Created in 2003, Safari is designed with a focus on privacy and efficiency. Meanwhile, Chrome was launched in 2008. It’s popular for its speed, customization, and wide platform support. Chrome held about 52% of the US browser market share as of May 2024, with Safari holding 32%, according to Statista. To help you better compare these two browsers, here’s a quick breakdown of their key features.
| Features | Safari | Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Speed and performance optimized for Macs and other Apple devices | Fast speeds across different devices and operating systems |
| Privacy | Extensive privacy features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), Privacy Report, and tracker blocking | Private browsing (incognito mode), other privacy features available through extensions |
| Supported platforms | Macs, iPhones, and devices running iOS or MacOS | Compatible with most devices and operating systems |
| Extension support | A wide range of options to customize your browser | An exhaustive list of extensions available through the Chrome Web Store |
| Battery life | Optimized for efficiency on Apple devices and low battery usage | Consumes more power and can drain the battery faster on laptops |
| Customization | Limited customization, mainly through extensions and settings | Highly customizable with themes, extensions, and settings |
| Default search | iCloud Keychain for storing and auto-filling passwords securely | Uses Google by default, but allows changing to other search engines |
| Password manager | iCloud Keychain for storing and auto-filling passwords securely | Google Password Manager for saving and syncing passwords across devices |
| Other features | Integration with Apple ecosystem, Handoff, AirDrop support, Apple Pay integration | Google account sync, built-in translation, extensive cross-platform support |
Chrome vs. Safari: Privacy features
User privacy and security are essential for anyone browsing the internet. Both Chrome and Safari offer adequate protection for most casual users. However, while Chrome and Safari use similar methods to protect your data, their approaches differ.
Safari is generally regarded as more privacy-friendly, while Chrome’s data collection practices may be less appealing for privacy-conscious users.
Privacy settings
Google Chrome’s primary privacy feature is its incognito mode, which prevents browsing history and cookies from being stored locally. Chrome also supports a wide range of browser extensions that integrate seamlessly with the browser, including some web extensions that block ads.
Safari, on the other hand, has a strong privacy policy that offers greater protection of user data than other browsers. Its integration with iCloud+ gives you access to features like Private Relay and Hide My Email, ensuring your identity is protected online. Additionally, the Apple ecosystem is privacy-focused and more transparent regarding the data it collects from your device.
Because Google Chrome’s tracking policies may not be as user-friendly, privacy-conscious users may prefer Safari and its proven track record of keeping user data private. Mac users can opt for either, but privacy-wise, Safari stands out.
Security
Google’s extensive suite of products and web apps enables it to support a wide range of features, including browser security extensions. Chrome’s sandboxing mode adds an extra layer of protection against threats like malware or phishing. The browser also alerts users if they are at risk of visiting unsecured HTTP websites.
On the other hand, Safari offers comprehensive password management. Mac users, in particular, will appreciate its seamless integration with iCloud, allowing data and settings to sync effortlessly across multiple devices within the Apple ecosystem.
Overall, selecting between Safari and Chrome’s security features comes down to personal preference. As a browser designed specifically for Macs, Safari has the edge in terms of support. However, its built-in security features may feel restrictive for those seeking more customizable options.
Chrome vs. Safari: Performance
Google Chrome and Safari have similar functionalities, but their performance on devices — especially Apple devices like Macs — can differ significantly. Chrome tends to consume more RAM, which can impact system performance, particularly on devices with limited memory. In contrast, Safari’s native integration with Apple devices allows it to run more efficiently, placing less strain on your Mac’s resources.
Speed
Chrome loads fast thanks to its underlying infrastructure, which is designed to be compatible with the latest hardware and software. Its capability to “prerender” pages can significantly reduce loading times, although having plenty of tabs open can lead to performance issues.
When it comes to speed, both browsers perform similarly. While Safari may lag behind Chrome in terms of offering features to help with speed (such as the ability to track RAM usage per tab), its optimization for Apple devices ensures smooth performance.
For Mac users, the choice between Safari and Chrome is a matter of preference since the two browsers deliver comparable speeds.
Resource usage
Chrome's high RAM usage can reduce battery life and slow performance on most devices. Features like tab isolation and tab discarding help manage resource consumption. However, Chrome’s significant demand on system resources can still impact device performance compared to other browsers.
In contrast, Safari is optimized to minimize RAM usage on Apple devices. You can have more tabs open on your device without experiencing sluggish browser performance, and it also improves loading times with efficient resource use.
Overall, Safari has a distinct advantage over Google Chrome for Mac users. Its efficient resource usage means you’ll get more out of your device without worrying about its impact on its performance.
Battery life
Your computer’s battery life is also an important consideration. Because Chrome consumes a lot of RAM, it typically uses more battery life on any device, especially when running several web apps or extensions. Chrome’s recently added tab management features help ease the burden on your battery to some extent, but not by much.
Safari uses less RAM to run the browser and other extensions you may have installed, making it a great option if you want to conserve battery life. It also balances performance with battery usage, which is beneficial for mobile users.
