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Safari alternatives: 11 smart iOS browser options

While all ios browsers use the same core rendering engine as safari, many of them offer additional functions useful in business. here are a handful of safari alternatives to test drive..

Chances are your corporate IT policy dictates which browser you use on your laptop or desktop. On your iPhone, though, you may be free to choose a more exotic browser. We’ve rounded up a dozen Safari alternatives for iOS that may suit you better.

Ever since the release of iOS 14 in 2020, Apple has allowed users to select a default browser (the one that opens when you tap on a link in an email or an app) other than Safari. Many alternate browsers will even ask if you want to set them as your default the first time you launch them, though you might want to test drive them for a bit before committing to one.

It’s worth noting, however, that Apple requires developers to use the same WebKit rendering engine as Safari to display web pages on screen, so iOS web browsers are really all just WebKit in a different wrapper. That said, some alternative browsers offer quite different interfaces and/or more expansive feature sets. For instance, one entrant on this list includes a VPN that can be used to secure connections and port your requests through a different location or country.

Check out these options to see if one or more might have a place in your business browsing. Unless otherwise noted, these browsers are free.

Aloha Browser

Aloha is a feature-laden mobile browser that packs a whole lot of Polynesian personality. Beyond the Hawaiian-themed start screen, Aloha offers privacy features including ad blocking; private tabs; a crypto wallet; an internal file manager for downloads, media, and documents; syncing across devices; and a VPN. A premium subscription ($6 per month or $50 per year) enables advanced VPN capabilities like automatic startup/reconnect and encrypting all traffic from your iPhone, instead of just the Aloha browser itself.

The Aloha browser pairs a laid-back Hawaiian look with serious privacy controls.

Google Chrome might be the most popular mobile browser overall, but that’s mostly due to Android’s dominance in the global smartphone market. On iPhones, it comes in as a distant second to Apple’s own Safari.

If you use the Chrome desktop browser, you can sync bookmarks and recently visited sites via your Google account, replicating Safari’s Handoff feature. There’s also one-touch access to Google Translate, voice search using Google Assistant rather than Siri, and a handy QR-code scanner above the virtual keyboard. Chrome’s Incognito mode doesn’t send cookies or store browser history.

Like many alternative iOS browsers, Chrome invites you to make it your default browser.

Dolphin Mobile Browser

The Dolphin browser has one of the longest feature lists of any of the mobile browsers. You can tell Dolphin where you want to go by tapping on one of its speed-dial buttons; selecting a destination from the bookmarks, history, or open tabs it has synchronized with your PC; or typing its address. You can also use touch gestures to select favorite destinations — perhaps tracing a C for Computerworld.com — and you can even control the browser by shaking your phone or speaking to it. On top of all that, you also get ad and tracking blocking and a useful drawer (tap the Dolphin icon) that makes it easy to access the bevy of features Dolphin Browser has to offer. 

The Dolphin browser offers a plethora of features.

DuckDuckGo Private Browser

It’s not just a search engine. In addition to giving the world a way to search the web free from tracking, monitoring, and monetizing your searches, DuckDuckGo offers its own browser . As you might guess, the big focus is on privacy, and it allows you surf the web without being tracked or leaving a trail from your phone.

A Fire button is prominently displayed in the toolbar below web pages; tapping it closes all tabs and clears all browsing data (and does it with your choice of four different animations). You can also “fireproof” sites, marking them as able to set cookies for things like logins, shopping carts, and so forth — but third-party trackers will still be blocked.

DuckDuckGo offers both privacy-focused search and privacy-focused browsing.

Microsoft Edge will sync favorites and passwords between all your devices logged into Microsoft’s cloud servers. Using its “Send to devices” command, you can send a tab from your phone to your other connected devices, and the Collections feature lets you gather and organize web content for later reference. Edge also offers voice search, tracking prevention, an ad blocker, InPrivate tabs that won’t store browsing data, and the ability use both personal and business Microsoft accounts.

If you sign into your Microsoft account, the Edge browser syncs favorites, passwords, Collections, and more between your devices.

Using Mozilla Firefox on the iPhone is a smart choice if you’re already using Firefox on other devices, since it will sync bookmarks, passwords and other information between them all to keep you up to speed. Its customizable home page includes shortcuts, recently visited sites, and more. Firefox on iOS also features the same anti-ad tracking technology found on the desktop and sports large visual tabs for fast retrieval.

Firefox offers a customizable home page and a rich set of features.

Firefox Focus

In addition to the mainstream Firefox web browser, Mozilla also offers a streamlined, distraction-free option called Firefox Focus . If you’re easily distracted, have ADHD, or just want a little help staying on task, it’s worth checking out as an alternative or addition to Apple’s Focus modes that are built into iOS. Firefox Focus blocks ads and trackers by default, and you can erase your browsing history, passwords, and cookies with a single tap on its ever-present trashcan icon.

The minimalist interface of Firefox Focus reduces distractions.

Onion Browser

Tor is a distributed system for anonymizing internet traffic. Developed by the Tor Project, the original (desktop) Tor Browser uses the Tor network to keep your identity and online activity secret — important protection for journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and people who live under repressive regimes that limit internet freedom. If you’re very serious about privacy, using a Tor browser provides far more protection than other options. Note, however, that routing traffic through Tor slows down your browsing, and many websites won’t work properly. For most users, a Tor browser isn’t necessary.

Several third-party developers have ported Tor to iOS. None are directly affiliated with the Tor Project, and the project notes that the WebKit engine underlying all iOS browsers prevents them from having privacy protections as extensive as its own Tor Browser. That said, the project recommends the Onion Browser , which uses Tor routing to ensure that your ISP can’t see what you’re browsing and websites can’t see your IP address.

If you’re an experienced Tor user, you’ll be able to configure the browser’s advanced settings. Otherwise, the Onion Browser makes configuration simple with three security-level presets (Gold, Silver, and Bronze).

The Onion Browser has an array of advanced security settings but also offers simple presets for varying levels of protection.

Orion Browser

At first glance, Orion seems like a very basic browser with the typical feature set. Look at the browser’s settings, however, and there’s a bit more to discover, including different modes to help you focus, streamline your data use, and even conserve battery life.

Orion also blocks ads and trackers. In addition to syncing content between multiple devices, you can protect private browsing tabs or the entire browser using Face/Touch ID or your phone’s passcode.

The Orion browser offers focus, data-saving, and low-power modes.

The name says it all. Search All is designed to search for almost anything, almost anywhere, all at once. You can select from more than 50 different sites to search across several categories including search engines, online stores, video sites, image repositories, wiki-based knowledge sites, some social networks, and even comics libraries and get results from each of them in separate tabs.

While it may not be a go-to browser for everyday use for most people, the ability to instantly search for anything across so many services is incredibly useful when you’re researching a fact, trying to find a specific video clip, comparing prices, or need a specific picture for a project.

Tap into the power of searching multiple sites simultaneously with Search All.

SPIN Safe Browser

The primary focus of the SPIN Safe Browser is safe browsing (hence the name). In addition to privacy controls, it includes content filtering that can hide questionable images and content as you browse. This makes it a good choice if you have kids or want to avoid looking at certain things on a device that you use for work.

What makes SPIN unique on this list is that the developer is focused on the education and enterprise market. It offers a $20 version of the browser that you can customize via an AppConfig-compatible mobile device management (MDM) platform, such as Jamf or Hexnode. This means that IT departments can deploy the browser and have a full set of controls for managing it throughout a school or company.

The SPIN Safe Browser offers standard features but also blocks NSFW content and can be managed via MDM software.

This article was originally published in October 2017 and most recently updated in May 2023.

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Ryan Faas is a technology journalist and author who had been writing about Apple, business and enterprise IT topics, and the mobile industry for over a decade. He is author and/or editor of ten technology books. He is a prolific freelance writer whose work has been featured on Computerworld, Enterprise Mobile Today, InformIT, Peachpit Press, Cult of Mac, Cult of Android, About.com, and Datamation. In 2008 he was awarded a Neal National Business Journalism award for his work featured in Computerworld's "Week of Leopard" series.

In addition to writing, Ryan has spent a large portion of the past fifteen years in the systems/network engineering and IT management fields as an IT director, systems administrator, trainer, and all round multi-platform and mobile device technology consultant. His client list ranges from human services agencies, small non-profits, and private schools to fortune 500 hundred companies and major media agencies. He also worked for mobile management provider MobileIron from November 2014 until October 2015.

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8 iPhone browser apps you should use instead of Safari

By default, the Safari web browser is available on every iPhone, including the iPhone 15 series. Nevertheless, several other web-browsing options can be found on the App Store, each with at least one unique feature that distinguishes it from the others. While some web browser apps like Google Chrome, DuckDuckGo, and Microsoft Edge might already be familiar to you, others such as Aloha and Arc Search may not be.

Google Chrome

Microsoft edge, aloha browser, brave browser, opera browser, duckduckgo private browser, firefox focus, which safari alternative should you choose.

If you’re looking for a Safari alternative, here are our favorite iPhone browser apps you should consider using instead.

Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world. It stands out as offering one of the best user interfaces for newcomers. Its rapid browsing speed, integration with Google Search, and robust security measures against malware and phishing attempts contribute to its popularity.

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An essential feature of Chrome is the ability to sign in with your Google Account, which allows you to synchronize bookmarks and browsing history across devices where Chrome is active. Chrome also includes a password manager that stores website login details, simplifying the login process without the need to recall numerous credentials. Users can also leverage Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos to ensure password accessibility across these platforms for convenience.

In short, Google Chrome emerges as the choice for individuals seeking a browsing experience across their range of devices within the Google ecosystem. If you’re a big Google user, this is the way to go.

Download Google Chrome

Arc Search is the latest addition to the selection of mobile web browsers, and it evolved from its desktop version, which was initially launched in 2023. Arc is unique from other web browsers because it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to perform searches on your behalf. Although it may take some time to get used to, the result is an exciting spin on search .

By utilizing the app’s “Browse for Me” functionality, you can view a typical search page with the AI to gather information from six different sources. This will provide a personalized webpage showcasing all the essential details required to answer your search query.

If you do a traditional search, Arc makes it simple to choose your search engine among a list of choices, starting with your iPhone’s default web browser.

Spaces is an exciting feature of Arc Search that lets you organize tabs and themes for a personalized look. Perhaps best of all, Arc Search prioritizes security and privacy and doesn’t track browser activity or search history. It’s one of the more unique Safari alternatives, but if you want a wholly new web-browsing experience, it’s well worth checking out.

Download Arc Search

If you’re already using Microsoft Edge on your Mac or PC, you might find the Microsoft Edge browser helpful. It offers password monitoring, ad tracker blocking, and other features many browsers lack. You can use the InPrivate browsing feature to browse the web without saving your browsing history, cookies, or other data. Microsoft Edge also includes AI capabilities through its Copilot tool, which makes searching easier.

With Microsoft Edge, you can sync your favorites, passwords, and browsing data between your mobile device and other devices. You can also earn rewards points through the Microsoft Rewards program, which you can redeem for various benefits like Starbucks gift cards, a free month of Xbox Game Pass, and more.

Microsoft Edge, even with its AI tools, is best considered a traditional browsing tool for mobile and desktop. That alone means it’s not for everyone. Nonetheless, it’s reliable and stable and gets the job done.

Download Microsoft Edge

Aloha is a web browser that also acts as a private VPN . It comes with an Adblock Plus plug-in to block annoying ads. While it is free, it’s recommended that you purchase one of the premium options after the one-week free trial.

Aloha’s free version includes a VPN that encrypts your internet traffic, making it less likely for you to experience a data breach while browsing anonymously. The built-in ad blocker blocks ads and trackers, improving your browser speed and protecting your privacy. The incognito mode creates a private browsing session that doesn’t save cookies. In addition to its primary function as a VPN service and web browser, Aloha also offers a media player, profile manager, and a Web3 cryptocurrency wallet.

By upgrading to Aloha Premium , you can modify your VPN country selection and configure the VPN to start automatically with the browser. The premium package also extends VPN protection to all devices and includes other premium features. It also removes the occasional ad you’ll see with the free version.

If you want to use Aloha, keep in mind that it currently lacks a desktop version. This means you won’t be able to synchronize your passwords or browsing history across all your devices. If that’s not an issue for you, definitely give this one a look.

Download Aloha

AI technology has now been integrated into the Brave browser — making it one of the better Safari alternatives out there. Brave, also available for desktops, offers features similar to other options on this list — such as Adblock, a rewards system, and a crypto wallet. It also includes a built-in VPN service as a feature, with new users eligible for a free week’s trial of the VPN .

Having used Brave for quite some time, I am consistently impressed by its user interface, which stands out for its creativity. I also find that the built-in news feature enhances the overall mobile web-browsing experience.

On a less positive note, while the Brave VPN functions as expected, it is worth noting that it is priced higher than other options on the market. This aspect should be considered before deciding on an in-app purchase. Even so, Brave still stands out as a fantastic Safari replacement.

Download Brave

Opera has been around for a while and has stayed relevant by incorporating new technology as it arrives. A recent enhancement to Opera is an AI feature called Aria, which aims to assist users in navigating the internet effectively by understanding their queries and responding in natural language.

