Have you ever felt frustrated that Safari opens automatically every time you click a link? Or wondered if there‘s a better browser out there for your browsing needs? You‘re not locked into Apple‘s pre-installed default browser on your Mac. Take control of your web experience by choosing and personalizing your go-to browser app.
I‘ll walk you through important considerations in picking your daily browser. Then dive into customization steps to make surfing the web smoother. Let‘s start by looking at what makes each popular browser option stand out.
Comparing the Top Contenders to Safari
Before changing your default app, it’s key to understand what sets each browser apart. They each have unique strengths depending on your priorities like speed, privacy, compatibility with sites, or customization options. Here’s how the top options stack up to Safari:
| Feature | Safari | Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox | Microsoft Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Usage Share Worldwide*** | 18% market share desktop browsers | 65% market share across all platforms | 7.2% market share desktop browsers | 4.5% market share desktop browsers |
| Speed Performance | Fast page loading but lacks some speed optimization features | Very fast with advanced speed/bandwidth saving options | Middle speed but uses less computer memory | Fast page loads but lower tab experience |
| Security & Privacy | Better recently but still trailing alternatives | Extensions required to boost privacy protections | Leading privacy focused open-source browser | Improving security but issues persist |
| Site Compatibility | As Mac‘s native browser, works seamlessly | Very high compatibility across sites | Lacks support on some sites but improving | Notably lower compatibility than top browsers |
| Customization | Limited customization features without extensions | Highly customizable with many extensions available | Very flexible customization with 1000s of add-ons | Moderate customization via extensions |
With knowledge of what‘s under the hood, let‘s see why changing your personalized default makes sense for your needs…
Why Pick an Alternative Browser as Your Default?
Here are four compelling reasons to break up with Safari as your daily driver:
1. Prioritize Speed, Security, or Privacy Differently
Safari does well in certain areas but falls behind alternative browsers when it comes to page loading speeds, security protections, and privacy options. If one of those factors matters most to your browsing, choosing a specialized browser aligns better to get your ideal experience.
For example, tests show Firefox beats Safari in privacy while Chrome leads on speed metrics. Setting your preferred app as default means you get those gains automatically whenever surfing the web.
2. Boost Compatibility With More Sites
Ever run into a site that just doesn‘t work right or at all on Safari? Frustrating isn‘t it? Compatibility issues stem from lack of support for newer website coding standards or technologies.
Chrome and Firefox fare better at handling compatibility. For Edge, however, lack of compatibility poses problems still on many sites. Checking if your go-to sites function properly should directly inform your browser pick.
3. Take Customization to the Next Level
Out-of-the-box Safari offers minimal customization so your options to personalize feel limited. Other browsers allow deeper changes to menus, privacy settings, appearance/themes, and more.
Unlock next level customization by utilizing the thousands of extensions available. Want bookmark syncing across devices or saved passwords? There‘s probably an extension to make that happen!
4. Experience Better Tab Organization
If you regularly have dozens of tabs running, organization tools can save your sanity. Safari has basic tab features. But browsers like Edge excel in unique tab grouping, color coding, tab previews, and customization.
Regain order over those endless tabs with a browser aligning to your tab hoarding tendencies!
Now that you know why to take control of your default browser, let‘s get into how to make it happen…
Step-By-Step Instructions to Change Default Browser
Ready to break up with Safari as your everyday default browser? Let me walk you through a simple process to switch it up:
✅ Step 1 – Open System Preferences
Click the Apple menu icon in the top left corner of your screen then select System Preferences.
Tip: You can also search for System Preferences directly using Spotlight Search
✅ Step 2 – Select General Settings
In the System Preferences window, choose the General icon.
This opens general Mac system settings.
✅ Step 3 – Change Default Browser
Under the Default web browser heading, click the dropdown menu to view browser options.
Select your preferred browser app to make the customized choice.
And that‘s all there is to it! Quick and painless. Now links will open automatically in your newly crowned default browser going forward.
Become a Power User With Multiple Browsers Installed
I recommend keeping at least two browsers downloaded onto your system for maximum flexibility:
- Browser App 1 = Everyday default browser
- Browser App 2 = Backup alternative if you face issues with Browser 1
Relying on just one browser is risky if problems arise. We all have horror stories of the frustrations when a browser crashes before an assignment due date or important online purchase.
Install a secondary browser to use in a crisis scenario. Plus comparing multiple browsers helps you better understand the pros/cons of each from firsthand experience.
Closing Thoughts on Controlling Your Web Experience
At the end of the day, your personalized default browser filters how you access and interact with everything online. Take time to evaluate priorities around security, speed, functionality and make an empowered choice.
While Safari enjoys its privileges as the pre-loaded Mac default, it may not fully satisfy your needs. Now that you know how to dethrone it, you can align better with a browser matching your style.
Set your new crowned browser ruler through System Preferences in just a few clicks. Then customize away for smoother sailing as you surf the web!
Let me know if you have any other browser-related topics you would be interested in learning about!
