safari vs brave speed

Brave vs Chrome
Brave vs Edge
Brave vs Firefox

Brave vs Safari

A side-by-side comparison

As the default on Apple devices, Safari is the second most widely used browser in the world. It’s generally considered more private than Chrome, and is optimized for iOS and macOS. But despite Apple’s best efforts, it still doesn’t match up to a privacy-and-performance browser like Brave.

Brave is faster and more private, even on macOS and iOS devices. And—unlike Safari—it also works on every other device and operating system. So which is right for you?

Let’s compare.

Is Brave safer than Safari?

Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world. But unlike other Big Tech players like Google or Facebook, Apple is far less dependent on advertising revenue; most of their money comes from sales of hardware and software. As such, they have less incentive to collect your data (or allow it to be collected), and more incentive to protect you online.

Still, Safari doesn’t go nearly as far as it could in terms of specific privacy and security protections . Brave, meanwhile, blocks nearly every attempt to track you:

Blocks third-party ads
Blocks cross-site trackers
Blocks third-party cookies
Protects against fingerprinting
Blocks cookie-consent banners
Global privacy control support
Auto-upgrades to HTTPS
Network state partitioning
Filters query parameters
Blocks bounce tracking

Chart describes default settings.

Full protection
Limited protection
No protection, or off by default

As you can see, Safari still allows ads and trackers to appear on the webpages you visit. It still allows some fingerprinting techniques, and even those annoying cookie-consent notices (which Brave blocks by default). With Safari, you’re still followed across the Web. Your browsing and search history are recorded and linked directly with you—all without your knowledge or consent.

Brave, on the other hand, is built for privacy. It blocks those things (and more) by default.

Does Brave have more features than Safari?

Brave is built on the open-source Chromium browser engine (the same one that powers Chrome, Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi). 1 Safari is powered by Apple’s open-source WebKit engine.

Basic functions like bookmarks and tabs are there in both Brave and Safari. For Safari extensions, you’ll need to visit the Apple App Store; for Brave extensions, you can visit the much larger selection in the Chrome Web Store. But with all of Brave’s built-in features, you likely won’t need any extensions.

Beyond these core similarities, Brave has lots of custom features that are missing in Safari:

Better browsing

Built-in ad blocker
YouTube ad blocker
AI assistant
Vertical tabs
Offline media playlists
News & RSS reader
Reader mode
Translations
Cross-device profile syncing

Privacy & security

Default private search
Built-in VPN
Built-in, private video calls
Tor browsing
Web Torrent integration
Secure, built-in wallet
Crypto rewards program
IPFS peer-to-peer file sharing
Full functionality
Limited functionality
No functionality, or off by default

Some sub-features like Translations and Tab groups are available in both browsers. But to get real parity in Safari, you’d need to install multiple extensions that, unfortunately, can introduce security risks and slow down your Web browsing.

When looking at browser functionality, Brave far outperforms Safari.

Brave cleans up webpages, giving you a less distracting browsing experience on every site—including YouTube.

Safari, on the other hand, shows pages cluttered with ads…and countless other junk you can’t see. One look at a side-by-side, and you’ll immediately notice the difference.

Grab the slider to see the difference between Brave and Safari and try a few sites below

All Recipes

Brave works on all Mac laptop and desktop computers. It performs far better on macOS machines than Safari does. By blocking ads and trackers , it uses less RAM and CPU, and saves memory.

Brave works on all Apple mobile devices. It performs far better on iOS devices than Safari does. By blocking ads and trackers, it uses less battery, less bandwidth, and less mobile data.

Brave is available on Android and iOS, macOS and Windows, and even Linux. No matter which device or operating system you use, Brave will run better than the default browser—or any other browser you might install—on that device.

Safari is owned by Apple, one of the largest (and richest) companies in the world. Brave, meanwhile, is truly independent. It’s a North American company, and since it’s not owned by Big Tech, it’s not beholden to Big Tech.

Safari does not have its own search engine, so Safari users must default to Google or Bing, or one of the “alternative” engines that are in fact just powered by Big Tech. The default search engine in the Brave browser is Brave Search, which is built to keep you private and secure. Brave Search can’t sell, lose, or use your data—we don’t collect it in the first place.

As for quality, Brave Search has indexed more than 18 billion pages (and counting). And while Google’s index has far more pages, it’s important to note that a huge percentage of that is either duplicate content, spam pages, or other junk. Brave Search actually delivers results that are higher in relevance, timeliness, and utility.

And of course, any other search engine will work in Brave as well.

Yes, Brave has the same feature, though we call them private windows instead. But it’s important to note that Incognito windows are not some privacy hack. All these windows do is delete cookies from that particular browsing session, so they’re not connected to future Incognito sessions, or browsing you do in a regular window. When you browse in an Incognito window, you’re still being watched by trackers on the sites you visit.

Chromium is the browser engine for desktop & Android; on iOS both Brave and Safari use Apple WebKit.

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Online Security

The fastest browser options in 2024: what’s the best web browser for speed.

Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any earnings do not affect how we review services. Learn more about our editorial integrity and research process .

Browser developers don’t always advertise their web browser’s speed up front, and it’s not easy to calculate its exact speed. It isn't obvious which web browser is the fastest, so we tested 10 options to find the fastest browser.

Last Updated: 13 Jan'24 2024-01-13T19:54:26+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

The performance of your browser is difficult to separate from the speed of your internet connection, so you might find yourself a little lost when looking for the fastest browser on the web. Browser speed also often changes with each update, so there’s a good chance any information you might find about a browser’s speed will be outdated.

That’s why we tested the desktop versions of all the major internet browsers and compiled their results in this browser speed overview. We tested a total of 10 web browsers and picked what we believe are the five fastest internet browsers on the web.

Key Takeaways:

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge were nearly tied for first place, but we think Chrome is the faster web browser.
Speed can come at the cost of other important factors in a browser, such as security and features.
Some browsers are faster when dealing with certain kinds of web applications than others. For example, one that’s fast with standard web applications might be slower when rendering visuals, or vice versa.

Ran new speed tests and chose a new ranking to reflect up-to-date results. Removed Firefox and Chromium; added Microsoft Edge.

Fastest Web Browsers

What Makes the Fastest Browser & Which Browser Is the Fastest?

When we’re assessing the speed of a browser, we look at its ability to execute web applications and render visuals. Handling standard web applications is the most important criterion because that’s what the majority of web browsing activity consists of. However, we don’t overlook the more advanced, resource-heavy applications, either.

Chrome — The overall fastest browser, and one of the most popular browsers
Microsoft Edge — A close runner-up to Chrome, and Chrome’s equal in practice
Opera — The third-fastest browser, but its speed is hampered by its abundance of features
Brave — It’s not the fastest, but it is the most secure browser on this list, with built-in privacy and security features that don’t burden its great performance
Vivaldi — Consumes a lot of RAM, but includes resource-saving features like hibernating tabs

We also take visual graphics rendering into account, as you’ll see in our results below, but it’s not the most significant factor. Each browser has its strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll see how some browsers perform better in some areas than others.

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How Did We Determine the Fastest Web Browsers?

Testing the speed of a browser is a delicate task because the browser’s speed must be parsed out from your internet connection’s speed. That’s why we use the suite of benchmark tests provided by BrowserBench. These three tests — Speedometer 2.0, JetStream 2 and Motion Mark — each analyze different aspects of your web browser .

We performed these tasks on an HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini with 16GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-9500T CPU running at 2.21 GHz. It runs on the Windows 10, 20H2 operating system and contains an Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics card.

It’s not always clear how much of your browser’s speed is influenced by your internet connection or the browser itself. That’s why we closed all other applications while we ran the tests over a stable connection. No other machines were connected to the network during the tests, so our speed results are as unadulterated as we could get them.

Speedometer 2.0

We place the greatest emphasis on Speedometer because its results illustrate the most comprehensive overview of your browser’s performance. It runs 480 standard JavaScript web applications and monitors how quickly your browser can handle each of them. The app averages the results indicating the total number of runs per minute the browser is capable of.

JetStream 2

The next test, JetStream 2, calculates advanced and uncommon web applications. Like Speedometer, JetStream makes the browser perform a series of web applications and delivers an averaged result. There wasn’t as wide a gap between the speed results of most browsers in this test as there was in Speedometer, so it made less of an impact on our browser ranking.

The third test, MotionMark, calculates your browser’s ability to quickly render advanced visual graphics in heavy loads.

Web Browser Speed Comparison: What Is the Fastest Browser?

Chrome and Edge were so close in each of our tests that they hardly differed from one another. The one test where Edge bested Chrome was in JetStream 2, where it got the upper hand by just a hair. In practice, they are equally fast and responsive browsers.

Brave, Opera and Vivaldi make up the remainder of our top five. Once again, their performance was so close that they went up and down the rankings by very small margins. The biggest differences emerged in the MotionMark test, where Brave was clearly the faster browser when rendering complex visual graphics, but they are all acceptably fast browsers in practice.

Benchmark Test: Speedometer

In the first and most important test, Chrome took the number one spot. Chrome does reliably well when handling JavaScript web applications, and Edge isn’t much worse. In third place came Opera, after a much wider gap, and Brave and Vivaldi were close enough to Opera to be indistinguishable.

Browser Runs Per Minute: Speedometer

Benchmark Test: JetStream 2

Edge was faster than Chrome for advanced JavaScript responsiveness in this test, but by a very slight margin. Meanwhile, Chromium raced ahead of Brave, Opera and Vivaldi while lagging behind in the other tests.

Browser Runs Per Minute, JetStream 2

Tor Browser returned an “infinity” score for this benchmark test, which we can’t interpret. Opera Neon can’t process WebAssembly or JavaScript code, so it wouldn’t run on this JetStream2 test.

Benchmark Test: MotionMark

Chrome turned out to be the most graphics-capable browser in MotionMark, just slightly ahead of Edge once again.

Opera Neon unexpectedly seized third place, despite being one of the slowest browsers we’ve ever reviewed. It’s an impressive turn of events for Opera Neon, but we excluded it from the top five for its overall sluggishness.