Aria is currently kept separate from the rest of the browser. This setup isn’t necessarily a drawback; it’s simply Opera’s chosen design. In addition to the AI component, Opera includes web browser functions like bookmarks, privacy mode, synchronization, and more. Opera also boasts an Opera Fast Action Button (FAB), a multi-functional tool that makes navigating and switching between recently opened tabs easier. Finally, Opera provides a VPN service that comes with privacy tools at no cost. Combine all of that with a clean and simple interface, and there’s a lot to like with this one.

Download Opera

DuckDuckGo is an exceptional web browser with a reputation for being the ultimate guardian of user privacy. With its advanced capabilities, DuckDuckGo is designed to keep your online identity under wraps and protect you from the prying eyes of third-party advertisers and data collectors. It does this by automatically blocking trackers hidden in the websites you visit, providing you with a safe and stress-free browsing experience.

DuckDuckGo’s user interface is also user-friendly and allows you to personalize your settings according to your preferences. You can turn off images, use the Fire Button to quickly clear your tabs and browsing data, and customize other settings to make your browsing experience seamless.

One of DuckDuckGo’s most remarkable features is its search engine, which doesn’t track your search history. This means you can search for anything you want without worrying about your searches being stored or used for targeted advertisements. If privacy is a top concern for you, DuckDuckGo should be at the top of your list when searching for a Safari replacement.

Download DuckDuckGo

Firefox Focus is another browser that prioritizes privacy. The browser blocks trackers and ads by default, ensuring that companies do not gather browsing data and habits. This aspect proves beneficial for users who value their privacy.

The browser accelerates page loading times by disabling trackers and data collection, resulting in a better browsing journey. Using Firefox Focus can also reduce mobile data consumption, which is advantageous for users with data plans.

Download Firefox Focus

If you’re not satisfied with the default browser on your iPhone and are looking for an alternative, it’s worth exploring some of the options available.

To make an informed decision, download a few of these browsers and test them to see which works best for you. Consider factors such as speed, ease of use, privacy features, and level of customization. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll be better equipped to choose the browser that best suits your needs.

Happy browsing!

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Safari is a pretty good browser, but it falls shorts in several aspects. For instance, not all sites perform optimally, and it doesn’t feature the best tab management options. Thankfully, there are plenty of Safari alternatives for iPhone and iPad that are fast, secure, and feature-rich.

Moreover, with the ability to change the default browser in iOS 14, you can use your favorite one conveniently. Want to know what my choice is? Keep reading as I review some of the most popular iPhone browsers.

1. Google Chrome

I love Google Chrome so much that I did a detailed comparison with Safari to explain my reasons. Primarily, the stand-out feature is the seamless sync across devices, thanks to signing in with your Google account.

You can access recently opened pages, bookmarks, and favorites on any device that you’re signed into. For instance, I use Google Chrome across my iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android device, and Windows PC, and my data syncs across all to ease my workflow. This cross-platform support makes it the best for those who work on multiple devices.

Of course, there are loads of other attractive options such as efficient tab management and incognito mode for privacy.

• Impeccable cross-platform sync
• Great tab management features
• Built-in Google Voice Search to avoid manual typing
• Mighty Google Translate to convert web pages from one language to another.
• Data saver mode automatically compresses the web pages for faster loading
• Incognito mode which does not record history, cache, and cookies
• Tracks user data
• Hogs resources

2. Firefox and Firefox Focus

This one’s a close second to Chrome and boasts a similar clean UI. One of the most notable features is that it automatically blocks image(s) to reduce sites’ loading time. Of course, it’s pretty good at blocking ads and popups, too, for your safety.

For more privacy, you can go for the Firefox Focus browser, in which stealth mode is always on. It seamlessly blocks many common web trackers without needing to meddle with the settings.

• Private Browsing Mode makes sure that none of your online activities are being recorded.
• Enhanced Tracking Protection is known to block all harmful trackers, including crypto miners and fingerprints.
• Syncs passwords, bookmarks, and history across devices
• You need to create a Firefox account to allow data to sync
• No tracking protection in Private Browsing mode.

Firefox Focus

3. Microsoft Edge

Long gone are the days of Internet Explorer. Microsoft has created one of the best browsers in the form of Edge. It has a straightforward UI with many helpful features such as private tabs, swipe gestures, translate webpages, etc.

I especially appreciate the picture-in-picture functionality for video on most sites, including YouTube. I also love using the “Read aloud” feature that reads the text to you at the tap of a button.

Further, it comes with Adblock Plus built-in to block unwanted ads. The downside is that the default search engine is Bing, but you can easily change this to Google, Yahoo, etc.

• Minimal resource consumption
• Tracking Prevention to stop third-party trackers from accessing your browsing activity.
• Built-in Ad-Block Plus to stop intrusive ads
• InPrivate browsing Mode
• Immersive Reader Mode allows for a distraction-free experience.
• Password Manager to handle all your saved passwords
• You must have a Microsoft Account to make the most of the features.
• Sync is a bit slow
• Interface and navigation could be more responsive

4. Brave Browser

Here’s the best Safari alternative that puts privacy first. It blocks all ads by default that considerably decreases the page load time. Brave claims to be three times faster than Chrome while putting less strain on your device battery.

But, if ads are blocked, how do websites make revenue? Well, Brave supports publishers by compensating them at the end of each month, depending on your interaction with websites. Further, with HTTPS Everywhere, you can rest assured that you’re only visiting safe sites.

Moreover, you can also use TouchID/FaceID to unlock this browser. And there’s also an in-built Private VPN that allows you to hide your actual IP address and browse anonymously.

• Best security and privacy features
• Speedy browser
• In-built VPN
• Less resource consumption
• Data sync is a bit complicated to setup
• Payment methodology needs to be simplified for more developers and publishers to be on board.

Here’s another top browser for those concerned about privacy. It doesn’t log any of your activity, so you can freely browse without worrying about how your data will be used.

The interface takes inspiration from Google Chrome and is a breeze to navigate. Like Microsoft Edge, this browser’s highlight is how it lets you play YouTube and other videos in picture-in-picture mode. This is incredibly handy when you want to watch something while also carrying on with other tasks on your phone.

Moreover, Aloha claims to load webpages two times faster using hardware acceleration. Simultaneously, there is also a paid version of the browser called Aloha Premium that boasts even more advanced features such as an in-built VPN to browse anonymously and safeguard your privacy.

• Ad-free browsing experience
• In-built VR player allows you to enjoy VR videos
• Picture-in-picture / background play for videos
• Fast and secures
• Need to pay for full features

Price : Premium subscription starts at $2.99

6. Opera Browser

This iOS browser app has undergone a complete overhaul in recent times. One of the highlights of this is the Fast Action Button. This is inspired by Apple’s Control Center, and a single tap is enough to invoke quite a few functionalities such as refreshing the tab, closing it, or opening a new one.

Further, the ‘Flow’ feature allows you to link the device’s browser with its desktop version. You could then easily exchange the desired data from either end. It also comes with a built-in QR Code scanner, which blends well with its Flow feature.

Lastly, its ad and popup blocker ensures an immersive browsing experience.

• Ad-blocker and cryptocurrency mining protection
• Easy to use
• Fast Action Button for easy one-hand usage
• Lack of bookmark management
• No online data sync

7. DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser

This is the leading name among the most secure web browsers for iPhone and iPad. It gives equal attention to both privacy and customizations. Moreover, what makes it stand out is that it has a built-in search engine that doesn’t hog or track your data the way Google does. It is consistently scaling up to offer a better browsing experience.

Further, a badge beside the address bar shows the privacy grade of each website you visit which helps you stay safe and instantly gauge the site’s reliability.

• Blocks all third-party trackers by default
• Private search engine compared to Google
• Enforce Encryption makes sure that you always land upon the HTTPS version of a site rather than the HTTP (if available).
• Privacy scores from A to F for each site
• TouchID/ FaceID lock
• Detailed customization settings are time-consuming
• The default search engine is DuckDuckGo and cannot be changed

8. Yandex Browser

Yandex browser is all about safe and secure browsing. It reduces data usage and speeds up page load time with its special Turbo mode.

Its uniqueness lies in its ability to change the look of tabs using preset background designs or photos from your device. Pretty neat when you’re bored of the plain look of other browsers.

The browser also offers you recommended content, including news, articles, and videos based on your interests. You can also access all your favorite websites and bookmarks on any of your devices with a Yandex account.

• Voice search in multiple languages, including Russian, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
• Customized look and content to
• In-built ad blocker
• Fast and secure
• Some websites don’t display correctly
• Need to create a Yandex account for sync

This one’s more of a search engine than a full-fledged browser, but it’s the best choice if you care about the earth and sustainability.

For approximately every 45 searches you do, Ecosia plants a tree. Given how we are all constantly searching for things, this is an easy way to do something small for the planet.

For more information about their work and transparency, you can check out the Projects tab at the browser’s bottom. However, since Ecosia is primarily a search engine, it lacks many essential features such as tabs and privacy controls.

So, it would be preferable to use this within another browser at the URL ecosia.org.

• Uses search revenue to plant trees
• Save your favorite webpages
• Clean, beautiful look
• Search results not as accurate as Google
• Not a full-fledged browser

With so many options, you can find a Safari alternative that perfectly fits your unique needs. Which browser do you love using on your iPhone or iPad? Share your preference with me in the comments below.

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Mehak has a master’s degree in communication and over ten years of writing experience. Her passion for technology and Apple products led her to iGeeksBlog, where she specializes in writing product roundups and app recommendations for fellow Apple users. When not typing away on her MacBook Pro, she loves being lost in a book or out exploring the world.

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10 Best iPhone Browsers: Top Safari Alternatives For 2022

Do you think S afari is not the best browser for iPhone? We have just the list for you. There are many other Safari alternatives that are among the best browsers for your iPhone outside the Apple ecosystem . These browsers also come with their own unique set of features that improve your browsing experience.

To help you choose the best browser for iPhone, we have compiled a list, and we have also highlighted the pros and cons of each. After iOS 14, and now with iOS 15, you can change your iPhone’s default browser using the steps here .

Before having a peek at the features of the shortlisted iPhone browser apps, have a look at the  best photo editing apps for iPhone to enhance your pictures in 2022.

10 Best iPhone Web Browser Apps for 2022

1. google chrome – best browser app for cross-platform syncing, 2. firefox focus – browser app for iphone to browse anonymously, 3. microsoft edge – bring your ms account to iphone, 4. duckduckgo browser – couple of neat features, 5. brave browser – iphone browser with its own news app, 6. aloha browser – iphone browser app with in-built vpn, 7. opera – iphone browser with built-in crypto wallet, 8. ghostery dawn – most private browser for iphone, 9. puffin browser – a fast iphone web browser app, 10. maxthon cloud web browser – a cloud-based ios browser.

Google Chrome is one of the best browser apps available for Windows and Android devices. Google’s famous browser is also available for iOS. While Chrome isn’t the most private browsing experience, it is refined. It has a number of extensions, decent privacy controls, and a neat user interface.

Chrome is available across platforms, so everything can be synced between all your devices. It also comes with an Omnibox address bar, quick search, tab groups, and other neat features. It is among the best iPhone browser apps for those who like to work on multiple devices running on different operating systems.

However, if you’re looking for a privacy-focused browser for iPhone, you should consider the other options on the list. While Chrome has gotten rid of cookies, Google FLoC is still a questionable privacy feature from the company.

Pros And Cons of Google Chrome

Firefox is not a shocking name in the web browsers list. Firefox for desktop has received applauds from many tech enthusiasts for its set of advanced features. Firefox Focus is a privacy-focused browser .

You don’t need to turn or any incognito mode to escape trackers; the stealth mode is always turned on in the browser. It blocks ads and trackers by default, making your browsing experience clean and tracking-free.

Firefox Focus is a basic app with advanced privacy protection features that you can surely give a try when looking for the best web browser for iPhone. Lack of tabs can be annoying at times, but otherwise, it is a decent browser app for iPhone if you want to hide your identity from the online world.

Pros and Cons of Firefox Focus

If you like Microsoft Edge on desktop, you can also use it as a Safari alternative on iPhone. Edge offers a neat and easily customizable homepage experience with secure browsing.

You can also choose to block all cookies, select your own default search engine, and use features like contextual search. One of the best features of Microsoft Edge is the homepage. You can customize it with a push of a button to show beautiful backgrounds, latest news, or enter focus mode.

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Edge

DuckDuckGo is also included in our list of the best Google Search alternatives . Now, the DuckDuckGo browser also makes for a capable Safari alternative. This is a privacy-focused browser and blocks many trackers by default.

You can also clear all your browsing data with the tap of a button, and still retain your sign-in information for sites you use. It also comes with DuckDuckGo Email protection , which removes trackers from your emails before you receive them in your inbox. You can also use your @Duck email address to sign up for other services without disclosing your real email address.

Pros and Cons of DuckDuckGo Browser

Brave browser has been making headlines lately. Recently, the company launched Brave Search beta , which is later used to replace Google Search as the default search engine in Brave browser.

Aside from its own search engine, Brave browser also comes with a baked-in VPN that you’ll have to subscribe to separately. You can also turn on Brave News and customize your feed with private RSS feeds. This is good if you want to get updates from set sources without being tracked online.

Pros and Cons of Brave Browser

If privacy is your concern, there is no better option than using a VPN for browsing on the internet. Aloha Browser for iPhone comes with an in-built VPN that allows you to browse anonymously on the internet. The iOS browser app focuses on privacy and hiding the internet footprints of the users.

