac and How to use a VPN on your Mac .

Included with every Mac
Syncs well with other Apple devices
Good performance and features
Fewer extensions that Chrome-based rivals
Doesn't play well with non-Apple devices

Apple’s Safari browser has been around for a long time, and over the years it’s been improved to the point where it’s now a very solid choice for most people. As you’d expect, it boasts the standard features found on most modern browsers, including bookmarks, tabbed browsing, a password manager, private browsing options, a dark mode, a Reading List that you can return to later (and read offline), plus a Shared with You section on the Home page that lists links you’ve been sent in Messages.

The Reader View is one of Safari’s hidden gems as it turns any webpage into a clean, clear article devoid of ads and other distractions. Coming later in 2024 is a refined Reader mode that will include an AI-powered summary and a table of contents, so you can quickly get the information you require. A new Highlights feature will bring up the most relevant information on a webpage, plus a Viewer will pops out videos on a site so you can control it in it’s own window.

If you want to use Safari for work and personal activities, then you can set up dedicated profiles of each, complete with separate bookmarks, extensions and cookies.

The Quick Note feature, as the name suggests, allows you to instantly grab text or images from a webpage and have them appear (complete with links) in the Notes app.

Tab Groups is a handy feature that allows you to assemble particular tabs together by a category of your choosing, so you don’t have to search for them among your other open tabs. This is useful if you’re planning a holiday, event or researching another interest. Best of all, the Group Tabs sync to Safari on your iPhone, iPad or other Macs. They’re also shareable, so you can send them with friends, colleagues or family who can instantly see all the pages and links–perfect if you’re all collaborating on a project. You can also pin tabs within these groups and give them customized start pages too.

Privacy is an important part of Apple’s offering, with Intelligent Tracking Protection there to stop advertisers from watching what you do. This is accompanied by anti-fingerprinting settings that prevent sites from looking at your hardware and software configuration to work out who you are online, plus security features that block sites that could contain malware.

Later in 2024 Apple will introduce a new Password manager in macOS Sequoia, but Safari already supports PassKeys. These are encrypted logins that seek to eventually do away with passwords altogether. You can check out more details in our how to use PassKeys guide.

There’s also full integration for Apple Pay, making it easy to buy items online, either through the Touch ID sensor on compatible Macs (or the Mac keyboard with Touch ID ) or via Face ID on your iPhone. See our How to use Apple Pay on a Mac for more details.

In its current form, Safari is better than ever, and that’s before you start exploring the available extensions that can increase its capabilities even further. The truth is, the best browser for your Mac is probably already installed.

Huge selection of extensions
Cross-platform
Loads of features
Traditionally a memory-hog
Requires Google account
Can affect battery life

Google’s Chrome remains the world’s most popular desktop browser by quite a margin, although that does encompass Windows users too. This success isn’t hard to fathom, as Chrome is an excellent tool that has an entire ecosystem of plug-ins and extensions, ranging from privacy monitors to ones that fix your grammar.

Multiple tabs are handled very well, although it can lead to RAM being hogged by Chrome if you like to leave a huge amount open at the same time, but this is often true of most browsers. Chrome can be a resource-hungry browser though, which in some cases can reduce the battery life on a Mac. Google has addressed this, allowing users to now set memory and energy use filters that should improve performance. It also updates Chrome regularly, so the browser is constantly being tweaked to make it run as smoothly as possible on macOS.

In use, it’s fast. Pages are rendered quickly and there’s a global setting for the zoom, which can be handy if you find text a bit small on modern sites. Due to its dominence, it’s also the browser that most developers test their sites on, so you can guarantee that any page you visit will work well with Chrome.

As you’d expect, being a part of the same family, Chrome dovetails effortlessly with Google’s online apps – Drive, Docs, Calendar, Photos, Translate, etc – allowing users to launch them from an app tray in the menu bar. Chrome has a huge selection of extensions available in the Chrome Web Store, that add a vast array of features into the browser. The extensions are the things that differentiate Chrome from other browsers, with a bewildering 150,000+ to choose from. You can use password managers like Dashlane , discount coupon checker Honey , Grammarly to improve your writing, and so much more. To see our colleagues at Tech Advisor’s pick of the crop read Best Chrome extensions . As with Safari, there’s also a group tabs feature in Chrome that can keep your window tidy and make it easy to quickly find related webpages among your open tabs. These can be saved, so you can access them later or on another device. Chrome is also cross-platform, so you can use it on Apple, Android or Windows.

Password storage is secure, and you can keep your payment details in Chrome so that it’s easy to make payments online, albeit not through Apple Pay. There’s also the new Family Link feature that lets you set website restrictions for your kids when they’re using the browser.

Google uses high levels of security to ensure you don’t access sites that contain malware and also isolates each tab to prevent cross-infection should you stumble into something nasty.

Of course, this is Google we’re talking about, so you’ll be giving your data directly to the company as you use Chrome, including your online habits, so just be sure you’re ok with that before you begin.

Uses Chrome extensions
Built-in PDF editor
Built-in AI features
Design can be cluttered
Works best with Microsoft account

Microsoft initially launched Edge with its own engine, but after a while decided to adopt the Chromium one that drives Google’s Chrome browser. Since then, the app has grown into a very good option for those who want the Chrome experience, but with its own distinct flavor.

The design on Edge is modern and tidy, albeit a little cluttered at times, with plenty of powerful features built into the main menu. Collections opens up a sidebar where you can drag web pages or add notes. It’s a great way to use Edge to plan for a trip or research a major purchase. Alternatively, you can use the Tab Groups that are similar to the ones on Safari and Chrome. These are displayed on the tab bar along the top, with the ones you’ve assigned to group all color-coded so you can see them instantly. Then, if you want to focus on something else, click the group name, and all the tabs are collapsed into that, ready to reopen when you want to see them again. Vertical tabs also let you instantly switch the open tabs from along the top of the page to a list in a column on the left. It’s a nice little feature that can make it easier to find what you are looking for quickly.

You’ll also find a reader mode that reduces a page down to just the words, plus Edge can read aloud the contents if you prefer that approach. A very useful addition is a built-in PDF editor that can make filling out online forms a doddle, and the Web Select feature allow you to copy and paste contents from a page while retaining all of the formatting.

AI is built right into Edge, with the Copilot feature always a click away. This opens up a dialogue window where you can ask questions and have Copilot generate the answers via AI. It can summarise the contents of the page you’re reading, as well as answer any queries about the information on the screen. It can also compare products you’re viewing (particularly useful in the split screen view) and even create tables to show the differences. Designer will allow you to create AI-generated images directly in the browser, and you can even use the AI in Edge to create bespoke themes for the browser.

The Home page does feel cluttered and busy, but there are various settings you can use to display a different landing page or just reduce the barrage of news stories and other ephemera that greet you each time you open a new tab.

As with most major browsers, Edge has a password manager that can store your details for websites and online accounts, plus it offers a Password Health and Password Monitor feature so you know if your details could be compromised.

If you use Outlook, then you’ll find quick access to mail, calendar appointments and To Do items very handy. Those with a Microsoft 365 account can also launch free versions of MS Office apps from within the browser, much like with Google apps on Chrome. There’s also a grammar and spelling checker borrowed from Microsoft 365 that helps improve your writing when online in Edge. This new Editor works across social media sites or pretty much anywhere you can enter text.

Microsoft also includes various privacy features, all of which can be tweaked in the settings, plus you have access to the thousands of extensions that come with Chrome. If you’ve dismissed Edge in the past as just Internet Explorer with a facelift, we think you should reconsider that opinion.

Arc Browser

Feels genuinely innovative
Easel and Split Screen features
All the Chrome extensions
Initially disorientating
Still Chrome-based

Arc is one of the hottest new browsers on the Mac, gathering quite an enthusiastic fanbase since it first arrived in 2022. Based on the Chromium engine, it has access to all the plug-ins and extensions that you’d find on Chrome–including the password managers and other essentials – but the look and feel of it is quite different.

The main difference is that Arc uses a very clean interface, so there’s no bookmark row at the top of the page and tabs don’t even appear there, which can be a little disconcerting at first. Instead, not unlike Safari, you have a left column that opens and close and is home to all the tools, tabs and other accoutrement. If you want the extensions–such as Add to Pocket–then they are found at the top of the column where you’ll also find the URL of the current page. So, you don’t lose any functionality, but you might get lost the first few times you use it.

There are also four main boxes underneath the URL space, which are quick links to the likes of Notion, Slack, Gmail and Google Calendar, although you can edit these to be anything you want. Then, all the open tabs appear in a list in the main part of the column. These can be pinned to create a kind of bookmarks bar, plus you can quickly arrange them into folders. It sounds weird, but you get used to it very quickly and I have to say it’s a great way to manage browsing.

This is improved more by Spaces. Arc allows you to set up multiple of these, which are like instances of the browser, but tailored to different needs. You can create a Personal one with logins to certain accounts, specific pinned tabs, and different color-schemes. Then you can have one for work with entirely different content. If you’re planning an event or researching something, you can save yourself having 20 open tabs in your normal browsing area by creating a space just for that one activity. It’s a near solution that can be incredibly handy.

That’s not all though, as you can make use of two special features. The first is Split Screen. With this you can simply drag a pinned tab onto the main pane and Arc will automatically create two windows side-by-side. This is perfect if you’re filling in forms, writing up a report, or just want to have the information from one site to hand. Then there’s Easel. Think of this as a whiteboard where you can make notes, create mind maps, and generally let your imagination run wild inside your browser. You can insert image files from your Mac, draw shapes, and enter text, which becomes particularly helpful when combined with Split Screen.

Arc takes a little getting your head around, but if it clicks with you (and it did with me), you might just find it’s your new home online.

Focus on privacy
New Firefox view feature
Loads of themes and plug-ins are available
Not as many features as Safari or Chrome

Another stalwart that’s been through constant evolution over the years is Firefox. There was a time when this was one of the major players in the browser field, but time hasn’t been kind to Mozilla’s creation and Google Chrome has been one in particular that tempted people away. That’s a shame, as today’s Firefox version is slick, smart, and provides a worthy alternative to its higher-profile competitors.

Mozilla takes privacy seriously and has a range of features to keep you safe online. Tracking Protection stops websites from following you around the web and collecting data that can be used to serve ads. There’s also ad and script blocking that speed up webpage loading times. There’s even an extension that sandboxes Facebook so it can’t follow your activities around the web. Whatever the tweaks under the hood, our experience with the app proved it rapid and reliable.

Firefox has always been a browser that lets you personalise things, so be sure to take a look at the various themes and extensions available that can decorate the menu section of the browser or add additional features. The menu bar has a number of functions, providing quick links to things such as emailing links, saving the page to Firefox’s Pocket app to read later, or sending pages directly to your phone. There’s also a Reader mode to simplify the contents of a webpage.

Some features worthy of note include a built-in PDF editor, plus Firefox View which allows you to pick up on your Mac from wherever you may have been on a webpage on another device. A bit like Handoff on Safari. You also get a free password manager, pinned tabs, pop-out windows for videos, syncing across multiple devices and platforms, and built-in language translation.