Browser Runs Per Minute: MotionMark

The 5 Fastest Web Browsers

Now with our overview out of the way, let’s take a closer look at each individual browser’s performance.

1. Google Chrome

Easy to use
Largest library of extensions
Wide range of in-browser features
Pretty fast
Cross-device synchronization
Serious privacy concerns

Chrome is the most popular internet browser (with an estimated global market share of around 60% ) in the world and, currently, the fastest. It took first place in all but one of our tests, and was very close to Edge where it fell into second place.

Without any extensions installed, Chrome responded well to a range of JavaScript applications and complex visual graphics. Some of the browsers in this list were better at some tasks rather than others, but Chrome delivers uniform results across the board.

Great Ease-of-Use

Simplicity is one of Chrome’s biggest strengths. Its easy-to-use interface played a big role in its popularity and is now the template for most contemporary browsers. Chrome is rather plain by itself, but you can add more features through the Chrome web store — the world’s largest library of extensions.

Chrome is a well-rounded browser in almost every way, especially in speed. We’ve never had a problem with Chrome running slowly except at the highest loads, so we can confidently recommend Chrome for its speed. Read our full Google Chrome review for more details.

2. Microsoft Edge

Lots of features
Compatible with most Chrome extensions
Not the most private browser

In practice, Edge is every bit as fast as Chrome. It used to be much slower before it was redesigned with Chromium in 2020, but now it can process JavaScript web applications and render visuals with ease.

Built-in Features

Like Chrome, Edge is a simple browser that’s great for everyday web browsing. It has plenty of useful features built into the interface like device sync, an extensive context menu, and a handy “collections” tool. Compatibility with Chrome extensions is a nice plus as well.

Edge doesn’t have a lot to offer that isn’t already available in Chrome, but it’s a lot faster than every other alternative. Read our full Microsoft Edge review and our Microsoft Edge vs Chrome for more information.

Lots of built-in features
Multiple mobile versions
Anonymous & easy device sync
Privacy & security concerns
Mini & Touch Android-only
Uses a lot of RAM

If Chrome and Edge were tied for first place, that would make Opera the runner-up. There’s a bigger gap between the top two browsers and Opera than there are between Chrome and Edge, so it’s not in the same league when it comes to speed — at least on paper. In reality, there’s nothing noticeably slower about Opera, as it performs excellently with little to no latency.

It took third place in Speedometer and fourth in JetStream 2, losing to Chromium. Although Chromium did better in this test, it’s an overall slower browser, so we think Opera deserves the third spot on this list. It fell much farther behind when rendering visual graphics, but because that’s not the most important criterion for good web browsing, we don’t place as much emphasis on that test.

No Extensions Necessary

Many browsers today, such as Chrome, are very basic on their own and rely on extensions to increase the browser’s functionality. Opera’s basic philosophy is to include enough features to make extensions less important, if not unnecessary altogether. It offers features like built-in social media and communication apps, device sync, a crypto wallet and much more.

Adding too many extensions can slow down your browser’s performance, so feature-rich browsers like Opera and its spin-off, Vivaldi, perform more efficiently than a browser with a large number of extensions.

We praise Opera and Vivaldi highly, but because Opera is the overall faster browser, we chose to place it higher up on this list. Read our full Opera review and Opera vs Chrome guides for more details.

Advanced security & privacy
Fast & memory-efficient
Built-in ad-blocker & crypto wallet
Privacy-based advertising model & reward system
Infrequent update cycle

Brave — our best browser for Mac — came behind Opera by such a small margin in Speedometer that they were virtually identical. Brave and Opera reversed roles for the subsequent two tests, with Brave falling behind Opera when managing advanced and uncommon applications, but surpassing Opera in its ability to render complex visual graphics.

Excellent Browser for Privacy

We like Brave for being a private and secure browser. It was designed with privacy in mind from the beginning, featuring a built-in ad-blocker, HTTPS Everywhere and an innovative advertising model that protects your privacy rather than compromising it.

Good privacy and security often comes at the cost of speed, but Brave is still a fast, responsive and secure browser, even if it’s not the fastest. Read our full Brave review for more information.

Customizable
Low RAM consumption
Great for power users
No iOS version
Mobile version is less user-friendly than on desktop

Vivaldi’s performance was nearly equal to Brave and Opera in Speedometer, but came up noticeably short in speed when producing complex visuals in MotionMark. It was still a close race when it came to handling advanced web applications in JetStream.

A Browser for Power Users

Developed by the co-founder of Opera, Vivaldi was designed with Opera’s philosophy of a fully featured browser in mind. Vivaldi takes features and customization options even further than Opera and even includes performance-enhancing features such as hibernating tabs.

It’s not the fastest browser, and high RAM use is one of its major downsides. Fortunately, its hibernating tabs option evens out some of the flaws and can improve the browser’s overall speed and resource usage. This option will keep the selected tabs open but not running, so your system’s resources are freed up for the other open tabs. Read our full Vivaldi review for more details.

Honorable Mentions: Not-Quite-So-Fast Browser Options

We tested many more browsers than the five you see above. The remainder of the browsers were obviously not as fast, but there were a few with other noteworthy traits that make up for their slower speeds.

Firefox was one of the faster browsers that didn’t make the cut. Its overall ability to process JavaScript-based web applications was acceptable in its speed, as measured by Speedometer.

However, it fell much farther behind when faced with advanced and uncommon applications, and with rendering complex visuals. It’s an excellent browser for basic tasks like daily browsing and email, but fails at more advanced tasks.

There’s still a lot to like about Firefox despite its moderate speeds. It’s a far more private browser than Chrome because Mozilla’s source of revenue isn’t derived from collecting the data of its users for advertising purposes. Read our Firefox vs Chrome and Opera vs Firefox guides to learn how it compares to the fastest browsers.

It’s also easy to use and has hundreds of useful add-ons in its extensions library, even though it’s not as large as Chrome’s collection. Read our full Firefox review for more information.

Chromium maintained sluggish speeds during two of our tests, but snagged third place in JetStream 2. Chromium and Chrome are almost exactly the same because Chromium is the open-source browser framework Chrome is based on.

Chromium is intended for use in browser development rather than for general consumer browsing, and is therefore very unstable. Be sure to read our Chromium vs Chrome to learn how the two browser foundations compare.

Its long load time sets it apart from Chrome, along with its incompatibility with Google accounts and device sync with other platforms, so there wouldn’t be much point in using Chromium except for development purposes. Despite its typically inadequate speed, it can quickly handle advanced and uncommon web applications. Read the full Chromium review for more details.

Final Thoughts: Fastest Browsers

It was a close race in this round of browser speed tests. Chrome and Edge were just about tied for first, but the victory ultimately goes to Chrome by a small margin. Brave, Opera and Vivaldi fought hard to win the runner-up positions and are just about equal in overall performance, but some of these browsers found their strengths where others were weak.

This article focuses only on speed, but we have a library of articles that go into greater detail on every entry on this list. You can look through our browser reviews here .

We’ve mentioned that good privacy and security protections can come at the cost of speed. If you value a secure browser over a fast one, we recommend reading our overview of the five most secure browsers . Puffin — the best browser for Android — impressed us enough to take the number one spot, while its desktop version came in dead last in terms of speed.

What do you think of our five fastest selections? Do you think our criteria and ranking were fair? Was there an even faster browser than Chrome that we overlooked? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and as always, thanks for reading.

Chrome is the fastest internet browser we tested. Edge followed closely behind. Opera was a fast web browser as well, but slower than Edge.

On the whole, Chrome is the fastest web browser, but Edge marginally surpassed Chrome on one of the three benchmark tests.

Both are about the same, but Chrome wins in two of the three speed categories.

Wow, pretty pathetic scores overall. Was that because the Computer (doubtful, this is a browser test, should be easily performed by the computer). windows (maybe).

These are my scores on my M1 MBP for Safari on Ventura beta: Speedometer: 340, motionmark: 3063, Jetstream 221. Brave and chrome were close, Firefox less than half on Jetstream, Other browsers were about 40% of Safari on Motionmark, No other browser even topped 300 on speedometer. So probably windows then, way faster than your published results

it does depend on the computer. the point of browser tests is to push them to their limit. the same browser running on 2GB RAM with Celeron isn’t gonna perform as good when it’s run on a 32 GB RAM computer with the latest i9.

if you call these scores pathetic, go get chrome and do the same tests.

Is there a Mod version of Opera that’s faster than Chrome and Edge?

I did all of these tests on the latest Safari using an M1 Mac and it destroys all these results.

Thats not because of Safari though

that’s because these scores are dependent on your machine. if you want accurate results, also redo the tests for the other browsers as well.

on my potato PC, all of these browsers got almost half the score

There’s NO way Chrome is the fastest. Web browsing grinds to a halt when I open Chrome. I always get over 900Mbps with both the command line tests, but speedtest.net in browser is always around 300Mbps. How do I fix the difference?

Safari and Orion actually blow these scores away. Try a comparison.

Measuring speed of browsing with the BrowserBench.org suite is inadequate IMO. I say this because it isn’t measuring actual browsing of the sites most people use. Even that can be misleading as the load at the time of their use can impact the presentation speed. I just ran the latest BrowserBench.org test suite (Speedometer 2.1, Jetstream 2.1, and Motion Mark 1.2) on the latest versions of SRWare Iron, Google Chrome, Vivaldi, AVG, Brave, Brave Beta, Brave Nightly, Opera, OmniWeb, iCab, Edge, Chromium, Safari, Avast, Firefox, Epic, LibreWolf, Waterfox, Tor, Mullvad, SeaMonkey, and Pale Moon and this order was the Speedometer 2.1 speed.

However, I do NOT think speed is paramount. I believe security and privacy are THE MOST IMPORTANT. The best test for Privacy and Tracking and Fingerprinting protection i have been able to find so far is EFF’s Cover Your Tracks. Anyone can use this. If you do you will find that ONLY ONE browser passes this on the MacOS Monterey 12.6.5… only one… the Brave browser.

This is why I invariably end up recommending the Brave browser after I test. Having said that i encourage every browser user to use EFF’s Cover Your Tracks tool to test your browser. The speed differences among the top 8 browsers are negligible in comparison to the privacy differences which are HUGE! Furthermore, I am not sure that Brave isn’t faster than all of them as it eliminates ads and trackers and saves a lot of time and angst in so doing not to mention the elimination of time lost following the ads.