The interface is straightforward and designed with inspiration from Google Chrome. Aloha Browser for iPhone says that it doesn’t log any of the activity, which is all the more reason to crown it as the best browser for iPhone in this data-hungry world.

There is also a paid version of the browser called Aloha Premium that comes with an even more advanced set of features. For hardcore privacy-focused individuals, Aloha Premium is a Safari alternative.

Pros and Cons of Aloha Browser

Opera Browser replaces Opera Touch and comes packed with a host of advanced features like a native ad blocker , built-in crypto wallet, and pop-ups and cookie dialogs blocker.

If you use the Opera Mini browser on your PC, you will be glad to know that Opera syncs seamlessly with other Opera browsers. You can connect to your PC’s Opera browser by simply scanning a QR code from inside the Opera iOS app. Once connected, you can share files on the go.

Pros and Cons of Opera iPhone browser

Ghostery started as a tracking blocker addon. Their browser offering is one of the best privacy browsers for iOS devices. Its remarkable privacy and tracking blocker features have made it popular amongst many users who want to surf the internet without trackers following them on every other website.

The browser app warns you if a tracker is trying to track you on a webpage. The basic functions of a browser app are performed effortlessly by the app. It also comes with Ghostery Glow as the default search engine, but you can change it in the settings.

Features of Ghostery Browser

Puffin Web Browser app is a fast web browsing app that is different from any other browser listed on this list. The compressing functionality of the app is pretty efficient, which keeps the page load time to a minimum.

Puffin iPhone browser app is intended for those who are working on resource-limited devices but want pages to load faster. It is unarguably one of the fastest iOS browsers you can download. With its virtual trackpad and dedicated video player, the app offers a unique web browsing experience to users.

Pros and Cons of Puffin Browser

Maxthon Cloud Web Browser app for iPhone is another lightweight browser that comes with good features such as a built-in ad-blocker, a note-taking tool, and a password manager. Being based on the cloud engine, Maxthon offers the facility to sync your data across Apple as well as non-Apple devices.

It is a great contender for the best iOS browser app with plenty of advanced features. What I liked most about the app is the feature to sync data between different platforms and the inbuilt password manager.

Pros and Cons of Maxthon Cloud Web Browser

How to choose the best browser for iphone.

With this list, we hope that you would be able to choose the best browser for iPhone in 2022. Picking out a browser app largely depends on your browsing interests and patterns. Different iPhone browsers offer a different set of features. Some users prefer apps that focus on privacy, while others like to use apps that minimize data consumption.

You may be looking for a Safari alternative to find a better browser for your iPhone. This list of Safari alternatives tells you the most popular browsers that we’ve tried and rated for a seamless browsing experience.

All the iPhone browser apps that we have mentioned above can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store. Do tell us your favorite iPhone browser app from the list, and if you think there are other noteworthy Safari alternatives, let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone Browsers FAQs:

Chrome and Safari offer at par smoothness and optimization. If you’re looking for a more privacy-focused browser, Safari is the better choice. However, Chrome offers better integration across platforms.

All the browsers in our Safari alternatives list are safe and secure. While some are more private than others, all of the browsers provide basic features like disabling cookies and trackers to give you a safe browsing experience.

Different browsers apply different ways to limit power consumption. Most of the browsers today are optimized to sip little battery and deliver more performance. However, if you’re looking for super lightweight browsers, the cloud browsers from our list are the least resource-intensive and work well with older phones.

Anmol is a tech journalist who handles reportage of cybersecurity and Apple and OnePlus devices at Fossbytes. He's an ambivert who is striving hard to appease existential crisis by eating, writing, and scrolling through memes.

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AAPL Company

New iphone browsers on the way without webkit; apple prepping safari for competition.

We may soon see entirely new iPhone browsers available, as both Google and Mozilla anticipate the end of Apple’s insistence that all iOS browsers use the same WebKit engine as Safari .

This will enable new versions of Chrome and Firefox to offer greater feature differentiation, and for the first time allow them to aim for faster performance than Safari …

Currently, anyone can create a new iPhone browser, but with one huge restriction: Apple insists that it uses the same WebKit rendering engine as Safari.

That effectively means that all iOS browsers are the same under the hood. This limits the number of new features which can be offered by competing browsers, and also means it’s impossible to create an iPhone browser which renders pages faster than Safari.

However, the growing antitrust pressure facing Apple includes claims that the WebKit requirement is anticompetitive . For example, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that:

Apple bans alternatives to its own browser engine on its mobile devices; a restriction that is unique to Apple. The CMA is concerned this severely limits the potential for rival browsers to differentiate themselves from Safari (for example, on features such as speed and functionality) and limits Apple’s incentives to invest in its browser engine. This restriction also seriously inhibits the capability of web apps – apps that run on a browser rather than having to be individually downloaded – depriving consumers and businesses of the full benefits of this innovative technology.

Apple is therefore expected to drop the WebKit requirement sooner rather than later. In particular, the European Digital Markets Act looks set to force the hand of the iPhone maker, with reports that Apple will drop the requirement as part of iOS 17 later this year.

New iPhone browsers without WebKit

Both Google and Mozilla are now working on new iOS browsers which use the same rendering engines as their desktop browsers.

For Google’s Chrome, that’s Blink :

Google’s Chromium team has moved full steam ahead on porting Blink to iOS, introducing dozens of related code changes in the past week. At the pace things are progressing, we may have our first look at the browser engine for Chrome — and Microsoft Edge, Opera, and more — running on iOS in the coming weeks.

Top comment by pika2000

Apple needs to put Safari on Windows (again) and Android if they want Safari to not die out. Keeping Safari only on Apple device will seal its fate.

For Mozilla’s Firefox, it’s Gecko :

Mozilla is planning for the day when Apple will no longer require its competitors to use the WebKit browser engine in iOS. Mozilla conducted similar experiments that never went anywhere years ago but in October 2022 posted an issue in the GitHub repository housing the code for the iOS version of Firefox that includes a reference to GeckoView, a wrapper for Firefox’s Gecko rendering engine.

The latter had seemed at the time to be for internal use only, but now appears to be aiming for a public app.

Apple preparing for Safari competition

The Register reports that Apple recognizes the threat posed by real competition in iPhone browsers, and is beefing up its development team.

Safari developed a reputation for lagging behind Chrome and Firefox. Apple, however, appears to be aware of the risk posed by regulators and has added more staff to the WebKit team to close the capabilities gap.

Photo:  Sameer / Unsplash

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We tried eight other iphone browsers so you don't have to.

Apple's Safari browser for the iPhone is fast and secure, but other browsers have more privacy features and greater customization options.

The easiest  iPhone  browser choice is Safari, which  Apple  pre-installs, but there are plenty of alternatives, and there are at least eight that deserve a closer look for anyone seeking something a little bit different. Because while Apple frequently touts its focus on privacy, some third-party browsers claim to do even more. Another common thread from other browsers is compatibility with the desktop app and unique user interface features.

With many websites having dedicated apps, some users no longer rely upon a web browser for daily activity. Every major social media, shopping and most financial companies use apps to enhance security while making it quicker and easier to log in with a glance (Face ID) or a press of the finger (Touch ID). Google and Bing searches are even possible via apps, eliminating opening a browser when looking up information online. Something that most apps lack, however, is the ability to open tabs and that convenience and control are hard to beat.

Related: Can You Move The Search Bar On iPhone?

The iPhone's Safari app is perfectly okay to use as a web browser without looking elsewhere. It's fast, secure, and well-integrated with the rest of Apple's ecosystem, making it an excellent default choice for the iPhone. There are, however, good reasons to shop around, with the most obvious being desktop browser compatibility. For iPhone owners that also use a Mac or MacBook, website passwords and bookmarks, tab groups and shipping addresses carry over from one device to the next via Apple's Continuity features . It's a different story for Windows PC owners since Apple doesn't make Safari for Windows. For that matter, Safari won't work with a Chromebook or Linux computer either. However, if the mobile app matches the installed desktop browser, synchronization data between the two is still possible. For those using Google Chrome on a computer, it might make the most sense to use it on the iPhone as well. The same is true of Mozilla's Firefox and Firefox Focus, Microsoft's Edge, DuckDuckGo, Opera and Opera GX, as well as the Brave browser.

Google Chrome For iPhone

Google Chrome is the world's most popular web browser on the desktop and smartphones. Its share of users on the iPhone is small compared to Safari usage, but  plenty of people use and prefer Chrome . Moreover, it's pretty convenient when also using a device that runs Android. Copy a link and bookmark it in Chrome on the iPhone, and it will be there on the Android phone as well, and vice versa. Chrome also works on Windows, a Mac and a Chromebook, bridging the divide between platforms.

Mozilla Firefox & Firefox Focus For iPhone

Mozilla's browser has been around for longer than almost any other browser, preceding Safari and Chrome. As a veteran of the early internet, Firefox has a loyal following of web developers that came to rely upon its advanced JavaScript debugging controls on the desktop. Unfortunately, the mobile browser is required to use Apple's WebKit rendering, meaning some of what makes Firefox unique is lost on the iPhone. The same is true of Google Chrome and every other iPhone browser. Apple considers it a security risk to allow another backend solution. That said, Firefox is an excellent browser with a big following.

Mozilla also makes another web browser for the iPhone called Firefox Focus, and it's designed to keep things simple. A somewhat debatable 'feature' is a total lack of tabs. Users can open only one web page at a time. After  Firefox Focus  is installed, a Safari extension with content blocking controls becomes available, providing an extra incentive to get this app. A trash can icon at the bottom of the screen can quickly dump browsing history and close the open page.

Microsoft Edge For iPhone

Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows PCs, making this a good choice for iPhone owners that work or play on Windows computers. Edge is quite different from the old Internet Explorer browser that crumbled under the combined force of Chrome, Firefox and Safari, which adopted modern web standards much sooner. By comparison, Edge feels quick and light, allowing users to earn Microsoft Rewards while browsing. Edge also provides unique tools to help with comparison shopping, such as collections and coupons.

DuckDuckGo For iPhone

As silly as the name sounds, DuckDuckGo is a real web browser made by the same company behind the increasingly popular search engine by the same name. Naturally, every search made in this iPhone browser gives the results from the DuckDuckGo search engine, so fans of this alternative to Google and Bing will want to check out this web browser. DuckDuckGo also includes a special Fire button at the bottom, which allows quickly 'burning' all tabs and browsing data , so no evidence remains on the iPhone.

Opera & Opera GX For iPhone

Opera is another web browser that has been around for decades but always seems to be innovating to add value . Opera Flow is an excellent example of this. It connects an iPhone or Android phone to a Mac or Windows computer to allow more than just syncing bookmarks. Flow provides a short-term shared online space for encrypted file transfers between devices. With a quick QR code scan on the computer screen, the setup is complete, and users can move files back and forth with ease. Opera also can be told to dismiss those annoying cookie permission popups automatically.

A variation on Opera called Opera GX has a smooth gaming flavor with custom theming to showcase favorite games or screenshots and a gaming news feed called GX Corner that appears on each new tab. In addition, the Fast Action Button allows super-fast, one-handed browsing with the swipe of a thumb. It's one of the most distinctive browsers available and worth a look.

Brave For iPhone

Brave is another privacy-focused browser. A key feature that distinguishes it from others is the ability to lock the browser, so Face ID or Touch ID is required to use it even if the iPhone is already unlocked. This protects browser information if the device is snatched out of the user's hand while in use, which sadly has been known to happen. DuckDuckGo and Firefox Focus are the only other browsers with this degree of protection.

With so many excellent browsers available on the iPhone, it might be challenging to choose which to use. Safari is an easy and obvious pick and works well. There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying right there . For more advanced privacy controls that lock down the browser and quickly zap away browsing data, Brave and DuckDuckGo are excellent choices. For compatibly with Android and Windows, it's hard to beat Chrome or Firefox and Edge, although Opera is a multi-platform browser as well with some unique capabilities. The  iPhone  can handle multiple web browsers. The default browser can be changed easily, so it might be best to install any of these interesting free apps and explore the possibilities.

Next: How To Replace Safari With Different Browser App On iPhone

Source:  App Store 1 , 2 , 3 ,  4, 5 , 6 , 7 , 8

16 Best Web Browsers for iPhone (Safari Alternatives)

Aside from Safari, prepare to explore some of the best web browsers for iPhone!

In this digital era, finding the best browser can significantly impact your surfing experience. Choosing one that provides smooth performance, strong security, and user-friendly features is critical with so many alternatives. In this article, we will look for the best web browser for iPhone.

Table of Contents

Best Web Browsers for iPhone (Safari Alternatives)

Even though Safari is the default web browser for all Apple devices. Sometimes, you may want some other alternatives for the best user experience. If You are one such person who is looking for a switch from your default browser, we have compiled a list of the top Safari alternatives for Apple users.

1. Google Chrome

If you were an Android user and switched to an iPhone, Google Chrome would be a better option as you are already familiar with this platform. It also provides excellent features like syncing the browsing history and all your bookmarks , across all devices, on your iPhone and iPad by signing in with your Gmail account . So this will be the best Safari alternative for iPhone and iPad.

2. Firefox Focus

Firefox Focus is considered as best Safari alternative for iPhone free as it offers excellent privacy features, including Enhanced Tracking Protection, and supports add-ons for customization . The private browsing mode prevents remembering your browsing history. It will also allow the deletion of any saved information and account with one tap, putting you in complete control of your internet history.

3. Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a full-featured browser with tabs, a password manager , a reading list, a language translator , and many other useful features like built-in tracking prevention . It’s the best Safari alternative for iPhone and iPad use. However, the disadvantage is that you must have a Microsoft account.

Also Read: 21 Best Web Browsers for Your Roku Device

Brave is known for its privacy-focused approach with built-in ad blocking and tracking protection. This browser is approximately six times faster than Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for iPhone and iOS. Hence it is considered as best iOS web browser for iPhone. It has no private mode like many other browsers but allows you to hide your browsing history from prying eyes when using the internet.

5. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo Browser may be the best iOS web browser for iPhone if you value privacy and wish to browse the web without being monitored . It’s ideal for people worried about their online privacy and who wish to limit the amount of information gathered about their browsing history.

Opera was designed for people who are always on the move and is considered one of the fastest browsers for iPhone users. Its user interface and unique features cater to users who appreciate innovative design , seamless cross-device synchronization , and intuitive navigation. It’s worth trying Opera Touch to see if its features align with your preferences and browsing habits.

Also Read: 14 Best Fastest Browsers for Android

The Puffin browser is a fast iPhone Web Browser on the net, which cannot go unnoticed. It is not free to download , but you can do so after making a nominal payment for its services . Puffin browser’s cloud-based architecture and its support for Flash content set it apart from many other mobile browsers. Users looking for quick browsing speeds and users who need to access Flash-based material will find it especially helpful.

Dolphin Browser is yet another best web browsers for iPhone users. It’s well-known for its gesture-based navigation , customizability, and user-friendly interference. The browser also features the Sonar voice search and control option. This can be activated by simply shaking the device through a clever shake and speak option , but downloading this feature involves a nominal cost. The Dolphin browser also allows you to choose from plenty of themes.

Maxthon is a lightweight cloud-based iOS web browser that is free to download and use with iPhones. It has numerous features, and because it is cloud-based, you can sync your data with both iOS and non-iOS devices , allowing you to use your data at all times. It includes an ad blocker to help you avoid unwanted pop-ups and advertising while you work. This will enable you to keep your work pace without interruptions. The night mode feature lets you browse the internet without straining your eyes.

10. Ghostery

Ghostery is one of the best web browsers for iPhone and is ideal for individuals adamant about maintaining anonymity and privacy while avoiding annoying adverts, etc., on their iOS devices. For increased anonymity, it uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine rather than the standard search engines such as Bing , Yahoo, or Google. This browser also has tracker blocking and can turn off cookies and caches with a single click. Unless you allow Ghostery to construct its database , no signups or data are collected by the app.

Also Read: Top 11 Best Private Browsers For Android

The Aloha web browser is a versatile and privacy-focused internet browser known for its user-friendly interface and advanced security features. With built-in ad-blocker , VPN, and enhanced tracking protection, Aloha aims to provide a seamless and secure browsing experience for users, ensuring their online activities remain private and protected.

12. Ad-block web browser

An Ad-block web browser is intended to provide consumers with a smooth and ad-free browsing experience . These browsers prioritize user privacy , faster page loading speeds, and decreased distractions by automatically eliminating annoying adverts , pop-ups, and trackers, boosting the overall online experience.

13. Yandex Browser

Yandex browser is known for its speed and security features, the browser integrates with Yandex’s search engine and offers built-in protection against malicious websites and phishing scams. Its user-friendly interface and customizable options make it a favored choice for users seeking a reliable browsing experience.

14. Onion Browser

Onion browser is free and open-source software for iOS, which enables browsing the internet over the Tor VPN browser. It helps access the internet with complete privacy and safety at no extra cost. It disables trackers and also keeps you safe from insecure wireless networks and ISPs when browsing the World Wide Web over the Internet. Those .onion sites that are only accessible over Tor can also be connected using this browser.

Also Read: 25 Best Android Browsers for Surfing the Internet

15. Private Browser

A private browser, commonly referred to as incognito or private mode , is a function provided by web browsers that enables users to access the internet without saving their browsing, cookie, or search histories . The purpose of this option is to increase privacy by prohibiting the browser from saving any data about the user’s online activities while they are using it.

16. Tor VPN Browser

The Tor VPN Browser is a virtual private network (VPN)-based web browsing solution with a privacy-focused approach that combines the anonymity of the Tor network with security. Users’ identities and online activities are hidden by the system by routing traffic across several encrypted nodes . This effective solution is a popular option for anyone looking to preserve their digital footprint because it provides improved online privacy and security against spying. 

These are the best web browsers for iPhone users, but the final call is left to the user to pick up, as it all boils down to personal preference and meeting your needs and wants. Those interested in downloading may go to the Apple Play Store, as most are free.

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7 Best Safari Alternatives for iPhone

If you own an iPhone, you might be using the Safari browser to surf the internet. The Safari browser is a competent browser with all the basic tools one would need out of a browser. However, there are more advanced and more feature-rich browsers available, which are not only available for Android but are also available for iPhone users via the App Store.

And using these browsers will not only increase your productivity but will also provide you with a slew of features that you will appreciate when browsing the internet. So, in this guide, we bring to you a list of some of the best Safari alternatives for the iPhone that you can opt for. Without any further ado, let us get right into it.

Page Contents

1. Google Chrome

Without a doubt, one of the most used browsers across platforms and devices is Google Chrome. Not only does it have the familiar look and feel of the browser we all love, but it also gives you access to multiple features that you were not able to use in Safari.

One of the best features of Google Chrome is the seamless sync across all your connected devices. This means you get your bookmarks, history, saved pages, saved passwords, etc. accessible across all devices connected to the same Google account. Moreover, other features that make it a better alternative to Safari are better tab management, built-in Google Voice support, data saver mode, experimental flags to enjoy some unreleased features, and much more.

2. Opera Browser

Opera is another good alternative for iOS users if they want to switch over from Safari. Recent updates for Opera have brought multiple new features to the table. The browser is fast, gives you access to an in-built VPN, has a native ad-blocker, and offers a fast action button, allowing for one-handed usage.

The browser interface is great and easy to maneuver. There is a dark mode also for giving your eyes a breather during the night time. It also comes with a built-in QR code scanner. Overall, a decent alternative to the Safari browser.

3. DuckDuckGo

One of the simplest and most focused on giving you a secure internet environment is DuckDuckGo. Along with safety, this browser also gives equal attention to customization as well. You can change the icon and change the mode from light to dark.

There is a built-in search engine that does not track your input data, like Google does. It has a robust third-party tracker and it enforces encryption on unsecured sites (opens the HTTPS version of the website with HTTP) and shows you the privacy scores from A to F for each site.

Cake is a new browser on the block but has higher ratings compared to other browsers. It comes with all the basic features that you would want from a browser, and it also offers advanced features as well. It comes with a built-in VPN app, which negates the need to install a third-party VPN app to access restricted content.

There are other security features such as Anonymous Browsing, Private Tab Time Bomb, Passcode Protection, Https Everywhere, Do Not Track, and Ad & Tracker Blocking. It also comes with a dark mode, voice search, and ad-blocker.

Another browser that focuses on privacy and safeguarding user data is Aloha. It does not store any of your activity, meaning you can browse the internet without any hassle. The interface is similar to Google Chrome and also gets a hint of the Microsoft Edge browser, You can play videos in the picture-in-picture mode and it comes with a VR player to play all of your VR content. There is a paid version of the Aloha browser that also features some advanced features such as VPN, and other security features.

6. Brave Browser

Brave Browser claims to be one of the faster browsers out there, as it reduces the page loading time. It comes with an ad-blocker out of the box, and is also known to be a browser that doesn’t strain your battery. Brave Browser supports publishers by compensating the website owners whose ads it blocks at the end of each month.

It opens the secured website of every unsecured website, i.e. adds HTTPS to HTTP. You can also make use of TouchID or FaceID to lock or unlock this browser. It features an in-built firewall and VPN, and gets you going through the day via its Brave News section.

7. Microsoft Edge

Last but not least, we have the Microsoft Edge browser. Microsoft Edge is totally redesigned and there is no trace of Internet Explorer. It has a clean user interface, with features that will help you, such as private tabs, swipe gestures, translating webpages, and picture-in-picture functionality for videos that supports almost all websites.

There is a “read aloud” feature as well that reads the content or text on the page. It blocks ads using the adblocker, offers an immersive reader mode, and has a tracking prevention feature.

If you've any thoughts on 7 Best Safari Alternatives for iPhone , then feel free to drop in below comment box . Also, please subscribe to our DigitBin YouTube channel for videos tutorials. Cheers!

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3 Safari Alternatives for iPhone

While Safari is the default browser in iOS, it is also a very complete browser that is as capable as Chrome and Firefox and is able to handle most Web tasks well. However, not every iPhone user likes Safari. If you are looking for browsers that have different functionalities than Safari, here are our top picks of Safari alternatives for iPhone.

Also read: 4 of the Best Safari Alternatives for Your Mac

1. Ghostery

If you prefer privacy over design and speed in your Safari alternatives, Ghostery is perfect for your iPhone. It offers a fast, private, ad- and tracker-free browsing experience for your iPhone, packed with features that enhance your anonymity and privacy.

Like Chrome, this browser also provides curated news and your most visited websites from reputed media publishers like The Washington Post, BB, AP, USA Today and more. It also comes with its own search engine powered by DuckDuckgo and a built-in password manager.

You can see who is tracking your data on sites you visit, and choose to enable or disable the trackers. The native ad-blocker removes clutter and intrusive ads so you can experience cleaner and faster browsing.

Other features include Ghost mode for further privacy protection so that the sites you visit don’t show in your history, plus phishing protection to protect you from malicious sites that want to steal your information and passwords.

• Powerful privacy and anonymity features
• Allows you to protect your Wi-Fi connection from advertisers
• Blocks trackers
• Has a native password manager
• Comes with its own search engine
• Design may not be particularly pleasing
• Not as fast as other browsers
• Large in size

2. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo gained popularity for being the anti-Google search engine. Today, though, it also has a mobile browser for Android and iOS devices, so you can stay protected while browsing and still get information about what the browser is blocking.

Each page you visit on the browser is graded based on how aggressively it tries to mine your personal or sensitive data. This makes it a great Safari alternative, as you get maximum protection online with little effort.

DuckDuckGo blocks tracking cookies that can identify who you are and the devices you’re using. It enforces encrypted HTTPS connections, forces HTTPS encryption where it’s available, and scans sites while ranking their privacy policies.

What’s more, you don’t have to click pages to find more search results because DuckDuckGo offers one-page results with infinite scrolling. This loads more search results so you won’t lose the initial results.

Once you’re done with a browsing session, DuckDuckGo lets you clear your tabs and data automatically or manually in one click. Plus, if you’ve been inactive on your browser, you can set timers to clear out your browsing history automatically.

• Simple to use
• Very protective of user privacy
• Grades web pages for mining activity
• Scans and ranks sites’ privacy policies
• Blocks tracking cookies
• One-page results with infinite scrolling loading
• Doesn’t remember search history
• Search results may sometimes be unrelated, not tailored to interests

Also read: How Does Brave Browser Compare to Chrome

3. Brave Browser

This is another secure Safari alternative for iOS that offers extreme privacy and lightning-fast browsing speed, areas were other browsers fall short. It blocks all popups and trackers, including ads from your browser, which makes browsing a lot faster, especially on sites that have trackers.

Brave Browser is easy and quick to navigate and features a new tab button, pop-up blocker, third-party ad-block, script blocking, private and recent tabs, cookie blocking, and a scrollable bar at the top.

It also allows you to sync your bookmarks securely and will force HTTPS encryption where it’s available.

Brave helps improve performance and optimize and reduce battery and data consumption. This is thanks to the speed increase on iOS, which it achieves by reducing page load time.

• Balances simplicity and power
• Tries to block phishing attempts
• Respects Your Privacy
• No site ranking
• Ad-blocking occasionally prevents a page from rendering correctly
• Lack of extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins

If you are looking for Safari alternatives because Safari is not working on your phone , we can help you wish some fixes. Other than that, the above Safari alternatives will add additional functionalities that are not found in Safari.

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My passion has always been to share every bit of useful information I find on tech, with the ultimate goal of helping people solve a problem.

What's the Best Browser for iPhone? 8 Apps Compared

Safari isn't the only choice for a browser on your iPhone; consider these alternatives.

Quick Links

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Firefox Focus

While Apple's native Safari browser is adequate for most people, you might prefer a different option that's more suitable for you. With so many third-party options available for iOS, it can be hard to decide on one. Below we list the best iPhone browsers to help you choose.

As mentioned above, Safari is the default browser on iPhone. But that doesn't mean Apple is resting on its laurels. The company has done so much to make Safari competitive against other popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

For one, it syncs all your open tabs over iCloud. So if you use another Apple device, like an iPad or Mac, you can easily switch devices without interrupting your browsing experience. You can even remotely close open Safari tabs from your other Apple devices.

Besides that, you can install browser extensions to customize and improve your Safari experience further. If you rely heavily on the Apple ecosystem, the native Safari browser should be your top choice.

2. Google Chrome

Chrome is the most popular alternative to Safari among iPhone users. And there's a good reason: Chrome is available on most major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Linux, and Android.

