Software · head to head
Safari vs Mozilla Firefox
Safari
Software
The best way to experience the internet on all your Apple devices
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Safari only available on Apple hardware (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch), unlike cross-platform rivals; Mozilla Firefox no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Safari and Mozilla Firefox actually diverge.
| Attribute | Safari | Mozilla Firefox |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | Unknown | 2004 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Safari
Nothing recorded that Mozilla Firefox does not also cover.
Only in Mozilla Firefox
- Enhanced tracking protection
- Private browsing
- Customizable interface
- Add-ons support
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in screenshot tool
- Reader mode
- Picture-in-picture
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Safari
No use cases recorded yet. See the Safari review.
Mozilla Firefox
- Open-source web browser with privacy-focused designnot Safari
- Automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default)not Safari
- Private browsing mode for anonymous web sessionsnot Safari
- Built-in password managernot Safari
- Multi-platform synchronisation across devicesnot Safari
- Developer tools and debugging capabilities for web developmentnot Safari
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Safari
- Only available on Apple hardware (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch), unlike cross-platform rivals
- Apple states not all features are available on all devices, so capability varies by device within the same ecosystem
Mozilla Firefox
- No longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)
- No longer supported on macOS 10.14 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR)
Pricing, plan by plan
Safari
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Safari review.
Mozilla Firefox
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Mozilla Firefox review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Mozilla Firefox if
- You need enhanced tracking protection.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- You also want private browsing.
Questions people ask
- Is Safari or Mozilla Firefox better?
- Neither clearly leads. Safari starts at Free and Mozilla Firefox at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Safari or Mozilla Firefox?
- Safari starts at Free and Mozilla Firefox at Free.
- Does Safari or Mozilla Firefox run on more platforms?
- Safari runs on Web. Mozilla Firefox runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Can I use Safari for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What can Safari do that Mozilla Firefox cannot?
- Mozilla Firefox covers Enhanced tracking protection, Private browsing, Customizable interface, Add-ons support.