I totally agree, my tests showed that Brave was faster than Chrome & Edge by not loading all the ads…

Safari the best, blazing fast for loading and rendering page contents, like no other.

There is a browser called thorium which uses AVX2. On the speedometer test I got a score infinity. Maybe try this browser out next time you do these tests.

You should test out a Chromium based browser called Thorium. Specifically the AVX2 version.

On Speedometer it scored 241; on JetStream it scored 211; and on MotionMark it scored 2375.

The developer also makes a Firefox fork called Mercury which is a lot faster than stock firefox.

I feel like most browsers today are based off of Chromium which now is mostly developed by Google and some input from Microsoft. Some browsers focus a bit more on privacy then others. Chrome probably the least privacy focused browser by its default settings.

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Internet , Software & Tools

Brave vs Safari – Which Is Better?

One of the biggest challenges that you can face is identifying the best browsing platforms that are secure, fast, and easy to use.

Although there are many browsers on the internet , getting a suitable one for your device and needs can be difficult.

To answer your concerns, we’ll explore two of the more popular browsers today – Brave and Safari. You’ll get to know which among them has strong security features, is easy to use, is compatible with your device, has high loading and browsing speeds, and much more. We’ll also examine their similarities, differences, pros, and cons.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the two browsers in detail and be able to decide which is better for you.

Stay with me as I compare Safari and Brave.

What is Safari?

Safari is a web browser designed by Apple. It is built on open-source code, particularly WebKit, and is written in several programming languages such as Swift, C++, and others.

It took over as the standard web browser for Macintosh computers from Netscape Navigator, Cyberdog, and Internet Explorer for Mac. It only works with iOS, iPad OS, and Mac OS.

How Does Safari Work?

If you use multiple Apple gadgets, Safari performs an excellent job of making browsing easy and seamless. It offers a reading mode that removes unnecessary distractions like advertisements and videos from the web content you would like to read.

Safari compatibility makes a lot of sense if you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac because Apple’s Handoff feature allows you to continue browsing between devices. Plus, when using an iCloud account, it will instantly sync open tabs between devices.

Safari can recognize your favorite articles and display or advertise them for a better reading experience. This view is particularly useful for websites that open new windows as you browse.

A share button integrated into the Safari app allows you to instantly share a webpage via email, message, or social media site like Facebook. The coolest function is the one that lets you use AirDrop to send a website to another nearby iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

What is Brave?

Brave is a privacy-focused web browser developed by Brave Software Incorporation. It is a specific browser that allows you to explore websites, execute web applications, and view online content. It is free and open-source software designed to improve browsing.

It saves site login information and has ad-blocking capabilities. Brave is written in C++, Javascript, and Swift.

This browser is gaining popularity due to its ad-blocking and privacy-protection features.

How Does Brave Work?

Brave is built on Chromium, an open-source project maintained by Google. It is powered by the same back-end components as Chrome, such as the V8 JavaScript engine and the Blink rendering engine.

The Brave browser prevents trackers and advertisements from slowing down and violating your privacy when browsing . Through its search box, it enables you to find new websites. Also, you can save your favorite websites for later reading.

It allows you to make unlimited free calls, private video calls, and create a live stream on YouTube using the internet. You can get all the happenings in the world through its News section. Surprisingly, the browser has a built-in crypto wallet.

Performance

Safari considers itself one of the fastest browsers in the world because of its lightning-quick JavaScript engine. It’s designed to function exclusively on Apple products, optimizing it to maximize battery life and provide sustained power.

Besides, Apple silicon has made it even quicker. It averages a loading speed that is more than 50% quicker than Chrome.

Safari allows you to do more online on a single battery charge than other browsers. You’ll be able to stream videos up to 1.5 hours longer than you would with Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. Furthermore, you’ll also have up to 30 minutes of additional browsing time.

It allows you to view your favorite movies and television shows in their greatest light. Safari now supports 4K HDR video playing in-browser for Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV.

Brave is super fast. Its loading rate is three times faster than Google Chrome and significantly quicker on your phone. It downloads fast and saves time by eliminating adverts and trackers.

No matter how much you ask of your computer, Brave works more efficiently. Brave consumes up to 66% less RAM than other browsers, even when several tabs run simultaneously. That implies you can run multiple apps in your computer’s background without hiccups.

Brave uses 40% less battery in mobile testing, which is less energy than well-known mobile browsers, including Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.

When using Brave, be free to enjoy background music without worrying about the battery dying. Brave is designed to ensure that your time (and power) is well spent online.

And compared to several ad-blocking internet browsers , Brave saves another 20% in battery use, thanks to its low CPU consumption.

In terms of performance, Safari carries the day. Its loading speeds and ability to preserve battery life puts it way above Brave.

User Interface

Safari has an easy-to-use interface. The search bar is located at the top of the screen on desktops and mobile. Also, widgets displaying frequently visited websites, favorite websites, and suggested reading based on your browser history, are added to the home screen.

If you have several tabs open, you can zoom out on them by clicking the four-square symbol in the upper right corner of the browser, making it easy to discover what you’re looking for.

If you come across a link to a website, you can open it in a new tab. Doing this helps you access the linked page without navigating away from the original page. Tap and hold the link, then choose “Open in New Tab” to open it in a new tab.

Websites on Safari can occasionally be challenging to read. Don’t worry! Pinch the screen to zoom in and out, giving you greater control over how big (or little) the page will look.

Double-tapping the screen will zoom in on the region touched, which is very useful for viewing tiny letters. You can zoom out on the same area by tapping twice.

Remember, you can easily rotate the iPad or iPhone to adjust the screen orientation. Other websites will seem better in landscape mode, and some may function better in portrait mode.

If you discover that you often visit a specific website, you might wish to add it as a bookmark. Just add a site’s icon to your Home screen if you’d want even quicker access. Simply hit the “Share icon,” choose “ Add to Home Screen ,” and then click “Add.”

Your Home screen will display the page as an icon. By tapping the icon, Safari will launch and the webpage will appear.

Like Safari, the Brave interface is also simple to use. You can choose between placing the toolbar at the bottom or the top.

This browser allows you to search all open tabs or recently closed tabs. The upper right corner of the screen has an icon that allows you to search through the tabs. By activating or deactivating the toggle next to the selection, you can regulate the search tab button’s visibility.

The experimental night mode with Brave adds a black backdrop to any website you view, regardless of the publisher’s preferences. The function works effectively and rarely affects the look of sites set to dark mode by default.

Enabling the background pictures option on Brave will allow you to personalize the appearance of the new tab page. Brave will then randomly select a background image for each new tab you open.

With just one click, you can instantly access your favorite or often visited websites on each new tab you open in Brave. The browser permits you to set up the top sites in two ways: your favorite sites based on your preferences or the sites you visit most frequently based on your browsing history.

Bookmarks enable fast access to your favorite websites. The bookmarks also allow you to mark web pages as read for later. You can enable or disable the Brave browser’s bookmarks tab based on your preferences.

The Home button, which you’ll find in the toolbar, allows you to access the homepage easily. You can adjust the Home button’s visibility by toggling it on or off. In addition, you can choose whether the home button takes you to the new tab or a custom page to input the address.

Compatibility

Safari is available on Apple PCs and mobile devices. Although you might be able to run Safari on Linux or Windows, it’s not advised because Apple doesn’t provide support for other operating systems, leaving your device vulnerable.

Also, Safari won’t operate on Android; even if you can figure out how to run it there, it’s not advisable.

You can access Brave on Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, etc. In addition, it works perfectly on these operating systems.

Crypto Wallet

Brave Wallet is the first safe crypto wallet integrated into a browser. It has no extensions or additional procedures that decrease the exposure to phishing and theft.

You can monitor, expand, and store your cryptocurrency portfolio. Integrated, multi-chain Brave Swaps let you find the greatest price match and link up with Web3 DApps from a single wallet. Also, you can purchase crypto using fiat through Wyre or Ramp Network.

It doesn’t support the crypto wallet.

Brave is the best browser to choose if you are a crypto enthusiast . Supporting a crypto wallet helps you monitor the market without leaving the browser. This makes Brave better than Safari.

Brave and Safari: Similarities and Difference

Similarities

Both browsers have higher loading and browsing speeds.
Safari and Brave come with magnificent security systems.
The two browsers assure your privacy.
You can sync both browsers on multiple devices.

Differences

Brave has an option where users can reward publishers, but Safari doesn’t.
Brave has no payment processor like Safari (Apple Pay).
Compared to Safari, Brave has the best user interface.
Safari is only compatible with Apple devices, but Brave is accessible with almost all devices with varying operating systems.
Brave has a crypto wallet, while Safari doesn’t support it.

Brave vs Safari: Pros and Cons

Its user interface is rather appealing.
iCloud Keychain is used to update and sync passwords.
Most Apple devices already include Apple Pay.
It has high levels of privacy and security.
Syncs with multiple Apple gadgets.
It has a limited extension.
It only works on Apple devices.
It lacks a crypto wallet.

Wrapping Up

I found Brave a better browser than Safari because it serves all users with different operating systems, including iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Brave comes with a user-friendly design, privacy-focused features, and improved integration, offering you the best browsing experience.

Users with donations and rewards can show their appreciation to publishers and content creators. Besides, it supports crypto wallets.

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

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Browser benchmark: Brave vs Safari performance

Thread starter m_emelchenkov
Start date Dec 6, 2023
Tags benchmark brave safari
Sort by reaction score
macOS Sonoma (14)

m_emelchenkov

Macrumors regular.

