Pick Chrome if
You live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device.
The catch. It is heavier on memory and battery than Safari, and it blocks only intrusive ads.
Chrome vs Safari
Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions. Safari is best for battery life and Apple devices.
Pick Safari if
You want the browser that is already on your Mac, easiest on the battery and tied into iCloud.
The catch. It has no vertical tabs or split view, a smaller extension catalogue, and no Windows version.
Chrome vs Safari, feature by feature
| Chrome | Safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | WebKit |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, since 2026 | No |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | One per window |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Profiles and Tab Groups |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest | Trackers, not ads |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store | Safari extensions |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, iPhone, iPad |
| Open source | No (Chromium is) | No (WebKit is) |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Chrome better than Safari?
Neither wins everywhere. Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions; Safari is best for battery life and Apple devices. Pick Chrome if you live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device. Pick Safari if you want the browser that is already on your Mac, easiest on the battery and tied into iCloud.
Do Chrome and Safari block ads?
Chrome: Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest. Safari: Trackers, not ads.
Which extensions do Chrome and Safari run?
Chrome: Chrome Web Store. Safari: Safari extensions.
Where do Chrome and Safari run?
Chrome: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android. Safari: macOS, iPhone, iPad.
Are Chrome and Safari free?
Both are free.