All modern browsers are fast. Now are there some browsers that are faster than others? Yes. But the difference in speed is so minimal that it isn’t noticeable in regular web browsing activities. Now there are companies that constantly improve their browsers to be faster and they deserve some credit. And for power users, every bit of speed matters.
However, no matter how fast your browser is, you are still limited by your internet speed. So maybe keep your expectations in check. That said, we’ve tested a bunch of different browsers and found some surprising results.
Overview of the Fastest Browsers
We have tested a few dozen web browsers and 10 of them made it to the final list. During our tests we realised many browsers perform differently on Windows and macOS, so our tests covered both of the platforms.
| Browser | Best For | Speedometer 3.0 | ||
| Windows | macOS | |||
 | Chrome | Speed & Reliability | 22.5 | 29.2 |
 | Safari | Privacy for Apple Users | N/A | 39.1 |
 | Brave | Privacy & Ad Blocking | 20.2 | 28.7 |
 | Orion | Extension Support | N/A | 37.3 |
 | Firefox | Privacy & Customisability | 18.1 | 33.9 |
 | Arc | Unique Features | 20.8 | 22.5 |
 | Zen Browser | Customisability | 17.2 | 32.5 |
 | Edge | Efficiency | 17.6 | 25.9 |
 | Opera | Features | 19.7 | 29.4 |
 | Vivaldi | Customisability | 19.5 | 28.0 |
Testing Parameters
We used Speedometer 3.0 to test browser performance. It’s a benchmark that simulates real world user interactions to measure web app responsiveness.
- We tested 10 browsers on macOS and Windows to make sure the comparison is fair.
- Each browser was tested 3 times on each OS and the best score out of 3 was recorded to minimize anomalies and get a better performance snapshot.
Since Speedometer 3.0 runs a mix of JavaScript frameworks and vanilla JavaScript tasks the results will show script execution efficiency, event handling and rendering performance. So the scores will indicate how fast and smooth a browser can handle complex web applications, not just raw page load speed.
Test Results Compared and Summarised
You can check the score on the table above to see how each of the browsers performed. However, the chart below reveals a few trends.
The browser that got the lowest score on macOS (Arc), shares that same score with the browser that got the highest score on Windows (Chrome). What does that mean? Web browsers perform significantly better on macOS than they do on Windows.
Safari is the fastest among all the web browsers compared. However, it is macOS exclusive. Chrome is the fastest web browser on Windows.
Firefox and its forks (Zen Browser) perform way better on macOS than they do on Windows. They’re the fastest browsers on macOS after Safari and Orion. On Windows, they’re slower than Chrome and other Chromium based browsers.
Edge, while specifically optimised for Windows, is one of the slowest on the platform. However, it performs decently on macOS.
Google Chrome – The Fastest Browser on Windows
Chrome has been fast and reliable since day one and while not the fastest on every platform, it dominates on Windows. According to our tests, it scored 22.5 on Speedometer 3.0, the fastest on Windows. On macOS the score is higher with 29.2 but it gets placed somewhere in the middle as Safari and Firefox easily beats it.
Fast and Smooth
If you’re looking for a browser that loads pages fast, handles JavaScript heavy sites smoothly and never stutters, Chrome is the one. It’s optimised for Google services so if you live inside Google Drive, Gmail, YouTube, Google Docs, you’ll notice how well everything runs.
Added Benefits
But speed isn’t Chrome’s only superpower. The Chrome Web Store has the largest extension library so if you need an ad blocker, password manager or very specific productivity tool you’ll find it on Chrome first. It also syncs across all your devices instantly so that your bookmarks, passwords and open tabs stay with you on all devices. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
The Not-So-Good Parts
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room. RAM usage. Chrome has a reputation for being a resource hog but Google has improved memory management over time with features like Memory Saver and Tab Discarding. So unless you’re running 50+ tabs while rendering 3D models in Blender, you probably won’t feel the impact.
Who is Chrome for?
Anyone who wants a fast, reliable browser with great compatibility and syncing features. If you’re deep into Google’s ecosystem there’s no better choice. It may not be the lightest browser but if speed and convenience are your priority, Chrome is still the king, at least on Windows.
Safari – The Fastest Browser on Mac
Safari isn’t just the fastest browser on macOS, it is the fastest browser. With a Speedometer 3.0 score of 39.1, it beats every other browser we tested. But it’s only available to Apple devices.
Optimised for Mac
Safari is built for macOS. From scrolling animations to page rendering everything feels super smooth. It loads web pages faster than any other browser, uses less CPU and drains less battery than Chrome, Brave or Firefox. If you’re on a MacBook this is noticeable, as Safari gives you more browsing time per charge.