Dec 6, 2023

Browser benchmarks: Brave vs Safari Since Sonoma I am active user of Brave web browser. For many years I was a fan of Safari. And here is why things now changed… Environment MacBook Pro w/ M1 Max CPU, 32 GB RAM. External monitor w/ MacBook closed lid. Sonoma 14.1.2. Brave Version 1.60.125 Chromium: 119.0.6045.199 (Official Build) (arm64) Safari Version 17.1.2 (19616.2.9.11.12) Measurements See screenshots. Graphics test (MotionMark) — Safari is 34.3% slower than Brave. Web App test (Speedometer) — Brave is 22.8% slower than Safari. General test (JetStream2) — Safari is 29.4% slower than Brave. Conclusion Safari is 30-35% slower than Brave. In real-world usage like scrolling sites with lazy-loading DOM and images like different classifieds sites, social network sites etc. Safari shows awful speed. Large DOM models it also handles very very bad. Apple product owner should really consider fixing Safari performance. It's simply awful both in real-world and synthetic tests.

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macrumors G4

in real-world use... what does this matter? i use safari (and sometimes chrome), and my experience is fine; pages open quickly, everything works well. i'd think that internet speeds, modems, routers, etc, would matter more. but nice that you can use brave, i can use safari, and others use chrome, or firefox, or whatever suits them best.

macrumors 6502a

What was the resolution of the external monitor set to? I'd prefer to clock how the browsers do with built-in hardware, esp. since I'm not likely to use any external monitor on a plane or train..

macrumors 603

Dec 7, 2023

m_emelchenkov said: Apple product owner should really consider fixing Safari performance. Click to expand...

bogdanw said: Sorry, what? Or who? You should uninstall those third-party extensions from Safari before running benchmarks and complaining about performance. Click to expand...

m_emelchenkov said: Sure I also tested with disabled extensions, they are not the root of the situation. Click to expand...

bogdanw said: I get better results on MBA M1 8GB Sonoma 14.1.2 (23B92) Safari 17.1.2 (19616.2.9.11.12) Click to expand...

Dec 15, 2023

m_emelchenkov said: Browser benchmarks: Brave vs Safari Since Sonoma I am active user of Brave web browser. For many years I was a fan of Safari. And here is why things now changed… Environment MacBook Pro w/ M1 Max CPU, 32 GB RAM. External monitor w/ MacBook closed lid. Sonoma 14.1.2. Brave Version 1.60.125 Chromium: 119.0.6045.199 (Official Build) (arm64) Safari Version 17.1.2 (19616.2.9.11.12) Measurements See screenshots. Graphics test (MotionMark) — Safari is 34.3% slower than Brave. Web App test (Speedometer) — Brave is 22.8% slower than Safari. General test (JetStream2) — Safari is 29.4% slower than Brave. Conclusion Safari is 30-35% slower than Brave. In real-world usage like scrolling sites with lazy-loading DOM and images like different classifieds sites, social network sites etc. Safari shows awful speed. Large DOM models it also handles very very bad. Apple product owner should really consider fixing Safari performance. It's simply awful both in real-world and synthetic tests. Click to expand...

maccan said: And there is a extreme 3D performance difference for Google Earth Web! Zooming rotating etc is very slow in Safari while it flys in Brave. If you go to Settings in the Google Earth Web page "Tools->Settings", it say at the very bottom: "Single Threaded" for Safari while in Brave it is "Multi Threaded". Click to expand...

m_emelchenkov said: Thank you very much for this observation. I have tried myself—confirm, everything exactly as you wrote. Click to expand...

And on my Intel Mac Pro 2019 with Vega II, Apple Maps, a sophisticated application has also very bad 3D performance, similar to Google Earth in Safari. Could be that some frameworks are not optimized any more for Intel Macs.

No significant difference between Safari 17.2 (19617.1.17.11.9) and Chrome 120.0.6099.109 in Sonoma 14.2 MBA M1 8GB RAM https://earth.google.com/web/ Video is loading or being processed. Google still has an app for Earth, they just didn’t have the time to make it Universal, it’s still Intel only. Google Earth Pro (Mac) https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21955 Direct link https://dl.google.com/earth/client/advanced/current/GoogleEarthProMac-Intel.dmg

bogdanw said: No significant difference between Safari 17.2 (19617.1.17.11.9) and Chrome 120.0.6099.109 in Sonoma 14.2 MBA M1 8GB RAM https://earth.google.com/web/ View attachment 2325330 Google still has an app for Earth, they just didn’t have the time to make it Universal, it’s still Intel only. Google Earth Pro (Mac) https://support.google.com/earth/answer/21955 Direct link https://dl.google.com/earth/client/advanced/current/GoogleEarthProMac-Intel.dmg Click to expand...

Apple Maps very low 3D performance on Ventura/Sonoma on Intel Macs

A much more representative example: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/18gpg5i Check the site that guy complaining about. Then you'll notice a huge difference between browsers.

m_emelchenkov said: A much more representative example: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOS/comments/18gpg5i Check the site that guy complaining about. Then you'll notice a huge difference between browsers. Click to expand...

maccan said: I also have no 3D performance issues on the Apple Silicon machines, only on Intel Macs. In my case, the AMD Radeon Vega II is very powerful, however due to software glitches, 3D performance is very bad in Safari and even Apples own Map application. Click to expand...

Dec 16, 2023

bogdanw said: That’s an entirely different topic. Apple is a hardware company that would like very much for us to buy a new Mac and a new iPhone every year. Slowing down old devices only cost them some millions, when caught and convicted/settled. But Apple’s profits are in the billions. It makes perfect business sense to continue the practice. It’s more subtle and more nuanced now, but the next macOS will probably slow down M1 Macs too. Click to expand...

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Brave vs Safari

Brave has 308 reviews and a rating of 4.75 / 5 stars vs Safari which has 229 reviews and a rating of 4.47 / 5 stars. Compare the similarities and differences between software options with real user reviews focused on features, ease of use, customer service, and value for money.

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It's extremely user friendly as the UI is well done. Your privacy is also guaranteed, and I like a lot the fact that one can see the amount of trackers that have been blocked.
Same extension library like chrome. Features of crypto community.
Bad point of this tool is the fact that you have to insert the Translator extension to interact with pages in other languages.
Sometimes video can not be played on less known sites.
It is very light easy and gives best performance and its portable along with apple products.
It provides privacy tracker feature that help me most to find out which websites stalk and try to track me,safari saved password is very protected with touch id or face id that was i like most.
Sometimes it can have glitches with our other software, but that might be the other programs having problems on their own.
I don't like that the menu bar with the search bar, tab menu, etc. gets hidden when you're scrolling as it can be annoying to get that back up to change tabs.

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Brave vs Safari: A Comprehensive Browser Comparison

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When it comes to internet browsing, there are numerous options to choose from, each with its unique features and capabilities. Two popular browsers that stand out are Brave and Safari. In this article, we provide a comprehensive comparison between the two, highlighting their similarities, differences, and what makes them stand out. We explore everything from user interface and experience, performance and speed, privacy and security features, cross-platform compatibility, and additional tools and features.

Introduction to Brave and Safari Browsers

Before we delve into the comparison between these two browsers, it's crucial to understand what they are. Here's a brief overview of Brave and Safari browser.

What is Brave Browser?

Brave Browser is a free and open-source web browser that's built on the Chromium web browser engine, the same one used by Google Chrome. The browser aims at providing users with greater privacy and faster browsing experience by automatically blocking third-party ads and trackers. It also has a built-in ad-blocking feature which helps to speed up page load times and reduce bandwidth consumption.

One of the most significant benefits of using Brave Browser is its privacy features. It blocks ads and trackers, which helps to keep your browsing history and personal information private. Also, it uses HTTPS Everywhere, which ensures that your connection to the website is always encrypted. This feature is essential when using public Wi-Fi networks, as it helps to protect you from hackers and other malicious entities.

Another great feature of Brave Browser is its speed. The browser is designed to load web pages faster than other browsers, thanks to its ad-blocking feature. When you visit a website, Brave Browser automatically blocks all the ads on the page, which helps to reduce the load time. This feature is especially useful when you're browsing on a slow internet connection.

What is Safari Browser?

Safari, on the other hand, is Apple's web browser that's native to macOS and iOS devices. It's built on WebKit, an open-source web browser engine. Safari is known for its immense speed, efficiency, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. It's also known for its user-friendly interface, extensive security features, and exceptional browsing experience.

One of the most significant benefits of using Safari Browser is its integration with the Apple ecosystem. If you own an Apple device, you can seamlessly sync your browsing history, bookmarks, and passwords across all your devices. This feature makes it easy to switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac without losing your browsing data.

Another great feature of Safari Browser is its speed. The browser is designed to load web pages quickly, thanks to its efficient use of resources. Safari is also known for its exceptional energy efficiency, which helps to extend your device's battery life. This feature is especially useful when you're browsing on a laptop or mobile device.

Safari Browser is also known for its extensive security features. The browser uses Intelligent Tracking Prevention, which helps to block third-party cookies and prevent advertisers from tracking your browsing history. Safari also uses sandboxing, which isolates the browser from the rest of your device's operating system, making it more difficult for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, both Brave and Safari Browser are excellent choices for browsing the internet. Brave Browser is ideal for users who value privacy and speed, while Safari Browser is perfect for Apple users who want a seamless browsing experience across all their devices. Ultimately, the choice between these two browsers comes down to personal preference and the features that matter most to you.

User Interface and Experience

When it comes to browsing the web, user interface and experience are crucial factors to consider. The browser you use should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that allows you to navigate through web pages with ease. In this regard, both Brave and Safari browsers excel.

Design and layout

The design and layout of a browser can significantly impact the user experience. In this regard, Safari stands out with its intuitive design, which makes it a favorite among Mac users. Its layout is clean and uncluttered, with essential tools and menus easily accessible. On the other hand, Brave browser's design is similar to that of Google Chrome but with additional privacy-focused features. This design makes it easy for users who are already familiar with Chrome to transition to Brave without any issues.

When it comes to minimalism, both browsers have a straightforward and easy-to-use interface. However, Safari's design is more minimalistic, which allows users to focus more on the web content. The browser's toolbar is hidden by default, and users can access it by clicking on the menu bar.

Customization options

Customization is another crucial aspect of user experience in browsers. Brave browser has numerous customization options that allow users to tailor the browser to their preferences. Users can choose from numerous themes, fonts, and colors, among others. This feature makes Brave a popular choice among users who want a personalized browsing experience.