The extensions might not be as plentiful as they are on Chrome, but there’s lots of useful add-ons that can tailor your Firefox experience to just the way you like it. Mozilla also offers various tools such as Relay (similar to iCloud Private Relay) that creates email alisases you can use for signing up to online services, or giving to people that you don’t want to know your real address. A VPN that can hide your location, plus Monitor watches out for password breaches that may have included any of your accounts and passwords.

It may not be the force it once was, but there’s plenty of life left in Firefox yet.

Aria AI features built-in
Group Tabs and Pinboards
Owned by Chinese company Kunlun

Opera is built on the same foundations as Chrome, giving it a familiar feel in terms of features and performance. That doesn’t mean it’s a clone with a different badge though, as the app comes with some interesting design choices and handy tools that make it a solidly modern browser.

The first is a column on the left side of the screen that contains shortcuts to various options. Three initial icons represent the Workspaces. These are dedicated areas that you can instantly switch between. Each one can house different tabs that are relevant to work, home, a trip you’re planning or any other topic you prefer. More can be added, with plenty of icons to choose from too. It’s a simple way to stop your browser window filling up with too many open tabs on a variety of subjects.

There are also links to various messaging apps, all of which can be logged into and used while browsing the web. There’s also an option to add an X or TikTok account too if that’s your bag, all of which is very useful if you don’t want to keep picking up your phone.

Another icon is for My Flow, a feature that allows users to send webpages directly to their iPhone. At the bottom of the column are three dots that open the options menu. In here you can add or remove lots of other icons that take you to your bookmarks, a news section that collates the latest stories from your favorite outlets, a speed dial for commonly used sites, and plenty of other goodies.

A new addition to the list is AI services. You can either use Aria, the built-in one from Opera, or ChaptGPt and ChatSonic if you have accounts. Aria does require that you set up a free Opera account to use it, but that’s the same for most of the features. With Aria you can ask questions, upload pictures and have it tell you about the contents, summarise webpages, create images and all the other fun that AI has to offer. It’s similar to Copilot in Microsoft Edge, but the interface in Opera does feel cleaner.

Opera also has some privacy tools that make life easier when browsing, including a built-in ad blocker and a free VPN. The latter is great for keeping yourself safe when using public WiFi, even if the choice of server locations is limited.

Extensions are available in aplenty, thanks to the Chrome heritage, as are themes to personalize the aesthetic. There’s also Pinboards, which is essentially a built-on version of Pinterest that lets you collect images from around the web and build them into mood boards.

If you’re looking for a browser that not only protects your privacy online, but also reduces the need for other apps on your system, Opera has much to offer. One caveat is that Opera is now owned by Chinese company Kunlun. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you’re worried about your data and online behaviors being held on Chinese servers then we thought it best to mention the fact.

Great privacy features
Ad-free browsing
New built-in AI features
It can be a bit obsessed with Crypto currencies
VPN is subscription based

Brave is a relative newcomer when compared to all of those listed above, making its debut as recently as 2016. Since then it’s gone from strength to strength, powered by its focus on removing all ads from the pages you visit. From a creator’s point of view, this can be problematic, as most sites (including this one) rely on advertising in order to pay the writers and technicians who produce the content you’re reading. But for consumers, the freedom from intrusive ads can make the web a place where you can breathe once more.

Brave takes things one step further by giving users the option to view ‘privacy-respecting ads’ that will pay them for the honor. This is all done via the Brave Rewards scheme, which is an innovative idea and has the added bonus of allowing users to essentially pay tips to sites they enjoy.

All that aside, Brave is a slimline app that speeds its way around the web. You’ll find plenty of settings to hone its performance to your whims, plus there’s the normal collection of password managers, bookmark menus, and accompanying mobile apps that can sync your profile. You can also avail yourself of a built-in Crypto wallet, plus there’s a Brave VPN, although that will cost you $9.99 per month or $99 for a year.

Brave offers its own Independent Search function that won’t track your inquiries, there’s a private video-conferencing feature, the Playlists capability with which you can compile videos and tracks from the web and have the playlist automatically available to enjoy on your iPhone, plus a customizable news feed that again won’t track your reading activities online. Have you gotten the idea yet? Brave is all about privacy, but not at the expense of functionality. You’ll also get the benefits of the Chromium engine on which it’s built, including Chrome extensions, a password manager, the ability to group or pin tabs, and plenty more.

As with a few others on this list, Brave now has integrated AI features in the form of its agent Leo. This lets you ask it to summarise a page you’re on, translate or analyze text (including from PDFs, Google Docs or Google Sheets), as well as tell you jokes, write poems or whatever else you can come up with. You don’t get the artwork or theme generation like in Edge or Opera, but Leo is a welcome addition to Brave.

As it’s built on the Chromium engine, you’ll find all the normal Chrome features, but without some of the ads and tracking behavior. Whether you support the idea of a total ad-blocking browser or not, there’s little argument that Brave gets the job done in style.

Fast performance
Swiss army knife approach to app integration
New features added regularly
Almost too many features

There’s a good chance you haven’t have heard of Vivaldi, or at least the browser rather than the 17th century Venetian composer. It’s a name you should familiarise yourself with though, as the company was started by Jón von Tetzchner, who co-founded Opera back in 1994.

At its heart, Vivaldi uses the Chromium engine. This gives it the advantage that you can use Chrome’s plugins. Where it differs is in its attitude to your data. Once you set up a password on your Mac you can sync your devices knowing that everything in protected by end-to-end encryption that not even Vivaldi can see. Abusive ads that track you are blocked by default and there are various other settings to minimize any intrusions to your privacy.

Like Opera, Vivaldi has a sidebar containing various options such as downloads, bookmarks, history, plus a few innovative options. One is Notes, which allows you to quickly jot down information without having to leave the browser and you can even include screenshots. This is great if you’re researching something or just want to remember a quote. You can also create tab groups and stack them on two levels in the menu bar. That’s not all though! Vivaldi lets you set whether the tab bar appears in the traditional vertical position at the top of the page or move it to the the flanks or along the bottom. You can also open multiple tabs at once in a split-screen view, so you can work on them at the same time.

Sessions is the equivalent of grouped tabs in Chrome or Safari, where you can keep related open tabs if you’re working on a specific topic or planning something that requires multiple webpages. These can be quickly created by selecting the tabs that are open, then with one click they can be sent to a Session.

Web panels is another clever feature, in that it enables users to setup mini versions of webpages that can be accessed by clicking on its panel name. This is best suited to messaging services but also for X and mobile optimized sites like Spotify, as they will fit into the single-column view.

You’ll also find further options in the bar across the bottom of the page, including the ability to capture a screenshot, adjust the zoom level via a slider, turning off images and videos on a page, as well as a comprehensive list of page actions you can instantly enable or disable by clicking a tickbox. Personalization is another big feature, with plenty of themes available or you can even create your own icons from images or GIFs.

Vivaldi is now offering integrated Mail and Calendar apps that can help you stay organized without ever needing to leave the browser, plus the Vivaldi Translate feature means you can look up words and phrases not in your native tongue, but without Google getting to see what you’re translating.

Keeping the open source spirit alive is the recent integration of Mastodon, the federated alternative to the hate-filled X bonfire of Elon Musk’s vanity.

There’s so much to explore in Vivaldi and it keeps growing at a steady pace. It might be one of the newer browsers around, but we think it could well be the way they all go in the future.

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews.

It’s Time to Switch to a Privacy Browser

Image may contain Electronics Text and Label

Google's admission that, yes, it does track you while you're in Chrome's Incognito mode , is just the latest in a long line of unsettling revelations about just how keenly Big Tech keeps an eye on our movements every time we connect to the internet. Billions of data records will now be deleted as part of a settlement to a class action lawsuit brought against Google.

As we've written before , Incognito mode and the equivalent modes offered by other browsers aren't as secure as you might think, particularly if you start signing into accounts like Google or Facebook. Your activities and searches as a logged-in user on large platforms can still be recorded, primarily to create advertising that's more accurately targeted toward your demographic.

Google, for its part, says it’s transparent about what data it’s storing and why—and in recent years it has made it easier for users to see and delete the information held about them. To really lock down your privacy and security, though, it’s best to switch to a browser not made by a company that earns billions of dollars selling ads.

And there are alternatives: Below we recommend several browsers built with user privacy and security as a priority. Even better, in many cases they can import data such as bookmarks and passwords from your current browser—Google Chrome, for example.

DuckDuckGo ( Android , iOS , Windows , macOS )

The DuckDuckGo browser blocks trackers at their source.

You might know DuckDuckGo as the anti-Google search engine, but the parent company has branched out to make its own browsers too. They keep you well protected online and at the same time give you plenty of information about the tracking technologies being proactively blocked.

DuckDuckGo starts by enforcing encrypted HTTPS connections when websites offer them, and gives each page you visit a grade based on how aggressively it's trying to mine your data. It'll even scan and rank site privacy policies for you.

When it comes to browsing data, this can be cleared automatically at the end of each session or after a certain period of time. Pop-ups and ads are snuffed out, and of course the DuckDuckGo search engine is built in, free of the Google trappings.

Preorders Are Live for Microsoft’s New Xbox Series X and S, but Should You Buy?

You also get extras like throwaway email aliases you can use in place of your real email address to protect your privacy, and everything about the browser and its features is simple to use: You don't really need to do anything except install them, so you're getting maximum protection with minimal effort.

Ghostery ( Android , iOS , Windows , macOS )

Ghostery comes with a range of tools to protect your privacy.

Install Ghostery on your mobile device or your computer, and straight away it gets to work blocking adverts and tracking cookies that will attempt to keep tabs on what you're up to on the web. There are no complicated setup screens or configurations to manage.

Like DuckDuckGo, Ghostery tells you exactly which trackers and ads it's blocking and how many monitoring tools each website has installed. If you do come across certain sites that are well behaved, you can mark them as trusted with a tap.

Or, if you find a site that's packed full of tracking systems, you can block every single bit of cookie technology on it (for commenting systems, media players, and so on), even if the site ends up breaking. A simple, private search engine is built in to replace Google too.

Ghostery's tools are a little more in-depth and advanced than the ones offered by DuckDuckGo, so you might consider it if you want to take extra control over which trackers are blocked on which sites—but it's simple enough for anyone to use.

Tor Browser ( Android , Windows , macOS )

Tor connects you to the Tor network, to keep your online activities more private.

Tor Browser markets itself as a browsing option "without tracking, surveillance, or censorship." It is worth a look if you want the ultimate in anonymized, tracker-free browsing—unless you're on iOS, where it isn't available (Tor recommends the Onion Browser instead).

The browser is part of a bigger project to keep internet browsing anonymous: Use Tor and you use the Tor Project network, a complex, encrypted relay system managed by the Tor community, making it much harder for anyone else to follow your activities online.

As well as this additional layer of anonymity, Tor Browser is super-strict on the background scripts and tracking tech that sites can run. It also blocks fingerprinting, a method where advertisers attempt to recognize the unique characteristics of your device.

At the end of each browsing session, everything gets wiped, including cookies left behind by sites and the browsing history inside the Tor Browser app itself. In other words, private browsing that leaves no trace is the default—and indeed the only option.

