Safari and Google Chrome are two of the most popular browsers today. But if you use macOS, does one browser trump the other in terms of security? Which of these two world-famous browsers is safer for macOS?
Google Chrome vs. Safari: Wallpaper
Safari and Google Chrome were developed and launched by two technology giants: Apple Inc., respectively. and Google. Both browsers were released in the 2000s, although Safari arrived five years before Chrome in 2003. Apple’s incredibly popular smartphones, tablets and laptops made the use of Safari popular, which is a favorite of many many owners of iOS-based devices.
Google, on the other hand, was already a widely used search engine 10 years before the launch of the Chrome browser. Chrome has therefore gained quite a bit of fame thanks to its recognizable name.
Today, Safari and Google Chrome have billions of users worldwide, but there is a clear gap between the popularity of the two. If Safari has around one billion users worldwide (according to Apple Insider), Chrome has more than 2.65 billion (according to BackLinko). The latter definitely takes the crown in terms of global usage, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better suited for macOS devices.
Google Chrome vs. Safari: Availability
While Google Chrome is a cross-platform browser that can be used on a large number of operating systems, Safari is designed only for Apple devices that run on iOS and macOS. You can download and use Chrome on devices running Linux, Android, Windows, and macOS, making it much more accessible to users.
But there is one glaring flaw associated with cross-platform: it can be less secure. Cross-platform apps are generally more prone to security breaches than native apps because native apps use native security features designed specifically for a particular operating system.
In addition, cross-platform apps can also be more limited in terms of functionality, as they cannot offer specialized capabilities for a specific operating system. You may find this a bit inconvenient if you use Chrome on macOS instead of Safari. But we will discuss suitability for macOS in more detail a little later.
Google Chrome vs. Safari: Security features
When it comes to security, it is important to look at the features offered by Chrome and Safari to ensure your safety.
What are Safari’s security features?
Let’s start with Safari.
Apple is known for providing users with high-quality security measures, and Safari is no exception to this rule. Safari offers great security features, starting with its smart tracking prevention. Introduced in 2017, this feature blocks cross-site tracking via machine learning without affecting how the websites you visit work.
Safari also offers fingerprint protection, which prevents third parties from developing a profile from your activity. What’s more, Safari’s sandboxing feature prevents third-party apps from making unauthorized changes to your device.
In addition, Safari’s incognito mode allows users to surf the web without their activity being recorded. In other words, you can browse online without saving your search history if you enable this feature. It’s a great privacy solution, but it’s worth noting that it’s not the same as a VPN.
In fact, Safari doesn’t offer any kind of built-in VPN, which can be a hindrance for those who want to stay anonymous online. Of course, you can download a separate VPN service to use when browsing with Safari, but there are browsers that offer a built-in VPN for added convenience.
What security features does Google Chrome offer?
So what about Google Chrome?
Like Safari, Chrome also has a sandboxing feature, but things don’t stop there. Chrome also offers users advanced protection against phishing and malware. This protects you from suspicious attachments, links and external images. This feature also protects you from identity theft and alerts you to unauthorized email addresses so you know if you’re dealing with a suspicious sender.
You can also use Chrome’s HTTPS First mode, which alerts you if a given HTTPS address is suspicious or known to be dangerous. This feature can be invaluable in protecting you from malicious websites that aim to steal your data.
Google Chrome vs. Safari: compatibility with macOS
Since Safari is specifically designed for macOS and iOS devices, one would assume that it is better suited for macOS than Google Chrome. And if that’s what you guessed, you’re right! Safari is generally better suited to macOS for a number of reasons.
First, Safari can run more efficiently on macOS than Chrome, meaning it won’t drain your device’s battery as quickly. This is especially important if you use your device on the go without access to a charging station.
Also, if you’re using an older macOS version than El Capitan, you won’t even be able to download Google Chrome, while Safari is available for all versions.
As we already know, Safari is suitable for macOS. But Google Chrome is also somewhat suitable for ChromeOS, an operating system launched in 2011 and used by Chromebook laptops. So if you’re using a Mac or a MacBook, both of which are powered by macOS, ideally you’ll want a browser that’s designed for your device. In this case, it’s Safari.
Google Chrome vs. Safari: Hacks and Vulnerabilities
Chrome and Safari are both software applications, which means they are built on code that may contain errors. These errors can give rise to security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are always ready to exploit. But are these two browsers particularly vulnerable to security issues?
Let’s start with Google Chrome. This browser has been the victim of various attacks and exploits over the years, often due to security vulnerabilities. However, Google’s security team is often quick to patch these vulnerabilities once they are discovered and keep users informed of possible attacks and risks.
Safari, on the other hand, has never been hacked as a whole. Obviously, this bodes well for the security integrity of this browser, but it should be noted that security vulnerabilities remain a problem for Apple’s software, as they are for many software vendors. . Safari works hard to fix its vulnerabilities quickly, but they still happen. Cybercriminals have also exploited Safari-based vulnerabilities in the past, so the risk of attack clearly exists on both browsers.
Google Chrome vs. Safari: The Verdict
Overall, Safari is probably best suited for macOS. This browser offers a number of useful security features and a number of advantages over Chrome due to its easier adaptation to macOS devices.
But if you’re not a fan of Safari, you can always rely on Chrome on your macOS devices for useful features and adequate protection. Just make sure to enable all relevant security settings on both browsers to best protect yourself.
If you’re using a macOS device, it’s best to use Safari, which is designed to adapt to your specific operating system. While Google Chrome is by no means a poor quality browser, it is not designed only for Apple devices and therefore does not benefit from certain specifications.