5 alternative browsers that might just replace Safari on your Mac

Although MacOS isn’t my primary OS (that would be Linux), I do use Apple’s OS quite a bit for video editing and working away from my desk. When I first started my journey with MacOS, I stuck with Safari because it was every bit equal to the browsers I used on Linux. On top of that, Safari seemed to be less of a battery drain than the competition.

Over time, however, the other browsers have surpassed Safari, and I now find myself rarely opening Apple’s browser. But what are the better browsers than Safari that you’ve probably not heard of?

Also: Try the world’s best browser while you can – because Arc’s creator has other plans

Let me introduce you to the five browsers I will always opt for over Safari.

1. Arc

My favorite browser

Arc is, hands down, my favorite browser to have ever been developed. It’s exciting, has incredible tab management, is beautiful, and is user-friendly. The one thing to know about Arc is that it does have a rather different UI, so you’ll first need to spend a few minutes getting up to speed with how the browser works. It’s not difficult, just different. That difference really helps to make Arc stand out among the competition. 

Since I started using Arc, I don’t want to bother with another browser. Unfortunately, that’s not possible, as Arc isn’t available for Linux. But if I’m on MacOS, you can bet I’m using Arc.

Also: 5 ways Arc browser makes browsing the web fun again

Arc is based on Chromium, but it looks and behaves nothing like the open-source browser. When The Browser Company began creating Arc, they advertised it as the “Operating system of the web.” The reason for this claim was that Arc wasn’t a traditional web browser because it integrated some proprietary apps that are accessed via the sidebar.

For me, however, the big selling point for Arc is Spaces, which makes tab management a breeze. You can create spaces for specific tasks or categories (such as Work, Social Media, Shopping, News, etc.) and open tabs in a related space. You can also customize each space with a theme so you always know which space you are currently in.

Arc is free to download and install.

2. Zen Browser

Firefox with more configuration options

If you’re a fan of Firefox but wish Mozilla would finally catch up to the competition with regard to tab management, then Zen Browser is the way to go. Zen Browser is Firefox with more configuration options. 

With Zen Browser, you not only get better tab management with Workspaces (similar to that of Arc and Opera) but also a theming engine, which is fantastic. Zen Browser also includes Mods, which are modifications for the browser that do all sorts of things (such as floating the status and/or toolbar, improving active tabs, and more). With Mods, you can get very specific with your Zen Browser customization and create a browser that is uniquely yours.

Also: Zen Browser is the customizable Firefox I’ve been waiting for – here’s why

Zen Browser also benefits from the usual Firefox security and performance and is free to download and install.

3. Opera

My default browser on Linux

Opera has been my default browser on Linux for a long time. Opera was the first browser to take tab management seriously with Workspaces, and since I started using it, I cannot imagine working with tabs in a browser that doesn’t include the feature. 

Another reason to use Opera is that it includes its own AI, Aria, which is free to use without the usage restrictions of an AI service such as ChatGPT. Unlike OpenAI products, you can use Aria as much as you want without having to set it up or pay for it. Aria is quickly accessed from its icon in the sidebar.

Also: My 5 favorite web browsers – and what each is ideal for

Opera has also really upped its game with theming. I’ve tested the new theming engine with the developer version of Opera, and it is absolutely fantastic. In fact, once the new theming engine reaches the stable version, I’ll most likely switch from Arc to Opera on MacOS. Thanks to Opera’s Flow feature, I can easily switch back and forth between Linux and MacOS without missing a beat.

Opera is also fast, secure, reliable, and free to use.

4. Colibri

Stripped down to the essentials

Colibri is a browser of a different color because it shrugs off the usual trappings and strips it down to the essentials. There are no tabs in Colibri, no toolbars, sidebars, or clutter. Colibri has, by far, the cleanest UI of any browser on the market. 

If you like to keep things simple, Colibri is the browser for you. Instead of tabs, Colibri relies on Links, Lists, and Feeds. Once a site has loaded, click the + button near the upper-right corner, and the site is added to the Links library. Click the library icon (one rectangle on top of another near the upper-right corner) and then search for the link. You might think this take on the web browser would be inefficient, but you’d be surprised at how effective it can be.

Also: 5 obscure web browsers that will finally break your Chrome addiction

Colibri is the ideal browser for those MacOS users who like their apps with a very minimal UI. It is free to use, but you do have to create an account and request the download from the main site.

5. Mullvad

 Takes privacy seriously 

Mullvad is another open-source browser that takes privacy seriously by working in conjunction with the Mullvad VPN, so you’re better protected against mass surveillance such as fingerprinting, tracking scripts, and more.

You may think that using a regular browser and a VPN might be enough. It’s not. To really get the most out of your privacy, consider a privacy-centric browser and a VPN — such as Mullvad Browser and Mullvad VPN.

Also: 5 Firefox-based, privacy-first web browsers

Mullvad is based on Chromium and was developed in conjunction with the Tor Project, so it includes the fingerprinting and tracking protection found in Tor Browser. To really get the most out of Mullvad, however, you’ll want to install the accompanying Mullvad VPN, which has an associated cost of roughly $5.25 per month.

With Mullvad, you can stop worrying so much about privacy issues and be productive or entertained throughout the day.

Although the Mullvad VPN has an associated cost, the web browser is free to download and install.