Software · head to head
Google Chrome vs Safari
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: Google Chrome multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities; Safari only available on Apple hardware (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch), unlike cross-platform rivals
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Google Chrome and Safari actually diverge.
| Attribute | Google Chrome | Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 2008 | Unknown |
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 Google Chrome
- Fast page loading
- Extensive extension library
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in security
- Developer tools
- Incognito mode
- Password manager
- Auto-updates
Only in Safari
Nothing recorded that Google Chrome does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Google Chrome
- Web browsingnot Safari
- Web developmentnot Safari
- Online researchnot Safari
- Work applicationsnot Safari
- Entertainmentnot Safari
- Educationnot Safari
Safari
No use cases recorded yet. See the Safari review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Google Chrome
- Multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
- Frequent arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities allow remote attackers to execute code inside sandbox via crafted HTML pages
- Known use-after-free and integer overflow issues in V8 JavaScript engine and Codecs
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
Pricing, plan by plan
Google Chrome
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Google Chrome review.
Safari
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Safari review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Google Chrome if
- You need fast page loading.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- You also want extensive extension library.
Questions people ask
- Is Google Chrome or Safari better?
- Neither clearly leads. Google Chrome starts at Free and Safari at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Google Chrome or Safari?
- Google Chrome starts at Free and Safari at Free.
- Does Google Chrome or Safari run on more platforms?
- Google Chrome runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Safari runs on Web.
- Can I use Google Chrome for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Google Chrome best used for?
- Google Chrome is most often used for web browsing, web development, online research, work applications. Of those, web browsing and web development are not what Safari is typically brought in for.
- What can Google Chrome do that Safari cannot?
- Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Extensive extension library, Cross-device sync, Built-in security.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Google Chrome: Does Google Chrome have offline browsing capabilities?
Chrome can display cached versions of previously visited web pages offline. Chrome removed the experimental offline mode flag, but can automatically load cached pages when offline for sites you have visited before.
SourceGoogle Chrome: Is Google Chrome free to use?
Yes. Google Chrome is completely free to download and use. There are no paid tiers or subscription requirements for standard browsing.
Source