On the other hand, Safari offers limited customization options, but it makes up for that with its seamless integration with the Mac ecosystem. Users can customize the browser's toolbar by adding or removing buttons and rearranging them to their liking. Additionally, Safari allows users to customize the browser's appearance by changing the background color and adding a custom image.

Accessibility features

Accessibility is an essential aspect of user experience, and both browsers have extensive accessibility features. These features make it easier for users with disabilities to browse the web. Both Brave and Safari have features such as voice control, magnification, and keyboard navigation.

Safari goes the extra mile by providing more advanced features such as VoiceOver, which reads aloud on-screen content, and Safari Reader, which extracts the text from a web page and presents it in an easy-to-read format. These features make Safari a popular choice among users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

In conclusion, both Brave and Safari browsers offer an excellent user experience, with intuitive designs, extensive customization options, and accessibility features. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Performance and Speed

When it comes to browsing the internet, performance and speed are two of the most crucial factors. Users want to be able to access web pages quickly and efficiently without any lag or delays. In this regard, both Brave and Safari are popular choices for users due to their excellent performance and speed.

Page load times

One of the significant advantages of using Brave browser is its built-in ad-blockers and tracker blockers. These features help the browser load web pages significantly faster than Safari, which does not have a built-in ad-blocker. However, both browsers offer acceptable page load times, with Safari marginally taking more time to load pages.

It's worth noting that page load times can also depend on other factors such as internet speed, website design, and the number of resources required to load a page. Nevertheless, Brave's ad-blockers and tracker blockers can make a noticeable difference in page load times, especially when browsing websites with lots of ads and trackers.

Resource usage

Another crucial factor to consider when comparing browsers is their use of system resources such as battery life, memory, and CPU usage. Safari is known for its efficient use of system resources, making it an excellent choice for users who value battery life and want to extend the lifespan of their devices.

In contrast, Brave browser's use of resources is similar to that of Google Chrome, which is known for significant memory and CPU usage. While Brave's resource usage may not be as efficient as Safari, it is still a viable option for users who prioritize speed and performance over resource usage.

Browser Benchmarks

Several benchmarks compare the performance and speed of different browsers, helping users make informed decisions about which browser to use. According to the benchmarks, both Brave and Safari ranked among the best browsers, with Safari having a slight edge in terms of performance on Mac devices.

However, it's worth noting that benchmark results can vary depending on the specific hardware and software configurations of each device. Therefore, users should consider their own needs and preferences when choosing a browser, rather than relying solely on benchmark results.

In conclusion, both Brave and Safari are excellent browsers that offer fast and efficient browsing experiences. Users can choose between them based on their individual needs and preferences, whether it's speed, resource usage, or other factors.

Privacy and Security Features

When it comes to browsing the internet, privacy and security are two of the most important considerations for users. The Brave browser and Safari both offer a range of features designed to keep users safe and secure online.

Built-in ad-blockers

One of the standout features of the Brave browser is its built-in ad-blocker and tracker blockers. This means that users can browse the internet without being bombarded by ads or having their activity tracked by advertisers. The ad-blocker also helps to speed up page loading times, as there are no ads or trackers to slow things down.

While Safari doesn't have a built-in ad-blocker, it does have its own Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature. This feature aims to block trackers from following users across the internet, helping to protect their privacy and prevent targeted advertising.

Tracking protection

In addition to its ad-blocker, the Brave browser also has other privacy-focused features such as HTTPS Everywhere. This feature ensures that users have a secure HTTPS connection with all sites they visit, helping to protect their data and prevent it from being intercepted by third parties.

Safari has similar security features, such as blocking pop-ups and warnings about websites that it suspects to be malicious. This helps to protect users from phishing scams and other online threats.

Secure browsing options

Both Brave and Safari offer a range of secure browsing options to help keep users safe online. Safari has additional security features such as Fraudulent Website Warning, which alerts users when they visit fraudulent websites, and secure password suggestions that help users safeguard their login credentials.

Brave has similar features, such as the ability to import passwords securely into the browser. This means that users can easily manage their passwords and ensure that they are using strong, secure passwords for all of their online accounts.

Overall, both the Brave browser and Safari offer a range of privacy and security features that can help users stay safe and secure while browsing the internet. Whether you're concerned about targeted advertising, phishing scams, or other online threats, these browsers have you covered.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Desktop and mobile integration.

Safari browser is native to macOS and iOS devices and offers seamless integration across all Apple devices. This means that users can easily switch between their iPhone, iPad, and Macbook without losing their browsing history or bookmarks. Additionally, Safari's Handoff feature allows users to start browsing on one device and continue on another without interruption.

Brave, on the other hand, takes cross-platform compatibility to the next level. It is compatible with numerous platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. This means that users can access their bookmarks, history, and other settings not only across different Apple devices but also across different operating systems. This is especially useful for users who work on multiple devices and need their browsing data to be synced seamlessly.

Supported Operating Systems

Both browsers support multiple operating systems. Safari is available on macOS and iOS devices, making it a great choice for Apple users who value the integration between their devices. On the other hand, Brave is available on a wider range of platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. This makes it a more versatile option for users who use different devices and operating systems.

Browser Extension Availability

Both Brave and Safari have numerous browser extensions and add-ons that users can install to enhance their browsing experience. Some extensions are specific to each browser, such as Reading List in Safari and Brave shields in Brave.

Safari's App Store offers a wide range of extensions that users can download and install with just a few clicks. From ad-blockers to password managers, Safari has a vast collection of extensions that cater to different needs and preferences.

Brave, on the other hand, has its own extension store, the Brave Web Store, which offers a curated selection of extensions that are optimized for the browser. Additionally, Brave's built-in ad-blocker and tracker blocker provide a more secure and private browsing experience without the need for additional extensions.

Overall, both Safari and Brave offer a great selection of extensions that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a simple ad-blocker or a more sophisticated password manager, you're sure to find an extension that suits your needs.

Additional Features and Tools

When it comes to browsing the internet, having additional features and tools can make the experience more enjoyable and efficient. In this section, we'll dive deeper into some of the features mentioned in the previous section and explore additional ones that Safari and Brave offer.

Reading Mode and Reader View

Reading Mode and Reader View are great features for those who want to reduce visual clutter and make reading on the web easier. Safari's Reading Mode allows users to focus on the content of a web page by removing ads, sidebars, and other distractions. Reader View takes it a step further by presenting the content in a clean, easy-to-read format that is customizable to the user's liking.

Brave browser offers similar features to Safari, allowing users to customize the appearance of web pages and reduce visual clutter. With Brave's Shields feature, users can also block ads and trackers, giving them even more control over their browsing experience.

Password Management

Managing passwords can be a hassle, but both Safari and Brave offer features to make it easier. Safari's automatic password generation and iCloud Keychain securely store login credentials, making it easy to log in to websites without having to remember multiple passwords.

Brave has a built-in password manager that helps users keep track of their login credentials. This feature allows users to store and autofill passwords for websites, making the login process seamless and secure.

Developer Tools

For web developers, having access to advanced developer tools is essential. Both Safari and Brave offer extensive developer tools that help developers test, debug, and optimize their web applications and sites.

Safari's developer tools are especially useful for Mac and iOS developers, offering features like responsive design mode, which allows developers to test how their sites look on different devices and screen sizes. Additionally, Safari's Web Inspector allows developers to inspect and modify the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code of a web page in real-time.

Brave's developer tools also offer a range of features, including the ability to inspect and edit web page code, view network activity, and debug JavaScript code.

Overall, both Safari and Brave offer a range of features and tools to enhance the browsing experience and make it easier for users and developers alike.

Pros and Cons of Brave and Safari

Advantages of brave browser.

Provides automatic ad-blocking and tracker blockers for enhanced privacy

Supports numerous platforms

Customizable

Offers lucrative rewards for opting into Brave Rewards

Advantages of Safari Browser

Seamless integration across all Apple devices

Efficient use of system resources such as memory, battery, and CPU usage

Enhanced security features, such as the Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature

Intuitive design for Mac users

Disadvantages of Brave Browser

Heavier on system resources compared to Safari

Doesn't have the seamless Apple ecosystem integration that Safari offers

Third-party extensions may be less refined compared to those on Safari

Disadvantages of Safari Browser

Built-in ad-blocker is not available

Customization options are limited compared to Brave

Poor performance on non-Apple platforms

Conclusion: Which Browser is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between Safari and Brave browser comes down to personal preferences, needs, and priorities. Both browsers offer unique features that make them stand out in the crowded browser market. Safari is an excellent choice for Mac and iOS device users who want a seamless browsing experience and more privacy-focused features. On the other hand, Brave browser is an excellent option for users who prioritize privacy, customization options, and rewards. Whatever browser you choose, make sure to keep it updated regularly to ensure the latest security and performance features.

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Safari vs Brave

Safari vs brave tl;dr web browsers comparison.

We believe there are better options available in this category, read below to learn what this software does well, and what they could do better. ⤵

Safari vs Brave Comparison Verdict

Which is Better?

If you're exploring Safari vs Brave , you're probably more of a privacy-focused individual that is using one or many Apple devices (MacOS as your operating systems).

With both of these web browsers, you're going to get security at the forefront.

After reading this article, you will know exactly which browser better suits your needs! ⤵

Main Differences

Safari only works on Apple devices (so if you're using many different operating systems, Brave is going to be your only option).

Looking at the foundation, Safari was built atop Webkit, whereas Brave was built atop the Chromium engine , which is the same engine that most of the top browsers on the market also use (e.g. Arc , Chrome , Opera , and many others). This makes switching between these browsers incredibly easy, as passwords and bookmarks are all structured the same.

Safari relies quite heavily on using iCloud as your password manager, which is backed up securely to the cloud, whereas with Brave uses an on-device encrypted password manager, that you have the choice of backing up to the cloud through your seed phrase for unlocking it.

Safari vs Brave Video Comparison

Safari vs brave screenshot comparison.

Safari vs Brave Web Browsers Overview

Safari summary.

The battery optimized browser built by Apple.

Safari Comparison Summary

This is the default browser that comes with mac devices, and has existed for over a decade.

With Safari, you're not going to get anything too cutting-edge or innovative, because they, like Google Chrome are focused on stability for their 1+ billion users.

