Anonymous Browser Mac
Top 7 Most Private and Secure Browsers for Mac – MacUpdate
Switching web browser is often overlooked by Mac users as Safari comes pre-loaded.
But in this day and age, where privacy and security are so highly valued, choosing a browser geared towards keeping your personal data safe and secure is as important as having antivirus software installed.
So, which is the most private browser for Mac? The most secure? Most customizable?
Let’s find out.
In this article, you’ll learn:
The 7 most secure browsers for Mac, as chosen by MacUpdate community
The key characteristics of a modern web browser
The most common online threats
How to browse safely
The 7 Best Browsers for Mac, as Voted by the MacUpdate Community
Fast, feature-laden and customizable, Vivaldi for Mac is a terrific web browser.
It’s laser-focused on providing a unique user experience, so much so that during the initial setup process, you have the opportunity to decide the theme, layout, tab and address bar placement, and so much more.
But it’s not just a pretty face. It boasts a range of privacy and security measures to keep your data from prying eyes. When you browse in a Private Window, cookies and temporary files aren’t stored by Vivaldi, while the browser’s own privacy policy is as transparent as it gets.
And when you’re syncing browser data between devices, everything is sent using end-to-end encryption for further peace of mind.
Pros:
Can run Chrome extensions
An excellent bookmarks system
Built-in page capture
Cons:
No built-in adblocker
Does not offer automatic translation
Vivaldi is built on the same browser engine as Chrome, meaning it shares a number of the same security concerns. Given that Chrome is so popular, many of the hacks that will work on Chrome can also be applied to Vivaldi
Like Vivaldi, Opera is another popular alternative to Chrome.
It’s also built on Google’s Chromium browser engine and shares a number of key characteristics with Google’s browser. The user experience is very similar, and Opera is just as quick, light, and easy-to-use.
Where Opera differs is the built-in features. It values user experience, privacy and security right out of the box, with its own ad blocker, free VPN, crypto wallet, unit converter, and more.
It prioritises speed and performance while making sure you remain safe as you browse. Opera’s secure browser protects you from fraud and malware and minimises online tracking.
Built-in unlimited VPN service
Built-in “Stash” feature for saving web pages to read later
Fast and reliable, with a sleek design
Not always compatible with older websites
The “baked-in” security features are a great starting point, but not as comprehensive as dedicated, paid-for antivirus software
Chrome is everywhere, so it’s little wonder that it stands alone as the most popular browser on the planet.
At last count, it took 64. 3% of the worldwide browser market share, making it four times as popular as Safari.
And there are a few good reasons why it’s so commonly used. The feature set is robust, with options geared towards productivity, security, and convenience, while its built-in tools help you answer questions faster and more accurately.
It’s also the gold standard when it comes to syncing. Simply log into your Google account and have all of your preferences, bookmarks and data at your fingertips, from Macbook to iPhone to iPad.
Built-in password manager, auto-translator and adblocker
Syncs preferences and bookmarks across a number of devices
Alert to phishing schemes, ransomware, and other malicious software
Larger file size when compared with other browsers
Often slows down when navigating between web pages
Apple’s default browser may not have the popularity of Chrome, or indeed the speed, but that doesn’t mean Safari isn’t worth considering.
If you’re a fully-fledged Apple fan, you’ll appreciate the level of integration with macOS and iCloud, with the ability to sync across all of your devices. And thanks to some Mac-specific optimizations, you’ll also enjoy a far greater battery life when compared to some other, CPU-hungry browsers.
Safari has been built to maintain your privacy, keep you secure, and make sure your browsing habits remain your business and no-one else’s.
Features include: intelligent tracking prevention; fingerprinting defence; protection from harmful sites; and private browsing. There’s even DuckDuckGo (a search engine that does not track its users) built-in for a handy Google alternative.
Securely stores passwords, usernames, and credit card numbers
Optimized for Mac
Guards against malicious code and malware by sandboxing websites
Not nearly as customizable as other browsers
Firefox was, for the longest time, everyone’s go-to second choice web browser. But credit must go to Mozilla for taking such huge steps in recent times to transform Firefox into the quintessential modern browser.
Bursting with features, Firefox covers all the bases, from data synchronisation to ad tracker blocking, password management and balanced memory usage.
It’s also one of the most transparent organisations around, and fiercely protective of its user data, too.
Limited data collection
Customizable user experience – choose from thousands of themes
Uses 1. 77x less memory than Chrome
Difficult to reach the support team, although knowledge base is comprehensive
Brave by name, brave by nature. This web browser has taken the unusual step in blocking ads by default, which makes everything super fast (3x to 6x faster, according to Brave’s head-to-head test with Chrome).
