Safari vs Chrome on Mac: Which Browser is Best?
Apple Mac is one of the most efficient computer system in the world. While operating the internet on this system, you may be confused about which web browser to use. In a world filled with choices, two giants stand out: Safari and Google Chrome. This may make your dubious about which browser to choose from.
Safari vs Chrome on Mac has always been a topic of debate. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. You are the best judge to decide which web browser is best for you. Whether it is the most used web browser, i.e., Chrome, or the in-built efficient browser, i.e., Safari.
In this article, we’ll compare both the browsers based on different criteria, and reviews that will help you to make in informed decision.
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Overview of Safari
Safari is Apple’s default web browser. It is made by Apple and designed specifically for macOS and iOS devices. It is efficiently optimized for the Apple ecosystem, offering a user-friendly interface with brilliant integration features. Though it has fewer features as compared to other browsers, its security and privacy features are incomparable to other web browsers on the market. Some of the key features of Safari are:
- Reader Mode for distraction free and realistic reading experience.
- It prevents websites from tracking our internet browsing.
- Seamless integration with iCloud.
- Part of the Apple ecosystem for easier syncing.
Overview of Google Chrome
Google Chrome is an extremely popular browser that works across multiple platforms. It has great speed and highly customizable features. With high-speed Google servers, it achieves lightning-fast results no matter which device or operating system you are using. It is mostly suitable for users who want to sync all their internet browsing with their Google account. Here are some of the key features of Google Chrome:
- Syncing with Google accounts
- You get access to a huge library for extensions for more customization.
- It could be used across various devices, from Macs to Windows PCs through smartphones and tablets. It offers a synchronization option for those using multiple operating systems (OS).
Safari vs Chrome on Mac: Which One is best for you?
Choosing the right browser for yourself is essential for a seamless experience on your Mac. But how would you decide? Well, we are here to help. Based on the following criteria, we have compared both the browsers, making it easier for you to make an informed decision.
1. Speed and Performance
When talking about speed on macOS, one can say both Safari and Chrome are wonderful browsers. However, Safari usually leads in performance because it is specially optimized for macOS, and hence it uses less CPU power and RAM.
On the other hand, Chrome is also good when it comes to speed, but it consumes a lot more memory when a lot of tabs are open. This indirectly affects its own speed slightly.
So, Safari emerges as a clear-cut winner when it comes to speed and performance because of two reasons. Firstly, it is particularly optimized for macOS, and secondly, it uses less memory as compared to Google Chrome. By being more power-efficient, Apple’s Safari offers a longer battery life in comparison to Chrome, which drains energy quickly because of its high resource utilization.
2. Privacy and Security
In the world of technology, privacy and security are the utmost considerations while choosing a good web browser. When talking about security and privacy, Safari offers some great features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention. Safari uses machine learning to block trackers on different websites from tracking your browsing history. Apart from this, the browser emphasizes more on security than other fancy features. This is one of the main reasons why it doesn’t offer tons of extensions like other browsers.
On the other hand, Chrome also has a whole lot of security measures aimed at keeping its users safe, but questions regarding its privacy practices have recently arisen. Users can use the incognito mode to prevent their internet browsing from being saved. However, online activities may still be observed by some websites and ISPs. Also, being part of Google, Chrome gathers more data from its users’ online activities, leading some users to wonder how private they actually are.
So, if privacy and safety are your biggest concerns, you should opt for Safari. Safari gives better control over your browsing as compared to Google Chrome.
3. User Interface and Experience
The user interface of a browser can significantly affect the experience of your browsing. Apple’s Safari offers a more minimalistic and simple user interface, which makes it easy to navigate. You can shift from tabs or tab groups easily, which allows you to organize your browsing more efficiently. Also, to make it more simple, there are limited customization options as compared to Chrome.
But on Chrome, you get a more customizable user interface. You get to design the interface of the browser according to you. There are a wide range of themes and extensions, which help you to choose from thousands of options. Also, you get better Google integrations, like Google accounts, Drive, Gmail, and other Google services.
If you prefer straightforward functionality, Safari might be more your style, while Chrome offers a range of customizable options for those who want to tailor their browsing experience.
4. Extensions and Customization
Talking about extensions and customization, Google Chrome is a one sided winner. Chrome offers a wide range of extensions, making it suitable for everyone. Whether its productivity or entertainment, there’s something for everyone. As compared to Chrome, Safari’s extension library is limited, but it has grown in the recent years.
For users who need extensive customization, Chrome is the better choice. However, Safari extensions are generally more lightweight and better integrated with macOS, making them a good fit for users who value simplicity over customization.
5. Connectivity
Safari seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, and iCloud allows you to access your bookmarks, history, and browsing across all Apple devices. So, if you already have other Apple devices, Safari would be a better option to maintain the ecosystem. Chrome uses your Google account to sync data across devices, including non-Apple products. This makes it more versatile for users using a combination of Apple and other devices.
While both browsers make syncing easy, Safari is ideal for users who stick to Apple devices, whereas Chrome is better for those who switch between platforms.
6. Security Updates and Patches
In terms of updates, both the browsers are at par with each other. Both receive regular updates with security patches to protect users from viruses. But when talking about macOS, Safari is better as it is specifically customized and updated for Mac. It ensures that users always have the latest protections. Chrome is similarly proactive, with frequent updates to address security flaws, often faster than Apple.
7. Support for Latest Web Technologies
In terms of the latest web technologies of Apple, Safari has an edge over Chrome. Safari excels in Apple-specific technologies like Apple Pay, Face ID, and Touch ID for web-based authentication. Chrome also has support for web technologies like Progressive Web Apps (PWA) and WebRTC.
8. Compatibility with Websites and Apps
Chrome is known for its wide range of compatibility with almost every website or app. As compared to Safari, Chrome has better compatibility. On Safari, you may sometimes encounter issues with older or non-optimized websites. So, if you are more into different websites, or less known websites, Chrome may ensure easy access to them as compared to Safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that you may refer to in case of doubts:
Which browser is faster on Mac, Safari, or Chrome?
Safari is generally faster on Mac as it is specially customized for Apple devices like macOS or iOS.
Is Safari more secure than Chrome?
Safari offers better privacy features, while Chrome has stronger protection against malware. But recently, there has been concern over Chrome’s security.
Can I use Chrome extensions on Safari?
No, Chrome extensions are not compatible with Safari, although Safari has its own limited extension library. In recent years, Safari has developed more extensions for a better browsing experience.
Conclusion
That’s all the points of comparison in the Safari vs Chrome on Mac debate. Both browsers are excellent, but they cater to different types of users. If you prioritize privacy, battery life, or the Apple ecosystem, Safari is probably the better choice for you. However, if you prefer customization, cross-platform compatibility, or connectivity with Google services, then Chrome is the better option. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Based on the above criteria, decide which is the best browser for you, and let us know in the comment section below.