Safari and Google Chrome are two of the most popular browsers today. But if you're using macOS, does one browser outweigh the other in terms of safety? Which of these two world-renowned browsers is more secure for macOS?

Google Chrome vs. Safari: Background

Safari and Google Chrome were developed and launched by two tech giants: Apple Inc. and Google, respectively. Both browsers were launched in the 2000s, though Safari came five years before Chrome, in 2003. Apple's incredibly popular smartphones, tablets, and laptops have popularized the use of Safari, which is a favorite for many who own iOS-based devices.

Google, on the other hand, was already a widely used search engine 10 years before the launch of the Chrome browser. So Chrome gained a lot of notoriety from its recognizable name.

Today, Safari and Google Chrome have billions of users around the world, but there is an evident gap in the popularity of the two. While Safari has around a billion users worldwide (as reported by Apple Insider), Chrome has over 2.65 billion (according to BackLinko). The latter certainly takes the cake in terms of worldwide usage, but this doesn't necessarily mean it's a better fit for macOS devices.

Google Chrome vs. Safari: Accessibility

While Google Chrome is a cross-platform browser that can be used on an array of operating systems, Safari is designed solely for Apple devices, which run on iOS and macOS. You can download and use Chrome on Linux-, Android-, Windows-, and macOS-based devices, making it far more accessible to users.

But there is a glaring flaw associated with cross-platform: it can be less secure. Cross-platform apps tend to be more exposed to security vulnerabilities than native apps, as the latter uses native security features designed specifically for a certain operating system.

On top of this, cross-platform apps can also be more limited in terms of features, as they cannot offer specialized options for a specific OS. You may find this to be a bit of an inconvenience if you use Chrome on macOS over Safari. But we'll discuss macOS suitability in more detail a little later.

Google Chrome vs. Safari: Security Features

When it comes to security, it's crucial that we take a look at the features offered by Chrome and Safari that can keep you safe.

What Security Features Does Safari Have?

Let's start with Safari.

Apple is known for offering users high-quality security measures, and Safari is no exception to this rule. Safari offers some great security features, starting with its Intelligent Tracking Prevention. Introduced in 2017, this feature blocks cross-site tracking via machine learning without affecting the way in which the sites you visit operate.

Safari also offers fingerprinting protection, which prevents third parties from developing a profile based on your activity. What's more, Safari's sandboxing feature stops third-party apps from making any unauthorized changes on your device.

Additionally, Safari's Incognito Mode allows users to surf the web without having their activity saved. In other words, you can browse online without having your search history saved if you activate this feature. This is great for privacy, though it's worth noting that this is not the same as a VPN.

In fact, Safari does not offer any kind of built-in VPN, which may be a deal-breaker 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 out there that offer a built-in VPN for 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 provides users with advanced phishing and malware protection. This keeps you safe against suspicious attachments, links, and external images. You'll also be protected against spoofing with this feature, and be warned of unauthenticated email addresses so that you know when you may be dealing with a suspicious sender.

You can also make use of Chrome's HTTPS First Mode, which warns you if a given HTTPS address is suspicious or known to be dangerous. This feature can be invaluable in protecting you from malicious sites designed to steal your data.

Google Chrome vs. Safari: macOS Suitability

Because Safari is specifically designed for macOS and iOS devices, one would assume that it's better suited to macOS than Google Chrome. And, if this is what you've guessed, you'd be right! Safari is a better fit for macOS overall for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Safari can operate more efficiently on macOS than Chrome, meaning it doesn't drain your device's battery as quickly. This is particularly important if you're using your device on the go without access to a charging point.

What's more, if you're using a macOS version that's earlier than El Capitan, you won't even be able to download Google Chrome, whereas Safari is available for all versions.

As we already know, Safari is tailored to macOS. But Google Chrome is also somewhat tailored to ChromeOS, an operating system launched in 2011 used by Chromebook laptops. So, if you're using a Mac or MacBook, which are both powered by macOS, you ideally 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, meaning they're built on code that may contain flaws. These flaws can give way to security vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals are always eager to exploit. But are these two browsers particularly prone to security issues?

Let's begin with Google Chrome. This browser has fallen victim to various attacks and exploits over the years, often due to security vulnerabilities. However, Google's security team is often quick to patch such vulnerabilities once they're discovered and keeps users updated on attacks and possible risks.

Safari, on the other hand, has never been hacked as a whole. This obviously bodes well for this browser's security integrity, but it's worth noting that security vulnerabilities are still a problem for Apple's software, as is the case with many software providers. Safari works to patch its vulnerabilities quickly, but they do still occur. Cybercriminals have also exploited Safari-based vulnerabilities in the past, so the risk of attacks evidently exists on both browsers.

Google Chrome vs. Safari: The Verdict

Overall, Safari is likely the better fit for macOS. This browser offers a range of useful security features and a number of perks over Chrome due to its streamlined suitability for macOS devices.

But if you're not a fan of Safari, you can still rely on Chrome on your macOS devices for useful features and adequate protection. Just make sure you activate all the relevant security options on both browsers to keep yourself as safe as possible.

Chrome and Safari Are Great Browsers, but One Comes Out on Top

If you're using a macOS device, you're likely better off using Safari, which is molded to fit your specific operating system. While Google Chrome is by no means a shoddy browser, it is not designed for Apple devices alone, and therefore misses out on certain specifications.