So no matter what device you own, Chrome will sync your bookmarks, history, and open tabs. It might be worth switching to Chrome for that reason alone.

Chrome offers voice control, a data saver mode, and intuitive gestures. For instance, you can swipe down to reload the page. After swiping down, you can move your finger to the left to open a new tab or to the right to close the current tab.

You can also move Chrome's address bar to the bottom if you think you'll miss that function of Safari. These features are some of the reasons why Google Chrome is one of the most popular iOS browsers and the best alternative to Safari.

Download: Google Chrome (Free)

3. Microsoft Edge

Many write off Microsoft Edge because of its association with Internet Explorer. Although Internet Explorer has a long history , its poor performance made it a laughingstock among modern browsers. However, the revamped Microsoft Edge is a far cry from the slow, buggy Internet Explorer and its Edge Legacy successor.

Microsoft Edge is now Chromium-powered, giving it the same foundation as the highly successful Google Chome. As such, the massive extension library on Google Chrome also works on Microsoft Edge. It also means you can install it nearly anywhere Chromium browsers are supported.

But what makes Edge different from Chrome is the Microsoft Copilot feature, an AI-powered chatbot that uses OpenAI's GPT-4 language model to help with your search queries and more. It can even create AI-generated images for whatever purpose you need. So if you need AI assistance without additional setup, Microsoft Edge should be your browser of choice.

Download: Microsoft Edge (Free)

Brave is a fast and secure browser for iOS. It takes your privacy to the extreme by blocking all trackers and popups from your browser (including ads). This means your browsing speed can be up to eight times faster, especially when opening news sites loaded with trackers.

But it's not just Brave's browsing that's lightning-fast. The app is quick to navigate, with a dedicated new tab button in the bottom toolbar (which Safari doesn't have). You can tap, hold, and swipe the tab icon at the bottom bar left or right to move between open tabs, making it easy to browse multiple pages on your phone.

You can also create a PDF from the website you visit straight on the browser, making it easier to print and share pages. Furthermore, if you're into crypto and NFTs, Brave offers a multi-chain, self-custody wallet right within the browser.

Since Brave is Chromium-based, you can install and use it on different operating systems. So even if you have a Windows laptop or an Android tablet, you can sync your browsing sessions on an iPhone.

Download: Brave Browser (Free)

Although Opera isn't as popular as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, it's still a great alternative browser for iPhone users. Its built-in ad blocker and VPN make it stand out, so you don't need to install extensions or add-ons to get these features.

If you also use Opera or Opera GX on your computer, you can use My Flow to copy-paste text and files between your phone and PC. However, that's the limit of Opera's synchronization features—it won't let you sync tabs and passwords between devices.

Nevertheless, Opera offers other features like an integrated crypto wallet and the Aria browser AI. If you frequently find yourself being geo-blocked by content, hassled by ads, or just want to try something a little different, it's worth giving Opera a shot.

Download: Opera (Free)

6. Mozilla Firefox

If you don't trust Google or its Chromium project, Mozilla Firefox is a great, fully-featured option that doesn't use the open-source Chromium codebase that Google developed. And if you've already been using Firefox on Linux , Mac, or PC, you'll be right at home with Firefox for iOS.

Like Chrome and Safari, you can use Firefox Sync to keep all your tabs, bookmarks, and passwords in sync with your iPhone. Furthermore, Firefox blocks trackers by default, its Private Browsing mode stores zero browsing information, and you can lock the browser with a passcode or Face ID.

The only downside is that Firefox for iOS doesn't support extensions or add-ons (though this helps you avoid the hidden dangers of browser extensions ). If you're security conscious but still want the convenience of a modern browser, you should install Firefox on your iPhone.

Download: Firefox (Free)

7. DuckDuckGo

If you want more privacy than what most other browsers offer, you should consider DuckDuckGo. This browser was created by the same team behind the privacy-focused search engine that bears its name.

DuckDuckGo for iOS uses WebKit as its foundation, which is what Safari uses—but its similarities end there. Since this app focuses on privacy, it doesn't let you sync across devices. Although it has tabs, they're private by default. You can close all tabs and clear all data with a single tap on the fire icon in the bottom toolbar.

While it's not as convenient to use as the other browsers we've discussed, DuckDuckGo is worth checking out if you're concerned about privacy and don't want the websites you visit to track you.

Download: DuckDuckGo (Free)

8. Firefox Focus

Think of Firefox Focus as a super-specialized mini version of Firefox. It's a barebones app that focuses entirely on privacy. To that end, the app has no tab-switching feature, bookmaking, or history.

You open the app, browse the web, open pages (but not in a new tab), and that's basically it. The app turns off ad, analytic, social, and content tracking by default. You can see how many trackers Firefox has blocked by tapping the shield icon in the address bar. Hit the Trash button to erase your browsing history immediately.

While I wouldn't recommend using Firefox Focus as your primary browser, it's an excellent choice if you visit highly sensitive websites (like your bank or crypto wallet). This is the browser you need if you value privacy and security when visiting a webpage.

Download: Firefox Focus (Free)

If you want a great browsing experience on your iPhone, we recommend picking any of the apps above. Of course, the best iPhone browser for your use case may vary; it depends on personal preferences and other devices you have.

Safari is still the best option if you've invested heavily in the Apple ecosystem. But if you use other devices, Chrome and Edge are great picks, too. You can go for Brave, Opera, or Firefox if you don't trust Google's Chromium project. And for the best-in-class security and privacy, pick DuckDuckGo or Firefox Focus.

How-To Geek

The best browser for mac users (and safari alternatives).

Is Safari really the best choice, and what are the best alternatives?

Key Takeaways

• Safari is highly optimized for Apple hardware, but it may have limited web app compatibility and fewer extensions compared to browsers like Chrome.
• Firefox is a privacy-conscious alternative to Safari, offering features like Do Not Track and blocking invisible trackers. Chrome is the most popular browser, known for its compatibility and wide range of extensions, but it may compromise privacy. Consider trying other browsers like Edge and Vivaldi, or unique options like Arc for a different browsing experience.

Your choice of web browser can have a big impact on your Mac experience. From integration with the services you use to power efficiency and reliability, here’s how to decide which is best for you.

Safari is (Arguably) the Best Mac Browser

There are a few good reasons to pick Safari as your browser of choice if you’re a Mac user, especially if you use other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad . It might surprise you to find out that you’re not alone, with Safari being the second most popular browser on the web thanks to its inclusion on both mobile and desktop devices.

Apple tightly optimizes Safari for use exclusively on Apple hardware. This means that Safari is highly power efficient on a Mac. When Apple gives an estimate of battery life on its latest Mac models for performing activities like “wireless web” they’re specifically referring to the use of Safari. The company is in a position where both the hardware and the software are designed in unison, so Apple is not bound by thousands of different hardware possibilities.

That helps Safari remain performant on Apple hardware too, a fact you can see for yourself using browser benchmarks like Speedometer 2.0 . In use, Safari feels snappy. The UI is small and non-intrusive, and you can even customize the toolbar using the right-click menu as you can other native Apple apps.

Safari is also loaded with familiar features and technology. iCloud makes it possible to share tab groups, browsing sessions, bookmarks, a Reading List, and even extensions with your iPhone or iPad. The Share menu works just as it does on the iPhone. Continuity makes it possible to quickly jump between devices by placing a small icon in your Mac dock.

Apple’s services work especially well in Safari. You can log in with your Apple ID using your fingerprint, pay for items using Apple Pay right in your browser, and use a variety of Shortcuts actions to build workflows that work using Safari .

Apple also makes it easy to add extensions using the Mac App Store. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it adds an additional layer of protection against potentially harmful extensions. You can still choose to install unsigned extensions by enabling the Develop menu if you want.

In terms of privacy, Safari isn’t the best browser you can get your hands on but it’s far from the worst. The browser works with Apple’s iCloud Private Relay for iCloud+ subscribers, which anonymizes web requests using a two-step process . Do Not Track is enabled by default, and it provides partial protection against trackers.

You can’t get rid of Safari from your Mac, so it’s ready and waiting for you with every new Apple computer purchase (or every time you reset the operating system ). Apple is always updating and building upon Safari with enhancements, like macOS Sonoma’s ability to turn websites into app-like instances.

Want to Ditch Safari? Here's What to Use Instead

Though Safari is suitable for a wide range of users, it’s far from the last word when it comes to web browsers. It’s convenient and always there if you want it, but it’s not without its critics. One reason you might want to switch is web app compatibility, which can be limited on Safari due to its relatively narrow user base. A lot of Safari users are mobile users, and many services prefer to funnel these users into dedicated apps.

Safari lacks the compatibility of a browser like Chrome or Edge, which means some web apps will simply refuse to work in Safari and demand that you use something else instead. Perhaps worse still, some websites won’t warn you before they refuse to function as intended. You might get glitchy behavior that can be avoided by using another browser.

Safari also isn’t a “platform” quite in the same way that Chrome and similar browsers are. There is a huge range of extensions made with Chrome in mind (including browsers like Edge and Vivaldi), which might make such a platform more desirable if you live inside of browser extensions.

You may even find yourself with no choice but to use an alternative for work or education purposes. Some institutions refuse to support certain browsers, and since Safari is limited to Apple devices it’s easier to tailor an experience to a browser that has cross-platform compatibility.

If privacy is your main concern, Safari might not go far enough to protect you, and you may be tempted to move to something like Firefox instead.

Firefox is the Privacy-Conscious Safari Alternative

Mozilla’s browser is a solid alternative to Safari, with some excellent privacy considerations. Firefox enables Do Not Track by default and blocks both invisible trackers and tracking ads. Firefox even uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine.

Firefox tests slower than Safari and Chrome in many benchmarks, but how much time this will save you during your daily surfing sessions is up for debate. The browser also enjoys a far wider range of extensions than Safari, though it still falls short of the Chromium family.

Like Safari, Firefox Sync allows you to share browsing sessions and bookmarks with other devices including Windows PCs and mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Firefox remains a browser of choice for those mostly concerned with web privacy and enjoys a loyal (if small) base of users.

Chrome is Number One for Compatibility and Extensions

Google Chrome is the behemoth of web browsers, with more than 60% of all web users choosing to use it. As such, it enjoys excellent compatibility with most websites and web apps, and some even insist on its use (or a similar Chromium-based browser).

Google Chrome fares poorly from a privacy standpoint , with Do Not Track disabled by default, and both invisible trackers and tracking ads able to track you unless you limit this behavior with extensions. On the plus side, there are a huge number of extensions and apps available for Chrome that can help remedy the problem.

Though Chrome has a bit of a reputation for being a resource hog, Google has attempted to address the problem with a feature called Chrome Memory Saver that is designed to purge websites from memory after a period of inactivity. The company also improved Chrome’s energy efficiency with Chrome Energy Saver Mode .

Chromium-Based Browsers Offer Unique Alternatives to Chrome

Chromium is the core open-source browser core on which Chrome and similar projects are built. This means you can have Chrome’s speed, compatibility, and even the full range of extensions without having to use the Google-branded variant.

There are plenty of other Chromium-based browser to choose from, such as Microsoft Edge which falls into the same privacy pitfalls as Chrome; Vivaldi with its customizable interface and email client; and Brave Browser which delivers a slightly confusing combination of cryptocurrency features, opt-in adverts, and privacy considerations.

For a no-frills experience, there’s also vanilla Chromium , the open-source version of Chrome to which Google contributes. Then there are projects like Ungoogled Chromium , which removes dependency on Google services and makes tweaks to enhance privacy.

Alternatively, Try Something Completely Unique

Arc is a browser that does things a little differently than most. Not only does it cull your tabs for you, but it also includes some unique features like side-by-side tab mode, note-taking and whiteboard functionality within the app, and a macOS Spotlight-esque command interface for getting around without touching your mouse.

We reviewed Arc in March 2023 and loved it, though the fledgling browser wasn’t without issues surrounding power consumption and general jitteriness. It’s now out of beta and things have settled down somewhat, so it might be worth a shot if you’re looking for a web browser that helps you stay neat and organized.

It’s far from the only weirdo browser out there though. Colibri is a browser that lacks tabs and emphasizes an uncluttered experience. It’s designed to force you into more mindful browser sessions. Tor is a browser designed for browsing the dark web , but there are other private browsers like Mulvad and Waterfox that you might want to use instead.

The Case for Multiple Browsers

There are so many compelling reasons to use Safari that we think it’s the best choice for most users. Failing that, Firefox offers a solid browsing experience that respects your privacy.

It’s a good idea to have more than one browser installed for those times when you encounter difficulties with your primary choice. On top of this, you can kit a second browser out with extensions that might make certain web operations easier to complete.

Best Safari Alternatives for Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone in 2024

Check out this entire list of the best Safari alternatives for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices that are worth trying and reliable. 

Safari is one of the best internet or web browsers of all time. This browser comes integrated with every iOS and macOS-based device. All in all the browser is the first choice of users of macOS and iOS, but they may be missing out on something.

There are certain drawbacks of using the Safari browser that makes everyone question its relevance. For example, Safari is not available for Windows or Android Devices. Moreover, some experts also claim that the browser is not as private as it seems. Apart from these, the browser does not support some of the most popular plugins or extensions like other browsers. The closed-source base of the software is also a mood-killer for some users. Lastly, another drawback of the browser is that it lacks some basic features required to run some websites, forcing the websites to fail.

