The best browser for Mac in 2024: As a Mac user, you'll undoubtedly spend a significant amount of time in your browser, whether it's for browsing, shopping, watching videos, or simply reading this article. You need a fast, reliable, and secure browser, so read on.
The best browser for Mac in 2024
Here’s a list of the top browsers; check them all out and choose the one that meets your needs.
1. Edge - AI integration, low memory usage, and simplicity
This might come as a surprise, but Microsoft has been quietly working to enhance its Edge browser. When they were ready, they launched it with a bang. Now, with the integration of ChatGPT and Copilot, it has become one of the most feature-rich and stable browsers on the market.
This browser has features you didn’t even know you needed. For example, I use Edge to create images with the Image Creator tool. The annoying part is that you need to log in first, but after that, you can enter your prompt and watch your imagination come to life.
Moreover, Edge now provides built-in access to other Microsoft tools like One Drive, Skype, Outlook, and more.
Another feature that amazed me is the split screen; you can now browse two things at once in the same tab, side by side! No need to switch windows.
Besides that, you can color-code tab groups and use the advanced reader mode to avoid ads without any ad-blocking tools. You can also make the browser read content aloud.
That’s not all; there’s also a built-in PDF editor. This small space isn’t enough to list all of Edge’s features, but you get the idea. The abundance of features might overwhelm some new users, but trust me, once you get used to Edge, it will become your default browser.
It’s safe to say that with the enhanced browser (Edge) and search engine (Bing), Microsoft is fully prepared to take over the browser market currently dominated by Google Chrome.
Pros
Integrates ChatGPT features
Many functionalities
Cons
May confuse first-time users
2. Safari - A fast and secure browser for Mac
Apple has made significant improvements to the browser with the recent macOS Sonoma update. In fact, Safari was the most enhanced app after the update.
You can now create separate Safari profiles for different users, use different search engines for regular and private browsing, lock private tabs, prevent websites from tracking you, and more.
All of this has been added to the unique features already available, such as tab groups and the ability to sync website settings and similar preferences.
However, Safari's limited support for extensions may be a significant drawback for some. But if you only use the browser for regular browsing, shopping, and basic tasks, Safari is the perfect choice.
Pros
Sleek design
Fast performance
Comes with many security and privacy features
Cons
Limited extension support
This browser is installed by default on your Mac
3. Chrome - User-friendly, access to Google services
I don’t think I need to write much about Chrome since it’s the favorite choice for many and holds the largest market share among Mac and PC browsers.
Chrome supports a wide range of extensions and Google services, and now has a dedicated password manager where all your login credentials are stored and easily accessible in Chrome.
There’s also a nice little feature in Google called Passkeys, which allows you to access saved history, preferences, and login credentials while using Chrome on any new device!
Unfortunately, Chrome is heavily targeted by hackers, so if you’re someone who values privacy, Chrome isn’t a good choice.
Pros
Syncs across devices.
Supports a wide range of extensions.
Cons
Tracks user data.
4. Firefox – Fast loading times, no tracking tools
Although the glory days of Firefox have passed, it remains one of the best web browsers for Mac. Firefox has always been at the forefront of introducing new features.
One of these features is the introduction of browser extensions. Another is the new Pocket feature next to the address bar; it allows you to save websites to view later with just one click.
Moreover, Firefox is one of the most secure web browsers for Mac. If you’re tired of big tech companies trying to track your activities and sell your data, you’ll be pleased to know that Firefox is managed by a nonprofit organization that prioritizes user data protection.
Aside from user data protection, there aren’t many standout features that would compel users to switch to this browser, and some users have complained about Firefox's high RAM usage.
Pros
User-friendly.
Supports a wide range of extensions.
Many privacy-focused features.
Cons
High RAM usage.
5. Vivaldi – Built-in ad blocker, highly customizable, and feature-rich
I love Vivaldi mainly for its beautiful appearance. Vivaldi excels in two main areas: privacy and customization. You’ll get precise levels of control over your browsing experience with Vivaldi. Although it uses the Chromium engine at its core, it stands out from the rest in terms of data protection features.
With Chrome and other browsers, you need an extension to block ads, but Vivaldi does this by default. Once you download and run the browser, you can choose what you want to block – tracking tools, ads, or both. You can also import bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, and other preferences into Vivaldi, so you can pick up where you left off with your previous browser.
Like Opera, Vivaldi has a sidebar that offers various options such as downloads, bookmarks, history, and innovative features. Additionally, Vivaldi comes with a built-in Notes feature that allows you to quickly jot down information and add screenshots without leaving the browser.
There’s also support for tab groups and placing them on two levels in the menu bar. If that’s not enough, Vivaldi also offers additional options at the bottom of the page, such as screenshots, a zoom tool based on a slider, turning off images and videos on the page, and even a comprehensive list of page actions.
We’re not done yet; Vivaldi also comes with built-in tools for email, calendar, translation, and much more. Like some of the other feature-rich browsers on this list, the excessive inclusion of features may overwhelm new users.
Pros
Looks beautiful.
Comes with plenty of customization features.
Based on the Chromium platform.
Cons
The large number of features can be overwhelming.
6. Brave - No ads
Brave has received good recognition from the tech community due to its similarity to Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. It comes with built-in features like an ad blocker, anti-tracking tools, and a password manager.
A significant part of Brave's popularity comes from securing the browsing experience for users by not collecting their data. Some might argue that you can get Brave's features by installing extensions in other browsers, but that's the point – Brave reduces the need for installing extensions.
Content creators may not like Brave because it blocks ads and reduces their revenue. Also, for the average user, there isn’t much that sets Brave apart; it’s a browser designed specifically for tech enthusiasts.
Pros
Built-in ad blocker.
Rewards users for using the browser.
Cons
Doesn’t have any standout features.
7. Opera – Great user interface, free VPN, and ad blocker
Like Chrome and Microsoft Edge, the Opera browser is built on the popular Chromium platform, and as a result, it shares similar features and performance but has a different user interface and offers valuable tools.
One of the standout features of the Opera browser is its sidebar, where you can get shortcuts to various popular tools and apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Instagram. There’s also an option to send web pages directly to your iPhone using My Flow.
Additionally, Opera provides users with privacy tools, such as ad-blocking tools and even a free VPN, making browsing more secure. Finally,