Brave ( Android , iOS , Windows , macOS )

Brave gives you a clean, speedy browsing experience.

Brave comes with all the tracking protection features you would expect: Ads are completely blocked, there are tight restrictions on the data that sites can gather through cookies and tracking scripts, and you're always kept informed about what's happening.

The browser comes with an optional built-in VPN, though it costs extra ($10 a month). You can also, if you want, use Brave to access the Tor network we mentioned with the Tor browser and take advantage of its anonymizing relay service that hides your location and browsing data.

There's no doubt about the effectiveness of Brave's tracker-blocking technologies, and getting around the web in Brave is quick and snappy. It's a comprehensive package and one that strikes a well-judged balance between simplicity and power for the majority of users.

Brave has regularly pioneered features related to innovative web technologies, including cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and (most recently) artificial intelligence; there's actually a new AI assistant built into it. In other words, it's not exclusively focused on security and privacy.

Firefox ( Android , iOS , Windows , macOS )

Firefox is part of a suite of privacy products from Mozilla.

Firefox has long been at the forefront of online privacy—blocking tracking cookies across sites by default, for example—and it continues to be one of the best options for making sure you're giving away as little data as possible as you make your way across the web.

Firefox also gives you a ton of information on each website you visit regarding the trackers and cookies that pages have attempted to leave, and which ones Firefox has blocked. Permissions for access to your location and microphone can be easily managed as well.

Aside from looking after the interests of its users, Firefox also scores highly for user customization. You can change the look and behavior of the browser in a variety of ways, and there are useful integrations like the built-in Pocket utility that saves web stories on your device so you can read them later.

Firefox developer Mozilla offers plenty of extras, including a free data-breach monitor that tells you when your usernames and passwords may have been exposed somewhere online, a free email alias system to keep your actual email address protected, and a VPN that costs $10 per month. It all adds up to a comprehensive package for keeping you safe online.

Safari (iOS, macOS)

Safari has been blocking tracking cookies for some time.

Apple continues to add privacy tech to Safari with each release on iOS and macOS—like requiring user authentication (such as a Face ID scan) when returning to a browsing session—though it's obviously not a browsing option if you're on Android or Windows.

Safari has long been blocking third-party tracking cookies that try to connect the dots on your web activity across multiple sites. It also blocks device fingerprinting techniques that try to identify your devices, and it reports back on the trackers it has disabled.

The browser can now also warn you when you try to use a password that's too weak on a new website or service, and it will make a suggestion of a stronger password if needed. Recent browser updates added support for logging in with passkeys too.

Safari operates against the backdrop of Apple's commitment to collect as little information about you as possible and to keep most of that information locked away locally on your device rather than on Apple's servers.

Update: April 6, 2024, 8:30 am: This guide was updated to include new guidance for DuckDuckGo and Ghostery, as well as to bring some descriptions of browser providers' data collection policies up to date.

Filter by topic

Biz & IT
Gaming & Culture

Front page layout

CLASH OF THE BROWSERS —

Study ranks the privacy of major browsers. here are the findings, upstart brave browser gets the highest ratings. chrome, firefox and safari fall between..

Dan Goodin - Mar 17, 2020 8:08 pm UTC

Microsoft Edge received the lowest privacy rating in a recently published study that compared the user information collected by major browsers. Yandex, the less-popular browser developed by the Russian Web search provider Yandex, shared that dubious distinction. Brave, the upstart browser that makes privacy a priority, ranked the highest.

The rankings were revealed in a research paper published by Trinity College Dublin computer scientist Doug Leith. He analyzed and rated the privacy provided by Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Brave, Edge, and Yandex. Specifically, the study examined the browsers’ sending of data—including unique identifiers and details related to typed URLs—that could be used to track users over time. The findings put the browsers into three categories with Brave getting the highest ranking, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari receiving a medium ranking, and Edge and Yandex lagging behind the rest.

In the paper, Leith wrote:

From a privacy perspective Microsoft Edge and Yandex are qualitatively different from the other browsers studied. Both send persistent identifiers that can be used to link requests (and associated IP address/location) to backend servers. Edge also sends the hardware UUID of the device to Microsoft and Yandex similarly transmits a hashed hardware identifier to back end servers. As far as we can tell this behaviour cannot be disabled by users. In addition to the search autocomplete functionality that shares details of web pages visited, both transmit web page information to servers that appear unrelated to search autocomplete.

Strong, enduring identifiers

Both Edge and Yandex send identifiers that are tied to device hardware, the study found. These unique strings, which can also link various apps running on the same device, remain the same even after fresh installs of the browsers. Edge sends the universally unique identifier of a device to a Microsoft server located at self.events.data.microsoft.com. This identifier can’t easily be changed or deleted. The researcher said that the Edge autocomplete, which sends details of typed sites to a backend server, can’t be disabled. As Ars reader karinto pointed out in a comment , however, instructions for disabling the feature are here .

Yandex, meanwhile, collected a cryptographic hash of the hardware MAC address and details of visited websites through the autocomplete function, although the latter could be disabled. Because Edge and Yandex collect identifiers that are linked to the hardware running the browsers, the data persists across fresh browser installs and can also be used to link various apps running on the same device. These identifiers can then be used to track IP addresses over time.

“Transmission of device identifiers to backend servers is obviously the most worrisome since it is a strong, enduring identifier of a user device that can be regenerated at will, including by other apps (so allowing linking of data across apps from the same manufacturer) and cannot be easily changed or reset by users,” the paper warned.

A Microsoft representative provided a response on condition she not be named and the response not be quoted. She gave no reason for this requirement. She said that Edge asks for permission to collect diagnostic data that’s used to improve products. She said this collection can be turned off. While the data “may” contain information about visited websites, it isn’t stored with users’ Microsoft accounts.

Browser syncing

When users are signed into Edge, they can sync their browser history to make it available on other devices. Users can view and delete this history on the privacy dashboard located at privacy.microsoft.com. Microsoft’s Defender SmartScreen—a Windows 10 feature that protects against phishing and malware websites and the downloading of potentially malicious files—works by inspecting URLs that users intend to visit. This default functionality can be disabled through the Edge Privacy and Services settings.

The unique identifier allows Edge users to use a single click to delete associated diagnostic data stored on Microsoft servers.

At the other end of the privacy spectrum was Brave. The study found the default Brave settings provided the most privacy, with no collection of identifiers allowing the tracking of IP addresses over time and no sharing of the details of webpages visited with backend servers.

Chrome, Firefox, and Safari fell into a middle category. The autocomplete feature in all three browsers transmitted details of visited sites in real time as the URLs are being typed. These default settings, however, can be disabled. Other potentially privacy-harming behaviors included:

Chrome: sends a persistent identifier along with website addresses, allowing the two to be linked
Firefox: includes identifiers in telemetry transmissions that can link these things over time (telemetry is on by default but can be disabled). Firefox also opens a persistent websocket for push notifications. The websocket, the researcher said, is linked to a unique identifier and can potentially be used for tracking that’s not easily disabled.
Safari: Defaults to a start page that can leak information to “multiple third parties” who can preload pages containing identifiers to the browser cache. What’s more, associated iCloud processes made connections containing identifiers.

Apple officials declined to comment on the report, but did point out that Safari by default provides blocking of third-party cookies and a complementary feature known as Intelligent Tracking Prevention, both of which limit the information third-party websites can obtain about users.

In a statement, Mozilla officials wrote:

Browsing history is only sent to Mozilla if a user turns on our Sync service, whose purpose is to share data across a user’s devices. Unlike other browsers, Sync data is end-to-end encrypted, so Mozilla cannot access it. Firefox does collect some technical data about how users interact with our product, but that does not include the user's browsing history. This data is transmitted along with a unique randomly generated identifier. IP addresses are retained for a short period for security and fraud detection and then deleted. They are stripped from telemetry data and are not used to correlate user activity across browsing sessions. As the study itself points out, “transmission of user data to backend servers is not intrinsically a privacy intrusion.” By limiting collection and retention of data and safeguarding the data users do share with us through encryption and anonymization, Firefox works to protect people’s privacy and provide a secure browsing experience. Clear and publicly available practices and processes reinforce our commitment to putting users’ needs first.

Representatives of Googledidn’t immediately provide responses to the findings. This post will be updated if responses come later. The research analyzed behavior of Chrome version 80.0.3987.87, Firefox 73.0, Brave 1.3.115, Safari 13.0.3, Edge 80.0.361.48, and Yandex 20.2.0.1145.

As Apple's background comment suggests, the study takes a narrow view of browser security, because it didn't take into account features that block third-party tracking. Still, the paper makes a good case why people using Edge, users of Chrome, Firefox, and Safari may want to disable the website autocomplete feature, which I’ve never found to be all that useful anyway. Microsoft’s response above provides ways to curb some of the other data transmissions as well. While the browser comes with enhanced security measures that are resistant to exploits, users who prioritize privacy should consider disabling default behaviors or using a different browser.

Story updated to add comment from Apple and Mozilla.

reader comments

Channel ars technica.

Microsoft Edge vs Safari: What’s Best on iOS

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer specializing in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Google web apps. Besides Guiding Tech, you can read his work at iPhone Hacks, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, MakeUseOf, and Switching to Mac.

Safari is an outstanding web browser on iOS. It’s tailor-made for the iPhone and iPad , supports ad-blocking, and integrates well into the Apple ecosystem. And needless to say, that alone makes Safari pretty formidable in the eyes of its competitors. So, what has Microsoft Edge got up its sleeve to even think of going neck-to-neck with this beast of a browser?

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison Featured

Apple imposes its WebKit rendering engine on all third-party browsers. So it’s practically impossible to gain an advantage in terms of performance over Safari. Thus to excel, Microsoft Edge really has to offer quite a lot to stand a chance against Safari. So how does it fare? Well, you are going to find out.

Download Microsoft Edge

User Interface and Navigation

Both web browsers feature crisp user interfaces albeit with slightly different aesthetics. It all depends on what you prefer — Safari’s slightly rounded curves to Edge’s hard edges (no pun intended).

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 1

Navigation controls are conveniently located at the bottom of the screen on both browsers, with finely positioned tab switchers to allow ready access to shifting in-between tabs.

When it comes to accessing your bookmarks, reading list, and history, Safari provides the option to get there with a simple tap to the book-shaped icon located right next to the tab switcher. Oddly enough, Edge places it at the upper-right corner of the screen, which may pose problems when surfing single-handed. That’s a bit weird since Microsoft could always place it a bit lower.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 2

This is where things get interesting — Edge also has a dedicated browser menu. And rather than having to rely on the tab switcher solely like on Safari, it presents a super-easy way to open both new and InPrivate tabs. Also, the ability to bookmark sites, add pages to the reading list, and access the Settings panel require little effort compared to Apple’s browser.

Ad blocking

iOS provides native support for ad blocking on Safari, which is a far cry from what Google does with Chrome on Android. However, you need to download a third-party content blocker separately — while there are many on the App Store, the entire procedure can be rather confusing.