All these problems have only one solution, try one of the best Safari alternatives.

This is what the entire thread of this article is focused on.

Here you will find the best alternative to Safari for you. With the help of at least one of the provided alternatives, you can surf the internet as required and gain a much better surfing experience than you would have with Safari.

Top 8 Best Safari Alternatives for iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac

The coming sections of this article will list and describe some of the best Safari alternatives for you. All the alternatives provided are compatible with Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android devices. Hence, you will not face any problems in downloading and using any alternative to Safari. First, go through the entire list of the tools including their descriptions, and then use any of these as suited.

1. Google Chrome

Compatibility: Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and Chromebook.

Everyone knows about the Google Chrome browser. This is one of the best and fastest browsers for Windows , Mac, and various other operating systems and one of the most amazing Safari browsers. With the help of this browser, you can execute a lot of different tasks. For ease of the same, you will find a plethora of extensions of the Chrome Store helping with varied tasks.

Features of Google Chrome: The Best Safari Alternative

• The browser is available to you for free of any cost across all platforms or operating systems.
• The smart settings of the browser make it quite futuristic and reliable for all.
• Even beginners and professionals can easily get the most out of the browser with ease.
• The browser also offers ad-blocking features to you.

Download Google Chrome Now!

Also Read: Best Free Anonymous Browsers for Privacy

2. Opera Browser

The next name on this list of the best Safari alternatives for iPhone, Mac, and more is Opera Browser. Why can this browser be a viable alternative you ask? The answer is it’s lightweight. The browser is quite lightweight and does not take up much of your system’s resources to run. Moreover, it also comes in various editions like Opera Mini (even lighter), Opera GX (gaming browser), Opera Crypto Browser (Web3 browser), etc.

Features of Opera: The Best Safari Browser Alternative

• The app offers integrated messaging services for various social media platforms, making it easier to access.
• The app comes with an integrated ad-blocker for a better surfing experience.
• You will also get the advantage of an integrated and free VPN with the browser.
• The software allows you to run anything in the background by putting a floatable player on the side.

Download Opera Now!

3. Microsoft Edge

Compatibility: Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and Chromebooks.

Microsoft Edge is a cutting-edge and advanced browser and one of the best Safari alternatives. The browser is quite well-known and really used by thousands online. The reason is the trust behind Microsoft and it comes integrated with the most widely used operating system, Windows.

Features of Microsoft Edge: Safari Alternative for Mac, iOS, and More

• The browser offers amazing browsing speed to you.
• If you want to play online games using the browser, then this is the best Safari alternative.
• The tool comes with integrated Defender features that protect you against online threats.
• The browser offers a vertical tab management system to you that makes it feasible for you to switch.
• You can download and use various extensions and plugins on the browser as well.

Download Microsoft Edge Now!

4. Brave Browser

Brave browser is indeed amongst the best Safari alternatives for Windows, Android, and other operating systems. This browser was created by a co-developer of Google Chrome but Brave offers even more and better features than Chrome. The ad-blocking features of the tool are quite strong and unbeatable.

Features of Brave Browser: Best Alternative to Safari

• The browser allows you to surf, earn, and use the credits on various sources.
• Compared to Chrome, Brave is over three times faster and smoother.
• The online privacy mode of the browser is quite amazing and strong.
• If you are using any other browser right now, Brave allows you to migrate the data from the device for better assistance.

Download Brave Browser Now!

Also Read: Best Browser for Android TV

The next name on this list of the best Safari alternatives is the Vivaldi browser. This is an amazing browser that’s relatively popular for its lightning-fast performance. The personalization features offered by Vivaldi are quite amazing and much more than any other browser.

Features of Vivaldi: The Best Safari Alternative

• The browser allows you to review your activity online and the total threats blocked by the software.
• You can block all third-party ads and pop-ups with the help of this browser.
• This is an amazing browser that allows you to customize the toolbar for effective usage.
• The browser offers you a plethora of themes to select from and also allows you to share the same with others.
• You can edit and map various shortcuts with the browser.

Download Vivaldi Now!

6. UR Browser

Compatibility: Windows and macOS

Another amazing addition to this list of the best Safari alternatives for Windows and macOS is the UR Browser. Apart from being ultra-fast, the browser is quite safe to use as well. The tool comes with an integrated virus scanner that protects your device from virus attacks originating from unreliable websites.

Features of UR Browser: Safari Alternative for Mac

• The app allows you to set privacy metrics and follows the same for your safety.
• You can surf a variety of themes and use them on your browser for amazing looks.
• The browser supports news and tabs on the homepage for easier and better navigation.
• The downloading speed offered by the software is quite amazing and unbreakable.

Download UR Browser Now!

7. Tor Browser

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.

The last name on this list of the best and most reliable Safari alternatives is Tor Browser. If you already know about the Tor Project, then the Tor browser is a product of the same project. This is the most amazing browser that can block a series and variety of trackers and protects your device from threats.

Features of Tor Browser: Alternative to Safari

• The browser is multilingual and hence, supports a variety of languages. 30+ and still counting.
• No one can ever monitor your surfing history or patterns if you use this browser for security.
• The browser does not leave any digital fingerprints and hence retina your privacy to the best.
• The multi-layered encryption features of the browser can not be found in any other alternative or browser available online for you.

Download Tor Browser Now!

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

Let us introduce you to Maxthon. It is among the best free Safari alternatives because it perfectly combines a notebook application, screenshot app, mail program, browser, and password manager. Moreover, it boasts the following features to justify its position on our list.

Features of Maxthon: A Feature-Rich Safari Alternative

• Syncs your browser settings across all your devices
• Lets you drag and drop images, text, and links from web pages to text, email messages, and chats
• Autofills the saved information when you fill out online forms
• Boasts parental controls
• Antifreeze technology prevents the browser from freezing when a webpage fails to load

Download Maxthon Now!

Also Read: Best Browser for Chromebook

Best Safari Alternatives/Alternative to Safari: Listed

So, now it’s time that we sum up this article. In the previous sections of this guide, we had a look at some of the most amazing browsers in 2024. All the alternatives shown above are quite well-versed and reliable. With the help of any of these browsers, you can easily replace Safari as your first choice of browser, overcome its drawbacks, and surf better and faster.

If you are facing a hard time deciding the best Safari alternatives for your device, we may be able to help you. Write your questions and present your requirements in the comments section below and we will get back to you with an accurate response(s). Do let us know which alternative to Safari tools you love the most.

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Safari alternatives: 12 smart iOS [and iPadOS] browser options

• ios & ipados

By Karlston , Published Date: November 18, 2023

• November 18, 2023

While all iOS browsers use the same core rendering engine as Safari, many of them offer additional functions useful in business. Here are a dozen Safari alternatives to test drive.

Chances are your corporate IT policy dictates which browser you use on your laptop or desktop. On your iPhone, though, you may be free to choose a more exotic browser. We’ve rounded up a dozen Safari alternatives for iOS that may suit you better.

Ever since the release of iOS 14 in 2020, Apple has allowed users to select a default browser (the one that opens when you tap on a link in an email or an app) other than Safari. Many alternate browsers will even ask if you want to set them as your default the first time you launch them, though you might want to test drive them for a bit before committing to one.

It’s worth noting, however, that Apple requires developers to use the same WebKit rendering engine as Safari to display web pages on screen, so iOS web browsers are really all just WebKit in a different wrapper. That said, some alternative browsers offer quite different interfaces and/or more expansive feature sets. For instance, some entrants on this list include a VPN that can be used to secure connections and port your requests through a different location or country.

Check out these options to see if one or more might have a place in your business browsing. Unless otherwise noted, these browsers are free.

Aloha Browser

Aloha is a feature-laden mobile browser that packs a whole lot of Polynesian personality. Beyond the Hawaiian-themed start screen, Aloha offers privacy features including ad blocking; private tabs; a crypto wallet; an internal file manager for downloads, media, and documents; syncing across devices; and a VPN. A premium subscription ($6 per month or $50 per year) enables advanced VPN capabilities like automatic startup/reconnect and encrypting all traffic from your iPhone, instead of just the Aloha browser itself.

The Aloha browser pairs a laid-back Hawaiian look with serious privacy controls.

Google Chrome might be the most popular mobile browser overall, but that’s mostly due to Android’s dominance in the global smartphone market. On iPhones, it comes in as a distant second to Apple’s own Safari.

If you use the Chrome desktop browser, you can sync bookmarks and recently visited sites via your Google account, replicating Safari’s Handoff feature. There’s also one-touch access to Google Translate, voice search using Google Assistant rather than Siri, and a handy QR-code scanner above the virtual keyboard. Chrome’s Incognito mode doesn’t send cookies or store browser history.

Like many alternative iOS browsers, Chrome invites you to make it your default

Dolphin Mobile Browser

The Dolphin browser has one of the longest feature lists of any of the mobile browsers. You can tell Dolphin where you want to go by tapping on one of its speed-dial buttons; selecting a destination from the bookmarks, history, or open tabs it has synchronized with your PC; or typing its address. You can also use touch gestures to select favorite destinations — perhaps tracing a C for Computerworld.com — and you can even control the browser by shaking your phone or speaking to it. On top of all that, you also get ad and tracking blocking and a useful drawer (tap the Dolphin icon) that makes it easy to access the bevy of features Dolphin Browser has to offer. 

The Dolphin browser offers a plethora of features.

DuckDuckGo Private Browser

It’s not just a search engine. In addition to giving the world a way to search the web free from tracking, monitoring, and monetizing your searches, DuckDuckGo offers its own browser . As you might guess, the big focus is on privacy, and it allows you surf the web without being tracked or leaving a trail from your phone.

A Fire button is prominently displayed in the toolbar below web pages; tapping it closes all tabs and clears all browsing data (and does it with your choice of four different animations). You can also “fireproof” sites, marking them as able to set cookies for things like logins, shopping carts, and so forth — but third-party trackers will still be blocked.

DuckDuckGo offers both privacy-focused search and privacy-focused browsing.

Microsoft Edge will sync favorites and passwords between all your devices logged into Microsoft’s cloud servers. Using its “Send to devices” command, you can send a tab from your phone to your other connected devices, and the Collections feature lets you gather and organize web content for later reference. Edge also offers voice search, tracking prevention, an ad blocker, InPrivate tabs that won’t store browsing data, and the ability use both personal and business Microsoft accounts.

If you sign into your Microsoft account, the Edge browser syncs favorites, passwords,

Collections, and more between your devices.

Using Mozilla Firefox on the iPhone is a smart choice if you’re already using Firefox on other devices, since it will sync bookmarks, passwords and other information between them all to keep you up to speed. Its customizable home page includes shortcuts, recently visited sites, and more. Firefox on iOS also features the same anti-ad tracking technology found on the desktop and sports large visual tabs for fast retrieval.

Firefox offers a customizable home page and a rich set of features.

Firefox Focus

In addition to the mainstream Firefox web browser, Mozilla also offers a streamlined, distraction-free option called Firefox Focus . If you’re easily distracted, have ADHD, or just want a little help staying on task, it’s worth checking out as an alternative or addition to Apple’s Focus modes that are built into iOS. Firefox Focus blocks ads and trackers by default, and you can erase your browsing history, passwords, and cookies with a single tap on its ever-present trashcan icon.

The minimalist interface of Firefox Focus reduces distractions.

Onion Browser

Tor is a distributed system for anonymizing internet traffic. Developed by the Tor Project, the original (desktop) Tor Browser uses the Tor network to keep your identity and online activity secret — important protection for journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and people who live under repressive regimes that limit internet freedom. If you’re very serious about privacy, using a Tor browser provides far more protection than other options. Note, however, that routing traffic through Tor slows down your browsing, and many websites won’t work properly. For most users, a Tor browser isn’t necessary.

Several third-party developers have ported Tor to iOS. None are directly affiliated with the Tor Project, and the project notes that the WebKit engine underlying all iOS browsers prevents them from having privacy protections as extensive as its own Tor Browser. That said, the project recommends the Onion Browser , which uses Tor routing to ensure that your ISP can’t see what you’re browsing and websites can’t see your IP address.

If you’re an experienced Tor user, you’ll be able to configure the browser’s advanced settings. Otherwise, the Onion Browser makes configuration simple with three security-level presets (Gold, Silver, and Bronze).

The Onion Browser has an array of advanced security settings but also offers

simple presets for varying levels of protection.

The Opera mobile browser was originally developed to cut data usage and speed up page loading on feature phones and low-end smartphones, but iPhone owners can appreciate its speed and efficiency, too. In addition to its compression function, which uses a web proxy run by Opera, the browser also includes an ad blocker, a crypto wallet, and a VPN. The VPN is pretty rudimentary; it encrypts only traffic from Opera and limits you to general regions (Europe, the Americas, and Asia) when connecting through another locale, rather than letting you choose specific countries.

Opera is fast and includes a basic VPN.

Orion Browser

At first glance, Orion seems like a very basic browser with the typical feature set. Look at the browser’s settings, however, and there’s a bit more to discover, including different modes to help you focus, streamline your data use, and even conserve battery life.

Orion also blocks ads and trackers. In addition to syncing content between multiple devices, you can protect private browsing tabs or the entire browser using Face/Touch ID or your phone’s passcode.

The Orion browser offers focus, data-saving, and low-power modes.

