Firefox For Mac Review

At a glance

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Our Verdict

When I reviewed Mozilla’s Firefox last summer, it had gained more in version numbers than in notable features. With version 23, the open-source browser amasses a few long-awaited additions that bring it up to par with other browsers. Unfortunately, it still performs on the low to mediocre end of its peer group, and many of its features tend to crowd out and overlap one another.

Would you like a kitchen sink with that?

Over the years, Mozilla has added smart, well-executed features to Firefox. But it has hesitated to subtract older ones, which means the new stuff butts up against previous elements in an increasingly cluttered interface.

Want to search the Web? Use the universal search/URL bar—or the dedicated search box immediately next to it. Want to browse your bookmarks? Use the nifty slide-out bookmarks window on the left side of the screen. Or the pop-out bookmarks menu on the right side of the screen. Or the bookmarks bar running along the top of the window. Or the Bookmarks menu above it…you get the idea.

Happily, the major additions between last year’s version 14 and this year’s version 23 are more overdue than redundant. At last, the browser can display PDF files inline without plug-ins; previous versions still needed to open them in an external app.

And instead of appearing in an annoying separate window, the download function borrows Safari’s approach, providing a pop-down window that lists any files currently transferring. In one of Firefox’s typically cool, off-kilter touches, small but readable numbers in the download button count down the seconds until the file fully arrives.

Firefox’s developer tools remain the niftiest in browserdom, offering the same code-scrutinizing capabilities as Safari and Chrome, but in a much sleeker, eye-catching package. I especially like its 3D view; the deeper each element on the page is nested, the more it protrudes toward you.

Better yet, Firefox 23 packs all of this power into a file size approximately 20 percent smaller than that of Firefox 14.

Firefox’s performance: More of a dull smolder

Although the browser never felt particularly sluggish in everyday use, Firefox 23 achieved only low or middling scores in all but one of my standard browser benchmarks. On a 2.9GHz Core i7 MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM, I tested Firefox’s newest version against those of Safari, Opera, and Chrome, along with last year’s Firefox 14. In several key areas, Firefox 23 has barely improved over its predecessor.

In HTML5 vector graphics, Firefox 23 posted a statistically insignificant lead over version 14. More important, however, it was significantly slower than the next closest browser, Opera (which was more than three times as fast as Firefox 23), and top dog Safari (roughly seven times as fast).

The gap between Firefox and its rivals wasn’t quite as pronounced in HTML5 bitmap graphics, but that’s not saying much. Though it scored just a hair faster than version 14, it was still only about half as fast as any other browser tested.

In HTML5 text rendering, Firefox 23 just barely outscored Opera, but ranked behind Safari and Chrome. Version 23 turned in a notably slower score here than version 14 did, too.

Firefox 23 did claim a surprise victory in the SunSpider JavaScript benchmark, though, running about 4 percent faster than second-place Chrome and Firefox 14, and a little more than 13 percent faster than last-place Safari.

It didn’t do as well in Google’s Octane JavaScript test, beating Safari by a comfortable margin but still placing a relatively distant third overall. Firefox 23 did, however, score nearly twice as well on this test as Firefox 14.

Those results repeated themselves when I tested Firefox 23’s HTML5 standards compliance. The browser thumped Safari, but lost out to Opera and Chrome. That said, it bested Firefox 14 by more than 60 points on the test’s 500-point scale.

Benchmarks: Firefox 23

Best results in bold. Reference browsers are in italics. HTML5 Vector, Bitmap, and Text test results are in frames per second; higher is better. The Octane JavaScript test results are scores; higher is better. The SunSpider JavaScript results are in milliseconds; shorter times are better. The Acid3 result is a score out of 100. The HTML5 Compliance result is a score out of 500.

Bottom line

I can’t ignore Firefox 23’s largely lackluster performance, or its crowded and increasingly clunky interface. But Mozilla and its developers show impressive attention to detail in each individual feature, and for all their excesses, it’s clear that they’re thinking hard about how people might use their browser. That’s more than I can say for Chrome, and it gives Firefox more personality (for good or ill) than the latest version of Opera.

It doesn’t matter if you have a Windows or macOS, the choice of a browser for an operating system is very crucial and should always be a wise decision. After all, you spend quite a significant part of your day surfing the web, isn’t it? Here we are going to talk about some of the best web browsers for Mac that helps in speeding up the delivery of browsed information.

If you ever had a notion that you probably don’t have as many options as you would have if you were a Windows user, the following options for browsers for macOS will make you think twice.

