A browser ready to face daily challenges and fulfill your professional needs is important for an efficient experience while working on your Mac device. There are plenty of browsers available that offer a great diversity of features and capabilities over each other. However, the most preferred browsers by Mac users for daily use are Safari and Chrome.
Apple is actively working on reminding us about leveraging the optimized performance and seamless incorporation of its pre-installed browser which is Safari. Despite these benefits of Safari, people still prefer Chrome as a report from 2024 shows over 60 percent of internet users prefer Chrome, while Safari ranked below.
But the question is, why is Chrome preferred over Safari? Is there something special that you get in Chrome that Safari lacks or something else? In the following article, we’ll answer this question by discussing Chrome and Safari’s advantages to help you know which browser is right for you.
Extensions - one click away
When it comes to installing different extensions and using them in your browsing activities seamlessly, Chrome ranks on top because of the options available on its Chrome Web Store. Safari is limited in this capacity. It also has a wide array of options. You can pick from productivity tools, dev tools, ad blockers, and proxy extensions.
If you find yourself using proxy extensions, Chrome might be the better option among the two. These help in allowing access to geo-restricted content while keeping you hidden by masking your IP address throughout your time on the internet. Chrome assists you in this regard as configuring proxy settings on the platform is simple and you can get done with a few simple clicks. It further allows you to remove limits on your browsing accessibility by effortlessly switching between different proxy configurations, increasing your flexibility.
On the other hand, installing extensions on the Safari browser can be a tricky process as it often requires you to verify your identity through Apple ID and manually enable various features of extensions from Mac’s system preferences.
Accessing across different devices
Another reason users prefer Chrome on their Macs is its cross-platform synchronization. You may rely on different devices such as Macbooks, Windows pc, iPhones, and Android. The compatibility of Chrome with different platforms allows you to operate devices effortlessly.
You can easily transfer your data such as passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, extensions, and even opened tabs without having to manually copy the contents on other devices logged into the same Google account. Safari also offers an ecosystem to transfer your content across devices but it only operates across Apple devices running iOS and macOS.
Efficiency and optimization in Safari
Other than the numerous strengths of Chrome, Safari also holds its ground as a browser. Safari offers great optimization for macOS as it is Apple’s native browser. It allows Safari to operate efficiently with Apple’s hardware and software while utilizing fewer resources and processing capabilities.
Chrome covers up a large amount of RAM to maintain its quick response when you have too many tabs open or if you are using graphics-intensive web pages. On the other hand, Safari is optimized to maintain a balanced experience in your browsing without draining the system’s speed.
Safari also uses hardware acceleration to reduce battery usage, allowing you to browse the internet for longer durations without worrying about your battery draining.
Exclusive macOS features
Being Mac’s pre-installed and native browser, Safari offers exclusive macOS functions such as privacy features (which are not guaranteed to be completely immune to compromise, of course), web apps, and more. This increases productivity and ease of use while browsing. Features like reading lists and tab groups allow you to organize your browsing content efficiently without being overstuffed.
Safari improves user experience with seamless usage of Apple’s dictation and voice control functionalities that Chrome doesn’t natively support. It also includes intelligent tracking prevention (ITP) and anti-fingerprinting features that offer smooth browsing without sharing data across domains.
Safari browsers also offer Web App features allowing you to efficiently use websites that are unavailable as desktop apps such as Netflix, Gmail, and Twitter.
Final thoughts
Apple reminding us about Safari indicates that it is cautious about the dominance of Chrome. While Safari offers seamless macOS integration, and excellent optimization and workflow, Chrome also gives an extensive library of extensions, cross-platform functionality, and great UI designs.
The best browser for you depends on your preferences. The competition between Chrome and Safari will always remain the most intriguing factor as both browsers continue to evolve with technological advancements.