Tired of Safari slowing you down? We reviewed the top 5 Safari alternatives for Mac — Arc, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Vivaldi. Each offers better speed, features, or privacy, depending on what you need. Read on to find your perfect match.

Introduction

88% of websites are optimized for Chromium-based browsers. If you’ve ever wondered why Safari sometimes lags behind in performance or breaks site layouts, that statistic explains a lot. It’s not just in your head—Safari struggles with modern web compatibility, especially when you’re multitasking or customizing your setup. And while Safari’s privacy features are solid, its limited add-on support, slower rendering speeds, and higher memory usage can frustrate power users. If that’s you, you’re probably already searching for a faster, more flexible browser that suits your needs.

This post is your shortcut. We’re comparing the best browsers for Mac—not just in terms of speed, but how they hold up when you’re working, researching, or just trying to keep 30 tabs from crashing your system.

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we deeply analyze each product based on real-world performance, durability, and value for money. Our goal is to help you find the best product in every category—budget, performance, reliability, and long-term usage. And because not every Mac user is the same, our recommendations are based on extensive research, component analysis, real-world usability, and industry expertise.

Whether you’re a student juggling online classes, a creative editing in the cloud, or someone who just wants their browser to stop draining battery like a leaky faucet—this guide is for you. We’ve tested and reviewed five standout Safari alternatives for Mac that could change the way you browse, for good.

Here’s what we found.

Why Are You Still Using Safari Anyway?

Before we jump into the Mac compatible browsers, let’s be honest about something. Safari does have its benefits. It’s deeply integrated with macOS, uses less battery than most browsers, and syncs seamlessly with your iPhone and iPad. But here’s the thing — those benefits might not be worth the trade-offs.

Have you ever noticed how Safari sometimes struggles with certain websites? Or how it lacks the extensions and customization options that could make your browsing so much more efficient? What about those times when you’re trying to get work done and Safari just feels… slow?

The reality is that Safari hasn’t kept up with what modern web users truly need. While Apple focuses on privacy and battery life, other Mac web browsers have been busy creating features that can genuinely improve your productivity and browsing experience. Are you settling for less when you could have a browser that truly understands your workflow?

Arc Browser: The Mac User’s Dream Come True

Arc Browser is genuinely what Apple could have made, had they rethought the browser from the ground up, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s gaining such a devoted following among Mac users looking for the best alternative to Safari.

What makes this safari alternative for Mac different? It completely reimagines how you organize and interact with your browser. Instead of traditional tabs cluttering up your screen, Arc uses a sidebar approach that keeps everything organized in “Spaces” — think of them as different workspaces for different parts of your life.

Here’s what makes Arc browser special:

Arc’s Spaces feature lets you create separate browsing environments. You could have one Space for work with all your productivity tools and project tabs, another for personal browsing with social media and entertainment sites, and a third for research or shopping. Each Space keeps its tabs, bookmarks, and even visual themes separate — it’s revolutionary tab management.

The Boosts feature is where Arc really shines among alternative browsers for Mac. You can customize any website to look and function exactly how you want. Remove annoying elements, change fonts, add custom CSS — it’s like having a personal web designer for every site you visit.

Arc also has split-screen browsing built right in, so you can view multiple pages side by side without juggling windows. And the Little Arc mini-browser pops up for quick searches without disrupting your main browsing session.

But is Arc browser right for you? If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by traditional tab management, loves customization, and wants a browser that feels as thoughtfully designed as your Mac, Arc could be perfect. However, if you prefer simplicity and are happy with basic browsing, Arc might feel like overkill.

Have you ever wished your browser could organize your digital life better? Arc browser might be exactly what you’re looking for among the Mac web browsers.

Google Chrome: The Reliable Workhorse

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Google Chrome is one of the most popular Chromium- based browsers and a reliable alternative browser for Mac, and despite its reputation for being a memory hog, there’s a reason it dominates the browser market.

Chrome’s biggest advantage is compatibility. Since most websites are designed for Chrome, you’ll rarely encounter broken layouts or features that don’t work properly. It’s the browser that web developers test on first, which means you get the most consistent web experience among Mac web browsers.

Why Chrome works for so many people seeking Safari alternatives for Mac:

The Chrome Web Store has extensions for literally everything. Want to block ads? There’s an extension. Need to manage passwords? Multiple options. Want to turn any webpage into dark mode? Done. The ecosystem is massive and mature, making it one of the best browsers for Mac in terms of functionality.

Chrome also syncs everything across all your devices. Your bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, and extensions follow you from your Mac to your phone to any other computer you use. It’s seamless in a way that few other alternative browsers for Mac match.

For developers and power users, Chrome’s developer tools are unmatched. The inspection tools, network monitoring, and debugging features are industry-standard for a reason.

