Even though all new Apple phones come with the default web browser, Safari, users don’t have to be locked into just using that option. There has been a lot of competition for browser supremacy down the years, but there are notably a few that continue to persist as the most popular, all of which are available on iOS.
The problem with choice is that it can be difficult to decipher the best option to go with. Making the right choice matters, especially if you often use your browser for certain activities. Among them – watching movies or playing at online casinos, for example, at sister sites which are a popular option as all of them are based on the same platform with identical features, making them easy to explore.
As some entertainment platforms don’t have downloadable apps, they can require browser access.So, which browser is the best for your iPhone? Which one delivers the smoothest experience?
But First the Webkit
Browsers that operate on iOS are required by Apple to run on their WebKit rendering engine. This means that the Chrome or Firefox browser that you get on your regular PC, isn’t going to be the same as the one that pops up on an iPhone. But they will still maintain their different user interfaces and features. However, starting with iOS 17.4 (released in 2024), Apple has introduced a significant change for users in the European Union. Due to regulatory pressure, Apple now allows alternative browser engines on iOS for dedicated browser apps and in-app browsers in the EU. Developers can apply for entitlements to use engines other than WebKit, such as Blink or Gecko, after meeting strict security and privacy criteria. So, let’s break down the pros and cons of the most popular browser options.
Safari
Pros: Safari has the benefit of being integrated with the Apple ecosystem, linking with features like iCloud Keychain, Apple Pay and Private Relay. It’s also optimised to be highly efficient on iOS, helping battery life – a major plus for those who rely on their device throughout the day. That includes users who stream a lot of video or play browser games – longer sessions can really drain a battery.
Safari is packed with privacy features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and it has a very clean, minimalist-style interface which can be customized by accessibility features to make reading websites easier. Safari also now comes with very heavy AI integration.
Cons: Safari is extremely limited when it comes to extensions and customisations, as third-parties are largely kept out in the cold. It is also limited to Apple devices, so it means that the user couldn’t just switch and sync to a PC or Android tablet, for example, where the browser’s not available.
Google Chrome
Pros: Syncing things like history, bookmarks and the open tabs from a browsing session across different devices, is a huge benefit of using Google Chrome, all through one Google account. With it, you functionally have access to the same customised browser, whatever platform you are on. You can quickly pick up where you left off on your phone, with all your tabs and settings ready to go.
There’s also heavy linking to other Google services, like Search and Google Translate. Chrome has a basic user interface which makes it popular with so many users because it’s straightforward to use.
Cons: Google collects and shares a lot of data. It also doesn’t have a native Ad Blocker, because it relies on third-party extensions for that, which could be problematic on iOS.
Mozilla Firefox
Pros: Because Firefox’s main focus is security and user privacy, there’s a fantastic suite of features built into the browser, like enhanced tracking protection. Firefox is open-source, plus it has good user interface elements, like the positioning of the address bar and offline language translations.
Cons: The same rich extension experience that makes Firefox so good, is not on the iOS version of Firefox, as Apple is very restrictive. So that limits the functionality and means there is not the same integration with the rest of Apple’s services.
Microsoft Edge
Pros: Cross-platform syncing is a strong point when it comes to Microsoft Edge. Modern features within it, like its Copilot AI integration, helps with search functionality and other areas. There are a lot of security features built into Edge, along with further nice touches like the built-in PDF reader, and a “Collections” feature which is an alternative to the standard bookmarking method.
Cons: Data collection is one of the top concerns with Edge. It’s also not widely accepted as being as intuitive and user-friendly as other browsers. Another setback on Edge, is that functionality is stripped back by an extremely limited extension library.
Brave
Pros: Brave has some positive features like integrated ad and tracker blockers, designed to streamline the browsing experience as well as making it more secure for users. Brave also has a paid-for VPN option and Firewall. The private browsing tab is used through Tor integration, which gives a massive boost of security and anonymity. Brave also has built-in AI.
Cons: In terms of downloads, Brave is behind the other browsers on this list. Functionality is limited through restrictions on extensions compared to on a PC, and some of the more niche features of it (like Tor and the Brave Rewards program) casual users may not be interested in.
Choice is Good
The best way to pick the ideal browser is to download and try them. Safari is designed to work seamlessly across the iOS environment and is a favourite on iOS. But by testing the others, unique features can be discovered, and functionality may be preferred as a lot of it comes down to the feel of the user-interface from hands-on experience.