It also makes switching browser a cinch thanks to its import option. During the welcome stage, you can import all of your settings and bookmarks from your old browser, so you can pick up from where you left off.
Secure browsing is prioritized, with phishing and malware consistently blocked, and dodgy plugins disabled from the outset.
And then there’s the cherry on top: There’s absolutely no user tracking; Brave’s servers don’t see or store your browsing data.
Your privacy and security is non-negotiable. HTTPS is everywhere, and ‘no tracking’ comes as
standard.
Faster and less intrusive than other browsers.
Provides an alternative ad network, allowing you to support the content creators and websites
you love.
Built on the Chromium browser engine, exposing it to some of the same security threats as Chrome.
Some MacUpdate users report issues of compatibility with certain websites.
And the Winner Is…
Given that online privacy is such a hot button topic, it’s little surprise that the Tor Browser has come out on top.
This particular browser serves one purpose: to connect users to Tor (short for The Onion Router). Tor is a software and open network designed to make tracking someone’s browsing habits extremely difficult by routing traffic through a number of anonymous servers.
Essentially, it wraps your data in layers of encryption, like the layers of an onion.
Although Tor has a reputation for providing access to the dark web, there are a number of legitimate reasons why you might use it.
Journalists and activists have been known to use Tor to avoid detection while researching stories or spreading their message, while it also allows citizens of countries with repressive regimes to get around strict censorship laws.
Protects against tracking, surveillance and censorship
Secures traffic against insecure wireless networks and ISPs
Option to block scripts and automatically clear cookies
It can be very slow, but that’s the trade-off with bouncing your traffic across various servers to avoid tracking
It’s also not the best option for streaming
So, What Do You Need from a Modern Web Browser?
While speed and performance are important considerations when choosing a web browser for Mac, there are a few others that rank much higher. Namely, compatibility & usability, and security.
Compatibility & Usability
Safari comes pre-installed on your Mac, but you might find that there are certain websites, forms, or services that just don’t work as intended on Apple’s browser.
Sometimes developers test more extensively on competing browsers, and so, for the best experience, you may have to switch.
Likewise, if you are required to use a particular browser in work, and you need to work from home, using the same browser on your personal computer will allow you to sync your work history and bookmarks.
Security
Every time you log onto the internet, the most significant security risk you’ll face is your web browser of choice. After all, it’s the gateway to the web.
Its primary function is to download and execute code from the Internet, and if the necessary security measures are lacking, harmful software could make its way onto your device.
We’ll cover safe browsing techniques later in the article (and look at the safest browser for Mac), but the best thing you can do when browsing online is to be mindful of misleading links and requests to download and install software. More often than not, this will result in malware infection.
And if you’re using a web browser that’s renowned for its web extensions (such as Chrome or Firefox) take extra care when enabling them.
Scrutinize the permissions you’re being asked to grant, and if something doesn’t appear right (like a spellchecker asking for camera access), disable and uninstall the extension.
Privacy vs. Security – What’s the Difference?
Privacy and security are often lumped together when discussing the benefits of web browsers. But while they are related – and do overlap in certain areas – they aren’t the same thing.
So, before we get to our reviews of the best browsers for Mac, let’s quickly clarify the difference:
Privacy refers to your right to control your personal information and determine how it’s used.
Security, meanwhile, refers to how your personal information is protected.
Think of privacy like the shutters on your windows. You can control how much or how little the outside world gets to see of the inside of your home.
And that makes security the lock on your door, preventing the outside world from gaining access to your home.
Common Online Threats
It has never been more important to select the right browser where online security is concerned.
Let’s talk numbers.
64% of small businesses have experienced web-based attacks
92% of malware is delivered by email
Every 39 seconds (on average, 2, 244 times a day) there’s a hacker attack according to a University of Maryland study
Here are some of the most common online threats that you need to know about:
Pharming. Hackers find real websites that have had their security compromised and inject malicious scripts into the code. These scripts are then used to redirect users to a malicious version of the website, where they can unwittingly enter personal information.
Phishing. Fake websites, emails, and text messages created to look like they’re from legitimate companies. They’re used by criminals to steal sensitive personal and financial information and for identity theft. Otherwise known as “spoofing”.
Ransomware. Malware that takes your computer or your files hostage, demanding payment in order to release the restriction. Ransomware commonly arrives via phishing emails containing malicious attachments and website pop-ups.
Trojan Horses. Malicious programs that are embedded in or disguised as real, legitimate software. Once downloaded, it will install itself and run automatically.
Spyware. Software that collects personal information without your knowledge. Spyware or adware will typically arrive via ‘free’ downloads and can be automatically installed with or without your consent. Often very difficult to remove.