Best Browsers For macOS in 2021

When choosing the best internet browser for MacBook Pro, there are several aspects that you should consider. Apart from an easy to use interface, you should find its security aspects, features pertaining to readability, the speed at which it loads pages, especially when you are multitasking and several other inbuilt features.

We shall try and cover several such features and here are some of the best Mac internet browsers –

1. Brave

Talking of the powerful browsers for Mac and not mentioning Brave browser would be unjustified. It rises like a champion on several aspects like privacy, security and performance. Plus, it doesn’t hold back when it comes to delivering impeccable features.

• What makes it more promising is its interface, which is extremely easy to understand and even easier to navigate.
• There are not many browsers that can comprehensively show you what is being blocked on your browser. Brave has a built-in ad blocker, script blocking and automatic upgrades to HTTPS, which are easily accessible from the “shields” menu.
• Another great feature that Brave sports is that it lets users block content from social media. For instance, users can block Facebook login buttons or embedded posts from LinkedIn or Twitter. It even eliminates the need of having a VPN as well, how cool is that?

Having mentioned the prominent features, some of the minor features include a distil page which removes any extra elements from a web page and makes it easy to read. With the iOS version, you also get a web page to PDF converter as well. Now you definitely want to call Brave as the top browser for Mac.

2. The Native: Safari

The native browser for Macbook, Safari is one of the finest browsers and is combined with updated features like Dark mode, Siri suggestions, easy switching in between tabs and intelligent security. Safari itself completes a user’s browsing experience with additionals like:

• Privacy and security are well implemented with suggestions on weak passwords
• Intelligent tracking protection from the prying eyes of hackers
• When streaming videos online, less battery is consumed
• Settings could be customized as per website

Ever since 2004, it has been a default browser for Apple’s devices for various good reasons. To begin with, it works on the Nitro JavaScript engine, which is almost eight times faster than the Internet Explorer.

It comes with built-in functionality for sending email and accessing social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. For readers, Safari is a treat since it comes with a Safari reader that allows distraction-free reading. Apart from all this, Safari comes loaded with extensions that facilitate both security and comforts. For instance, you get Save to Pocket, 1 Password and DuckDuckGo.

And, not to forget it is indeed a fast performer that takes care of the multitasking needs of a modern user which is why it is counted amongst the fastest browsers for Mac.

3. Chrome

Chrome from Google is a popular browser not just for Windows users, but it is undoubtedly one of the best browsers for Mac as well. And why won’t it be? It comes packed with several features because of which it stays ahead of the competition by quite a margin. To begin with,

• When you install Chrome for MacBook, you get a wide array of extensions and plugins.
• macOS Chrome is adept at handling multiple tabs without the slightest hitch. Though you might be apprehensive that it may devour your RAM but rest assured, it won’t let you feel that quite unlike many other browsers. Chrome for MacBook loads pages fast, and it is thereby one of the fastest browsers for Mac. Also, you can easily zoom in if you find text pieces small.
• Last but not least, since Chrome comes from the Google family, it makes it easy to access Calendar, Docs, Drive, Photos, etc. and hence known as an amazing and fastest browser for Macbook.

4. Firefox

Despite being one of the oldest browsers on the block, it is still one of the best internet browsers for Mac because it has quite recently gone through several updates. These updates have focused on increasing its reliability amongst the users and the speed putting it head to head with all the other browsers.

• All these updates have also significantly improved the battery life of Mac laptops. Now, as far as security is concerned, Firefox has leveled up its game against other browsers by providing an inbuilt tracker blocking. That’s not the only thing; its password syncing is dependent on locally-encrypted files.
• Besides all the above-mentioned features when you bring Firefox for MacBook aboard, you get tons of extensions, ability to sync login and bookmarks and dark mode feature, which makes it an enticing option as a browser. Isn’t that cool?

Also Read : Best Mac Apps 2021- That Every Apple Newbie Should Install

5. Maxthon

While Maxthon is a lesser-known browser if pitted against other browsers in its class but it is genuinely one of the fastest and lightweight browsers for Mac. Despite being light in size, it doesn’t compromise on performance and delivers exceptional and fast browsing experience.

• Talking of the features, it offers a cloud backup which is further powered by advanced encryption which helps you never lose your data. It supports seamless synchronization between various kinds of operating systems, which makes it easy to share files.
• What’s even more fantastic is the fact that you can download videos from YouTube and Facebook right from the browser itself. All you have to do is put your cursor on the video, and a download sign will appear.
• In addition to the above features, there is a night mode, a smart reader mode and an inbuilt screen capture which makes it one of the best internet browsers for Mac.