The downsides you need to know about: Chrome does use more RAM than Safari, especially if you’re someone who keeps dozens of tabs open. It can also drain your MacBook’s battery faster than Safari. And yes, there are privacy concerns about Google tracking your browsing habits — something privacy-focused browsers address better.

But here’s the thing — if you’re already using Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and other Google services, Chrome’s integration with these tools can actually make your life easier. The question is: do the benefits outweigh the privacy and performance costs for your specific use case?

Firefox: The Privacy Champion That Got Its Speed Back

Remember when Firefox was slow and clunky? Those days are long gone. Modern Firefox has transformed into a speed demon that puts privacy at the center of everything it does, making it an excellent privacy browser for Mac users who want both performance and peace of mind.

Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks thousands of trackers by default, meaning websites can’t follow you around the web collecting data about your browsing habits. It’s like having a privacy guard that works silently in the background, making it one of the best privacy browsers available.

What makes Firefox stand out today among privacy-focused browsers:

The container tabs feature is brilliant for people who need to keep different parts of their online life separate. You can have Facebook running in one container that can’t access your banking sites in another container. It’s compartmentalization that actually works — superior tab management for privacy-conscious users.

Firefox’s customization options are incredible among Mac web browsers. You can move buttons around, change how tabs look, modify the interface layout — it’s like having a browser that adapts to how you work rather than forcing you to adapt to it.

The focus on privacy isn’t just marketing speak. Firefox blocks cryptominers, fingerprinters, and social media trackers by default. You can browse knowing that your data isn’t being harvested and sold, making it a top choice for those seeking a privacy browser for Mac.

Performance-wise, Firefox now rivals Chrome for speed while using significantly less memory. Pages load quickly, and the browser doesn’t slow down your Mac the way some alternatives might.

Is Firefox right for your Mac as a Safari alternative? If privacy is important to you, if you like having control over how your browser looks and behaves, and if you want something that feels more ethical than Big Tech alternatives, Firefox deserves serious consideration among the best browsers for Mac.

What aspects of online privacy matter most to you? Firefox might address concerns you didn’t even know you had. And if you’re really serious about privacy, you might want to explore our comprehensive guide on 5 Top Chrome Browser Alternatives for Enhanced Privacy and Security  these browsers are specifically designed to counter rising cyber threats and offer a safer, faster browsing experience for your daily needs.

Microsoft Edge: The Surprising Comeback Story

Yes, we’re talking about a Microsoft browser on your Mac, and no, it’s not Internet Explorer in disguise. Modern Edge is built on the same Chromium foundation as Chrome but with Microsoft’s productivity focus, making it surprisingly good as one of the best browsers for Mac.

Edge’s integration with Microsoft 365 is seamless if you use Office, Teams, or OneDrive for work. You can edit Word documents directly in the browser, access your OneDrive files without logging in separately, and use Teams without needing the separate app.

Why Edge might surprise you among alternative browsers for Mac:

The vertical tabs feature helps when you’re researching or working with many open pages. Instead of tiny horizontal tabs that become impossible to read, vertical tabs give you actual space to see what’s open — it’s innovative tab management that many Mac web browsers should adopt.

Edge’s built-in productivity tools are impressive. Collections let you gather web pages, images, and notes into organized groups — perfect for research projects or planning purchases. You can even export Collections to Word or Excel.

The sleeping tabs feature automatically puts unused tabs to sleep to save memory and battery life. It’s like having an automatic cleanup service for your browsing session, making it a lightweight browser for Mac compared to Chrome.

Edge also has excellent security features, including a built-in password generator, secure DNS, and protection against malicious downloads — features that make it competitive with other privacy-focused browsers.

The reality check: Edge is still a Microsoft product, which means it wants to connect you to Microsoft’s ecosystem. If you’re not using Microsoft services, some features won’t be as useful. But if you are, Edge can actually make your workflow more efficient than other Safari alternatives for Mac.

Are you using Microsoft services for work or personal projects? Edge might integrate better with your existing tools than you’d expect, among the best alternatives to Safari options.

Vivaldi: The Power User’s Paradise

With a super flexible user interface, crazy cool tab management features, secure & reliable built-in apps, and strong privacy protections, Vivaldi is designed for people who want complete control over their browsing experience — making it one of the most comprehensive alternative browsers for Mac.

Vivaldi feels like a browser built by someone who actually uses browsers extensively. Every feature seems designed to solve real problems that power users face daily when looking for the best browsers for Mac.

What makes Vivaldi special among Mac web browsers:

The tab management is incredible. You can stack tabs, tile multiple pages in one window, group related tabs, and even take notes on specific tabs. It’s like having a personal assistant for organizing your browsing — superior to most Safari alternatives for Mac.

Vivaldi’s customization goes deeper than any other browser. You can change the position of tabs (top, bottom, left, right), modify the color scheme to match any website, and even set up custom keyboard shortcuts for almost every action. The browser UI can be tailored to your exact preferences.

