Alternatives to Chrome and Safari: What to Choose?

Google's Chrome and Apple's Safari continue to dominate the browser market. Chrome stands out with its deep generative AI integration, which helps it maintain the lead. However, users sometimes look for alternatives due to privacy concerns, performance needs, or other reasons.

In this article, we cover the alternatives — including privacy-focused browsers, AI-powered browsers, and "mindful" browsers — for those who want to browse the web without the extra noise.

Privacy Browsers

Brave

A privacy-first browser that automatically blocks ads and trackers and rewards users with cryptocurrency for viewing ads — BAT. It also includes a VPN, an AI assistant, and video calling.

DuckDuckGo

The DuckDuckGo search engine, launched in 2008, recently introduced its own browser — with new AI features, including a built-in chatbot. The scam site blocking system has also been improved compared to previous versions and other popular browsers, with a particular focus on crypto scams. The browser collects no data, shows no ads, and uses minimal pop-ups.

Ladybird

A project from a GitHub co-founder — a browser built entirely from scratch (without a Chromium base). The goal is a fully open-source platform with privacy support. An alpha version is expected in 2026 for Linux and macOS.

Vivaldi

A browser from one of Opera's original developers. Its standout feature is deep customization — you can change the appearance and toggle features on or off. One of its unique capabilities is that the browser window changes color to match the website being viewed. It also includes a password manager, ad blocking, a calendar, and notes.

AI Browsers

Perplexity Comet

Comet is a new product from Perplexity, the AI-powered search chatbot. It can summarize emails, browse pages, send calendar invites, and more. Currently available only on the top-tier plan at $200/month, with a waitlist already open.

Dia by The Browser Company

A new browser from the company behind Arc. Visually similar to Chrome, but with a built-in AI assistant. Dia can see which sites you visit and where you're logged in, allowing it to quickly find information or complete tasks.

Currently available in beta by invite only for Arc members — Arc being The Browser Company's innovative browser that originally launched on an invite-only basis and still rolls out new features to a limited group of users. A waitlist is open for those who aren't members.

Opera Neon

Neon by Opera features contextual awareness and assists with search, shopping, and coding. It can even handle some tasks offline — for example, opening previously loaded pages, working with notes, or accessing saved media files without a network connection. The browser hasn't launched yet, but you can join the waitlist. It will be a paid product; pricing has not been announced.

OpenAI Browser

OpenAI is working on its own browser that will operate directly within ChatGPT. It will allow users to browse websites right inside the chat without following external links. The launch is expected soon.

"Mindful" Browsers

"Mindful" browsers are a new class of tools that put user digital well-being first. They are designed to minimize information overload, help avoid procrastination, and encourage conscious internet use.

Typically, such browsers feature a minimalist interface, block intrusive ad elements, allow users to set limits on visiting certain websites, or track their own habits.

Opera Air

The browser is built with a focus on mental health. It reminds users to take breaks, do breathing exercises, and even offers "Boosts" — audio tracks for focus or relaxation.

SigmaOS

A Mac-oriented browser: tabs are vertical and can be "completed" or "snoozed." It includes AI-powered tools for translation, price analysis, and review summaries. It also features an AI assistant that can answer questions, translate text, and rewrite content.

Free for up to 3 workspaces, then $8/month.

Zen Browser

A browser that aims to make the internet calmer and less cluttered through open-source code. Zen lets you organize tabs into workspaces, supports Split View mode for viewing two pages simultaneously, and is built with productivity in mind.

It can also be further customized with plugins and community-created themes — including a mod that makes tab backgrounds transparent.

The browser market in 2025 is expanding rapidly, and browsers are no longer just tools for searching information. Depending on your goal — data privacy, AI assistants, or productivity — you can choose the product that works best for you.