How to Browse Safely in 2020
You can take steps to protect yourself from the threats outlined above by doing the following:
Don’t save login details in the browser. Instead, use a password manager, or choose a browser with an in-built password management feature (like Chrome).
Delete the browser cache. This allows you to remove any trace of sensitive information from your browser, such as online banking credentials. Some browsers will do this automatically when closing a window or tab, while others require manual intervention.
Browse in private/incognito mode. Recommended when using a public computer. This will prevent the browser from saving personal information.
Disable cookies to stop tracking. Note: This may impact the functionality of certain websites.
Look out for pop-ups, ads and redirects. Especially ones claiming that your device is infected. Clicking on those links will almost guarantee malware infection, so they’re best ignored. If you’re concerned, download a reputable antivirus software, and choose a web browser that combats malware and blocks ads as standard.
Use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network will shield you from being tracked online. Your browsing is anonymized, keeping you safe and your privacy intact.
In Summary
Like most Mac-related decisions, selecting your web browser will come down to personal preference.
Do you value the ability to customise the look and layout? Vivaldi and Firefox are great options.
Do you want faster, ad-free browsing? Then it’s Brave for you.
Does privacy and security matter? Try Tor.
Or is it all about syncing data across multiple devices? You can’t go wrong with Safari or Chrome.
Whichever you choose, just remember, a web browser is only one part of staying secure online. For further protection, check out our list of Mac antivirus software to keep you safe while you surf.
Use Private Browsing in Safari on Mac – Apple Support
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When you use Private Browsing windows, the details of your browsing aren’t saved, and the websites you visit aren’t shared with your other Safari for meOpen a Private Browsing windowIn the Safari app on your Mac, choose File > New Private Window, or switch to a Safari window that’s already using Private Browsing. A window that’s using Private Browsing has a dark Smart Search field with white as you normally you use a Private Browsing window:Browsing initiated in one tab is isolated from browsing initiated in another tab, so websites you visit can’t track your browsing across multiple sessions. Webpages you visit and your AutoFill information aren’t open webpages aren’t stored in iCloud, so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the Smart Search you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer. )If you use Handoff, Private Browsing windows are not passed to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or other Mac anges to your cookies and website data aren’t s can’t modify information stored on your device, so services normally available at such sites may work differently until you turn off Private None of the above applies in other Safari windows you may have open that don’t use Private open windows with Private BrowsingIn the Safari app on your Mac, choose Safari > Preferences, then click the “Safari opens with” pop-up menu, then choose “A new private window. ”If you don’t see this option, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click General, then make sure “Close windows when quitting an app” is General preferences for meStop Private BrowsingIn the Safari app on your Mac, close the Private Browsing window, switch to a different Safari window that isn’t using Private Browsing, or choose File > New Window to open a window that doesn’t use Private any of the following to further enhance privacy:Delete any items you downloaded while using Private Browsing any other Private Browsing windows that are still open, to prevent other people from using the Back and Forward buttons to see pages you visited in sides using Private Browsing windows, you can manage cookies and data stored by all websites and prevent cross-site you forget to use a Private Browsing window, you can clear your browsing history.
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8 Alternatives macOS Browsers That Focus On Privacy …
Everybody knows the usual browser – Google Chrome, Opera, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer. For those that are relatively new to web browser engine, there are 5 main rendering engine, they are Trident used in Internet Explorer and Edge, Gecko in Firefox, Presto in Opera, Webkit in Safari and WebKit/Blink in Google Chrome. Unless you are still using a dial-up or ADSL, the speed of the browser is not a factor.