Further, Apple has much restricted ad blockers for third-party browsers on the App Store. That means you’ve got to rely on various workarounds to stop ads on browsers such as Chrome for iOS. But not with Edge.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 3

Microsoft has been smart enough to circumvent Apple’s restrictions by integrating ad blocking functionality directly onto the browser itself. And it’s none other than Adblock Plus, which is one of the top ad blockers in town.

No more having to mess around with third-parties since all it takes is a brief visit to the Edge Settings screen to start blocking ads. The browser also lets you whitelist your favorite sites, which is a neat feature to have around.

Vying for the dark mode to come to Safari? Inverting the color scheme on iOS is an option, though it doesn’t work as expected and results in horrible artifacts most of the time. Not to mention that you have to endure system-wide color-inversion to boot.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 12

With Edge, however, expect a full-fledged dark theme that you can readily switch to whenever you want. From the looks of it, Microsoft has really gone the distance by applying the theme evenly across all nooks and crannies of the browser. Well done!

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 6

Managing Browsing Data

Accidentally browsed something personal on a regular tab? Or are you facing specific issues with a site due to an outdated web cache? On Safari, you need to wade through various menus within the Settings app. Its poor implementation distracts you from your browsing experience.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 7

But with Edge, you have everything built directly into the browser itself. A brief visit to the Settings panel through the Edge menu should let you easily get rid of your browsing data in a jiffy.

Handoff vs. Continue on PC

Safari is pretty great if you own a Mac for you can easily continue your browsing activity on the big screen with Handoff. But that feature doesn’t work outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 8

If you use a PC, then Edge offers the upper hand. It includes a built-in Continue on PC feature that allows seamless continuation on PC. And to make things even better, you can do that with a simple tap to the Continue on PC icon featured directly within the user interface itself.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 13

That’s not to say you can’t continue your browsing on PC via Safari — download the Continue on PC app from the App Store, and you can you do that from pretty much any web browser. However, Edge requires no such additions, which is a definite boon.

Supported Platforms and Devices

While you can easily sync your browsing history and personal data with other Apple devices, Edge takes the forefront due to the large number of platforms that it supports.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 11

Safari only works on macOS and iOS. Compared to that, Edge supports Windows 10, iOS, and Android. If you want that extra convenience of signing in and continue browsing from pretty much anywhere, then Edge provides the most chances of making that happen. After all, you can find a Windows 10 or Android device pretty much anywhere, right?

Now only if Edge also supported macOS. That would’ve made the decision much easier.

Available Search Engines

By default, Safari provides three search engines for use — Google, Bing, and Yahoo, with the first being the standard default. Compare that with Edge, which seemingly provides only Bing at first glance — however, you can also find Google listed under Others on the Set Search Engine screen.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 10

Both browsers don’t feature any built-in means to add fresh search engines manually. Safari is the default browser on iOS which means chances of integrating privacy-oriented engines such as DuckDuckGo are more likely.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 15

In short, Safari supports more search engines and uses Google to generate superior search results straight off the bat.

Loading Sites in Desktop Mode

Hate restrictive mobile websites? Both browsers feature the ability to load a desktop version of a site. But what if you always want that to be the case?

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 9

While Safari offers no way, Microsoft Edge lets you configure the default user agent to make that happen easily. If you use an iPad or iPad Pro, this functionality should come in mighty useful on the larger mobile screen.

QR-Code Scanning

QR codes are everywhere. Scan one, and you get to visit the websites coded into those codes. Safari requires you to use the Camera app for the actual scanning. With Edge, you can do that directly inside the browser itself.

Microsoft Edge Vs Safari Ios Comparison 14

See that QR Code icon on the New Tab search bar? Just tap it, and you gain access to a built-in QR scanner. Quite nice of Microsoft to have this small, yet useful feature, just a tap away.

So, Who Wins?

Well, it depends. If you are already deep into the Apple ecosystem, then you obviously would find Safari more convenient. Syncing stuff between devices are vital for a seamless experience, and sticking around supported devices make sense.

However, Microsoft has really hit out at multiple Safari weak-points — a dedicated dark mode, the ability to manage browsing data directly, and a better user interface navigation-wise is no laughing matter. Already using Edge on a PC or Android? Then consider giving it a go — you may end up falling in love.

Next up: Also wondering how Microsoft Edge holds its feet next to the behemoth Chrome on Android? Click on the link below to read all about that.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 03 February, 2022

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

DID YOU KNOW

Dilum Senevirathne

How to Import Questions Into Google Forms Easily

6 Ways to Fix YouTube Lagging on Chrome, Firefox, and Other Browsers

Join the newsletter.

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

Best Mac Apps
Unknown Caller

The best web browsers for 2024

All web browsers have the same basic function, and yet, the choice between them has always been one of the most contentious in tech history. You have more options these days than ever before, whether you’re looking for the best web browser for privacy , the best for speed, or perhaps something a bit more adventurous.

To help you decide on the best web browser, we grabbed the latest browsers and put them through their paces. Even if some could use a complete overhaul, these options are your best chance for a great online experience.

The best web browser: Google Chrome

Chrome is ubiquitous — and for good reason. With a robust feature set, full Google Account integration, a thriving extension ecosystem (available through the Chrome Web Store), and a reliable suite of mobile apps, it’s easy to see why Chrome is the most popular and the best web browser.

Chrome boasts some of the most extensive mobile integration available. Served up on every major platform, keeping data in sync is easy, making browsing between multiple devices a breeze. Sign in to your Google account on one device, and all Chrome bookmarks, saved data, and preferences come right along. Even active extensions stay synchronized across devices.

Chrome’s Password Manager can automatically generate and recommend strong passwords when a user creates a new account on a webpage. Managing saved passwords and adding notes to passwords is even easier. The search bar, or Omnibox, provides “rich results” comprised of useful answers, and it now supports generative AI capabilities. Favorites are more accessible as well, and they’re manageable on the New Tab page. And it’s now easier to mute tabs to avoid unwanted sounds.

Other updates have included a Dark Mode for Windows and macOS , better New Tab customization and tab group creation, tab hover cards, and an in-browser warning if your password was discovered in a data breach. There’s a price tracking feature that can help locate the best deals. Android users will appreciate the Phone Hub for linking and monitoring their phones. There’s also the ability to quiet notifications, so websites don’t bombard you with requests to enable in-browser notifications.

What’s the bottom line? The Google Chrome browser is fast, free, and even better looking than before. With a thriving extension ecosystem, it’s as fully featured or as pared-down as you want it to be. Everything is right where it belongs, privacy and security controls are laid out in plain English, and the browser just gets out of your way. While it can be a little RAM-hungry at times , Google is working to make it more efficient — like Microsoft’s Edge, Google can now hibernate tabs in the background to stop them from using too many resources.

Overall, Chrome remains the best web browser download for the average user.

And, things are looking to get even better. Google announced some significant upgrades to the browser that haven’t gone live yet, to celebrate Chrome’s 15th birthday . A Material You design language will allow users to customize Chrome’s look and feel and attach themes to profiles to make it easy to tell them apart. The menu system will be revamped to provide easier access to a variety of settings and features including Extensions, Password Manager, Translate, and others. The Chrome Web Store will be redesigned using Material You to be easier to use, and AI will help identify useful extensions. And finally, Safe Browsing will now work in real time to protect against threats.

The best Chrome alternative: Microsoft Edge

In response to the market’s rejection of its original home-grown Edge browser, Microsoft rewrote Edge using the open-source Chromium web browser engine. The new Edge launched on February 5, 2020 , as a separate, stand-alone browser that replaced the integrated version. It became part of Windows 10 with the May 2020 update, although you can still download it for Windows 10 builds prior to version 2004. Of course, it’s the default web browser for Windows 11.

At first glance, the new Edge browser looks and feels like Google Chrome. It prompts you to import Chrome’s bookmarks toolbar and other settings. This is great if you hated the old Edge browser and want to give Microsoft’s new browser another shot. It also supports Chrome extensions , though the browser leads you to the Microsoft Store for add-ons. You must manually load the Chrome Web Store to install anything not listed in Microsoft’s repository.

However, it’s not Chrome with a Windows 11 theme. Microsoft reportedly disabled many features, including Google’s Safe Browsing API, ad blocking, speech input, Google-centric services, and more. In return, the company worked to optimize Edge and reduce its footprint while continuing to add new, Microsoft-oriented features. As of January 2023, Edge is the most efficient browser in terms of memory usage. It also allows sleeping tabs, to let tabs release their resources when they haven’t been used for some time.

Features launched since its release have included the new Edge Sidebar that provides easy access to various tools, more flexibility in managing how Edge starts up, Citations to make it easier for students to cite sources, and various other updates to make the browser more productive. Edge Workspaces lets users organize tasks into dedicated windows, and Microsoft has continuously tweaked various features, like the Edge Sidebar, to make them more user-friendly.

Microsoft Edge also provides simpler privacy settings and security updates. Microsoft Edge uses a graphically friendly interface that displays three security levels: Basic, Balanced, and Strict. With Balanced set as the default, many sites request you to disable your pop-up blocker even though one isn’t manually installed. All in all, we’re very optimistic that Edge is on its way to challenging Chrome as the best web browser.

The best Chromium alternative: Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is the best browser that’s not based on the Chromium browser engine. Mozilla has taken real strides to make its browser a truly modern way to surf from site to site, thanks to efforts like its upgrade to Firefox Quantum , its VR alternative Firefox Reality , and password-free browsing .

It wasn’t too long ago that Mozilla rebuilt the browser’s interface, offering a cleaner, more modern take on what a web browser should be. The changes weren’t just skin-deep, however. There’s some impressive engineering going on behind the scenes.

For example, Firefox Quantum is designed to leverage multicore processors in ways that its competitors just aren’t doing. It was not designed to make a huge difference in your day-to-day browsing, but Mozilla hopes this design will give Firefox Quantum an edge moving forward. By engineering for the future now, Firefox Quantum is in a better position to take advantage of quicker processors as they emerge.

Some Firefox strengths include privacy protections with SmartBlock anti-tracker support, improved password syncing across devices, enhanced readability, integrated breach alerts, and a Protections Dashboard that provides a summary of how Firefox protects your privacy behind the scenes. WebRender improves the graphics performance on Windows PCs with Intel and AMD CPUs.

Recent updates include easier download management, captions, and subtitle support on YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix videos watched in picture-in-picture mode, HDR support in macOS, and the ability to edit PDFs with text, drawings, and signatures. Firefox can also recognize text from an image, which is copied to the clipboard when selected. Finally, Firefox Colorways provides new options for optimizing how Firefox looks on-screen.

Beneath those changes, Firefox remains a comfortable, familiar standby. It’s a capable browser with a deep catalog of extensions and user interface customization. While managing settings across platforms isn’t as seamless as Google Chrome , the mobile browser app lets you share bookmarks between devices when using a free Firefox account.

There’s a bit of a fringe benefit, too. Since it’s been around longer than Chrome, some older web apps — the likes of which you might encounter at your university or workplace — work better on Firefox than they do on Chrome. For that reason, it never hurts to keep it around.