The built-in tools eliminate the need for many extensions. There’s a built-in ad blocker, note- taking system, screenshot tool, and even an email client. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for the web, making it one of the most feature-rich alternative browsers for Mac.

Workspaces let you organize tabs into different contexts, similar to Arc’s Spaces but with more granular control. You can have different workspaces for different projects and switch between them instantly.

The learning curve consideration: Vivaldi has so many features that it can feel overwhelming at first. It’s designed for people who want to customize everything, which means it might be overkill if you just want a simple, lightweight browser for Mac.

Do you find yourself wishing your browser could do more? Vivaldi might be the Swiss Army knife you’ve been looking for among the best browsers for Mac.

Honorable Mentions: Other Notable Browsers

Zen Browser and Workspace Management

Zen Browser deserves a mention among privacy-focused browsers for its unique approach to workspace organization. Zen Browser Workspaces allow you to create completely separate browsing environments, similar to Arc but with a focus on minimalism and speed. If you’re looking for the best minimal browser that still offers powerful organization features, the Zen browser might catch your attention.

Orion Browser and WebKit Innovation

Orion Browser stands out among WebKit browsers by offering something unique — it’s built on WebKit (like Safari) but supports both Chrome and Firefox extensions. This makes it an interesting safari alternative for Mac that maintains the WebKit foundation while expanding functionality. It’s particularly appealing if you want to stay within the WebKit browser ecosystem while gaining more customization options.

Mullvad Browser for Ultimate Privacy

For users who prioritize privacy above all else, Mullvad browser represents the pinnacle of privacy-focused browsers. Built in collaboration with the Tor Project, this privacy browser for Mac strips away all tracking and telemetry. While it might be overkill for casual browsing, it’s perfect for users who want maximum privacy protection.

Speaking of privacy, if you’re serious about protecting your online activities, you might also want to check out our Best VPN Services for your needs  and our in-depth review on Mullvad VPN combining a privacy-focused browser with a reliable VPN service creates the ultimate privacy protection setup.

Are you someone who values privacy over convenience? These tools might be exactly what you need.

Making the Switch: Which Browser Should You Choose?

The honest answer is that the best browsers for Mac depend entirely on how you use your computer. Let’s break this down practically:

For users prioritizing maximum privacy and security, don’t forget to explore those 5 Top Chrome Browser Alternatives for Enhanced Privacy and Security  these specialized browsers are designed specifically to protect your online privacy and counter rising cyber threats.

The Real Question: What Do You Actually Need?

Before switching from Safari to any alternative browsers for Mac, ask yourself these questions:

What frustrates you most about Safari right now? Slow loading? Lack of extensions? Poor tab management? The answer should guide your choice among the best browsers for Mac.

How do you actually browse the web? Do you keep three tabs open or thirty? Do you research extensively or just check social media and news? Your browsing style matters more than any feature list when choosing Safari alternatives for Mac.

What other tools do you use daily? If you live in Google’s ecosystem, Chrome makes sense among Chromium-based browsers. If you’re all-in on Microsoft, Edge could streamline your workflow. If you value privacy above all else, privacy-focused browsers like Firefox are calling your name.

Do you need a lightweight browser for Mac, or are you willing to trade performance for features? This distinction can help you choose between minimalist options and feature-rich alternatives.

Making the Switch Painless

Switching browsers doesn’t have to be complicated. Every modern alternative browser for Mac can import your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history from Safari. The transition can happen in minutes, not hours.

Try installing one Safari alternative for Mac alongside Safari instead of completely replacing it immediately. Use the new browser for a week while keeping Safari as a backup. This way, you can experience the differences without pressure.

Most importantly, remember that you can always switch back or try a different option. Mac web browsers are tools, and the best tool is the one that makes your daily work easier and more enjoyable.

Your Next Step

The web browser you choose shapes how you experience the internet every single day. If Safari isn’t serving you well, you now have five solid alternatives that could significantly improve your browsing experience, from privacy focused browsers to feature-rich alternatives.

But reading about the best browsers for Mac isn’t the same as using them. The only way to know which safari alternative for Mac works best for you is to try them. Download one that sounds interesting, import your bookmarks, and give it a real test drive for a few days.

Which browser caught your attention while reading this? Was it the innovative tab management of Arc browser, the privacy features of Firefox, or maybe the workspace organization of Zen browser? What specific feature made you think, “I wish Safari could do that”?

Share your thoughts in the comments below — your experience could help other Mac users make the right choice for their needs. And if you decide to make the switch to any of these alternative browsers for Mac, come back and let us know how it went. Your real-world feedback helps everyone make better decisions about the tools we use every day.

There’s a browser out there that’s probably a better fit for your Mac than Safari. The question isn’t whether you should switch from Safari — it’s which alternative will transform your browsing experience for the better.