For a further breakdown in understanding the negatives that come with browsers that have hit major scale, refer to our Chrome vs Safari comparison.

Features & Differentiation

Since Apple is a hardware company at the end of the day, the whole point of Safari is that you're going to get a great cohesive experience if you're using all Apple products (Mac + iPad + iPhone).

The largest benefit to be had here, in our eyes, comes from Apple owning both the hardware and software layers. This allows them to go above and beyond with optimizations like battery life and cross-device syncing.

While they have baked in password management

We don't really see much major innovation or differentiation coming to Safari though. Why? Because this isn't Apple's core business. Not only that, but Apple has zero interest in going after the B2B and collaborative browser space. When comparing Arc Browser vs Safari , you'll see first-hand that Arc has a lot more going on in the features and differentiation space as they ultimately want to be the browser for teams and collaboration.

Tab Management

We do applaud Apple for adding tab groups, and allowing for them to be on the side of the browser window. There's some small similarities when comparing Safari vs Brave in the recently released sidebar tab management in Brave and Arc .

User Interface (UI)

With Safari, you get a familiar and safe UI. It looks like a browser, it looks pretty much the same as it has the past decade, and it's relatively bland in terms of how it looks.

There's just not much to mention here, but the truth of the matter is some of this is by design. Their focus is to be stable, functional, and to let the content of the website you're currently on, shine.

User Experience (UX)

Rating: b-.

This is where we can give Apple some props on the user-experience, if of course you're also using other Apple products. Take for example you visit a website on your iPhone, you get a prompt in your MacOS dock that shows a website was just opened on mobile. Want to open it up on your desktop? Simply click the Safari icon in your software dock.

In actually using the browser though, there's nothing in particular that stands out as an exceptional UX. This category in particular is where Arc shines. They have the smallest UX details, that just makes using the browser on the day-to-day so incredibly enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Are you a huge Apple fan? Do you only care about getting the best possible battery performance on your MacBook and nothing else matters to you? Do you absolutely despise change? If so, Safari is probably fine for you.

If you're on the other hand sort of bored when looking at the existing browser market and wish you could get a bit more enjoyment and productivity out of your browser, then that's where you should definitely be giving Arc a shot.

Genuinely, give Arc a shot for a week straight as your daily driver, and I'm willing to bet you that you never come back to Safari again.

Arc Browser is genuinely what Apple could have made, had they re-thought the browser from the ground up, without all the baggage that currently exists with Safari. And for that reason, that's why we rank Arc at the top of our best browser apps list. Genuinely wouldn't be surprised if Apple one day acquired Arc and replaced it with Safari as the default browser for MacOS.

There is currently no promo code for this app but we are close partners , so if you use the link above to visit the site and then let their team know that Efficient App sent you, you may just get a little something... extra 😉

There is currently no promo code for this app—we'll update it here if that changes in the future!

Brave Summary

A privacy-focused (and crypto/blockchain-focused) browser built atop Chromium.

Brave Comparison Summary

Brave is a web browser that was originally built more as a cryptocurrency/blockchain-focused browser, tied quite closely to the BAT token (Basic Attention Token).

The whole premise was that you can get paid in BAT tokens via their Brave rewards program, by referring others to use Brave, and simply using Brave in your day-to-day. These tokens could then be used to support creators and websites.

They are essentially trying to take back control from the traditional ad model, and compensate their users versus selling their data, like that of Chrome.

For that reason, they have ad-blocking enabled by default (similar to Arc , which just enables the uBlock Origin chrome extension on the back-end).

They also have things like a VPN and a crypto wallet baked in at a core—this will either totally connect with you, or mean nothing. If the latter, it's probably not the right browser for you.

Who is Brave Browser For?

Brave browser is a private browser through-and-through. If you're looking for the browser with the most privacy features, like enhanced tracking protection from site trackers, it has those security features baked right in at the core. That's actually what Brave has built it's name on.

So if you're someone that has a major distrust for Google services, and is open to the minor inconveniences that come with focusing on online privacy, Brave may be the browser for you.

That said! It is still built atop the Chromium engine, which is essentially Google's open source project at the core, but it is void of Google Services baked in, so you'd just have to trust that the open source project is truly protecting your data. Most of the leading browsers are built atop Chromium as it stands. This actually makes it way easier to switch over to because all the same extensions and bookmarks will transfer over fluidly.

Who shouldn't use Brave?

If you wouldn't identify as a heavily privacy-focused individual, more specifically, someone that is interested in the security benefits that come from leveraging the blockchain, and aren't heavily into crypto, Brave wouldn't be your best choice (here's a list of the best browsers ).

If you're someone that usually loses passwords (e.g. aren't using a 3rd party password manager like Dashlane ), or wouldn't be great at remembering a seed phrase to backup/restore all of your data (bookmarks, passwords, etc.) then Brave will probably be a bit of a nightmare to use.

Design/Experience

Brave looks and feels a lot like... Well, Chrome / Chromium . They've modernized the interface a bit by adding in optional features like vertical tab support:

That said, it still looks and feels like most browsers do—for better or worse. They don't seem to be taking any risky bets or overly experimenting on the design/UI/UX-front, which is honestly fine for what most people are expecting to get out of their browser.

The interesting thing here is that Brave, like many of the leading browsers on the market use Chromium at the core (e.g. Chrome, Arc, Opera, Vivaldi, and even more recently Microsoft Edge).

What this allows for is the same browser extension support, and more broadly, all these browsers have the same underlying rendering engine (open sourced by Google).

Point being, changing browsers between Chromium-based browsers makes switching between them pretty seamless (low friction), and Brave is no exception here.

Brave often connects most with heavily privacy-focused individuals, for whom are typically more in the crypto space. For example, at Consensus 2023, most people I talked to were using, or at least familiar with Brave.

A asked them what they liked most about it, and their responses were almost entirely around the privacy aspect. For example, "they don't even know what I'm bookmarking—my account is tied to a hashed key, so I can anonymously save my environment, and re-access it with my unique token—no email address/identification required."

And look, I get it, it's impressive to how they are leveraging the blockchain to store some of this information without tying it to identity, but personally for me, I'll take the benefits that come with using a traditional database and user account, like most other modern browsers like Arc and Chrome rely on for storing and syncing your data between devices.

If you're considering Brave, I genuinely think you already know yourself. But if you're not quite obsessed with privacy, to the level of at times potentially inconveniencing yourself (e.g. you forget your unique hash/key, you lose your history and settings—there's no "forgot password" per-say).

If you think privacy is important enough to not want to use Chrome though, there are genuinely other privacy-focused alternatives (in that they aren't trying to sell your data unlike Google with Chrome is), like Arc Browser. If you're on MacOS (Windows coming soon), definitely recommend giving that a shot.

Safari & Brave Alternatives

Curious how this app compares to others?

Safari + Brave Alternatives

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

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The best secure browsers for privacy: Expert tested

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

Best browser for privacy overall.

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

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."

Mozilla Firefox

Most secure browser for tracking protection.

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

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.

The Tor browser

Best for anonymous browsing.

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

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

Best browser for private searches

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

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.

Mullvad Browser

Best for use with a vpn.

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

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:

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Brave vs Safari: Which is Better in 2024?

James Milin-Ashmore Last updated: June 2, 2022

WHAT’S IN THIS REVIEW?

Disclaimer: Partnerships & affiliate links help us create better content. Learn how.

Brave and Apple Safari are seen as two of the best web browsers for privacy , but which should you choose in terms of performance, and the overall user experience? Arguably, it depends on which device you’re using, and how much you’ve bought into the Apple ecosystem.

Brave is built on the open-source Chromium code released by Google . Safari is Apple’s own creation and its preferred access point for users who want to get online on mobile or desktop.

We’ve compared these two browsers by using a range of different criteria such as usability, privacy, security, performance, and more to give a definitive answer if you’re weighing Safari vs Brave.

User Experience: Draw

Features: Safari wins

Privacy & Security: Draw
Device Compatibility: Brave wins
Performance: Safari wins
Final Verdict: Which Browser is Better?

Currently, Apple’s Safari browser market share is roughly 19% worldwide, while Brave has a minuscule 0.05%. The latter still has a long way to go, despite aiming to offer something slightly different.

The Brave browser is responsive and focused on providing online privacy , although any services relating to cryptocurrencies are wasted on the majority of users. For example, you’re able to check the prices of various assets from the home page, while Brave Wallet is “the first secure crypto wallet built directly into the browser.”

You can choose to block all ads or to receive a crypto payment for each ad served in the form of Basic Attention Token (BAT), which is a currency devised for the network.

Personally, I’m not bothered to collect meager amounts of crypto, and I block all ads entirely. It’s a seamless experience, and it’s amazing to see a web page loaded without ad-blocking while using someone else’s device.

Safari has made major strides in terms of user experience, although that’s to be expected considering it’s been built from the ground up to work with a particular operating system. It’s great news for anyone using an Apple device ( macOS or iOS ), but everyone else will be left wanting to some degree.

One of the biggest perks is that it syncs across multiple devices instantly, making it one of the best options as long as you’re not interested in add-ons.

There are a couple of elements I don’t really like with Safari, despite the ease of use.

For example, the home page isn’t particularly interesting, and it can shut down unexpectedly. Videos sometimes won’t play in the browser, and the iOS keyboard has a full stop which often gets in the way.

These are obviously minor flaws in the grand scheme of things, and it’s not necessarily enough to separate either browser. If UX is most important for you, it depends on your interests, as well as your devices.

Both browsers – Brave vs Safari – offer a range of features that you’d expect in 2024.

We’ll begin with Brave. In terms of ease of use, it’s especially simple to port over your old browser settings and bookmarks, so you won’t have to start from scratch. Brave’s privacy and security features are numerous, with the selection seen below only scratching the surface.

This includes a built-in password manager , cookie control, and fingerprinting prevention . Since Brave was built using Chromium, you’ll also be able to download many apps from the Chrome Web Store.

As for Safari , you’ll be able to access iCloud, and you can save anything from passwords to payment methods to saved bookmarks. You’ll also benefit from a browser/OS combo which is one of the sleekest overall, including strong battery life, tabbed groups, and various extensions.