Overall, Firefox is more privacy-centric than Chrome and comparably fast, but its feature set isn’t quite as expansive elsewhere. If you like the sound of this, download the Firefox browser today.

The most innovative web browser: Opera

Another venerable browser and popular alternative, the Opera browser shares much of Chrome’s DNA and deserves its place as one of the best web browsers. Like both Edge and Chrome, Opera is built on Google’s open-source Chromium engine and, as a result, they all have a very similar user experience. Both feature a hybrid URL/search bar, and both are relatively light and fast.

The differences appear when you look at Opera’s built-in features. Where Chrome relies on an extension ecosystem to provide functionality users might want, Opera has a few more features baked right into the browser itself. It introduced a predictive website preload ability, and an Instant Search feature isolates search results in their separate window while the current page fades into the background, letting users more easily focus on the research task at hand.

You can install extensions from the Opera Add-ons store , which are just like Chrome extensions. Similar to Google’s browser, you’ll find useful tools like Giphy, Amazon Assistant, Avast Online Security, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and more. If Chrome’s wide variety of extensions is important to you, then Opera becomes an intriguing alternative. It might just be one of the best browsers for quickly navigating web pages.

Opera also features a built-in “Stash” for saving pages to read later. There’s no need to sign up for a Pocket or Evernote account to save a page for later reading. Similarly, Opera features a speed-dial menu that puts all your most frequently visited pages in one place. Google Chrome also does this, but only on a blank new tab. Finally, Opera has a built-in unlimited VPN service, making it a more secure browser option.

The biggest changes came with Opera 60 and Reborn 3, a complete revamp that brought a new borderless design, Web 3 support, and a Crypto Wallet, allowing users to prepare for blockchain-based sites. With version 69, Opera became the first browser with a built-in Twitter tool, and the company has added others as well including Instagram and TikTok. Just click the icon on the toolbar, log in to your account, and tweet away right from within the slide-out menu.

Other recent advancements include Lucid Mode, which sharpens video playing on a variety of platforms, supports emojis instead of web links, and other enhancements. The Opera Sidebar adds new functionality much like Edge’s Sidebar, allowing quick access to various Opera features. And Opera Aria adds new generative AI capabilities built right into the browser.

You can see that we’re well into hair-splitting territory, which is why it’s important to remember that your choice of browser is, more than any other service or app you use each day, entirely dependent on your personal preferences — what feels most right for you. The Opera web browser has a unique look and feel, and it combines some of the best features of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Alternative browsers

While the preceding browsers will meet most users’ needs, other alternatives exist for anyone looking for something different. This section is for those who have a more niche preference in web browsers or want to try something new.

Apple Safari

If you use Apple devices exclusively, Safari is already your default browser. It’s also significantly faster than in the past, surpassing Chrome in its quickness. It’s integrated into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and you’ll likely get better battery life thanks to Apple’s in-house optimizations and the underlying hardware.

Safari also focuses a great deal on privacy and security. If you want to minimize how you’re tracked and whether Big Brother is looking over your shoulder, then Safari is a good choice. If you also use an iPhone and/or an iPad, then using Safari on your Mac will make for the most seamless transition between platforms. Open websites on an iPad or iPhone are carried over to macOS.

Safari is not offered outside the Apple ecosystem.

Vivaldi Browser

The Vivaldi browser is truly unique. No two Vivaldi users will have the same setup. When you run it for the first time, you’re guided through a setup process that lays out your browser in a way that makes sense for you. You choose where your tabs and address bar go and whether you want browser tabs displayed at the top of the page or in a separate side panel. This is a browser built from the ground up to deliver a unique user experience, and for the most part, it succeeds. Vivaldi 2.0 enhanced the customization features and made them easier to access.

This browser excels at customization, and you can choose from a variety of tasteful themes that don’t feel dated or out of place on a modern PC, in addition to the aforementioned UI choices. It also has some standout privacy-enhancing features, like its team-up with DuckDuckGo to make the non-tracking search tool the default option when in privacy mode.

Finally, recent updates added more powerful tab management, enhancements like Web Panels that make for smarter browsing, and (as mentioned) even more powerful customization options. Other new updates include a built-in ad blocker, a built-in tracker blocker, a clock in the Status Bar, a new Notes Manager, and a Break Mode for pausing the internet while keeping the browser open.

Brave Browser

One of the most unusual browsers around is Brave — or, perhaps, it’s Brave’s business model that’s the strangest. Brave blocks all ads on all web pages by default, which makes it arguably the fastest browser around. Ads are a huge portion of how many websites make money — block these ads, and suddenly the most important web financial tool is eliminated.

That’s where the Brave Rewards program comes in. Users receive Basic Attention Tokens (BATs) when they view alternative ads that Brave places in the browsing stream. Users can pass along a portion of their tokens to publishers. As of January 2021, there were over 70,000 websites that supported BAT-based transactions through the Brave browser, including Wikipedia, The Guardian, WikiHow, MacRumors, and more.

What’s in it for users? Simply put, if you’re not waiting for ads to download along with website content, then your web experience will feel much faster. Brave performs no user tracking, making it ideal for private browsing as well.

Tor Browser

The Tor Browser is a version of Firefox that serves one very specific purpose: A simple entry point for The Onion Router, or Tor .

Tor is software combined with an open network aimed at making you invisible by routing your traffic through several anonymous servers. While it’s not foolproof, it’s very difficult for someone to identify you when you’re properly configured and using something like the Tor Browser to surf the web — especially if combined with a VPN .

There are many legitimate uses of the Tor Browser and the Tor network. It’s a good choice for people who live in countries with repressive governments, as well as journalists and activists. The dark web is also one of the destinations for people using Tor, which includes many nefarious and illegal sites.

In any event, if you want to remain completely anonymous while surfing the web, the Tor Browser and network are for you. If you want a more mainstream alternative, Opera includes a VPN component, but it’s far less private.

Avast Secure Browser

Avast Secure Browser first arrived as the Opera-based Avast Safezone Browser in 2016 as part of the Avast Antivirus paid bundle. It was revised and rebranded in 2018 as a free stand-alone product based on Chromium. Originally the “SafeZone” aspect kicked in when users visited websites to make purchases or manage money.

Avast Secure Browser provides several built-in tools to protect your data and privacy. These include an anti-phishing module, fingerprinting and online tracking prevention, an ad blocker, and a Webcam Guard tool to control which websites can access your camera. The Hack Check tool will determine if your info was leaked in a data breach.

Avast Secure Browser is a stand-alone download for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The desktop version doesn’t include an integrated VPN but instead directs users to download the company’s separate SecureLine VPN software. The listed Bank Mode — part of the Avast Free Antivirus client — flips on when users load a banking website.

Best web browser features — what to look for

Benchmark tests.

Notice we don’t include Safari in our main comparison. Apple’s Safari web browser is unavailable on Windows, Android, or Chrome OS, so we removed it from our primary list.

Most browsers are compatible with web standards and handle performance with relative ease. A casual user probably won’t notice a difference in the rendering speed between today’s modern browsers, as all six are much faster and leaner than those of a few years ago.

We ran the following benchmarks on a desktop with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive, and Windows 11. All browsers were clean installs of the most current production versions as of January 2023, and all were run at their default settings.

First, JetStream 2 is a JavaScript and WebAssembly benchmark. It tests how quickly a web browser can start and execute code, and how smoothly it runs. Higher numbers are better.

Notice how all three Chromium-based browsers outperform Firefox. In fact, there’s very little difference between them, while Firefox’s performance is quite poor by comparison.

The next test we ran was Speedometer 2.0 . It measures how responsive a browser is to web applications by repeatedly adding a large number of items to a to-do list. Higher numbers are better.

Here, Opera led the pack, with Chrome and Edge running nearly neck to neck. Firefox came in last here with a relatively low score.

Finally, we tested how much RAM each browser uses, both with no tabs open and then with 10 tabs open accessing the same popular sites. We made sure that each browser had no extensions running, and we let each browser settle in before looking at its memory use. For the test with 10 tabs open, we averaged memory use when all the tabs were opened and then five minutes later to account for any variability.

It’s not a scientific test, but it should be sound enough to give you an idea of which browsers are the most and least efficient in terms of taking up your RAM. We found Opera to use the least amount of RAM when first opened, barely ahead of Edge, while Chrome used the most. Edge used the least with all 10 tabs loaded by a significant margin, a third or less than the other browsers. Chrome used the most with all 10 tabs open, and Firefox and Opera weren’t far behind.

Security and privacy

The most valuable tool for secure and private browsing is user discretion, especially when you consider that every web browser has encountered security breaches in the past. In particular, Internet Explorer and Chrome’s reputations for protecting users’ security and privacy credentials are spotty at best.

Chrome, Safari, Vivaldi, Opera, and Firefox all rely on Google’s Safe Browsing API to detect potentially dangerous sites. Thanks to constant updates, Mozilla, Chrome, and Opera all make constant security improvements. Microsoft disabled this API in Edge.

All browsers offer a private session option, too. Private sessions prevent the storage of browsing history, temporary internet files, and cookies. Browser support for Do Not Track remains spotty.

Mozilla made some strides in differentiating itself from others with a real focus on privacy in recent years. It even debuted a Facebook Container in 2018 to make it harder for the social network to harvest user information.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to use a VPN when browsing the web?

You do not have to use a VPN when browsing the internet. However, a VPN can be a good tool to use as it protects your privacy and data by creating a secure and encrypted data tunnel between your browser and a VPN server. In turn, that server creates a secure and encrypted connection between it and the target website.

As a result, the website can’t identify you personally, nor can it see your true geological location or internet address. Not even your ISP knows where you’re surfing or the device you use with a VPN enabled. Some VPN services are free while others require a subscription. We have a list of the current best VPN services .

Which browser is most used in the world?

Google Chrome leads the web browser market with a 64.68% share, according to Statcounter . Apple Safari follows with 18.29%, Edge at 4.23%, Mozilla Firefox at 3.01%%, and Opera at 2.25%. Internet Explorer is still in use with 0.81%, while Microsoft Edge “Legacy” is fading out at 0.32%.

What are the best ad blockers to use for your browser?

We have a guide on the best ad blockers for Google Chrome , but here’s a short list:

AdBlock and AdBlock Plus
AdGuard (Chrome only)
CyberSec by NordVPN
Poper Blocker (Chrome only)
Stands Fair AdBlocker (Chrome only)
uBlock Origin (Chrome and Firefox only)

What is browser fingerprinting and how can you prevent it?

Websites want to know everything about you: Your tastes, your habits, and where you like to surf. When you load a website, it quietly runs scripts in the background that collect information about you and your device. The operating system, the web browser, all installed extensions, your time zone — all of this information is strung together to create a “fingerprint,” which in turn can be used to trace you across the internet via cross-site tracking.

Avast provides a detailed explanation and outlines various forms of fingerprinting. For example, the “canvas” method forces the browser to draw an image or text in the background, without the user knowing, to determine the operating system, web browser, graphics card, installed drivers, and the current font style. Device fingerprinting determines all internal and external device components.

As your fingerprint is tracked across the internet, this “profile” can be sold to data brokers, who then resell the data to advertisers. It’s a more silent means of gathering information about you versus using cookies that require your consent. The problem is, browser fingerprinting is still perfectly legal.

