While there are many browsers available for you to choose from, not all of them provide a good browsing experience.
Heavyweight options may have a lot of features and functions but can end up slowing down your Mac and even causing it to overheat or drain the battery much faster.
Lightweight browsers on the other hand do not take up much space on your device, use up a fraction of the system’s resources, and let you enjoy longer battery life. They even work smoothly on old Mac devices.
The good news is that I have sifted through the various options available and compiled a list of the best lightweight browsers for Mac.
Read on.
Also Read: Best Browsers For Low CPU Usage
Quick Summary
- Google Chrome – Supports hundreds of extensions and plugins
- Safari – Most compatible with Mac devices
- Brave – Best suited for privacy-focused browsing
- Mozilla Firefox – A free and open-source browser for Mac
- Microsoft Edge – Includes AI features for a better experience
- Opera – Ideal for gaming and audio-visual entertainment
- Avast Secure Browser – Safe and secure option to deal with malware
- Vivaldi – Offers ample browsing flexibility
- Maxthon – Good option for note-taking while browsing
- Puffin Secure Browser – Provides protection against cyberattacks
Best Lightweight Browsers for Mac
1. Google Chrome
Google Chrome is arguably the most popular browser today. It runs on the Chromium engine and takes up little space on the device you install it on.
Another thing to note is that it loads fast without necessarily hogging the system’s resources. It incorporates an innovative address bar that has predictive capabilities so you do not have to type out everything.
The address bar also allows you to carry out mathematical calculations without launching the calculator app. The browser can easily generate and store strong passwords on your behalf.
Additionally, it can scan all your passwords and provide warnings whenever a password falls short of acceptable standards. The browser allows you to create profiles which makes it easier for you to access your accounts from any device.
Chrome has a range of colorful themes so you’ll have the freedom to switch from one mood to another. You can even activate its Dark Mode to enhance visibility in poorly lit conditions.
Another interesting thing about this browser is that it makes it easy for you to stay organized. For instance, you are free to group and pin your tabs for easy access.
Finally, you can enhance functionality through the hundreds of plugins and extensions available.
Also Read: Best Browsers For Google TV
2. Safari
Safari is an excellent browser that comes built into your Mac device so you won’t have to worry about installing it. It has a minimalist interface making it easy for you to learn the ropes quickly.
It is also one of the most customizable options you can find. It allows you to personalize the experience by setting a custom image in the background.
You also get to pick the icons you wish to display on the home page. For instance, you can add Reading Lists, Favorites, iCloud Tabs, and Siri Suggestions.
The browser makes it possible for you to categorize tabs so that you can switch from one interest to another seamlessly. Safari can be a good pick for anyone who wants to enhance overall productivity.
It allows you to activate the Notes feature which lets you write down important points without having to click away from the page. You can also get detailed information regarding text, quotes, or even videos by simply pointing the cursor to a particular spot.
Unlike other browsers that require you to add extensions or plugins for privacy, Safari has done all the work on your behalf. Intelligent Tracking Prevention technology and data encryption are among some of the strategies used to keep you safe.
Safari is one of the best browsers for anyone who wishes to enjoy immersive entertainment since it supports state-of-the-art visuals including 4K HDR video quality.
Check Out: Brave vs Safari
3. Brave
Brave is another lightweight browser you can go for when using macOS.
Brave is another lightweight alternative you can turn to especially when you want to enjoy exceptional privacy. For starters, the browser blocks ads automatically so you won’t have to put up with annoying pop-ups.
It also includes built-in anti-tracking technology meaning that no third-party entity can use your browsing information to create a unique profile.
The next thing to keep in mind is that the browser runs on the Chromium engine which is why it tends to have fast loading speeds. With this browser, you can easily sync data on different devices so that you never miss a beat when it comes to your browsing sessions.
You get to import settings and bookmarks with a few clicks of the button. You’ll be pleased to know that Brave is a free, open-source option so you can acquire the source code and personalize it if you have the know-how.
Another thing that distinguishes Brave from other browsers is that it stops cookie dialog prompts automatically. This means you won’t have to keep agreeing or disagreeing with cookie prompts whenever you visit a new website.
Explore: Opera GX vs Brave
4. Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox takes up a little space on your Mac device and does not require too many system resources to function properly. It has a user-friendly interface making it one of the easiest to navigate.
Like most options on this list, it is relatively easy to customize. You can add icons to your favorite websites on the homepage so that you click on them as quickly as when you launch.
It stops third-party tracking cookies meaning you will not have to worry about constantly receiving targeted marketing messages. The browser makes it possible for you to switch to private browsing mode.
In private mode, your browsing history is not saved which further enhances your safety. The browser incorporates the picture-in-picture feature allowing you to keep enjoying your favorite videos while working on other tasks.
In case you have multiple devices, you can easily synchronize your data with a few clicks of a button. Mozilla Firefox supports many extensions and plugins that can help enhance its overall functionality.
Also Read: Vivaldi vs Firefox
5. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge makes it to this list of the best lightweight browsers for Mac thanks to its fast loading speeds and helpful features. It includes a clean interface with sections that provide important information such as the weather and trending news.
