From waking up with an online alarm clock till sleeping while watching a web series or online movie, we know the importance of the internet in our lives. Today, the internet is pretty much as precious as fresh air for us. And one of the most commonly used interfaces for internet access would be your trusty and humble Web Browser.
Chrome is the perfect combination of efficiency, functionality, and speed that makes it one of the best web browsers for Mac. Download the best web browser Chrome that is simple and secure than ever. The free to use web browser for Mac gets another addition that is a power bundle if you are concerned about the data security. The fastest way to browse on a Mac. And faster than any Windows browser, too. With a blazing-fast JavaScript engine, Safari is the world’s fastest desktop browser, outperforming both Mac and PC browsers in benchmark after benchmark on the same Mac. According to the benchmarking tools at my disposals such as Kraken, JetStream or Octane, Safari is the fastest browser on a Mac by quite a distance. It seems that Apple's constant tinkering with the browser and the deep ties between the application and the MacOS High Sierra have paid off.
Be it banking, shopping, social networking, info search, and the tool that can take you places on any of the platforms, is a web browser. One of the most valuable platforms is Mac that gives you an experience like no other when you explore it thoroughly.
The Best Fastest Browsers For macOS in 2020
1. Safari
Nothing can be as optimized and reliable as the built-in feature that makes Safari the all-time-favorite web browser for Mac. The ultimate Apple experience, Safari has been through continuous improvements and came up stronger every time with more advanced features than before.
With the latest update in mid-September 2019, Safari is an absolute free platfrom to use on Mac. The privacy and AI integration are the two factors, Apple has put the weightage on while updating the previous version. Also, Apple Pay has been fully integrated that will make the shopping checkouts quite convenient for you.
You can visit the page and get more insights aboutSafari, the in-built browser.
Also Read: Can we Install Safari Browser on Windows 10?
2. Brave
An open-sourced and free browser for Mac, Brave is a known name among Mac users who wants to try something not in-built. Alike Opera, in order to keep the privacy & security, the company provides the service of blocking trackers and unmatched speed.
All of us are quite concerned about one thing and that is the security of data that we know, isn’t secured. The hackers or company members probably sell the data to the highest bidder and we can’t do anything. Well, not anymore. Brave blocks all the phishing and micromanaging websites that track every move of yours so that you can browse safely and freely.
Check out the most secure web browser for Mac here, Brave.
3. Chrome
I don’t think anyone would get shocked with the addition of Google Chrome, but, hey, we all have used it and we know it’s worth it. Irrespective of what the platform is, Chrome always has been a point of praise. Be it various extensions or an easy user interface, Chrome is a faster way to do just about anything.
A free platform, Chrome is undoubtedly the world’s most used and popular browser that’s been ruling the market for quite a long time. Chrome is the perfect combination of efficiency, functionality, and speed that makes it one of the best web browsers for Mac.
Download the best web browser Chromethat is simple and secure than ever.
4. Firefox
The free to use web browser for Mac gets another addition that is a power bundle if you are concerned about the data security. Apart from Chrome, Firefox is the 2nd web browser that gives a good platform to Mac users to surf around. Firefox neither spy on searches nor track your moves. As well as the company stops third-party tracking cookies.
A lot of Mac users have already declared Firefox as the best browser they have worked on (maybe because of the capacity to include 3rd party developments). Firefox also has a built-in VPN (Firefox Private Network VPN) that encrypts all your data and makes it look like a senseless code to an unauthorized reader. You can always visit the page and check out the details about Firefox VPN.
Download one of the most advanced web browsers for Mac here and explore it.
5. Opera
Similar to Firefox, Opera is also a free-to-use platform that is embedded with an in-built VPN. With more than 300 million users worldwide, Opera is one of the most secure and used web browsers that is quite compatible with Mac.
A few of the features are pop-up blocker, free VPN, fast browsing, unit converters, bookmarks that make it what it is today. Also, the web browser for Mac filters out the website with phishing & malware.
The browser tools in Opera also keep your info private and confidential than ever.
Download the most innovative feature web browser for Mac, Opera from here.
6. Edge Chromium
Initially built for Windows, now Edge Chromium is setting its footsteps on Mac as well. Edge Chromium is kind of like a successor to the Internet Explorer. You can use an Internet Explorer mode in the same browser as well as an in-built Bing search. Isn’t this amazing for older pages that lose the correct-readable-content-display with no updates.
A Free browsing platform, Edge’s been rebuilt by using the engine that powers Chrome by Microsoft and maybe that is the reason behind the name, Edge Chromium. A lot of users will find quite similarities between Chrome and Edge Chromium due to having the same power engine.
Download Edge Chromium here and explore one of the best web browsers for Mac.
7. Vivaldi
Considered as the one that gives you the control of customizing the browser’s functions as well as the overall display. If you haven’t heard about Vivaldi, we wouldn’t get shocked knowing that not a lot of users have used the browser. Once you use the browser for Mac, you will know that it’s quite a combination of all the browsers along the way.