The best way to prevent browser fingerprinting is by randomizing and generalizing data. Third-party software like Avast AntiTrack does this by inserting “fake” data when website scripts try to collect your information. However, this tool allows scripts to continue running in the background so the website doesn’t “break.”

Many browsers offer some type of anti-fingerprinting protection. These include Avast Secure Browser (see above), Brave Browser (randomization), Mozilla Firefox (blocks fingerprinting scripts), and Tor Browser (generalization).

Editors’ Recommendations

9 best 2-in-1 laptops in 2024: tested and reviewed
The 5 best laptops for browsing the web in 2024
The best PDF editors for 2024
Best Products
Google Chrome

Mark has been a geek since MS-DOS gave way to Windows and the PalmPilot was a thing. He’s translated his love for technology into a marketing, consulting, and freelance writing career aimed at helping people use technology to enhance their lives. At Digital Trends, he reviews laptops and desktops, including the latest from HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and more, and writes news and easy to understand how-to articles about the computing industry as a whole.

When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading and watching science fiction, taking photos with his family, and obsessing over Indiana University basketball.

Laptop Reviews

Best Budget Laptops Best 2-in-1 Laptops Best Business Laptops Best Laptops Under $1,000

For the last few years, Apple’s macOS releases have been interesting, if not particularly exciting. But that’s all set to change this year with the launch of macOS Sequoia, and it’s all thanks to one feature: Apple Intelligence.

Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform has the potential to completely change how you use your Mac on a daily basis. From generating images, rewriting emails, and summarizing your audio recordings to revamping Siri into a much more capable virtual assistant, Apple Intelligence could be the most significant new macOS feature in years.

If we're going strictly by the numbers, the Ryzen 9 9950X is the best processor you can buy. It tops performance charts almost across the board, as you can read in our Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X review. In practice, the CPU isn't as impressive as it could be. Not only does it arrive much more expensive than the competition but AMD is competing with itself when it comes to CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

I expected the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to continue to stay relevant in this new era of Zen 5 CPUs. I didn't, however, expect it to be a flat-out better choice for those looking for the best gaming processor. Although the Ryzen 9 9950X can top productivity charts, AMD's last-gen gaming monster remains the performance king when you're chasing frames. Specs

According to a report from The Information citing two Meta employees, Meta has canceled its plans for a premium mixed-reality headset. It seems the company told Reality Lab employees to halt work on the product this week after executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, reviewed the project.

It's uncertain whether the device was destined to be a sequel to the Meta Quest Pro or a completely new product, but it's clear that developing a competitor for the Apple Vision Pro was the purpose of the project.

Full Stack Course
React Native
CSS Frameworks
JS Frameworks
Web Development

Microsoft Edge vs Safari

Microsoft Edge is the official web browser of Microsoft corporation and it is a platform-independent web browser. It is an open-source browser and can be used by anyone, initially, it was released in 2015 only for Xbox One and Windows 10 but later it was enhanced to support nearly all operating systems. It uses a Blink engine and has advanced features like dark mode and other security features to provide the best experience.

Edge includes many features that are common among modern web browsers, such as tabbed browsing, support for extensions, and a built-in download manager. However, it also includes some unique features, such as integration with Microsoft services like Bing and Office 365, a built-in PDF reader, and a feature called Collections that allows users to save and organize web content for later reference.

Edge also includes a number of privacy and security features, such as tracking prevention, which blocks many forms of online tracking by default, and a feature called SmartScreen, which helps protect against malicious websites and downloads.

In addition to the desktop version of Edge, Microsoft also offers mobile versions of the browser for Android and iOS devices, which include many of the same features as the desktop version.

Advantages of Microsoft Edge:

Integration with Windows: Edge is integrated with the Windows operating system, making it easy to use and navigate for Windows users.
Performance: Edge is designed to run faster and use less memory than other browsers, which makes it a good choice for users with slower computers or limited RAM.
Privacy and security: Edge offers a variety of privacy and security features, including tracking prevention, a password manager, and protection against phishing and malware.
Productivity: Edge includes various productivity features, such as the ability to take notes, annotate web pages, and use the browser to read ebooks.
Cross-platform support: Edge is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Safari is also a web browser used for surfing the internet and it was built by Apple. It was mainly used on the Mac operating system but it can also be used on Windows operating system. Initially, it was released in 2003, just like chrome it is also freeware. It is open source and is written using different programming languages like C++, Swift etc.

Some of the features of Safari include a streamlined user interface, a built-in search bar, and tabbed browsing. Safari also includes a Reading List feature that allows users to save articles to read later, and a Share button that enables users to share content via social media or email.

In addition, Safari includes privacy features such as the ability to block cookies and prevent websites from tracking users. Safari also has a feature called Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which uses machine learning to identify and block cross-site tracking cookies.

Safari is also known for its fast performance and efficient use of system resources. In benchmark tests, Safari has been shown to outperform other popular browsers in terms of speed and energy efficiency.

Advantages of Safari:

Integration with macOS and iOS: Safari is integrated with the macOS and iOS operating systems, making it easy to use and navigate for Apple users.
Performance: Safari is optimized for Apple hardware, which means it runs faster and uses less battery than other browsers on Apple devices.
Privacy and security: Safari offers several privacy and security features, including Intelligent Tracking Prevention and protection against cross-site scripting attacks.
Reader view: Safari includes a reader view feature that strips away distractions and allows users to read articles without clutter.
Extensions: Safari supports extensions, allowing users to customize the browser with additional features and functionality.

Following is a table of differences between Safari and Microsoft Edge:

Please Login to comment...

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Oops! Your browser is ancient! :( - Upgrade to a different browser or install Google Chrome Frame to experience this site.

Breaking News

7 Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070643 - August 22, 2024
How to Automatically Delete Obsolete Files on Windows 11 System - August 21, 2024
Uninstall Mail and Calendar Apps on Windows 11/10 - August 19, 2024
The Role of Automated Trading Systems in Forex Markets - August 1, 2024
What is PIM or Product Information Management? - July 30, 2024
Is AI a Good Investment for Property Managers? - July 25, 2024
The Role of Market Research in Creating Successful Products - July 23, 2024
How to manage and track assets in the construction industry effectively? - July 18, 2024
IoT in Warehousing and Logistics - July 17, 2024
3 Ways Social Media Will Help Your Business - July 3, 2024

Safari vs Microsoft Edge Which Browser You Should Choose For MAC 2024

Millions have embraced Microsoft Edge on Windows, and the browser is available for macOS machines. I have installed the latest Edge on Ventura for a brief comparison. I request readers to note down the priority list for the final decision. My comparison table comes from using Linux, Mac, and Windows . You will find a broader review that makes more sense for the Apple computer.

Apple Safari vs. Microsoft Edge: Which Has a Cleaner User Interface For Mac ?

Native google web services support, a free gpt:, free built-in tools:, larger extension library, privacy & security, bottom line.

Most Mac users have experienced the macOS user interface. Most Apple computer administrators won’t prefer an unrefined program experience. Meanwhile, Microsoft Edge is a Windows-oriented browser, but the developers have optimized the program for the macOS .

Meanwhile, Edge loads the MSN homepage on the welcome screen. Of course, you can change the layout by clicking the gear icon on the right side. You got four options Focused, Inspirational, Information, and Custom. The “Focused” removes useless information and displays the search bar with the favorite list.

Many Mac users access Google Mail, YouTube, Sheets, Docs, Blogger, and more on Safari. I hand over the point to MS Edge because the browser uses the Chromium code. Google optimized the Chrome browser to load YouTube, Gmail, Drive, and other products faster on the native browser. You will have a better experience loading the services and uploading/downloading the files from the drive or other products.

I quit the programs from the background and launched them from the dock. You won’t see any loading speed differences because Microsoft has improved the browser for the macOS software. I have noticed a maximum of one-second difference. I am using the private mode on Safari and Edge for an equal challenge.

Loading YouTube :

I launched YouTube on Edge, which took less than three to load the recommended videos.

Meanwhile, Safari took more than thirteen seconds on my MacBook Air.

Loading Wikipedia :

Both browsers took two seconds to load the Wikipedia homepage.

I noticed similar page loading speeds on both browsers. I recommend the Edge to access Google-owned websites for a better experience.

Microsoft Edge Beats Safari Here

We shouldn’t disregard Microsoft in the Artificial Intelligence department. The multi-billion dollar company spent a fortune on OpenAI company. You can find Bing AI integrated into the search engine. The AI functions are available in the sidebar. You have no idea what you can do with the sidebar. Allow me to give you a glimpse of the functions.

I asked a question to the Bing GPT and the produced results. We can debate the information accuracy, but it is an evolving project. Safari doesn’t have such a feature built-in for modern users.

Use the Bing GPT to create emails, short notes, and messages. Unfortunately, the latest Safari version lacks the advanced GPT tool on Ventura.

There is a built-in calculator, unit converter, timer, world clock, translator, QR code, stopwatch, etc. You don’t have to open a new program from the dock or launcher. All of the necessary tools are present in the sidebar.

Microsoft Edge smokes Safari from the competition by adding Bing GPT and tools.

Most Mac users underestimate the extension library. Let me give you an example of why I don’t think Safari is a good option for users. I installed an extension to force the websites into dark mode while limiting the usage to up to five sites.

Users have to pay a subscription to unlock the premium features. You don’t have a pay a penny for the same task on Edge. There is an abundance of extensions on the Chrome Store.

Microsoft Edge took privacy to the next level.

Apple Safari has a tracker-blocking feature to block websites from following your footprints online.

However, Microsoft developers took the process to another phase. Users can control what the world can track from Basic, Balanced, and Strict presets.

Apple has done a fair job offering end-to-end synchronization among the iPhone and other devices. The MS Edge is available on cross-platforms like Android, Windows, Linux, etc.

Apple never releases an unstable program or features until they have reached perfection. Until then, Edge seems a logical solution for power users. Of course, you can continue to use the Safari for daily usage. Let us know if Bing GPT changes your decision to move forward with the Edge browser .

PhotoBulk Image Editor for Mac: Image Editing Made Easy on Mac

Best Ways To Speed Up Old Mac and Old MacBook [Working Ones]

Best Browser For Microsoft Surface Pro And Laptops Windows 10

How to Delete A User, A Guest and An Admin Account on Mac?

We are reader supported and sometimes earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site.

> Resources > What Is the Most Secure & Private Web Browser

What Is the Most Secure & Private Web Browser for 2024?

M aintaining your security and protecting your anonymity on the internet is tough when you’re browsing the web. In this article, we'll take a look at the available browser options.

M aintaining your security and protecting your anonymity on the internet is arguably one of the hardest things to pull off when you’re browsing the web.

However, there are quite a few hardened browsers that offer excellent protection for your browsing sessions. In addition, there are extensions available to add protection to the popular browsers that most people use.

In this article, I’ll share information about the popular “mainstream” browsers, and also discuss some options and settings you can adjust in your favorite browser to enhance the security of said browser.

