Did you know that you can install different browsers on Mac? That’s right: if you find that Safari isn’t what you want from a web browser, you can install a new browser. It’s easy-peasy, too!
What makes this one of the best Mac hacks around is that it’s easy, practical, and you can pick almost any modern web browser that you like.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at some of the best web browsers for Mac to help you find the one that’s right for you.
Ready to browse our list of alternative browsers and get installing? Then read on!
1. Google Chrome – Best web browser for mac
First off, let’s take a look at the big one. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that you can install Chrome on Mac: this browser boasts a slightly ridiculous 66.3 percent share of the world’s browser market. If we’re going by desktop browsers only, that share increases.
So what is it that makes Google Chrome such an appealing browser? First off, there’s the ubiquity of it. Many people have grown up using it or have recently started using it, and almost everyone knows how it works.
Then there’s the speed. Chrome is a very fast web browser, besting its rivals on most metrics that you could care to name. This was what made it such a popular browser when it first came out, too.
There’s also a fantastic range of customization options available for Chrome. Countless themes and extensions mean that you can make Chrome look and work exactly how you want it to.
Not all is rosy in the world of Chrome though. Countless privacy concerns have arisen about Google over the years and Chrome is no exception. For instance, a relatively new feature in Chrome led to worries about data leaks.
It’s not open-source either, so if you care about knowing what’s going on under the hood, you’re out of luck.
Also Read: Keeping Macbook Caches in Check
2. Firefox – Best web browser for mac
If privacy is a big concern for you, why not use Firefox? This browser is renowned for its privacy and is completely open-source. Its users contribute to the browser’s development and can suggest and make changes as they see fit.
Besides its great approach to privacy, what else does Firefox have going for it? Well, according to recent speed tests, it’s a lot faster than it used to be. It may not be able to quite match Chrome but it isn’t far behind.
It’s got a great range of themes and add-ons available too. Firefox was the first browser to feature a wide range of extensions and almost all the most popular extensions are still available for it today.
So what are the downsides of Firefox? Well, as Chromium-based browsers pioneer the way to the future of the internet, Firefox can feel a little clunky. Its design hasn’t changed too much in the past 10 years, so if you want the latest and greatest web browser, it may not be for you.
It is a stable, dependable, and intuitive web browser though, which we’d recommend taking a look at.
3. Internet Explorer and Edge
Did you know that you can install Internet Explorer for Mac? If you have older relatives who swear by IE and don’t want to use anything else, we would recommend installing it for them. For many older people, IE is the only web browser that they’ll ever use.
If you’re used to other browsers though, we wouldn’t recommend installing IE. It’s clunky, old-fashioned, and slow.
If you are interested in trying another Microsoft browser though, Edge is a fantastic alternative. It’s Windows’ new default browser and is based on Chromium, which means it packs a real punch. It’s pretty much as fast as Chrome and comes with some other neat features.
Edge packs in a lot of baked-in privacy features which means that you can control exactly how much you’re willing to be tracked. This is one of its biggest advantages over other Chromium browsers and Chrome in particular.
It’s also a bit easier on your computer’s resources than Chrome, which eats them up like candy.
If you’re interested in extensions, you’re in luck. There aren’t all that many extensions that are made for Edge in particular but thanks to their shared engine, you can install any Chrome extensions that you like on there.
This gives you access to a huge range of extensions right off the bat.
Also Read: How to Free up Storage Space on Mac
4. Opera – Best web browser for mac
For the last of the alternative browsers, let’s look at one that is a little more “out there.” What makes Opera quite so unique is also what could dissuade people from using it.
How do you feel about browsers that are always trying new things? If you like them, you’ll love Opera. Opera features mouse gestures, a turbo mode, a built-in VPN, and deep-level customization that lets you change almost everything about the browser.
Due to these unique additions, Opera isn’t the most user-friendly browser but it is fast and innovative. Once you get used to it, you might never use anything else.
As for extensions, there’s a superb range available. It may not be the most popular browser but it’s unique and interesting enough to be worth a look.
Try Out These Different Browsers Today
There are a ton of different browsers available for Mac. We’ve only scratched the surface of alternative browsers but we think you’ll enjoy these ones.
Get out there, install these browsers, and see which one you like best!
For more interesting and informative tech articles, check out the rest of our blog.
Also Read: How To Keep Your Mac Secure Enough To Protect Your Data