Vivaldi uses the Chromium engine as well as has the taskbar options in the top left similar to Opera. Just because you haven’t heard about it or not used it, don’t throw it away. One of the striking features I experienced was, it lets you use split-screen in the browser only so you can work on both the tasks at the same time.
Download Vivaldi, one of the best browsers for Mac from here.
8. Puffin
Due to the trending security breaches, every browser strictly focusing on keeping your data secure than ever. Puffin is quite popular because of keeping your data secure as “in a vault”. Puffin lets you surf through the company’s own servers so that your searches are secure, and no malware can reach you.
Puffin is embedded with a lot of features including safeguarding your devices, avoiding cybersecurity threats, as well as boosting performance with the cloud rendering engine. When it comes to compatibility, the web browser for Mac is compatible with macOS Sierra 10.12 or later.
Download Puffin here and enjoy the unimaginable protection from malware.
The tool isn’t free for a lifetime but for a month. After the month is over, you can check the suitable paid plans and go for it.
Browsers For Mac
9. Maxthon
With a good user interface, Maxthon is also an addition to the best web browsers for Mac in 2020. A lightweight software, Maxthon doesn’t consume much memory from the PC and keeps it optimized.
With a lot of features to keep your information secure, the browser is quite faster also. The sync feature in Maxthon lets you access the browser from anywhere in the world. Because it syncs all your bookmarks and saved pages you can access later on.
Download a bit more speedy web browser for Mac (Maxthon) here.
10. Torch
One of the browsers for Mac that comes with more features than you expect in a web browser. The Torch is a name (in web browser category) that not a lot of you heard but it’s worth trying for sure. Few of the segments Torch includes are Torch Torrent, Torch Player, Torch Music, Games, and Facelift.
Apart from letting you browse through websites, Torch gives you the liberty to share websites via social media networks. It also lets you use the built-in Torch Torrent and download content and that is amazing.
Download the most user-friendly web browser for Mac here.
Wrapping Up
There are hundreds of web browsers for Mac in the market that claims to be perfect in their own way and we aren’t denying that. We brought you the combination of speed, user-interface, update, and the most important one, privacy & security.
Go through each of them and download the one that’s suitable for your needs the most. Don’t forget to respond to us with your experiences after using the ones (above) you have never used.
Next Read: Best Web Browsers for Windows
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Since most of your working (or even entertainment) time today is spent in your web browser window, it's likely the most important app on your computer. Without a doubt, there are lots of web browsers for Mac, but not all of them were created equal. So you might be wondering what is the best web browser for Mac.
After all, not everyone's needs are the same. You might be striving for speed or safety, or alternative ways of surfing online. And with Microsoft Edge set to appear on Mac shortly, the competition to become the top browser for Mac is getting fierce — but there's no need to try them all.
Use Setapp for better Internet browsing
Have the fastest and strongest browser with Setapp, a toolkit of Mac apps that speed up and improve your browsing experience.
The browser comparison below will outline all strengths and weaknesses of all the contenders on the market today to reveal the best browser for Mac you need.
What Makes The Best Web Browser
Depending on how exactly you use your Mac browser, you might require different features and specialties. Generally, there are four broad categories that make people sway one way or another.
Familiarity: Use something regularly for a while and you'll develop muscle memory, which makes it extremely hard to switch to anything else. This is the main reason most people keep using the first web browser they've tried. But it’s important to realize that experimenting with alternative browsers is not hard and might present you with much better options in no time.
Speed: Slow speed might quickly kill even the best web browser for Mac. If you think about it, no one has ever asked for their webpage to take more time to load.
Security: A lucky few might have never been the target of a hack or malware with a potential to disrupt or in some cases destroy a computer. But there's no such thing as being too careful. While some browsers are optimized for ease of use, there are safe browsers too that are secure from the ground up.
Bells and whistles: For some, it's the little things that matter most. Looking for Chromecast support? Configurable shortcuts? Extension libraries? All best internet browsers try to differentiate themselves in various ways to tailor to particular audiences.
The top browser for Mac out of the box: Safari
It could be that the best browser for Mac is the one that comes with every Mac already. Apple's proprietary web browser for Mac, Safari, is preinstalled on all Apple devices and is generally a good choice. No shame here for not bothering to explore alternative browsers at all.
Safari is good because Apple doesn't do things by half measures. Benchmarks suggest that when it comes to Safari vs Firefox, Safari loads HTML twice as fast, and four times as fast for Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Makes sense — no one knows Apple hardware better than Apple, so they have all the trump cards for near-perfect speed optimization. Safari might well be the fastest browser for Mac.
In terms of extras, Safari has a decent support for third-party plugins and integrates perfectly with your iOS and watchOS devices.