We will take a look at alternative browsers that, while based on mainstream browsers, all add additional security and privacy features designed to provide better protection for you during your browsing sessions.

Finally, I’ll share some web browser extensions that I particularly like, which offer increased security for your online travels. They’re free to use and can help prevent ad tracking, as well as increase the possibilities of avoiding the malware that’s just waiting to pounce on your browser.

Mainstream Browsers

In this section, I’ll provide a look at the “mainstream” browsers most readers are probably most familiar with. These browsers include Microsoft’s Edge browser, Google’s Chrome, Mozilla’s Firefox, Apple’s Safari, and Opera Software’s Opera.

As we’ll see, while these browsers aren’t the most secure and private available, users continue to prefer them due to their convenience.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the Redmond firm’s attempt to put the security-hole-ridden days of Internet Explorer behind them and offer a more secure and sleeker web browsing experience.

In addition to Windows 10, Microsoft Edge is also available for iOS and Android devices. Both versions provide background syncing of information with your Windows 10 PC to allow seamless browsing across all devices.

Microsoft designed Edge to be more secure than Internet Explorer, removing some features while adding others. The browser does not offer support for VBScript, JScript, VML, Browser Helper Objects, Toolbars or ActiveX controls.

Microsoft has removed support for legacy Internet Explorer document modes, saying that removing support for these features significantly reduces the browser’s “attack surface,” making it more secure than IE was.

In Windows 10, Microsoft added their “Windows Hello” technology, which is a system to authenticate both the user and the website they are accessing.

“Windows SmartScreen” helps to defend against phishing attempts by performing reputation checks on websites, blocking any that appear to be phishing sites. The technology also helps to defend users against being tricked into installing malicious applications via socially-engineered attacks.

Despite Microsoft’s efforts on the security-hardening front, at the March 2021 Pwn2Own hacking event , participants were able to execute remote code on the Edge browser.

The event offers cash rewards to “ethical hackers” who can attack vulnerabilities in the major browser platforms, including Edge, Chrome, Safari and Firefox. I’ll share more about each browser’s performance at Pwn2Own in their own sections.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is available on the Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android and iOS platforms.

The Chrome browser is based on the open-source Chromium browser project. The browser supports expanded functionality via a vast collection of extensions, available through the Chrome web store.

Participants at the Pwn2Own 2021 event hacked Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge, while other competitors, including Firefox, have been compromised in the past.

Google uses two blacklists: one for phishing and another for malware. (A blacklist is a list of websites or IP addresses that are sources of spam, viruses, fraud and other malicious activity and payloads.) Chrome uses the list to warn users when they attempt to visit a potentially harmful website. The browser also offers download scanning protection to protect against malware.

The browser “sandboxes” its tabs, preventing them from interacting with critical memory functions, such as operating system memory and user files. This helps prevent device infection from malicious code. The sandbox can only respond to communication requests that the user places.

Chrome does not offer a master password function to prevent access to a user’s passwords, which the browser stores, which is a major security fault.

The browser offers an “Incognito” private browsing feature , which prevents the browser from permanently storing users’ history information or cookies from any visited websites.

It should be noted that Incognito mode does not prevent a third party, such as a hacker or even a user’s own Internet Service Provider, from observing a user’s online antics. Only an encrypted connection, such as what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers, can protect that information. (See my “Other Methods of Securing Your Web Browsing” section for more information.)

The online search and advertising firm Google develops and maintains the Chrome browser, and as such, Google tracks Chrome users’ online activities and search history in order to serve targeted ads during a web browsing session. This is an intrusion into a user’s privacy, spurring many to explore other browser options.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox is an open-source browser that the Mozilla Foundation founded. The browser is available on most popular desktop and mobile computing platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android.

The most recent Pwn2Own event included the opportunity to attempt to hack Firefox . Participants made two hacking attempts against the browser. Only one attempt, which was able to elevate system privileges by using an integer overflow and an uninitialized buffer in the Windows operating system kernel, was successful. (Don’t worry if you didn’t understand that – what’s important is that it was hacked.)

Firefox limits scripts on one site from accessing data from another website (making it tougher to track or read data from another website), and uses SSL/TLS to protect web server communications via the HTTPS protocol . The browser is compatible with the popular HTTPS Everywhere add-on to enforce HTTPS, even if you enter a normal HTTP address.

Firefox generally has fewer security vulnerabilities than Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, making it a popular alternative for security-minded users. When Mozilla discovers bugs, many of which paid researchers searching for security holes find, Mozilla quickly patches them.

Mozilla recently released Firefox “Quantum,” which provides a number of security and speed enhancements , and which uses less memory than before.

The browser offers a Private Browsing feature , which blocks online trackers while browsing and doesn’t keep a record of the user’s browsing history while it is enabled. The new browser also offers protection against hidden ad tracking.

Unlike Google, Firefox creator Mozilla is a non-profit organization and doesn’t make use of a Firefox user’s browsing and search history to serve up ads . Instead, the company is a champion of internet privacy and safety.

Safari Web Browser

Released in 2003, Apple’s Safari web browser is available only on the Mac OS X, macOS, iOS and iPadOS computing platforms. Apple announced a Windows version of the WebKit-based browser in June 2007, but Apple discontinued the Windows version in May 2012 and no longer supports it.

Safari didn’t really fare well at Pwn2Own in 2021 , as a hacker was able to score a cool $100 grand by pulling off a Kernel code execution through Safari.

Safari is a reasonably secure browser, although there have been numerous exploits discovered against the platform.

Some of Safari’s and the macOS operating system’s excellent security reputation has, in the past, been due to the relatively small user base for the OS. But as the Mac has become more popular with users, the platform and its built-in browser have become more attractive targets.

The current version of Safari offers “Intelligent Tracking Prevention,” designed to identify advertisers and other parties that attempt to track your online activities and remove the cross-site tracking data left behind. The browser also warns users if they attempt to visit suspicious websites.

A Private Browsing feature prevents Safari from remembering a user’s search history, which websites the user visited, or a user’s auto-fill information. In addition, a tab sandboxing feature offers protection from malicious code and malware by confining each page to a single browser tab, preventing it from crashing a browser or accessing other websites’ data.

Opera Web Browser

Currently, the Opera web browser is available for the Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS operating systems. The browser is based on the open-source Chromium browser platform, the same one Google’s Chrome is based on.

Opera is the only browser listed in this “mainstream browser” section that did not participate in the 2017 Pwn2Own competition. However, the browser does have several security-minded features that help protect users while they traverse the net.

Perhaps the most helpful security feature of the latest version of Opera is its free, built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) feature . The feature protects a user’s browsing session by encrypting the browser’s internet connection, shielding the user’s online antics from prying eyes.

Please note that the VPN protection is not quite as comprehensive as what pay-for-play services offer, offering only protection for any activities in the browser itself – the rest of your computer’s online activities, such as that connected to email, torrenting and other apps, are still laid bare to possible monitoring by outside parties.

Opera VPN’s connection options are also more limited than that of paid VPNs, with location options limited to only “Europe,” “Americas” and “Asia.” While this might limit your blocked-content-unlocking options, it should prove to be enough protection for those simply looking for a free and easy-to-use service to protect their browsing activities.

Opera’s fraud and malware protection has the ability to warn users of suspicious web pages, which is a feature that is turned on by default.

The browser checks any web page a user requests against a “blacklist” database of phishing and malware websites. If the requested site is on the blacklist, a warning page will display before Opera shows the page. The user must then decide, on their own, whether or not to go ahead and open the page.

The browser also includes a built-in ad blocker , which Opera claims makes “content-rich” web pages open as much as 90% faster.

Alternative Browsers

In addition to the mainstream browsers listed in the previous section, there are a number of alternative browsers, which are designed to offer additional security and privacy protections.

These browsers are usually based on popular browser engines, such as the Chromium engine used in Google’s Chrome browser, but are modified to provide safer browsing.

In this section, we’ll take a look at 3 browsers, each of which takes a slightly different approach to securing and privatizing your web browsing sessions. All 3 browsers, while offering excellent protection, also have their own drawbacks.

Epic Privacy Browser

The Epic Privacy Browser was designed from the ground up to provide comprehensive private browsing, with “always-on” privacy that doesn’t require toggling on a “private mode,” like some other browsers require. The browser is based on the Chromium browser engine, which is the basis for the Google Chrome browser.

Epic blocks trackers and third-party cookies, and claims to be the only browser that actively blocks thousands of trackers.

The browser also protects your web searches from being saved and tracked by automatically loading search engines via its built-in proxy, preventing the search engines from tracking users by their IP address. If available, the browser will use an HTTPS version of the websites you visit.

In addition to its other privacy protections, the Epic browser also offers a built-in encrypted proxy , similar to a VPN, which both hides your IP address and encrypts all of your data.

The browser offers 9 locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and the United Kingdom, allowing users to appear as if they are located in the selected country. You can enable the proxy from the browser’s toolbar.

Please note that during testing, many websites, especially those that are vigilant for proxy servers and VPNs, such as Netflix and Hulu, did not work properly with the encrypted proxy engaged . Epic warns that some websites, such as Facebook and Gmail, may require additional authentication steps with the proxy turned on.

Any time you open a new browsing tab, you’ll see a screen similar to that of other browsers, with a set of buttons you can click to go directly to a website. However, since Epic doesn’t track or remember any of your web travels, you’ll need to manually set up the buttons with links to your favorite websites.

The home page also offers a running count of how many trackers have been blocked during your current browsing session.

While Epic allows the use of browser extensions, the selection is limited, with just 7 extensions available at the time of this article. Extensions are available from Evernote, Clearly, Pocket, IE Tab (Windows Only), Xmarks, LastPass and RoboForm.

Tor Browser

The Tor Browser provides one of the most secure ways available to browse the web. The browser makes use of the Tor (“The Onion Router”) network, using the network’s series of relays, which are run by volunteers and are used to encrypt and anonymize a user’s connection.

Tor’s “onion routing” is called that due to its implementation of encryption in the communication protocol stack’s application layer, which is constructed similarly to the layers of an onion. The network encrypts the data several times, never revealing the original IP address.

The browser has the ability to effectively prevent anyone from tracking your internet connection to learn your location or to monitor which websites you visit . This makes the Tor Browser a popular choice among journalists and activists who are located in countries where internet activity is closely monitored.

By bouncing a user’s connection around the Tor network, the browser makes it appear that the user is located somewhere else. As seen below, despite my actually being located in the southeastern part of the United States, whatismyip.com indicates that I am located in France.

This IP address “spoofing” feature prevents websites from learning your actual IP address and physical location. It also provides access to many websites and services that might normally be blocked to your area, due to geographical content blocking.

While the Tor Browser does a great job of anonymizing your web browsing, it only anonymizes your browser activity , and the traffic for other internet-connected apps on your computer or mobile device is routed in the usual, unprotected manner.

In addition to IP address spoofing, the Tor Browser also protects your privacy by routing your internet searches through the anonymous DuckDuckGo search site, which doesn’t track you – unlike the Bing and Google search sites.

Tor is lightweight and self-contained, which makes it an excellent candidate for including on a USB stick so you can use it on other computers, no installation needed.