Chrome’s use of RAM leads to faster battery depletion compared to Safari, though both browsers deliver similar performance in terms of speed and page loading. You can use either for your Mac, but if you choose Chrome, keeping a charger close is wise.
Chrome vs. Safari: Extensions
Extensions are essential for personalizing your browsing experience to your needs. Both Chrome and Safari offer support for extensions.
Framework
Google Chrome provides a strong suite of options for web developers. Its developer tools are free and open-sourced, giving you plenty of flexibility in developing and deploying extensions. Chrome allows end-users to enable and disable extensions at will to help control RAM usage.
Safari may not have as many developer tools, but its biggest advantage is its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Developers creating extensions for Apple users will benefit from its integrations, which provide a convenient way to create applications without worrying about compatibility or performance issues.
Chrome’s framework is more versatile and simplifies extension development. However, Safari’s integration with Apple devices makes it the preferred choice if you’re targeting Mac and iOS users.
Availability
Google Chrome supplies its wide user base with a vast selection of extensions, including options for browser personalization and features like ad blocking.
Safari also has a library of extensions, but you’re not spoilt for choice compared to Chrome. However, Safari compensates for this limited collection with device compatibility. The browser offers full support for extensions on any macOS and iOS device.
If you prioritize having access to a wide variety of extensions, Chrome is the better fit for your Mac. But if you have several Apple devices and want to sync extensions effortlessly, Safari is the more suitable option.
Security
Chrome has an automatic review system for extensions, and manual reviews are reserved for those with a higher level of risk. This method helps ensure compliance with policies and overall safety.
Safari enforces strict privacy standards. It requires developers to disclose how data is collected and used. Extensions must meet security requirements to pass the App Store review. Regular updates and secure data practices are also necessary for compliance.
Chrome vs. Safari: User interface and design
Google has always kept up with the changing design trends, and Chrome is no exception. It’s steadily evolved over the years into a sleek, minimalist browser that balances performance with design. Safari has received several design updates to align with macOS aesthetics. It offers a clean and intuitive interface but still largely retains its classic look.
Customization
Chrome provides extensive customization options. You can customize the look of your browser directly from your home page. The Chrome Web Store also has a wide range of themes and designs, letting you personalize your Chrome browser just the way you like it.
Safari’s customization options are more limited, but you can still adjust settings like the theme and text size for accessibility. These options are sufficient for most users but don’t support the same level of flexibility as Chrome.
Both Chrome and Safari offer customization options to make sure your browser reflects your personal preferences and browsing habits. However, Chrome’s broader selection of options beats Safari’s, even for Mac users.
Ease of navigation
Chrome has significantly improved its navigation, especially with its user interface. You can easily adjust browser settings, manage tabs, and enable features like cross-device syncing through your Google Account.
Safari's integration with the Apple ecosystem provides seamless navigation across Apple devices and the browser. Because your device is linked to iCloud, you can quickly adjust and customize your settings. You can adjust the tab settings and the appearance of your sidebar and bookmarks. You can even rearrange Safari’s address bar.
Chrome and Safari offer straightforward navigation. However, Safari’s native support for Macs provides a more seamless customization experience, even if Chrome provides more options.
Design
On Chrome, you can personalize your browsing experience using themes from the Chrome Web Store. You can adjust colors and fine-tune the overall look to suit your preferences.
With Safari, the theme customization options are limited. It’s more focused on providing a polished, user-friendly design optimized for Apple users.
What are the unique features offered by Chrome and Safari?
Despite sharing many of the same functions, Safari and Chrome have features that could make one browser a better fit for your needs. Beyond the key features discussed earlier, the standalone features below can help you determine which browser works best for your Mac.
- Chrome: Syncs with Google services, isolated user profiles, extensive developer tools, and access to the Chrome Web Store.
- Safari: Reader mode, Apple Pay integration, Handoff feature on iOS and MacOS, optimized energy usage on Macs.
Chrome stands out for its customization options and cross-platform versatility. On the other hand, Safari provides unmatched integration with Apple products. It’s ideal if you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem or prefer a browser designed specifically for Mac.
Are Chrome and Safari compatible with a VPN?
Chrome and Safari are compatible with a VPN. While the exact installation and configuration will depend on your chosen VPN provider, both Chrome and Safari support VPN solutions.
Chrome supports VPN proxy extensions. Users on desktop devices, including Macs, can easily install a VPN proxy extension for Chrome from the Web Store or use a VPN installed on their device.
Safari doesn't support VPN extensions. However, you can still set up a VPN for Safari if you download a third-party VPN app and set it up from your Mac’s system settings.
Using a VPN for either Chrome or Safari adds an extra layer of security, protecting your online activity from potential threats.
How to choose between Chrome and Safari
Chrome and Safari are both solid options if you’re looking for a web browser on your Mac. However, the best choice depends on your priorities. Chrome leads in terms of customization, but Safari is designed for Macs. If you want more flexibility with how your browser functions, Chrome is the clear choice. But if fewer customizations don’t bother you — and you prioritize privacy, efficiency, and battery life — sticking to Safari is your best bet.
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