The name says it all. Search All is designed to search for almost anything, almost anywhere, all at once. You can select from more than 50 different sites to search across several categories including search engines, online stores, video sites, image repositories, wiki-based knowledge sites, some social networks, and even comics libraries and get results from each of them in separate tabs.

While it may not be a go-to browser for everyday use for most people, the ability to instantly search for anything across so many services is incredibly useful when you’re researching a fact, trying to find a specific video clip, comparing prices, or need a specific picture for a project.

Tap into the power of searching multiple sites simultaneously with Search All.

SPIN Safe Browser

The primary focus of the SPIN Safe Browser is safe browsing (hence the name). In addition to privacy controls, it includes content filtering that can hide questionable images and content as you browse. This makes it a good choice if you have kids or want to avoid looking at certain things on a device that you use for work.

What makes SPIN unique on this list is that the developer is focused on the education and enterprise market. It offers a $20 version of the browser that you can customize via an AppConfig-compatible mobile device management (MDM) platform, such as Jamf or Hexnode. This means that IT departments can deploy the browser and have a full set of controls for managing it throughout a school or company.

The SPIN Safe Browser offers standard features but also blocks NSFW content

and can be managed via MDM software.

This article was originally published in October 2017 and most recently updated in May 2023.

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Posted November 19, 2023

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One downside of not using Safari is that content blockers, like AdGuard, only work on Apple's Safari browser, For ad-blocking with other browsers, the browser has to have its own, either native or an extension.

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iOS 17.4's new browser choice screen explained — Apple displays randomized list of 11 most-downloaded Safari alternatives

Choose wisely.

Apple has revealed how iOS 17.4 will display its list of alternative browsers on iPhones in the EU as part of the company’s wider compliance with the Digital Markets Act, which takes effect this week. 

The headline change to iOS is, of course, alternative app marketplaces , which will let users download apps from outside the App Store. However, Apple is also being forced into changes around how it displays browser settings to its users. Specifically, it must now offer users “a new choice screen that provides EU users an additional way to choose a default web browser from a list of options.” While choosing a new browser in iOS has been around for years, this new prompt will be displayed to every EU iPhone user the first time they open Safari after updating to iOS 17.4, and when purchasing a new iPhone. 

The screen, at first glance, is quite confusing for one obvious reason: there doesn’t seem to be any semblance of order or design to the list of choices. One exuberant commenter noted on X “did they print out icons of all of the browsers, put them in a cup, shake it around, throw them on the floor, and list them in the order they fell out in because that is the only explanation I can think of.” Turns out, that’s pretty much it.

Thanks to the EU we have one more screen during the iPhone onboarding 🤡Not everyone knows what a "browser" is, far from it. Why not ask for a default music player, default mail app, default camera app, while we're at it 😅 https://t.co/ktGuYRDVMa pic.twitter.com/CRBzNOWxnn March 5, 2024

iOS 17 Browser choice screen 

Apple notes that to be eligible for consideration, browsers must have the Default Browser Entitlement available to developers and have been downloaded “by at least 5,000 users across all the EU App Store storefronts on iPhone in the prior calendar year.” Apple selects up to 11 of these for the browser choice screen in addition to Safari, updating the list once per calendar year. 

Apple says, “on a user’s device browsers will be shown in a randomized order per user,” meaning no one will ever see the same list. Apple has even listed the current browser cohort for each of the 27 eligible EU countries on its website alphabetically for ease. A couple of big names stand out and are present on every list, notably Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera. However, there are also some names you probably haven’t heard of, including Onion Browser, Yandex, and hilariously in Sweden, Blackberry Access. 

Figures published Wednesday by Opera and shared with iMore reveal the results of a 4,000-person survey conducted across the EU, which show 83% of mobile device users are open to testing a new browser. While 91% said that more choice and transparency when choosing a browser was important to them, 49% said they had never changed their default browser, and 20% didn’t even know they had the option. Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera said, “This is an exciting moment for Opera and the European tech scene in general… We believe that open digital ecosystems are better for businesses, consumers, and society. And as a European-made challenger browser, we relish the opportunity to more fairly compete against the defaults – especially when the vast majority of the respondents we surveyed said they were considering trying out a new browser after March 6th.”

While the browser choice screen might be a welcome change to some users, all of the browsers on offer will run on Apple’s WebKit framework, meaning all of the differences are really surface level. Part of Apple’s major changes announced for iOS also includes new frameworks and APIs for developing browser engines other than WebKit, which will let rivals like Chrome and Edge build their own browsers from the ground up, should they so choose. There are no new native browsers on the horizon as yet, however, so for now the EU is stuck with this browser choice screen. 

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The latest version of iOS 17 complete with these changes is available to download on all of Apple's best iPhones now. 

More from iMore

• Apple releases iOS 17.4 for iPhone with huge EU app store and browser changes
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Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9

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Best web browser for Mac

We spend a lot of our time on browsers. Whether it’s using communcations apps to talk with friends, family or colleagues, searching for things online, streaming entertainment, using services for work or doing a bit of shopping. So, it makes sense that you’d want to use a browser that can make this experience as good as it can be. Many people stick with Safari on their Mac, as it’s already there and works well. But, if you’re willing to look beyond Apple’s favoured child, then there are plenty of interesting alternatives available. With this in mind, we round up the best alternatives to Safari and see what they have to offer.

If you want to increase the privacy and security on your browser then you should also read Best VPN for Mac and How to use a VPN on your Mac .

• Built-in to every Mac
• Syncs very well with other Apple devices
• Good performance
• Less extensions that Chrome-based rivals
• Doesn't play well with non-Apple devices

Apple’s Safari browser has been around for a long time, and over the years it’s been improved to the point where it’s now a very solid choice for most people. As you’d expect, it boasts the standard features found on most modern browsers, including bookmarks, tabbed browsing, a password manager, private browsing options, a dark mode, read later list, plus a Shared with You section on the Home page that lists links you’ve been sent in Messages. 

The reading mode is still one of Safari’s hidden gems, as it turns any webpage into a clean, clear article devoid of ads, links, and other distractions. There’s also now the Quick Note feature which, as the name suggests, allows you to instantly grab text or images from a webpage and have them appear (complete with links) in the Notes app.

With macOS Monterey, Apple introduced Tab Groups, a feature that gained even more capabilities in Ventura. It is a handy feature that allows you to collect particular tabs together by a category of your choosing, so you don’t have to search for them among your other open tabs. This is useful if you’re planning a holiday, event or researching another interest. Best of all, the Group Tabs sync to Safari on your iPhone, iPad or other Macs. Apple built on this in macOS Ventura by making these Tab Group shareable, so you can send them to friends, colleagues or family who can instantly see all the pages and links – perfect if you’re all collaborating on a project. You can also pin tabs within these groups and give them customised start pages too.

Privacy is an important part of Apple’s offering, with Intelligent Tracking Protection there to stop advertisers from watching what you do. This is accompanied by anti-fingerprinting settings that prevent sites from looking at your hardware and software configuration to work out who you are online, plus security features that block sites that could contain malware.   

The newest weapon in this armoury is PassKeys. This is an encrypted login that seeks to eventually do away with passwords althogether. It’s a little fiddly to set up initially, but after that it’s very easy to use. You can check out more details in our how to use PassKeys guide.

There’s also full integration for Apple Pay, making it easy to buy items online either through the Touch ID sensor in Macs with Touch Bars or via your iPhone. See our How to use Apple Pay on a Mac for more details. 

In its current form Safari is better than ever, and that’s before you start exploring the available extensions that can increase its capabilities even further. The truth is, the best browser for your Mac is probably already installed.

Google Chrome

• Huge selection of extensions
• Cross-platform
• Loads of features
• Traditionally a memory-hog
• Requires Google account

Google’s Chrome remains the world’s most popular desktop browser by quite a margin, although that does encompass Windows users too. This success isn’t hard to fathom, as Chrome is an excellent tool which has an entire ecosystem of plug-ins and extensions, ranging from privacy monitors to ones that fix your grammar.

Multiple tabs are handled very well, although it can lead to RAM being hogged by Chrome if you like to leave a huge amount open at the same time, but this is often true of most browsers. Google has recently addressed this though, allowing users to now set memory and energy use filters that should improve performance.

In use, it’s fast. Pages are rendered quickly and there’s a global setting for the zoom, which can be handy if you find text a bit small on modern sites. 

As you’d expect, being a part of the same family, Chrome dovetails effortlessly with Google’s online apps – Drive, Docs, Calendar, Photos, Translate etc – allowing users to launch them from an app tray in the menu bar. You can also utilise the extensions available to create reminders directly from the browser thanks to the likes of Google Keep. A new feature we’ve found very helpful is a quick price comparison guide that’s built right into the browser. Great way to save money when shopping.

The extensions are the things that differentiate Chrome from other browsers, with a bewildering 150,000+ to choose from. You can use password managers like Dashlane , discount coupon checker Honey , Grammarly to improve your writing, and so much more. To see our pick of the crop read Best Chrome extensions . As with Safari, there’s also a group tabs feature in Chrome that can keep your window tidy and make it easy to quickly find related webpages among your open tabs.

Password storage is secure, and you can keep your payment details in Chrome so that it’s easy to make payments online, albeit not through Apple Pay. 

Google uses high-levels of security to ensure you don’t access sites that contain malware and also isolates each tab to prevent any kind of cross infection should you stumble into something nasty.

Of course, this is Google we’re talking about, so you’ll be giving your data directly to the company as you use Chrome, including your online habits, so just be sure you’re ok with that before you begin.

Edge Chromium

• Uses Chrome extensions
• Built-in PDF editor
• Quick access to Microsoft services
• Design can be cluttered
• Works best with Microsoft account

Microsoft initially launched Edge with its own engine, but after a while decided to adopt the Chromium one that drives Google’s Chrome browser. Since then, the app has grown into a very good option for the those who want the Chrome experience but with it’s own distinct flavour. 

The design on Edge is modern and tidy, albeit a little cluttered at times, with plenty of powerful features built into the main menu. Collections opens up a side bar where you can drag web pages or add notes. It’s a great way to use Edge to plan for a trip or research a major purchase. Alternatively you can use the Tab Groups that are similar to the ones on Safari and Chrome. These are displayed on the tab bar along the top, with ones you’ve assigned to group all colour coded so you can see them instantly. Then, if you want to focus on something else, click the group name and all the tabs are collapsed into that, ready to reopen when you want to see them again. Vertical tabs also lets you instantly switch the open tabs from along the top of the page to a list in a column on the left. It’s a nice little feature that can make it easier to find what your looking for quickly.

You’ll also find a reader mode that reduces a page down to just the words, plus Edge can read aloud the contents if you prefer that approach. A very useful addition is a built-in PDF editor that can make filling out online forms a doddle, and the Web Select feature allow you to copy and paste contents from a page while retaining all of the formatting.

As with most major browsers, Edge has a password manager that can store you details for web sites and online accounts, plus it offers a Password Health and Password Monitor feature so you know if your details could be compromised. 

If you use Outlook, then you’ll find the quick access to mail, calendar appointments and To Do items very handy. Those with a Microsoft 365 account can also launch free versions of MS Office apps from within the browser, much like with Google apps on Chrome. There’s also a grammar and spelling checker borrowed from Microsoft 365 that helps improve your writing when online in Edge. This new Editor works across social media sites or pretty much anywhere you can enter text. 

Microsoft also includes various privacy features, all of which can be tweaked in the settings, plus you have access to the thousands of extentions that come with Chrome. If you’ve dismissed Edge in the past as just Internet Explorer with a facelift, we think you should reconsider that opinion.  

• Focus on privacy
• New Firefox view feature
• Loads of themes and plug-ins available
• Not as many features as Safari or Chrome

Another stalwart that’s received some much-needed spit and polish recently is Firefox. There was a time when this was one of the major players in the browser field, but time hasn’t been kind to Mozilla’s creation and Google Chrome has been one in particular that tempted people away. That’s a shame, as today’s Firefox version is slick, smart, and provides a worthy alternative to its higher profile competitors. 

Mozilla takes privacy seriously and has a range of features to keep you safe online. Tracking Protection stops websites from following you around the web and collecting data that can be used to serve ads. There’s also ad and script blocking that speed up webpage loading times. There’s even an extension that sandboxes Facebook so it can’t follow your activities around the web. Whatever the tweaks under the hood, our experience with the app proved it to be rapid and reliable. 

Firefox has always been a browser that lets you personalise things, so be sure to take a look at the various themes and extensions available that can decorate the menu section of the browser or add additional features. The menu bar itself has a number of functions that you can easily access by dragging icons onto it, providing quick links to things such as emailing links, saving the page to Firefox’s Pocket app to read later, or sending pages directly to your phone.

Some new features worthy of note include a built-in PDF editor, plus Firefox View which allows you to pick up on your Mac from whether you may have been on a webpage on another device. A bit like Handoff on Safari.

The extensions might not be as plentiful as they are on Chrome, but there’s lots of useful add-ons that can tailor your Firefox experience to just the way you like it. Mozilla also offers various tools such as Relay (similar to iCloud Private Relay) that creates email alisases you can use for signing up to online services or giving to people that you don’t want to know your real address. A VPN that can hide your location, plus Monitor that watches out for password breaches that may have included any of your accounts and passwords.

It may not be the force it once was, but there’s plenty of life left in Firefox yet. 