What’s great:
- Blazing-fast speed
- Already installed on your Mac
Not so great:
- Lacks Chromecast support and some other plugins
The most popular web browser: Chrome
Which Browser Is The Fastest For Mac Pro
Chrome is by far the top browser for Mac and other operating systems when it comes to popularity — some reports suggest that 70% of people on the web use it. But does that mean it’s the best web browser for Mac?
It could be. First of all, Chrome is generally one of the fastest web browsers. Second, it uses Google's proprietary Sandbox security technology, so you're completely safe running all kinds of websites on it. Third, Chrome's extension library is the largest on the market, allowing you to transform the browser into the tool for all your needs.
Even better, when you sign into your Google account on any Chrome browser anywhere, it'll load your bookmarks and logins right away. So if you're constantly using different computers, Chrome is a great choice (just remember to log out if you're using public ones).
When it comes to Safari vs Chrome, Safari wins as the best browser for Mac, whereas Chrome takes the crown if you find yourself jumping between operating systems.
What’s great:
- Fast and secure
- The best third-party support for browser extensions
- Travels well by signing into Chrome from anywhere
- Fully integrated with Chromecast
Not so great:
- Not as fast as Safari
The underdogfox web browser: Mozilla Firefox for Mac
Though it's not as commonly used as Safari or Chrome, Firefox is not without its share of devoted fans. It's been a mainstay in the browser wars for many years now and is maybe the most recognized one of the alternative browsers for people who would rather not support megalithic companies like Apple or Google. So do you want to download Firefox for Mac?
Unfortunately, sometimes the underdog is the underdog for a reason. Firefox is quite a bit slower when it comes to loading webpages. And while you can sign into your Firefox account for bookmarks just like in Google Chrome, the fact that it’s not a standard option on most computers in the way Chrome is makes this feature less useful.
Add to that a busy design that looks at odds with macOS, and when it comes to Safari vs Firefox as the best browser for Mac, Safari is the clear winner.
What’s great:
- Open-source development
- Long-established user base
- Firefox account to sync bookmarks across computers
Not so great:
- Slow by modern web standards
- Busy design
The 'could be a contender' browser: Opera for Mac
Opera has been around for years, but it's always been the 'also-ran' of the alternative browsers. But things could be different now: Opera today comes with a free VPN, ad-block, and built-in messenger client support right out of the box. The free VPN alone makes this browser worth downloading and checking out.
In the backend, Opera usings the same Blink Engine that powers Chrome, so you can be sure of its speed. Add to that integrated phishing and malware lists and you have a fast and secure browser. Some could argue that given recent Opera innovations it might have surpassed Firefox as the third-best web browser. It also might now be the best new browser for Mac, depending on what you’re looking for.
What’s great:
- Free VPN
- Just as fast as Chrome
- Great default ad and malware blocking
Not so great:
- Less third-party support compared to Chrome
- Low adoption
How to change default browser on Mac
So now that you have so many options to try — explore their websites and download the ones that you like. Just remind yourself that you're not yet fully committed to any single one.
But once you decide which one is your favorite, you need to know how to change default browser on Mac:
- Click on the Apple menu ➙ System Preferences
- Navigate to the General tab
- Find a dropdown menu marked 'Default web browser' and click on it to choose from the browsers you've installed
The top browser for Mac is what you make of it
In the end, it doesn't matter too much which browser is the best — if you like it and feel like it does what you need it to do, then everybody's happy. What matters the most is whether or not you can customize the browser to your needs. That means downloading extensions that make the most of your internet experience.
If you've ever been watching a YouTube video and thought, 'I wish there was a safe and easy way to download this video,' then you absolutely need to check out Downie.
Capture video from any browser
Try a seamless video downloader that works with any browser. With Downie, you’ll be able to instantly save videos from 1000+ sites.
Downie is an app for your Mac that lets you drag and drop videos from any website onto your computer. It works like magic:
- Copy a link from Vimeo or YouTube or anywhere else
- Open Downie and hit ⌘ + V to paste the link
- The download will start automatically
Even for times when you can't find a song anywhere but streaming video, use Downie to simply download the audio file. Brilliant!
Want to edit or format that file? Downie blends seamlessly with Permute, which lets you combine videos, edit them down, or convert the file type:
- Drag and drop a video onto Permute
- Choose to work with Audio or Video
- Use the dropdown to choose the file format to convert to
- Click Start
Yet another great app to completely unlock your browser is Inboard. Designed to easily capture screenshots from your screen so that you can create collages and moodboards, Inboard lets you cut and paste images from your Mac browser, and even make a Pinterest-style inspiration board from all your captured pictures.
Best of all, Downie, Permute, and Inboard are all available to try absolutely free for seven days when you sign up for Setapp, an app subscription services that gives you over 150 different apps for every possible use case. Now that’s a Mac browser transformed!
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
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