6. Microsoft Edge

Many might misconstrue, Microsoft Edge as a revamped internet explorer. Which can’t be wholly negated, but when it comes to functionality, Edge has come a very long way. Ask many mac users, and they won’t shy away from saying that Edge is one of the best internet browsers for Mac.

• Edge uses the same engine that power’s Google Chrome. This implies that you will find the same features as that of Chrome; for instance, you will be able to use the same number of extensions. Additionally you will also be able to block trackers.
• On some tests, it was also found that Edge is indeed a fast performer outweighing Firefox at some instances. What’s even better it completely respects your data privacy and keeps things clear and upfront, thanks to its privacy options.

Also Read:7 Best App Uninstaller For Mac to Remove Unwanted Apps

7. Seamonkey

Seamonkey is yet another lightweight browser for Mac.

• It comes packed with several features like IRC chat, email client, newsgroup and an integrated HTML editor. If you are accustomed to Firefox’s, you will get nearly the same browsing experience with Seamonkey.
• Though it is fundamental to look at after using it, you would come down to a conclusion that it is one of the best browsers for Mac. The browser is compatible with most third-party browser extensions and offers a great browsing experience in a corporate setting.
• If you are a user who gives priority to consistency and familiarity in the user interface and is not bothered with fewer resources, Seamonkey could be the best choice for you.

8. Yandex

While carrying the similar look as Microsoft Edge, Yandex is making its way in the list of best and fastest browsers for Macbook nowadays. This browser gives an opportunity to view the browser interface in different shapes and colors.

• Other than this, Yandex is taking care of security features carefully and encrypts your passwords and payment details using an in-built password manager.
• Settings are grouped in one place so that you don’t need to hassle into the sections.
• One single click and you can save multiple interesting things like video, images, articles, etc. on the internet in the Yandex collection.
• The reason why Yandex is called the fastest browser on macOS is because of the availability of Turbo mode. As soon as the speed drops due to any reason, Turbo mode is enabled on its own.

9. Vivaldi

Vivaldi is yet another best web browser on Mac which is famous for its security features like protection from hackers, blocks unwanted ads that may become a security threat tomorrow and gives you control of your browsing experience with its in-built features.

• When you get an awesome tab management which can be tiled and stacked well, you certainly don’t wish to switch to other browsers.

This is a good browser for Mac where you can access favorite chat apps, social media feeds and news sites with one single click. You can even rearrange the icons with the drag and drop option.

Read Also :CleanMyMac X Review: Pros, Cons & All You Want To Know

10. Camino

Camino is differently special for mac and works as an open source browser. Loaded with tabbed browsing features like scrollable tab bar and drag and drop tabs for rearranging.

• Camino is capable of blocking all the annoying ads, pop-ups and Flash animations. You can make an exception for a few websites in between and enjoy blocking others.
• Phishing and malware protection comes in-built with the Camino browser and that’s why it is considered as the safest and fastest browser for macOS.

What Is Browser Cache In mac? How Can You Get Rid Of It?

Browser cache is a temporary storage area which stores all the recently downloaded web pages. It plays a vital role as you can quickly go back to a particular web page without needing to download it from the web again.

Now, you may wonder, if it is so important, why would anybody need to get rid of it? That’s because there are times when this browsing cache can cause more harm as if it is compromised and misused, your security can be jeopardised. For instance, hackers can access your location from the website you have visited or access any files you have used when accessing an online application. That’s why it is recommended that you clean the browser cache from time to time.

One of the best and the easiest ways to get rid of browser cache is to use a tool such as TuneupMyMac that scans all the browsers you have installed on your Mac and cleans any browser cache and internet history that can be misused.

Which One’s Your Favorite?

Firefox For Mac 10.6.8

Now since you know that in the race of best browser for Mac, there are several contenders to choose from, do let us know which one is your absolute favorite. If you are already using a browser for Mac and just adore it over every other browser, do share your experience with us.

FAQs: Fastest Browsers For macOS

1. What is the best browser to use with a Mac?

The native browser app of Mac, Safari is one of the best browsers to use with Mac. Apart from this, Chrome, Firefox and Opera are other best options for browser on Mac.

2. Is Chrome faster than Safari on Mac?

Let’s just say, Safari is faster than Chrome on Mac. Although Chrome is fast but it consumes more battery and doesn’t possess as many developer tools as Safari.

3. What is the best browser for Mac 2020?

Safari is undoubtedly the best browser for Mac. If you wish to consider other browsers, Chrome, Opera and Firefox are some of the best browsers.

4. Is Firefox or Chrome better for Mac?

Firefox For Mac Reviews

Once considered, Chrome is considered better for Mac in terms of speed, developer tools, etc. and scores a lot better than Firefox.

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