Tor Browser isn’t a valid candidate for use as your daily driver browser, as the relay method used by the network to anonymize your internet usage can noticeably slow down your online experience . So, you’ll likely still want to have Chrome or another browser handy for activities that aren’t security-critical.

I advise you that the Tor Browser allows users to access some of the more dangerous, and let’s say “seedier,” parts of the web, which could lead you to encounters with viruses and malware more often than you normally might. So be careful to practice safe browsing, even with the extra access to these more “unusual” areas of the net.

Brave Web Browser

Brave is an open-source browser based on the Chromium browser engine, which is the same engine that the Google Chrome browser uses. The lightweight browser claims improved loading speeds and reduced data usage , mostly due to its advanced ad tracking and blocking abilities.

Brave is available for the Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms. It includes HTTPS Everywhere integration, blocks cookies, and boasts a growing community of developers working to improve the browser.

While Brave blocks all ads and trackers by default, you can allow selected ads and trackers via the browser’s preferences panel.

Since ads are the main source of income for many websites, the company also offers a “Brave Payments” system , which allows users to anonymously donate to content producers they like. Brave then automatically distributes microdonations to the desired content producers.

Brave does allow the use of browser extensions. However, those extensions are limited to a small number of approved extensions. Brave-approved extensions include those from 1Password, bitwarden, Dashlane, Honey, LastPass, MetaMask, PDF Viewer, Pocket and Torrent Viewer.

The browser also offers a number of innovative tab-based features, such as tab previews, which offer a full-screen preview of a tab when you hover your mouse pointer over it.

In addition, the browser includes the ability to create new private tabs on the fly and set the number of tabs to be shown per session.

Other Methods of Securing Your Web Browsing

In addition to trying to use the most secure browser, you can also help protect your security and privacy while surfing the web by using plug-ins or adjusting the settings on your browser of choice. You can also help protect yourself by simply practicing safe computing.

In this section, I’ll share the various methods that you can use to secure your browsing by using plug-ins like HTTPS Everywhere, apps like those available from VPN providers, and the settings you can change in your browser to harden your security settings. (But never harden your heart, as Quarterflash did .)

I’ll also look at common-sense steps to take to protect yourself and your precious personal information.

HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS Everywhere is a free extension for the Firefox, Chrome and Opera browsers on most desktop computing platforms, and on Android mobile devices. This free extension encrypts your communication with a large number of websites , making your browsing sessions more secure.

HTTPS Everywhere is the result of collaboration between The Tor Project and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Although many websites offer support for encryption over HTTPS, not all do. Or, some of the websites may use HTTPS for logins, but leave much of the rest of the site open to unencrypted HTTP communication.

HTTPS Everywhere sits in the background, quietly rewriting HTTP requests to use the more secure HTTPS on websites that support it.

The extension was inspired by Google’s increased usage of HTTPS and is designed to force the use of the secure transport layer where possible.

Zscaler Tools (Internet Explorer 6 to 10)

While the HTTPS Everywhere extension is not officially available for Internet Explorer, there is an extension based on the HTTPS Everywhere project available for Internet Explorer 6 to 10.

Zscaler Tools – HTTPS Everywhere for Internet Explorer – is still in its early days, development-wise, as the version number of 0.0.0.3 indicates. The extension translates URLs from HTTP to HTTPS according to EFF rules and also secures cookies.

It does not support HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) at this time, and also doesn’t provide support for custom rules. HSTS is a web server directive that tells user agents and web browsers how to handle its connection through a response header sent at the very beginning and back to the browser.

The extension is available on the Zscaler website, and the download includes an installer. You’ll need to restart Internet Explorer to enable the extension.

Disconnect

Disconnect is a browser extension that works on the major browser platforms (Chrome/IE/Firefox/Safari). The extension works to block web tracking, malware and “malvertising” while you roam the web. Disconnect also offers apps for Android and iOS devices.

The Disconnect button sits in your browser’s toolbar and displays the total number of tracking requests from every page you visit. If the icon is green, it means the extension has blocked all of the requests on a page. If the icon is gray, it means the extension was only able to block some of the requests.

Clicking the toolbar icon shows the type of requests that Disconnect has blocked, including advertising, analytics, social and content requests.

Google, Facebook and Twitter are shown separately, allowing you to block or unblock a site with a click of the mouse. You can also add websites to a blacklist or a whitelist to block or unblock all requests from a website.

The Disconnect service is available in three levels of service:

Basic offers protection for a single browser, allowing you to block trackers and search privately.
Pro blocks malware and trackers across all of your devices.
Premium also secures your Wi-Fi connection and masks your location via the Disconnect VPN service.

I have found the Disconnect browser extension’s basic plan is perfect for my needs, as I already have a favorite VPN I use to protect my internet connection.

DuckDuckGo

The DuckDuckGo website has long been an excellent way to prevent your search activity from the monitoring it is subject to when you use one of the big boys like Google or Bing.

The private search engine recently made an extension available for Firefox, Safari and Chrome, which offers private search, tracker network blocking and smart encryption .

The DuckDuckGo browser extension also shows you a Privacy Grade of A to F when you visit a website. This lets you view, at a glance, how well your privacy is protected on any given site.

The score is based on the presence of hidden tracker networks, the website’s privacy practices and its available encryption. (Take it from me, they’re strict. I haven’t seen a website that’s earned an “A” grade yet.)

The search company has partnered with Terms of Service Didn’t Read (TOSDR) to include their scores of the service and privacy policies of websites, when it’s available. The extension also includes DuckDuckGo’s private web search , making private searches more convenient than ever.

In addition to the browser extension, DuckDuckGo has also released a new version of their mobile private search app for iOS and Android devices.

The DuckDuckGo browser extension is available for Firefox, Safari and Chrome.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your internet connection by encasing it in a layer of encryption.

This prevents anyone who’s looking to monitor your connection, such as hackers, government agencies or even your own Internet Service Provider, from seeing your online travels, as well as the important personal information related to those travels.

I have tested and reviewed a large number of VPN providers on this very website, and they are a valuable tool for protecting your internet connection – especially when traveling and when you’re forced to use your computer or mobile device on an open Wi-Fi hotspot, such as those found in coffee shops, hotels and other public locations.

In addition to protecting your internet connection from prying eyes, a VPN also allows you to appear as if you’re connected in another global location. This makes it easier to access international web content , such as video and audio streaming content, that might normally be blocked from your actual location.

I strongly recommend that you check out NordVPN to protect your web browsing, no matter which browser you use. NordVPN provides top-notch online security and privacy for most popular device platforms. Its impressive global server network delivers fast connections that are protected with the latest in security and privacy measures.

In addition to comprehensive online protection, NordVPN also delivers reliable access to numerous video streaming sites around the globe. The provider protects users’ accounts with two-factor authentication and offers blocking of malware and other online-related threats.

For more information, check out my articles about the best VPNs for Chrome , Firefox , Edge , Safari and Tor .

TRY OUR #1 RATED VPN RISK FREE

NordVPN has a risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up here . You can try the VPN rated #1 for secure and private web browsing without restrictions for 30 days – great for test-driving the service.

There are no hidden terms, just contact NordVPN's support team within 30 days if you decide the service isn't right for you, and you'll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial now.

Use Your Browser’s Security and Privacy Tools

You may or may not be aware that whichever browser you use, it has privacy and security settings that you can adjust to your liking . Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge browsers all have options that allow you to protect yourself while browsing.

I’ve already covered how to do this in a quite informative article, How to Browser the Web as Anonymously as Possible , which is (in my humble opinion) highly recommended reading for those interested in securing their favorite web browser.

Action Steps

We’ve covered a lot in this article, but nothing too arcane. By taking the time to investigate your options, you can easily decide on the most secure browser for your needs, and even find ways to better strengthen your browser of choice’s own security protections with the use of extensions or a VPN.

I have personally found that Google’s Chrome, with a few well-chosen extensions such as HTTPS Everywhere and Disconnect, as well as a high-performance VPN like NordVPN , to be one of the best ways to protect online travels from prying eyes. All those individual pieces stack up to a security wall that keeps your screen from becoming cluttered with ads and adware and protects you from malware.

For privacy protection from a base browser configuration, try Brave browser. macOS Monterey 12 users can take advantage of the privacy and security improvements Apple has brought to Safari. With the proper combination of VPNs, browser extensions, and antivirus/anti-malware protection, you can be reasonably safe on the web. Just stay out of the dark corners of the web.

When I’m researching subjects like the dark web , or when I want to protect myself from detection by my ISP or friendly neighborhood government agent, I always use the Tor Browser due to its use of connection relays to obfuscate my actual location and the activities that I am conducting.

You may find that, much like your other online activities, there isn’t any single app that will cover all of your security and privacy needs. That’s why I always suggest keeping various tools in your online arsenal to protect yourself and your activities. That’s why you should also check out the other guides on my site for more information on how to protect yourself while online.

Enjoy your travels, and stay safe!

Secure & Private Web Browser FAQs
What Is the Most Private Browser?

Thanks to its use of multiple relays to anonymize your IP address and identity, I consider the Tor Browser to be one of the most private browsers available. However, it is also one of the slowest browsers around, thanks to using multiple relays.

Is Mozilla's Firefox a "Safe" Browser?

Firefox is an open-source browser, meaning anyone can examine the code, and this helps keep things on the up-and-up. Firefox also offers a variety of security features, including phishing and malware protection, blocking attack websites, and warning users when a website attempts to install add-ons.

What browser should you use when Tor is not an option?

Use a browser like Brave or Firefox. Make sure the browser settings are set to their most private, deleting your browsing history as well as your caches each time the browser is shut down. Also, use a VPN, like NordVPN , this will encrypt your internet connection, preventing your ISP and other nosy types from tracking your online travels.

What is the least secure web browser?

Yandex, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Waterfox, are all less than secure. Yandex is owned by a Russian company that is much like Google, and like Google, it collects information about your online activities for sale to advertisers and other nosy types. Microsoft Edge is owned by a less than private company, and Waterfox is owned by an advertising firm.

Will installing addons and toolbars slow down my browser's performance?

Depending on the addon or toolbar, it could potentially slow down your browser's performance. For example, if you install a lot of toolbars, they may take up valuable resources that could impact your browser's overall speed.

Additionally, some addons and toolbars are designed to run in the background and can use up CPU and memory resources, which can also slow down your browser. However, not all addons and toolbars will have a negative impact on your browser's performance. Some are actually designed to improve speed and efficiency. So it really depends on the particular addon or toolbar you're using.

Do I Need to Use a Privacy Browser?

That depends, do you care if you're being tracked, putting your online privacy at risk? If the answer is yes, you need to use a privacy browser. A privacy browser automatically erases your browsing and search history, limits web tracking, and in some cases, it even helps to hide your real IP address.

What is the Most Common Personal Web Privacy Vulnerability?

One of the most common web privacy vulnerabilities is self-inflicted. It occurs when you post your personal or business information on social media. By posting your name, address, phone number, job information, and other sensitive information you provide enough information to allow bad guys to find out more information, while also giving them enough info to possibly open new credit accounts without your knowledge.

Contents [ hide ]