I know Safari is often considered the fastest browser on macOS, but I personally dislike it and want to know which browser comes in second in terms of performance. I’m using a base model 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro—does that influence the browser speed? I’m curious to hear from people with experience. Thanks!
I’ve spent a good chunk of time working across browsers on my M1 MacBook Pro, and in 2023, Google Chrome stands out as the second fastest browser on macOS, just behind Safari. Safari’s speed advantage comes from its deep macOS integration, but Chrome isn’t far behind, especially with its optimized Apple Silicon support.
Chrome runs incredibly smooth on M1 chips and handles extensions, PWAs, and modern web tech better than most. Yes, it’s still a bit of a resource hog, but with the M1’s efficiency, it feels far less bloated than before. That said, it can still drain your battery a bit faster—so if that’s your priority, you might want to consider other options. But in terms of raw performance and compatibility, Chrome is a top-tier pick.
Totally agree with @Ambikayache on Chrome, especially for its compatibility. But from my side—after working extensively with browsers both for testing and personal use—I’d say Firefox deserves more credit in this discussion. It’s made serious improvements on macOS and could arguably be the second fastest browser for many users, especially on M1-based Macs.
What sets Firefox apart is its efficiency and privacy focus. It runs smoothly on Apple Silicon and doesn’t chew through battery like Chrome often does. The customizability is also a big win—you can tailor it just the way you want. While it may not edge out Chrome in speed tests, its overall responsiveness, especially for everyday tasks, makes it a strong, well-rounded alternative.
Jumping in here after trying out all three for daily work and development—Edge really surprised me. If we’re talking 2023, Microsoft Edge genuinely competes as the second fastest browser on macOS, and sometimes even feels faster than Chrome in real use.
Built on Chromium like Chrome, but with Microsoft’s tweaks, Edge is snappier and more battery-friendly. On my M1 MacBook, it’s handled everything from web apps to streaming with impressive smoothness. Its performance mode and smart resource management give it a real edge (pun intended) if you’re looking to squeeze out more battery life without losing speed. Plus, its developer tools are pretty underrated—very handy if you’re into front-end work.