Most app genres have what's become almost a default option that is Microsoft Word for word processing, Adobe Photoshop for high-end image editing, and so on.
When apps are preinstalled, their position is even more secure, as with Apple's web browser, Safari. It's on every Mac, it's pretty smart, and so why should you consider using anything else?
This group test investigates that. We examine five of Safari's fiercest rivals, from cross-platform big-hitters Firefox and Opera to Mac-only efforts Camino, iCab and OmniWeb. Gone are the days when website compatibility was a major factor in considering which browser to use.
Today, it's all about speed and features. Every browser is aiming to become the fastest and most responsive as online sites and applications become increasingly complex and demanding under the hood; and each one is playing its own little game of one-upmanship, offering new features to entice users to ditch a rival.
Our main concern in this group test is to discover which application is the most robust, usable web browser for general surfing, with features that make your online life easier, rather than baffling with complexity. We'll look at ease of use, accessing content, bookmarking and Mac integration.
Also, all tests will be done with the browser in its default setup – many browsers can be improved via plugins, but we're interested in how strong the foundation is.
Your comments (7) Click to add a new comment
d0ppelganger
April 7th 2010
7. I think it's funny that all over this page are adverts for Chrome for Mac and yet it wasnt included in the review. Granted it's a beta, however even in beta it is faster than most. I have since moved back to FF from chrome as it was starting to feel a betaish. Also why arent extensions/add-ons considered. I understand you are looking at the base browser, however the extensions/add-ons for many are pivotal. It would have been interesting if that had been considered, where even safari can have functionality with Glims. Seriously Safari??
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healeydave
January 21st 2010
6. The problem I have with Safari & Chrome is being an eBay user, you can't list items properly.
The advanced editing features and html editing when creating an auction doesn't work in either of these browsers, never has.
I would use Safari and possibly Chrome otherwise, but for now, Firefox is the only browser that works properly and hence the only choice!
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trueadm
January 20th 2010
5. I'm also disappointed with this review - I love Safari but really; Chrome is leaps ahead in terms of speed and stability. Infact, it's now my default browser; god knows why Craig Grannell forgot to include it?!
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sp1te
January 20th 2010
4. CHROME?
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vollans
January 20th 2010
3. Right... so in the two hours since this was article was posted here Camino has gone straight up to 2.0.1
Just how old is this review really?
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mobius
January 20th 2010
2. Shouldn't the EU be taking Apple to court over it's inclusion of Safari?
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wbuchan
January 20th 2010
1. Wow! You didn't include Chrome? It kicks Safari's butt and is in no way a portalike.
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