Can I use both Brave and Safari?

Technically you can install both, but they serve similar purposes so most users pick one. Try both (they're easy to install via Homebrew) and see which fits your workflow better.

Is Brave or Safari free?

Brave is free and open source, and Safari is free to use.

How do I install Brave or Safari on Mac?

Use Homebrew: "brew install --cask brave-browser" for Brave, or "brew install --cask safari" for Safari.

TL;DR

Brave vs Safari: For most Mac users in 2026, Brave is the better choice for Browsers because it is free and open source, so you can inspect, self-host, and trust the code. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Safari instead if browser support is your priority.

PublishedJanuary 1, 2026•UpdatedJuly 9, 2026

Which is better: Brave or Safari?

Brave is the top pick for most Mac users looking at Browsers — it is free and open-source and installs in one Homebrew command. Safari is the stronger choice if you prefer its specific feature set. Both are worth trying.

Brave vs Safari

Which is the better Browsers for Mac in 2026?

We compared Brave and Safari across 6 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Read our full breakdown below.

Brave

Privacy-focused browser with built-in ad blocking

FreeOpen Source

Safari

Built-in macOS web browser optimized for speed, privacy, and energy efficiency on Apple devices.

Free

Visual Comparison

Brave

Our Verdict

For most Mac users in 2026, Brave is the better choice for Browsers because it is free and open source, so you can inspect, self-host, and trust the code. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Safari instead if browser support is your priority.

Feature Comparison

Feature comparison between Brave and Safari
Feature	Brave	Safari
Price	Free	Free
Open Source	Yes	No
Replaces	—	—
Best for	browser, privacy, crypto	browser, web, apple
Install	brew install --cask brave-browser	brew install --cask safari
Category	Web Browsers	Web Browsers