# Browsers for Mac

> Alternatives to Safari for privacy, extensions or cross-platform sync.

From dockpicks (https://dockpicks.com/), a hand-picked, independent directory of Mac apps. Web page: https://dockpicks.com/browsers/

Group: Essentials. 6 apps, listed best first. Prices are the vendor's wording, checked October 2026, and can change.

Built into macOS: Safari. Safari is a strong default: it blocks cross-site tracking, syncs passwords, tabs and Tab Groups through iCloud, supports profiles and extensions, and Apple says it is easier on battery than Chrome. Most people can stay with it. A second browser is worth it if you need Chrome or Firefox extensions that have no Safari version, use Windows or Android alongside your Mac, or want vertical tabs and heavy customization.

## 1. Firefox

Independent, open-source browser with a huge extension library

- Price: Free
- Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, MPL-2.0 (https://github.com/mozilla-firefox/firefox)
- Developer: Mozilla
- Website: https://www.firefox.com/en-US/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/browsers/#firefox

A free, open-source browser built on Mozilla's own Gecko engine rather than Chromium. It blocks trackers by default, syncs tabs, history and passwords across devices, and offers over 30,000 extensions.

Our take: The best pick if you want a mainstream browser that is not built on Chromium and runs everywhere, including Windows, Linux and Android. Its extension ecosystem is the most open of any browser.

## 2. Google Chrome

The most widely supported browser, tied into your Google account

- Price: Free
- Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: No
- Developer: Google
- Website: https://www.google.com/chrome/
- Built-in may be enough: Safari already covers what most people use this for
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/browsers/#google-chrome

Google's Chromium-based browser. It syncs bookmarks and passwords with your Google account, runs Chrome Web Store extensions and includes Gemini AI features.

Our take: Pick it if you live in Google's services or need a site or extension that only works properly in Chrome. If you only want Chrome extensions, Brave or Vivaldi run them with less data going to Google.

## 3. Brave

Chromium browser with ad and tracker blocking built in

- Price: Free
- Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, MPL-2.0 (https://github.com/brave/brave-core)
- Website: https://brave.com/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/browsers/#brave

A Chromium-based browser whose Shields feature blocks third-party ads, trackers, cookie pop-ups and fingerprinting by default. It also bundles Brave Search, an AI assistant and an optional crypto rewards program.

Our take: Good for people who want Chrome's compatibility with strong ad blocking out of the box. The crypto wallet, rewards and VPN upsells add clutter, though they can be turned off.

## 4. Orion

WebKit browser that runs Chrome and Firefox extensions

- Price: Free; Orion+ $5/month or $50/year
- Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: No
- Developer: Kagi
- Website: https://orionbrowser.com/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/browsers/#orion

A browser from Kagi built on the same WebKit engine as Safari, with zero telemetry and built-in ad and tracker blocking. It can install Safari, Chrome and Firefox extensions.

Our take: The closest thing to Safari with extra power: similar engine and battery behavior, plus access to Chrome and Firefox extensions. Extension support is not perfect, so test the ones you rely on.

## 5. Zen Browser

Firefox-based browser with workspaces and split view

- Price: Free
- Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, MPL-2.0 (https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop)
- Website: https://zen-browser.app/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/browsers/#zen-browser

A free, open-source browser built on Firefox, with workspaces for grouping tabs by project, a compact mode that hides the toolbar, Glance previews and split view.

Our take: A good home for former Arc users who would rather be on Firefox's engine than Chromium. It is still labeled beta and is maintained by a small community team.

## 6. Vivaldi

Highly customizable browser with mail, calendar and feeds built in

- Price: Free
- Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: No
- Developer: Vivaldi Technologies
- Website: https://vivaldi.com/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/browsers/#vivaldi

A Chromium-based browser with tab stacks, tab tiling, workspaces and a customizable interface. It includes a built-in ad blocker, mail client, calendar, feed reader and notes.

Our take: For power users who want to tweak every part of the interface and like having mail and feeds in the browser. The number of options can be overwhelming, and the interface layer is not open source.