2 Browser Addon to Auto Bypass Internet CensorshipAs for macOS users, you do not have to use Safari, there are many other browsers for mac. The best Apple browser is the one that you feel most comfortable with. Here is a complete list of the best web browsers for macOS. ↓ 01 – Vivaldi | Cloud Browsing | Blink/WebKit Engine
You spend a lot of time on the web. You deserve a browser that is personal, has the functionality you need and the flexibility you crave. You deserve Vivaldi so we made it for you. One of the things that makes Vivaldi unique is that it is built on modern web technologies. We use JavaScript and React to create the user interface with the help of and a long list of NPM modules. Vivaldi is the web built with the web. Powerful Bookmarks – How many bookmarks do you have in your browser? 56, 225, or 1056? If you use bookmarks a lot, you have come to the right place! With Vivaldi’s bookmark manager you can organize and access your bookmark efficiently. You can set your own tags and nicks for lightning fast Notes – Found that perfect quote for your essay or article? Copy that text to the notes panel, adding a link at the same time. Add a screen shot, just in case the page changes. ↓ 02 – Tor Browser | Anonymity Network | Gecko EngineThe Tor software protects you by bouncing your communications around a distributed network of relays run by volunteers all around the world: it prevents somebody watching your Internet connection from learning what sites you visit, it prevents the sites you visit from learning your physical location, and it lets you access sites which are enables its users to surf the Internet, chat and send instant messages anonymously, and is used by a wide variety of people for both licit and illicit purposes. Tor has, for example, been used by criminal enterprises, hacktivism groups, and law enforcement agencies at cross purposes, sometimes simultaneously; likewise, agencies within the U. S. government variously fund Tor. ↓ 03 – Yandex Browser | Security Enhanced | Blink/WebKit EngineYandex Browser is a freeware web browser developed by the Russian web search corporation Yandex that uses the Blink layout engine and is based on the Chromium open source project. The browser checks webpage security with the Yandex security system and checks downloaded files with Kaspersky anti-virus. The browser also uses Opera Software’s Turbo technology to speed web browsing on slow mode – Slow connections won’t slow you down. When internet speeds drop, Turbo mode is enabled, which will speed up how fast pages load and save on your data Spoofing Protection – Protect active security technology scans files and websites for viruses, blocks fraudulent web pages, protects your passwords and bank card details, and keeps your online payments safe from theft. ↓ 04 – Epic | Blocks ADs and Trackers | Blink/WebKit EngineEpic protects you from over six hundred tracking attempts in an average browsing session. We believe what you browse & search online should always be private. In incognito mode, you’re still being tracked. Epic protects you from over one thousand tracking attempts in a typical browsing session. Over a year of browsing it works out to hundreds of thousands of bits of data about you that Epic protects. ↓ 05 – Min | AD Blocking & Extremely Light | Unknown EngineMin is a smart and super fast web browser with built-in ad blocking. Min is designed to be fast. It uses less battery power, so you don’t have to worry about finding a charger. Min is written entirely with CSS and JavaScript using Electron, and is open-source software, available on GitHub. Min lets you decide whether you want to see ads or not. And when you’re using a slow or expensive internet connection, it lets you block scripts and images, so pages load faster and use less data. ↓ 06 – Brave | Blocks ADs and Trackers | Blink/WebKit EngineAt Brave, our goal is to block everything on the web that can cramp your style and compromise your privacy. Annoying ads are yesterday’s news, and cookies stay in your jar where they belong. The new Brave browser automatically blocks ads and trackers, making it faster and safer than your current faster and safer with Brave. Up to a whopping 60% of page load time is caused by the underlying ad technology that loads into various places each time you hit a page on your favorite news site and 20% of this is time spent on loading things that are trying to learn more about Faster – Brave blocks trackers and intrusive ads that can slow you down on the Safer – Brave keeps you and your information safer, effectively shielding you from 3rd party tracking and Better – With Brave, you can choose whether to see ads that respect your privacy or pay sites directly. Either way, you can feel good about helping fund content creators. ↓ 07 – Waterfox | Lightning Fast Browser | Gecko EngineWaterfox is an open-source web browser based on Mozilla Firefox for 64-bit Windows, macOS and Linux systems. It is compiled using various compilers and uses Intel’s Math Kernel Library, Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 and Advanced Vector Extensions. It is compatible with most Firefox add-ons and 64-bit NPAPI browser plug-ins. ↓ 08 – Iridium Browser | Enhance Privacy | Blink/WebKit EngineThe iridium browser is based on the Chromium code base. All modifications enhance the privacy of the user and make sure that the latest and best secure technologies are used. Automatic transmission of partial queries, keywords, metrics to central services is prevented and only occurs with the approval of the user. In addition, all our builds are reproducible and modifications are auditable, setting the project ahead of other secure browser – Iridium is just fast in any way. It starts very fast and loads and renders also very complex web sites really ivacy – Chromium (which Iridium is based on) is a very secure browser, yes. But it does call home to Google. And we did even more to enhance security to the maximum extent of Use – Just anybody can use iridium right away. It is simple and easy to handle, it does not require any special knowledge at all.
Frequently Asked Questions about anonymous browser mac
How do I browse anonymously on a Mac?
How to go incognito on MacWith Safari open on your Mac, select File from the top menu bar, and then choose New Private Window. You can also input the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + N.Safari will open a new Private Browsing window.Dec 18, 2020
Which browsers are anonymous?
Tor Browser is probably the best-known anonymous browsing tool out there, and it is described as a ‘censorship circumvention tool’. Tor Browser has a vast following in the online privacy and security communities.Aug 10, 2021
Is Safari private browsing really private?
When you use Private Browsing, you can visit websites without creating a search history in Safari. Private Browsing protects your private information and blocks some websites from tracking your search behavior. Safari won’t remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information.Jan 11, 2021