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.
Safari vs Firefox
Safari is best for battery life and Apple devices. Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine.
Pick Firefox if
You want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine.
The catch. A few web apps are tested in Chrome first, and it runs Firefox add-ons rather than Chrome extensions.
Safari vs Firefox, feature by feature
| Safari | Firefox | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | WebKit | Gecko |
| Vertical tabs | No | Yes, in settings |
| Sites on screen at once | One per window | Two, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and Tab Groups | Profiles and tab groups |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Trackers, not ads | Trackers, not ads |
| Extensions | Safari extensions | Firefox add-ons |
| Platforms | macOS, iPhone, iPad | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Open source | No (WebKit is) | Yes |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Safari better than Firefox?
Neither wins everywhere. Safari is best for battery life and Apple devices; Firefox is best for an independent, open-source engine. Pick Safari if you want the browser that is already on your Mac, easiest on the battery and tied into iCloud. Pick Firefox if you want an open-source browser that is not built on Chrome’s engine.
Do Safari and Firefox block ads?
They block the same way: trackers, not ads.
Which extensions do Safari and Firefox run?
Safari: Safari extensions. Firefox: Firefox add-ons.
Where do Safari and Firefox run?
Safari: macOS, iPhone, iPad. Firefox: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android.
Are Safari and Firefox free?
Both are free.