You can choose to pin your favorite tabs on the homepage for easy access. You can also add things like Collections and switch it to Kids Mode especially if you want children to use it safely.
If you are an ardent reader, you can activate the Reader function which strips the page of unnecessary clutter and gives you a focused view of the content.
Like other browsers on this list, Microsoft Edge lets you sync your passwords, settings, and bookmarks with a few clicks of the mouse.
Microsoft Edge incorporates AI features that make it easier for you to get information regarding product prices, trending movies, latest songs, and breaking news, among others.
Another outstanding thing about the browser is that it updates regularly and this helps in fighting against malware and phishing attacks. In case you want to improve its functionality, you can always add plugins and extensions depending on what you need.
Also Read: Brave vs Edge
6. Opera
Opera is another outstanding web browser you can install on your Mac. One of its main selling points is that it has a free built-in VPN.
That means you can use the VPN to mask your location and even gain access to content that would otherwise be unavailable in your region. It also includes a built-in ad-blocker so you don’t have to deal with those annoying adverts.
The browser also incorporates a Tracking Blocker so no one can have access to any of your browsing data. With this browser, you get to organize your tabs by grouping them or pinning your favorite websites to the homepage.
This browser is designed to enhance entertainment, so it supports 4K quality videos and works smoothly with most online games. It also has a Save Web Content option making it possible for you to store important content with a simple click.
The browser includes sidebar chat windows making it easy for you to hold conversations with your friends or workmates without constantly clicking away from one app to another.
While it supports a variety of extensions and plugins, you’ll not need to add a lot. That is because it is one of the few browsers that has an array of native features that make for a unique browsing experience.
Check Out: Opera GX Review
7. Avast Secure Browser
Whether you are using a new or old Mac device, you’ll be pleased by the speed with which Avast Secure Browser works. Unlike the options detailed above, it is a fairly new entrant into the market but has so far managed to stand out.
It places a lot of emphasis on online safety which is why it automatically forces websites to encrypt data to and from your device. With this security feature, it is almost impossible for malicious people to access your information.
The browser also blocks any downloads that the system suspects to be infected or harmful to your device. Because it masks your online activities, it makes it impossible for third-party entities to compile data regarding your browsing sessions.
Once you create a profile on the browser, you can easily use it to sync data on different devices. That means you can access all your browsing history, passwords, and settings on all the devices you connect to.
Another unique thing about this browser is that it comes with designated modes for banking and shopping purposes. It is, therefore, one of the best lightweight browsers for Mac users who wish to access such portals frequently.
Also Read: Which Browser Uses Less RAM?
8. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a freeware browser that works on different platforms including macOS. It has a built-in email client to quickly send and receive messages directly without having to sign up on other platforms.
One of the things that make it stand out is that it is extremely customizable.
You can add your favorite websites to the homepage for easy access, stack different tabs to improve productivity when multitasking, and even use the Notes feature to jot down points without needing to click away from the page.
You can also change the background theme to a colorful image or switch to Dark Mode to improve visibility under poor lighting. It has built-in tracking prevention technology to ensure no one can access your data.
There is also a built-in ad blocker to ensure you do not have to worry about unnecessary pop-ups. Vivaldi is compatible with all the extensions available for Chrome so you can also improve its functionality by integrating a few.
Check Out: Vivaldi vs Chrome
9. Maxthon
Maxthon is an excellent lightweight browser that can work on old and new Mac devices. It boasts a friendly interface that makes it easy for new users to learn how everything works easily.
It has a predictive search bar so all you have to do is type in a few letters and let it complete the word or sentence for you. It is another good choice for anyone who would like to surf the web while compiling notes.
Not only that, but its Maxnote feature allows you to synchronize your notes to all your devices to access them at any time. Maxnote lets you create personalized folders so you can organize information accordingly.
Its Passkeeper function lets you capture all your passwords and autofill them whenever you use your personal device. It can even capture your banking details if you permit it to.
Its Resource Sniffer feature lets you profile important information on any web page including web URLs, videos, and image origins among other things.
Another impressive thing about it is that it allows you to view two web pages at the same time thanks to the Split Screen feature.
Also Read: Best Android Browsers For Streaming Videos
10. Puffin Secure Browser
Instead of focusing on providing a lot of features and functionality, the Puffin Secure Browser is built to ensure the utmost security for its users. It has a Zero Trust design which means that your browser works in an isolated environment.
That means anyone planning to hack your device and steal information cannot succeed because they will only go in circles in an isolated environment. It has an intuitive design which is why you will often feel some feedback when clicking on different sections.
Another thing it does well is to protect your device against malware that may otherwise destabilize the system. The Puffin Secure Browser is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to guard against cybersecurity-related attacks.
Wrapping Up
When looking for a lightweight browser for your Mac, consider your specific needs. For instance, Google Chrome and Safari are quite fast when it comes to loading speeds.
They also offer an array of features and extensions to enhance functionality. Mozilla Firefox and Brave stand shoulders above the rest when it comes to privacy.
Browsers such as Vivaldi and Opera are pretty customizable and make it easy for those who want to enjoy online gaming and visual entertainment.