• Quick access to messaging apps
• Group Tabs and Pinboards
• Interface can look busy

Opera is built on the same foundations as Chrome, giving it a familiar feel in terms of features and performance. That doesn’t mean it’s a clone with a different badge though, as the app comes with some interesting design choices and handy tools that make it a solidly modern browser.

The first is a column on the left side of the screen that contains shortcuts to various options. Top of the list are Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram, all of which can be logged into and used while browsing the web. There’s also an option to add a Twitter account too, all of which is very useful if you don’t want to keep picking up your phone.

Another icon is for My Flow, an Opera specific feature that allows users to send webpages directly to their iPhone. At the bottom of the column are three dots that open the options menu. In here you can add or remove lots of other icons that take you to your bookmarks, a news section that collates the latest stories from your favourite outlets, a speed dial for commonly used sites, and plenty of other goodies. 

Opera also has some privacy tools that make life easier when browsing, including a built-in ad blocker and a free VPN. The latter is great for keeping yourself safe when using public WiFi, even if the choice of server locations is limited.

Extensions are available in aplenty, thanks to the Chrome heritage, as are themes to personalise the aesthetic. You can also use Workspaces now, which is essentially the same as Group Tabs in Safari. Here you add new Workspaces (giving them names and choosing a relevant icon), then open various tabs in each one. This means you can quickly switch between themed webpages, simplifying things and stopping you having a million ones open at the same time. There’s also Pinboards, which is essentially a built-on version of Pinterest that lets you collect images from around the web and build them into mood boards.

If you’re looking for a browser that not only protects your privacy online, but also reduces the need for other apps on your system, Opera has much to offer.

• Great privacy features
• Ad-free browsing
• Limited features compared to Safari and Chrome
• It can be a bit obsessed with Crypto currencies

Brave is a relative newcomer when compared to all of those listed above, making its debut as recently as 2016. Since then it’s gone from strength to strength, powered by its focus on removing all ads from the pages you visit. From a creator’s point of view this can be problematic, as most sites (including this one) rely on advertising in order to pay the writers and technicians who produce the content you’re reading. But for consumers, the freedom from intrusive ads can make the web a place where you can breath once more. 

Brave takes things one step further by giving users the option to view ‘privacy-respecting ads’ that will pay them for the honour. This is all done via the Brave Rewards scheme, which is an innovative idea and has the added bonus of allowing users to essentially pay tips to sites they enjoy.

All that aside, Brave is a slimline app that speeds its way around the web. You’ll find plenty of settings to hone its performance to your whims, plus there’s the normal collection of password managers, bookmark menus, and accompanying mobile apps that can sync your profile. You can also avail yourself of a built-in Crypto wallet, plus there’s a Brave VPN, although that will cost you $9.99 per month or $99 for a year.

Brave offers its own Independent Search function that won’t track your enquires, there’s a private video-conferencing feature, the new Playlists capability with which you can compile videos and tracks from the web and have the playlist automatically available to enjoy on your iPhone, plus a customisable news feed that again won’t track your reading activities online. Have you gotten the idea yet? Brave is all about privacy, but not at the expense of functionality.

As it’s built on the Chromium engine, you’ll find all the normal Chrome features, but without some of the ads and tracking behaviour. Whether you support the idea of a total ad-blocking browser or not, there’s little argument that Brave gets the job done in style.

• Fast performance
• Swiss army knife approach to app integration
• New features added regularly
• Almost too many features

There’s a good chance you haven’t have heard of Vivaldi, or at least the browser rather than the 17th century Venetian composer. It’s a name you should familiarise yourself with though, as the company was started by Jón von Tetzchner, who co-founded Opera back in 1994. 

Vivaldi has some two main focusses: privacy and customisation. So, if you want to take control of your browsing experience in a granular fashion then it may well be the grail at the end of your quest. 

At its heart, Vivaldi is similar to Opera as it uses the Chromium engine. This gives it the advantage that you can use Chrome’s plugins. Where it differs is in its attitude to your data. Once you set up a password on your Mac you can sync your devices (only macOS, Windows, Linux or Android at present) knowing that everything in protected by end-to-end encryption that not even Vivaldi can see. Abusive ads that track you are blocked by default and there are various other settings to minimise any intrusions to your privacy. 

Like Opera, Vivaldi has a side bar containing various options such as downloads, bookmarks, history, plus a few innovative options. One is Notes, which allows you to quickly jot down information without having to leave the browser and you can even include screenshots. This is great if you’re researching something or just want to remember a quote. You can also create tab groups and stack them on two levels in the menu bar. That’s not all though! Vivaldi lets you set whether the tab bar appears in the traditional vertical position at the top of the page or move it to the the flanks or along the bottom. You can also open multiple tabs at once in a split screen view, so you can work on them at the same time. 

Web panels is another clever feature, in that it enables users to setup mini versions of webpages that can be accessed by clicking on its panel name. This is best suited to messaging services but also for Twitter and mobile optimised sites, as they will fit into the single column view. 

You’ll also find further options in the bar across the bottom of the page, including the ability to capture a screenshot, adjust the zoom level via a slider, turning off images and videos on a page, as well as a comprehensive list of page actions you can instantly enable or disable by clicking a tickbox. 

Vivaldi is now offering integrated Mail and Calendar apps that can help you stay organised without ever needing to leave the browser, plus the Vivaldi Translate feature means you can look up words and phrases not in your native tongue, but without Google getting to see what you’re translating. 

Keeping the open source spirit alive is the recent integration of Mastodon, the federated alternative to the hate-filled Twitter bonfire of Elon Musk’s vanity.

There’s so much to explore in Vivaldi and it keeps growing at a steady pace. It might be one of the newest browsers around, but we think it could well be the way they all go in the future. 

Avast Secure Browser

• Slim-line and secure
• Built-in VPN
• A bit basic

Although this browser remains in a beta stage at the moment, it’s another interesting option to those looking for a Chrome-style browser but with beefed up security and privacy. Avast is a name that will be familiar for anyone who has looked at antivirus software in the past, and its putting those years of data security to good use in its Secure Browser. 

Using the built-in tools you can have your browsing protected by the included VPN, manage and monitor your passwords, stop trackers from using digital fingerprinting techniques to identify your device, plus a variety of other security features. 

Of course, as the Chromium engine is underneath, you can use all the standard Chrome features such as bookmarks, private modes, dark modes, not to mention the wide wealth of extensions available. Syncing all of your data and settings across devices is also available, with the Avast Secure Browser also available on iOS. 

It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of Opera, Vivaldi or Brave, but if you want a fast, simple, secure browser for your Mac, it’s well worth a look. 

Duck Duck Go for Mac

• Safe and secure
• Blocks most trackers
• Very stripped back
• Doesn't work with some plug-ins

Another new entry that still remains in beta is the browser from Duck Duck Go. You may recognise the name from the aponymous privacy-focussed search engine, but now you can use a dedicated browser whose mission it is to stop you being tracked while online. Based on the WebKit engine that powers Safari, DDG is a stripped back experience that gets out of the way and lets you swiftly find the content you want, while stopping anyone else watching. Although it shares the Apple build, DDG is equipped with purpose built password management, bookmarks and tab coding, which does have the knock-on effect of making it incompatible with a lot of plug-ins, most frustratingly password managers.

That being said, if you want a second browser for quickly and securely navigating the web, then the Duck Duck Go beta is well worth consideration. If you want to know more, you can check out our Duck Duck Go for Mac review .

Author: Martyn Casserly , Contributor

Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.

Recent stories by Martyn Casserly:

• How to delete photos from iPhone but not from iCloud
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SafariPanzerBattle 17+

Rightcode inc., designed for ipad, screenshots, description.

Safari Panzer Battle is an adrenaline-fueled action combat game set in the wild. Players control various animals, utilizing skill and strategy to engage in intense shootouts. Mighty elephants, robust rhinos, and swift cheetahs each bring their unique abilities and weapons to the battlefield. Players must skillfully dodge enemy attacks and retaliate with precise aim. The battlegrounds range from deep jungles to vast savannas, each requiring different strategies. Finding hidden paths for surprise attacks or using the terrain for defense offers limitless tactical possibilities. Furthermore, players can strengthen their characters with each battle, gaining more powerful attacks and defensive skills as they progress. The goal is to rise to the top in a world where diverse animals compete, using one's own skill and wit. Safari Panzer Battle, with its intuitive gameplay and strategic depth, will captivate gamers of all ages. Whether competing with friends or honing skills alone, aim for the apex of the animal kingdom in this epic battle.

App Privacy

The developer, RightCode Inc. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Identifiers

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, Japanese

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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Apple Releases Safari Technology Preview 193 With Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview , the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.

The current ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ release is compatible with machines running macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma , the latest version of macOS that Apple released in September 2023.

The ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ update is available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences or System Settings to anyone who has downloaded the browser . Full release notes for the update are available on the Safari Technology Preview website .

Apple's aim with ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. ‌Safari Technology Preview‌ can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.

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Top Rated Comments

I'm always curious about these Safari Tech Preview posts. Are they just a quick way to add another headline? I suspect so, as I don't see many people trusting these builds as their daily driver. I've tried that in the past, but it never stuck.

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F.T.C. Issues Ban on Worker Noncompete Clauses

The rule would prohibit companies from limiting their employees’ ability to work for rivals, a change that could increase competition and boost wages.

By J. Edward Moreno

The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday said employers could no longer, in most cases, stop their employees from going to work for rival companies.

The sweeping action could help create jobs, raise wages and increase competition among businesses, the agency said. But the action is all but certain to be challenged in court by businesses that say they need to protect trade secrets and confidential information.

The move bars contracts known as noncompetes, which prevent workers from leaving for a competitor for a certain amount of time, in most circumstances. Noncompetes cover about 30 million U.S. workers, the trade commission said, in a variety of jobs that include TV news producers , hairdressers, corporate executives and computer engineers.

The commission has said the proposal would raise wages by forcing companies to compete harder for talent. It was approved in a 3-to-2 vote. Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew N. Ferguson, both Republicans, voted against the measure.

“The F.T.C.’s final rule to ban noncompetes will ensure Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business or bring a new idea to market,” the commission’s chair, Lina M. Khan, said in a statement. She estimated the decision would lead to the creation of 8,500 start-ups in a year and up to $488 billion in increased wages for workers over the next decade.

President Biden celebrated the F.T.C.’s vote in a social media post . “Workers ought to have the right to choose who they want to work for,” he wrote on X.

But the U.S. Chamber of Commerce vowed to sue the F.T.C. to block the proposal, calling it “an unlawful power grab” in a statement shortly after the vote. The chamber, as well as the two dissenting commissioners, has argued that the F.T.C. doesn’t have the authority to address this issue and that it should be left to the states.

The agency voted more than a year after it first issued the proposed rule, in January 2023. It said it had received more than 20,000 comments from the public about the rule.

Employers have argued that noncompete contracts provide an incentive to invest in employees — because they ensure that the worker won’t leave to join a competitor. Unions, including the A.F.L.-C.I.O. and the Service Employees International Union, have supported the F.T.C.’s move.

The rule would become law 120 days after it is published in the Federal Register, which will probably happen in a few days. But legal challenges could delay or block the change.

Noncompete contracts affecting senior executives can remain in effect, the commission said, but employers are barred from trying to impose new noncompetes on any employee, including executives.

The new rule defines executives as employees “in policy-making positions” who make at least $151,164 annually. It orders employers to notify nonexecutive employees bound by an existing noncompete that it will no longer be enforceable.

Some states, including California and Oregon, have moved to restrict noncompetes on their own.

In December, Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York vetoed a bill that would have banned noncompetes in the state. She said the bill should have been narrower and apply only to low-wage workers. Wall Street staunchly opposed the legislation, which the State Legislature’s Democratic majority passed.

Workers in finance and professional services are the most likely to have noncompete contracts, at a rate of nearly 20 percent . Studies have shown that noncompetes suppress wages because switching jobs is the most efficient way workers can increase how much they make.

“This would be an immediate shock that would allow millions of workers to be free to take a better job in their industry,” said Evan Starr, an economics professor at the University of Maryland. “I would expect the labor market to increase almost overnight.”

Stefanie Camfield, an assistant general counsel at Engage PEO, a human resources consulting firm, said her clients had asked more about noncompetes in advance of the agency’s decision. While some of them use noncompetes to prevent workers from leaving for rival firms, she said, others struggle to hire workers bound by the same kind of agreements.

“We see the flip side of the coin as well,” Ms. Camfield said.

Joyce Smithey, a lawyer who represents workers in Maryland, said some of her clients had been pushed out of their industry because they worried about violating their noncompete contract. One, a female chief executive, left her industry to start a business out of fear of being sued by her deep-pocketed former employer.

“You sign these usually at the beginning of the relationship, when nobody is suspecting how bad it will become,” Ms. Smithey said.

Under Ms. Khan, the F.T.C. has taken a more aggressive stance toward regulating corporate America. It has tried to expand its role in proactively setting rules for businesses in addition to its work suing companies for legal violations. It has proposed new regulations to govern online and children’s privacy and ban hidden fees that are attached to consumer purchases.

In a separate action, the Department of Labor issued a final rule that will make millions more workers eligible for overtime pay. Workers making less than $58,656 will automatically be owed time and a half when the rule takes effect in January.

David McCabe contributed reporting.

J. Edward Moreno is a business reporter at The Times. More about J. Edward Moreno

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