Best Browser for Mac in 2025 — Safari vs Backup Options

Introduction

Are you a Mac user wondering which browser is best in 2025? Apple continues to refine Safari for macOS, pairing it with privacy tools like iCloud Private Relay. That makes Safari the strongest choice for most Mac users. But no single browser is perfect. Having a reliable backup—like Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Arc, Vivaldi, or Zen—adds flexibility, compatibility, and features that Safari doesn’t always cover.

If you’re deciding on browsers, this guide will help you pick the best setup. For more reading, check out Microsoft Copilot for Beginners or browse the Tech Compass archive.

Quick Summary

Safari is the fastest and most battery-friendly Mac browser.
Backup browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Brave add flexibility.
New options like Arc and Zen bring fresh productivity features.

Quick Answer: Safari is the best browser for Mac in 2025, while Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Arc, Vivaldi, and Zen are valuable backups depending on your needs.

Why Safari is Best on Mac

Safari is tightly integrated with macOS. It’s optimized for performance, battery life, and unique Apple features like Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and AirPlay. Safari also includes Intelligent Tracking Prevention to limit cross-site tracking, which keeps your browsing more private.

Independent tests from HighSpeedInternet and Magic Lasso confirm Safari ranks top across speed, energy use, and privacy. For MacBook owners, its battery efficiency alone makes it the best daily driver.

Safari’s Privacy Edge: iCloud Private Relay

A standout feature for Safari users with iCloud+ is iCloud Private Relay. It hides your IP address and encrypts your DNS requests. Here’s how it works:

First hop: Apple encrypts your DNS queries so websites don’t see your exact location.
Second hop: A third-party relay assigns a temporary IP address, masking your identity further.

This dual-hop setup means Apple doesn’t know both who you are and where you’re browsing. However, Private Relay only works in Safari (and some app traffic). Unlike a VPN, it won’t cover all network activity or let you choose a country location.

Pro tips:

Enable Private Relay in System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud.
Choose “Maintain General Location” for local content, or “Country and Time Zone” for stronger privacy.
Combine with Safari’s Private Browsing mode to block history and trackers.

Top 5 Backup Browsers for Mac in 2025

Even with Safari as your main browser, backups are useful when a site doesn’t load properly or you need extra tools. Here are the best alternatives:

Google Chrome — Fast, widely supported, best for Google users. High RAM use, weaker on privacy.
Mozilla Firefox — Open-source, privacy-first, and customizable. Great choice if you want independence from big tech.
Brave — Blocks ads and trackers by default, includes Tor mode. Best for built-in privacy without setup.
Arc — Productivity-oriented, with sidebar organization and AI summaries. Ideal for multitasking researchers.
Vivaldi — Highly customizable with tab tiling, email, and calendar built in.
Zen Browser — New Firefox-based browser with Arc-style design and strong privacy defaults.

Why You Need a Backup Browser

Cross-platform sync: Chrome or Firefox help if you also use Windows or Android.
More extensions: Some tools exist only for Chrome/Firefox.
Better compatibility: Certain websites may not render properly in Safari.
Privacy options: Switch between Safari + Relay, or Brave/Firefox for strict privacy.
Productivity boosts: Arc, Zen, and Vivaldi shine with workspace features.

How to Choose Your Secondary Browser

Your backup browser depends on your priorities:

Speed & extensions: Chrome or Arc.
Privacy-first: Brave or Firefox.
Customization: Vivaldi or Zen.
Apple-like design: Arc integrates well with macOS.

Keep Safari as your default, and install your backup for special tasks. Sync bookmarks and profiles for smooth switching.

Stablity over features, without giving up securtiy.

FAQs

Can Safari handle everything?

For most users, yes. Safari covers speed, battery, and privacy well. A backup is handy for special cases.

Is iCloud Private Relay a VPN?

No. It hides DNS and IP info only in Safari. VPNs encrypt all internet traffic and let you choose locations.

Which browser is best for privacy?

Safari with Private Relay, Firefox, and Brave all focus on privacy. Brave blocks ads/tracking by default, while Firefox offers open-source transparency.

Are new browsers like Arc and Zen worth it?

Yes. Arc is great for productivity and tab management. Zen combines Arc’s style with Firefox’s privacy core.

Conclusion

In 2025, Safari remains the best browser for Mac thanks to speed, battery efficiency, and iCloud Private Relay. Still, a backup browser is smart for compatibility, extensions, and flexibility. Whether you prefer Chrome’s speed, Firefox’s independence, Brave’s privacy, or Arc and Zen’s modern designs, you’ll have the right tool for every job.

If you found this helpful, share your favorite Mac browser setup in the comments—or subscribe for more easy tech guides!

The Tech Compass

Wednesday, September 17, 2025