Software · head to head
Mozilla Firefox vs Safari
S
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: Mozilla Firefox no longer supported on Windows 8.1 and earlier versions (users must use Firefox ESR); Safari only available on Apple hardware (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch), unlike cross-platform rivals
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Mozilla Firefox and Safari actually diverge.
| Attribute | Mozilla Firefox | Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 2004 | 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 Mozilla Firefox
- Enhanced tracking protection
- Private browsing
- Customizable interface
- Add-ons support
- Cross-device sync
- Built-in screenshot tool
- Reader mode
- Picture-in-picture
Only in Safari
Nothing recorded that Mozilla Firefox does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
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
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.
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)
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
Mozilla Firefox
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Mozilla Firefox review.
Safari
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Safari 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 Mozilla Firefox or Safari better?
- Neither clearly leads. Mozilla Firefox 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, Mozilla Firefox or Safari?
- Mozilla Firefox starts at Free and Safari at Free.
- Does Mozilla Firefox or Safari run on more platforms?
- Mozilla Firefox runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Safari runs on Web.
- Can I use Mozilla Firefox for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Mozilla Firefox best used for?
- Mozilla Firefox is most often used for open-source web browser with privacy-focused design, automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default), private browsing mode for anonymous web sessions, built-in password manager. Of those, open-source web browser with privacy-focused design and automatic tracking protection and ad blocking (2000+ data trackers blocked by default) are not what Safari is typically brought in for.
- What can Mozilla Firefox do that Safari cannot?
- Mozilla Firefox covers Enhanced tracking protection, Private browsing, Customizable interface, Add-ons support.