One potential issue is the lack of Brave users. This leads to developers focusing on more popular options, in a bid to be as marketable as possible. Even Safari suffers from this to some degree (19%) compared to Chrome , and with an estimated share of just 0.05%, Brave’s user base is as inconsequential as you’ll get.

If you’re solely interested in privacy features, Brave is a viable option. If you’re looking for a browser that can do almost everything, as well as handle any privacy concerns, Safari wins out.

Protect your privacy while browsing with a secure VPN.

Privacy & Security: Draw

Either browser is viable in terms of both privacy and security. For example, Apple heavily publicized its decision to protect Safari users’ data, going so far as to offer the option to block all cookies or prevent cross-site tracking within the settings menu.

screenshot of Apple Safari privacy features

The decision led to Safari’s public spat with Facebook , and claims that Apple’s new App Tracking Transparency feature would lower the company’s 2022 sales by roughly $10 billion. Privacy is reportedly considered across the majority of Apple services and hardware. This is what they have to say about their Maps app:

“ Maps goes even further to obscure your location on Apple servers when you search using a process called “fuzzing.” Because your location can give away your identity, Maps converts the precise location where your search originated to a less-exact one after 24 hours. ” Apple Inc.

Essentially, you can expect improved online privacy , especially while using their apps and services. It’s one of the more justifiable reasons for the higher than average price tag for hardware.

Back to the browsers . Brave was envisioned as an option that will block ads and trackers, while still offering a way to make publishers money. It was designed by Brendan Eich, creator of JavaScript programming language and former CEO of Mozilla . They say:

“ Our servers neither see nor store your browsing data – it stays private, on your devices, until you delete it. Which means we won’t ever sell your data to third parties. ” Brave

The Brave browser certainly works well if you dislike the idea of being tracked online.

It feels like a bit of a cop-out to call it a draw, but either option is great from a privacy perspective.

Device Compatibility: Brave Wins

Next up is compatibility – a category that’s easy to assess Brave vs Safari on. Brave is available on a wide range of devices, as it’s not confined by hardware released by Apple.

Of course, this makes it an instant win for the Chromium browser. Here’s a list of major operating systems that work with Brave:

Safari is always going to lose out in this respect, as it can only be accessed with Apple devices on macOS or iOS .

I can remember Safari being available for Windows , but they discontinued the feature back in 2012. Instead, they’ve opted to focus on their own hardware, which has arguably proven to be a smart decision over the past decade.

Safari is probably the ideal choice for Apple users, but Brave has better compatibility overall.

Performance: Safari Wins

For many users, connection speeds and overall performance are one of the most important features when deciding between Brave and Safari.

Nobody wants to be hanging around while a page loads, and it’s a habit of mine to leave multiple tabs open. Both browsers are reasonably performant as they load up fewer ads and trackers.

Apple is happy to publicize the exceptional speeds of Safari when matched up against similar browsers. For example, Safari on macOS is twice as fast as Firefox on Windows 10, and beats out both Chrome and Edge on both operating systems.

It’s also notable if you’re aiming to save battery life with a laptop or phone.

As for Brave vs Safari, when it comes to overall performance, both can point to reduced bandwidth use, although the latter is likely to produce better speeds when browsing or streaming videos .

Final Verdict

It’s hard to go wrong with either option if you’re using an Apple device. This is true even if you’re on iOS or macOS, although it’s probably easier to stick with Safari if you’d prefer to solely trust Apple with your data.

Safari Beats Brave: 4-3

Features: Safari
Device Compatibility: Brave
Performance: Safari

Finding the right fit

As always, the best browser will depend on what you’re looking for, as well as your preferred operating system(s). Apple has ensured that Safari is an attractive prospect for its users. Whereas Brave is a viable alternative that wins out in terms of compatibility – and online privacy to an extent.

Protect your privacy and data on Apple devices with a secure VPN.

For Apple users, you can check out our Safari vs Chrome guide to see if Google’s flagship browser has what it takes to replace today’s winner.

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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.

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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

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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

Who says a gaming PC has to be expensive? You can get a lot of gaming PC for under $500 if you spend it carefully. That's where we come in. This guide will round up the best gaming hardware deals available today to give you a great starting point for your own budget gaming PC build for under $500.

If you have a little more to spend, check out our guides on the best gaming PCs of 2024, and also the best gaming PC deals right now. The build and what it can do We’ll go into more detail about the hardware we've chosen below, but this is a quick summary of what we've picked if you want to just dive in and buy them right now.

This year, Computex was absolutely packed with announcements. Even early reveals like the Asus ROG Ally X seem downright puny compared to the wave of new products companies like AMD and Intel showed off at the event.

We spent more than a week on the ground in Taipei for Computex, running to various hotels and scouring the show floor to find the biggest, most exciting new products coming out this year. Here are the seven announcements you need to know about. Best desktop component: AMD Ryzen 9000

DuckDuckGo released its new AI Chat service on Thursday, enabling users to anonymously access popular chatbots like GPT-3.5 and Claude 3 Haiku without having to share their personal information as well as preventing the companies from training the AIs on their conversations. AI Chat essentially works by inserting itself between the user and the model, like a high-tech game of telephone.

From the AI Chat home screen, users can select which chat model they want to use -- Meta’s Llama 3 70B model and Mixtral 8x7B are available in addition to GPT-3.5 and Claude -- then begin conversing with it as they normally would. DuckDuckGo will connect to that chat model as an intermediary, substituting the user's IP address with one of their own. "This way it looks like the requests are coming from us and not you," the company wrote in a blog post.

We review products independently , but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page. Terms of use .

Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best for 2024?

Don't take your browser for granted we help you narrow your options by comparing the best web browsers on speed, privacy, and other important features..

Most people browse the web using Google Chrome without really thinking about their options. Gmail or YouTube or some other site once suggested they use Chrome, and perhaps they never questioned it. The truth is you do have options when it comes to your web browser, and you may find another that serves your needs better. Browsers offer varying levels of privacy, security , performance, and power efficiency. They differ even more when it comes to unique and helpful features beyond merely displaying websites.

Here we examine the top five browsers in the US, in order of popularity. That criterion rules out Brave and Vivaldi , with usage rates hovering near or below 1%, even though they are both first-class browsers. If you're interested in those two, check out our article on the best alternative web browsers . Or, if your utmost concern is security, see what makes the best private browsers different.

Below are short reviews of the top five browsers. After that, keep reading for more information about the browser landscape, additional details about our testing, and advice on what you should take into consideration when choosing a web browser.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome Web Browser

Most people need no introduction to the search behemoth's browser, Google Chrome. It’s attractively designed and quick at loading pages. Most website codes now target Chrome, so compatibility is seldom an issue. Chrome is available for all major platforms, and the mobile version offers syncing of bookmarks, passwords, and settings.

Chrome doesn't have many unique browsing features, however, and it's the only browser included here that you won't find in the desktop app stores for macOS and Windows. There’s no built-in VPN, no cryptocurrency locker, no note feature, and no screenshot tool. Google has announced a feeble gesture towards adding a reading mode; feeble because it will only be in a sidebar, with the full, noisy distracting page still displaying in the main central browser window. The lack of a true reading mode makes sense for a company that earns its keep through web ads since reading modes hide them. All the other browsers here have full-page reading modes.

Chrome allows multiple user profiles, meaning different users of the same computer can have their own browser settings, history, and favorites. The browser also finally caught up with others by adding a Share icon to the address bar that eases sending sites via social media or email.

A few years ago, Google controversially announced it would be removing the API function that allowed ad-blocker software to fully block ads. As of now, it seems ad blockers may be limited starting at some point in 2024. Some Chrome development, though, has centered around security and privacy, notably among them a plan to kill off tracking cookies in favor of Google's tracking mechanisms. The company's Privacy Sandbox initiative (in development) tries to cater to both ad targeting and user privacy . Some worry both of these developments will only result in more consolidation of the company's grip on web advertising and user profiling.

Apple Safari

Apple Safari 5

The default Mac and iOS browser is a strong choice, though its interface has some nonstandard elements. Safari was a forerunner in several areas of browser features. For example, it was the first with a Reading mode, which cleared unnecessary clutter like ads and videos from web articles you want to read. That feature debuted in 2010 and has made its way into all other browsers except for Chrome.

Apple has brought up the topic of fingerprinting protection—preventing web trackers from identifying you by your system specs. Unfortunately, the EFF's Cover Your Tracks test site only shows partial protection from trackers in Safari, while several competitors get a result of Strong protection. Other benefits include Apple Pay support and a "Sign in with Apple" feature to replace Facebook and Google as web account authorizers.

In macOS Monterey, the browser gained a compact tab bar with floating tabs like Firefox's and Tab Groups that live in a convenient sidebar, and with Ventura , they become shareable and pinnable. Safari also supports Apple's proprietary Shared with You feature in its proprietary iMessage system. For iCloud+ subscribers, a Private Relay obscures your IP address, similar to a VPN.

If you use an iPhone and a Mac, Safari integration makes a lot of sense, since Apple’s Handoff feature lets you continue your browsing session between devices. Safari trails other browsers on support for emerging HTML features, but we haven’t run into or heard of any major site incompatibilities with it.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge Web Browser

The latest version of Microsoft Edge uses Chrome’s webpage-rendering code, Chromium, guaranteeing site compatibility and freeing up its developers to add unique features. You won’t run into the site incompatibilities users of the previous incarnation of Edge occasionally encountered, and the browser performs snappily. Edge now runs on Apple macOS and Windows 11 and earlier. Mobile versions for Android and iPhone let you sync history, favorites, and passwords.

Edge is a leader in performance, thrifty memory management, and disk usage. Startup Boost technology reduces the time it takes to open the browser, and sleeping tabs save memory on tabs you're not viewing. Edge's Efficiency mode can extend laptop battery life. The initial focuses for the browser were privacy, the customizable start page, and the intriguing Collections feature for web research. For enterprise customers who still rely on Internet Explorer to run legacy programs, Edge offers an IE Mode .

