One thing Mac users ask around a lot is “Which is better: Google Chrome or Safari?”
Safari and Chrome are the two most popular browsers among Mac users. And although there are other options like Kingpin, Brave, Vivaldi, Opera, or Edge; Safari and Chrome are still used more widely. When it comes to ease of use, both of these seem to go head to head. But who takes the crown? Here, we pit them against each other and judge them on three parameters: Performance, Security, and Privacy.
Performance
Browser performance is judged on factors like speed and features. Is Safari slower than Chrome? Or is it the other way around? Let’s dig in deeper.
First, Safari uses very little RAM while Chrome is known to gobble it up. Such consumption of resources not only slows down the browser but the whole system. Hence, if you look at this single factor, Safari does seem to run faster than Chrome since its reliance on RAM is almost half of that of Chrome.
On this note, we can’t help but mention another browser, Kingpin. A lightweight, blazing fast browser, it is compatible with Mac systems and it doesn’t cause an overload on the RAM.
Second, there is the issue of multiple tabs. Safari scores here again. While multiple active tabs are a non-issue with the Safari browser which maintains a steady pace, Chrome does tend to balk. There is a slight lag in Chrome.
However, the browser more than makes up for it with a vast library of extensions and syncing options. Email client, in-built translator, and wide ranging customization choices make Chrome more attractive than Safari.
Chrome, being a part of the Google family, also offers excellent integration with a host of services offered by Google. Safari has limited features for users. Even with a PDF convertor, Safari isn’t the best option when it comes to customization. Chrome seems to lead when it comes to performance and features.
So to answer the question, Safari isn’t slower than Chrome.
Security
Safe browsing not only protects your system against malware but also secures your virtual identity against unwanted snooping.
Both Safari and Chrome provide top-class security to users but each one has its share of shortcomings too.
Few browsers have an Ad-block feature turned on by default, like Kingpin which prevents tracking of sensitive virtual activities. Also, extensions are always deactivated to prevent the accidental download of malware.
Both Chrome and Safari offer pop-up blocking features. Users can even download extensions to block ads. They use Safe Browsing databases from Google and warn users of suspicious sites. But, if the browser malfunctions, you have to check each extension. You also have to manually set the browsers to block ads and cookies.
But the way they achieve this is different. Safari warns users through a padlock sign with every site they visit. If it’s green, you are safe. If it’s absent, you’re better off avoiding the site. While this is indeed a safety measure, users often overlook the absence of a padlock. Meaning, it’s not much of a visual warning. Chrome, on the other hand, displays a warning note right below the URL stating “your connection to this site is not secure” – a clear text meant to discourage you from venturing further.
Regular security updates are the hallmark of browser safety. While Google gets an update every two to three weeks, Safari updates can take months, if not longer. This means your system and your actions are at a higher risk on Safari than on Chrome.
All in all, Chrome has better security settings than Safari for Mac users.
Privacy
If you are comparing browsers, chances are you are concerned about online privacy. After all, you are always being watched. There are numerous ways to track your every move, find you out across platforms, scam you, and manipulate user data. That’s why it is important for Mac users to set up proper privacy features. Let’s see how Safari and Chrome compete on the Privacy meter.
Apple’s privacy policies are pretty user-friendly. Your online activities and user data enjoy a high degree of protection. However, whether this protection extends to all other features and tools of the company is another matter entirely. Apple has been known to both defend its data protection policies as well as enable authorities to access this data. Their user data protection is shady at best.
Chrome is infamous for sharing user data. Although it doesn’t make your passwords or activities available to all and sundry, the company does rely on ads. What does this mean for you? You are tracked more heavily. Google shares your data with marketers – your browsing habits, the sites you visit, and your preferences.
When it comes to privacy, neither Safari nor Chrome seems to have it together.
The solution?
If you are plagued by privacy concerns, it would make more sense to migrate to another browser, like Kingpin, which keeps all your online activities private and incognito. Remember, Chrome still tracks incognito browsing.
Yet with Kingpin, no amount of user data gets leaked or sold. Cookies are forgotten as soon as your browsing session ends. Tabs are PIN protected; passwords, browsing history, and all other user information do not get saved. So whether you are browsing restricted sites or shopping online, you can do that without having to worry about intrusive ads or exposure of virtual identity.
And the winner is…
Safari is faster while Chrome is more feature-rich and has an easier UI. The G Suite is one complete set of everything you might want in a browser. Safari lags in getting security patches while Chrome’s privacy policies are not that great. Overall, Chrome is ahead of Safari as a browser on Mac. However, if you are not keen on sharing your username, passwords, or location, it makes more sense to get an additional browser. While there are other efficient browsers like Vivaldi or Brave, none of them offer the solid confidentiality of Kingpin. The browser forgets history and settings every time you log out. However, the final choice of getting a browser lies with the user.