The Collections feature uses a sidebar onto which you can drag webpages and images, write notes, and then share the whole assemblage to Excel, OneNote, or Word. It's a great organization and planning tool . Edge's Immersive Reader mode not only offers distraction-free web reading, stripping out ads and nonessential eye candy, but it can also read webpage text aloud using lifelike Neural Voices. It's worth trying because it reads with sentence intonation, rather than simply word by word, as we’ve come to expect text-to-speech audio.

Other notable Edge options include built-in web sharing, tabs down the side rather than across the top, a built-in screenshot tool, automatic coupons for shopping sites, and timely themes to dress up your browser. Recent additions include a side panel that integrates the new Bing AI chat search , game controller haptic feedback, and a multitasking side toolbar that lets you access first- and third-party services for social networking, search, messaging, search, and productivity.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox Web Browser

Firefox, an open-source project from the nonprofit Mozilla Foundation, has long been a PCMag favorite. The browser has pioneered many web capabilities and the organization that develops it has been a strong advocate for online privacy. It’s also notable for its wealth of available extensions. The unique Multi-Account Containers extension lets you sequester multiple logins to the same site on different tabs. Without it, you'd have to open a private browsing window or another browser to sign out of all your web accounts and start a fresh session.

Mozilla’s browser is in the vanguard of supporting new HTML and CSS capabilities, and the company is working on open-source AR and speech synthesis standards. The organization now offers a full password management service called Lockwise, which can generate complex passwords, sync them between devices, and secure everything under a strong master password. That and the organization's VPN offering are paid extras.

The mobile Firefox apps offer excellent interfaces, and you can send a webpage tab from any device to any others that are logged into your syncing account. That’s right: You can be reading a webpage on your desktop PC, and have it instantly open on your iPhone or vice versa. It's a slick and useful feature.

If that’s not enough, Firefox has a Pocket button in the address bar, letting you save a page for later viewing anywhere with one click. The Reader View button declutters a webpage loaded with ads, promos, and videos, so you can peruse it with no distractions. PiP video supports closed captions and HDR and AV1 video formats. The browser is ultra customizable, letting you select and arrange buttons on the toolbar to taste, as well as select from a large number of Theme add-ons that change window border patterns and colors.

Recent additions include PDF editing and the Firefox View feature, basically a pinned tab of recent sites that syncs between the desktop and mobile versions of the browser.

Opera Web Browser

Perennially hovering around the 2% usage level, the Opera browser has long been a pioneer in the segment, inventing basic browser innovations like tabs, CSS, and the built-in search box. Opera can make a bigger privacy claim than the other browsers here—if you’re a believer in VPNs. It includes a built-in VPN (actually an encrypted proxy server) that protects and reroutes traffic from Opera to cloak your IP address. Opera uses the Chromium page-rendering engine, so you'll rarely run into site incompatibilities, and performance is fast. It's available for all major platforms, and the Opera Touch mobile browser is a beautifully designed app that connects (via quick QR scan) to your desktop.

Beyond the VPN, another unique feature in Opera is its built-in ad blocker, which also blocks crypto-mining scripts and trackers. Ad blocking also means less data consumed, especially of interest to those using metered connections or mobile plans with data caps.

More unique features in Opera include its Speed Dial start and New Tab page, as well as its quick-access sidebar of frequently needed services like WhatsApp or Spotify. My Flow lets you send webpages and notes between devices easily. The browser also includes a video pop-out window, a Pinboard feature similar to Edge's Collections, and a Workspaces feature that lets you create function-based tab views. Opera uniquely offers a cryptocurrency wallet as an option, which supports most popular tokens.

Opera offers a gaming version called Opera GX , and the company recently bought a gaming engine , moving into that specialty even further. The company also offers a futuristic secure Crypto Browser for navigating Web3 . And like Edge, Opera is adding AI ChatGPT capabilities to the browser , starting with a summarizer tool for text you highlight or even full sites.

More Inside PCMag.com

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About Michael Muchmore

PC hardware is nice, but it’s not much use without innovative software. I’ve been reviewing software for PCMag since 2008, and I still get a kick out of seeing what's new in video and photo editing software, and how operating systems change over time. I was privileged to byline the cover story of the last print issue of PC Magazine , the Windows 7 review, and I’ve witnessed every Microsoft win and misstep up to the latest Windows 11.

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Brave vs Safari
Brave faster than Safari (Test online)
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Safari Vs Brave 🥇 Comparativa MEJOR Navegador 2022
Brave vs Safari
Brave Browser Speed Comparison 2020

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COMMENTS

Brave vs Safari
Brave vs Safari. As the default on Apple devices, Safari is the second most widely used browser in the world. It's generally considered more private than Chrome, and is optimized for iOS and macOS. But despite Apple's best efforts, it still doesn't match up to a privacy-and-performance browser like Brave. Brave is faster and more private ...
Fastest Browser in 2024 [Browser Speed Test & Comparison]
However, we don't overlook the more advanced, resource-heavy applications, either. Chrome — The overall fastest browser, and one of the most popular browsers. Microsoft Edge — A close runner ...
Brave vs Safari
Brave consumes up to 66% less RAM than other browsers, even when several tabs run simultaneously. That implies you can run multiple apps in your computer's background without hiccups. Brave uses 40% less battery in mobile testing, which is less energy than well-known mobile browsers, including Edge, Chrome, and Firefox.
Safari vs Brave: A Comprehensive Browser Comparison
Safari is a great choice for Apple users who value a seamless browsing experience and prioritize privacy and security. Brave, on the other hand, is a good choice for users who want a browser that is available on multiple platforms and offers advanced privacy and security features, as well as a unique approach to advertising.
Browser benchmark: Brave vs Safari performance
Web App test (Speedometer) — Brave is 22.8% slower than Safari. General test (JetStream2) — Safari is 29.4% slower than Brave. Conclusion. Safari is 30-35% slower than Brave. In real-world usage like scrolling sites with lazy-loading DOM and images like different classifieds sites, social network sites etc. Safari shows awful speed.
Safari vs Brave detailed comparison as of 2024
Get it here. 430 157. free. 2225 605. When comparing Safari vs Brave, the Slant community recommends Brave for most people. In the question "What are the best desktop web browsers?". Brave is ranked 9th while Safari is ranked 18th. The most important reason people chose Brave is: Released to the community under the Mozilla Public License ...
Brave vs Safari
Comparisons. Alternatives. Brave has 307 reviews and a rating of 4.75 / 5 stars vs Safari which has 229 reviews and a rating of 4.47 / 5 stars. Compare the similarities and differences between software options with real user reviews focused on features, ease of use, customer service, and value for money. Brave.
Brave vs Safari: A Comprehensive Browser Comparison
One of the significant advantages of using Brave browser is its built-in ad-blockers and tracker blockers. These features help the browser load web pages significantly faster than Safari, which does not have a built-in ad-blocker. However, both browsers offer acceptable page load times, with Safari marginally taking more time to load pages.
Safari vs Brave: Web Browsers Comparison (2024)
Main Differences. Safari only works on Apple devices (so if you're using many different operating systems, Brave is going to be your only option). Looking at the foundation, Safari was built atop Webkit, whereas Brave was built atop the Chromium engine, which is the same engine that most of the top browsers on the market also use (e.g. Arc ...
The best secure browsers for privacy in 2024: Expert tested
Written by Charlie Osborne, Contributing Writer June 4, 2024, 10:54 a.m. PT. Reviewed by Kayla Solino. Brave. Best browser for privacy overall. View at Brave. Mozilla Firefox. Most secure browser ...
Compare Brave vs Safari 2023
Brave vs Safari. Why is Capterra Free? "The features that are most impactful are their brave rewards feature, which gives you money for looking at ads, and their adblocker which is the best adblocker I've ever seen." "You can sync your device for a better experience. Brave's help and support services are also outstanding."
Browser benchmarks: Brave vs Safari : r/MacOS
Web App test (Speedometer) — Brave is 22.8% slower than Safari. General test (JetStream2) — Safari is 29.4% slower than Brave. Conclusion. Safari is 30-35% slower than Brave. In real-world usage like scrolling sites with lazy-loading DOM and images like different classifieds sites, social network sites etc. Safari shows awful speed.
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best ...
Chrome maintains its longtime lead on this test with a score of 528. Edge, Opera, and other Chromium-based browsers hew closely to Chrome. Firefox and Safari bring up the rear, at 515 and 468 ...
Brave vs Safari: Which is Better in 2024?
Currently, Apple's Safari browser market share is roughly 19% worldwide, while Brave has a minuscule 0.05%. The latter still has a long way to go, despite aiming to offer something slightly different. The Brave browser is responsive and focused on providing online privacy, although any services relating to cryptocurrencies are wasted on the majority of users.
Stop Trackers Dead: The Best Private Browsers for 2024
Avast Secure Browser. $0.00 at AVAST. See It. Avast is one of the few browsers included here with built-in VPN functionality, but using it will cost you $5.99 per month, with discounts if you sign ...
The best browser for Mac in 2022
Firefox. Microsoft Edge. Opera. Brave. Vivaldi. Show 2 more items. If you're wondering which web browser is the safest, speediest, or most customizable, there are quite a few to pick from. We ...
Brave Browser vs Safari on iOS Speed Test
The Brave browser is a fast, private and secure web browser for Mac, PC, iOS and Android. Download now to enjoy a faster ad-free browsing experience that Blo...
The best web browsers for 2024
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 ...
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best for 2024?
3.0 Good. The default Mac and iOS browser is a strong choice, though its interface has some nonstandard elements. Safari was a forerunner in several areas of browser features. For example, it was ...
Browser Wars: Brave and Safari V Orion : r/mac
I have Brave Browser just by itself (disable all the crypto stuff, and it runs its Brave shields) Just two days back, I got to hear of Orion ( although it is in beta and the 1password extension was crashing inside the app) Right now, my combination has been using Safari with DuckDuckGo as the search engine for mostly everything on the web.
Chrome vs Brave vs Edge vs Firefox vs Safari
The versions tested are as follows: Safari 17.5. Chrome 125. Brave 1.66 (Chromium 125) Edge 125. Firefox 126. First, I will test the supported features of HTML5 using the html5test.co website and ...