Privacy That’s Actually Built-In
Unlike Chrome which thrives on data collection, Safari puts privacy first. It comes with Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) which stops third-party trackers from following you across the web. The Privacy Report gives you a breakdown of what’s been blocked, and iCloud Private Relay (if you’re a iCloud+ subscriber) adds another layer of anonymity to your browsing.
The Downsides
Biggest issue with Safari? It’s only on Mac and iOS. Unlike Chrome or Firefox you can’t install it on Windows or Linux so if you’re switching between platforms your browsing experience won’t be as seamless. And while Safari does support extensions, its library is much smaller than Chrome’s. Apple’s App Store policies mean you’ll find fewer add-ons and some of your favourite Chrome extensions might not be available.
Who is Safari For?
If you’re a Mac user Safari is a no-brainer. It’s the fastest, most efficient and most private browser you can use on Mac. Unless you absolutely need a specific feature that’s missing, there’s little reason to switch. Safari is built for Mac and no other browser runs better on it.
Brave – Chrome’s Speed, Without the Ads
Brave’s performance is very close to Chrome’s, and that’s no surprise. It’s built on the same Chromium engine. Our tests show 20.2 on Windows and 28.7 on macOS. It doesn’t beat Chrome, but it’s on par.
Fast, By Design
Brave is fast by intention. Unlike Chrome, which loads ads, trackers and extra scripts in the background, Brave blocks them all. This means web pages load cleaner and faster, with reduced JavaScript execution times and data usage. You’ll notice sites loading faster right out of the box before you even tweak any settings or install extensions. And since less junk is running in the background, your system uses fewer resources and stays smooth.
Speed with Privacy Built-In
Brave comes with Shields, its built-in ad and tracker blocker, which stops data-hungry scripts from slowing down page loads. It also forces HTTPS connections, which reduces latency when switching between secure and non-secure sites. The difference is most noticeable on ad-heavy sites where Chrome loads banners, autoplaying videos and tracking pixels, Brave skips all of it.
Who is Brave For?
Brave is for users who want Chrome’s speed but without Google’s tracking. It runs just as fast, if not faster thanks to built-in ad blocking and script control. If you want the most private browser which still feels familiar, Brave is the best alternative to Chrome. You get all the speed, minus the surveillance.
Orion – Safari’s Speed, Chrome’s Extensions
Orion is a WebKit browser, just like Safari, so it inherits Safari’sspeed and efficiency on macOS. Our tests show that Orion scores 37.3 on Speedometer 3.0, making it one of the fastest browsers on macOS, just behind Safari. But what sets Orion apart is it can run both Chrome and Firefox extensions while being Safari like in performance.
Fast, Light, Efficient
Since Orion is built on WebKit, it gets the same optimisations that make Safari the fastest browser on macOS. Pages load fast, scrolling is smooth, and system resource usage is low, so better battery life if you’re on a MacBook. Unlike Chromium based browsers which tend to eat more CPU and memory, Orion is lightweight and fast. It also blocks ads and trackers by default, so faster page load times without extra extensions.
Chrome and Firefox Extensions on a WebKit Browser?
One of the best features of Orion is it supports both Chrome and Firefox extensions. This is something even Safari can’t do. So if you like WebKit’s speed but don’t want to give up Chrome’s extension library, Orion is the best of both worlds.
Who is Orion For?
Orion is perfect for Mac users who want Safari’s speed but with more customisation and extension support. It’s light, fast and privacy focused without the usual trade offs that come with switching browsers.
Firefox – Surprisingly Fast on macOS
We thought Firefox would perform well, but we didn’t think it would be faster than Chrome on macOS. With a Speedometer 3.0 score of 33.9, Firefox beat Chrome’s 29.2, making it one of the fastest browsers on macOS, right behind Safari (and Orion).
Fast, Especially on macOS
Firefox has always been all about privacy and open-source. But on macOS it’s well optimised. While Chromium-based browsers struggle with Apple’s optimisations, Firefox runs great on macOS, with smooth scrolling, fast page loading and great multitasking. It also uses less RAM than Chrome, thanks to better memory management, so it’s a good choice for those who keep a lot of tabs open.
Privacy Measures
Unlike Chrome, which prioritises speed at the cost of data collection, Firefox offers privacy-first browsing without the performance hit. Features like Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP), Multi-Account Containers and strict anti-fingerprinting give users more control over their data. It doesn’t have built-in ad blocking like Brave, but it supports uBlock Origin and other great extensions.
Who is Firefox For?
If you’re a Mac user, Firefox is faster than Chrome and still has better privacy and customisation. It’s the middle ground between speed and security, so it’s a good choice for those who want strong performance without being locked into Google’s ecosystem. On Windows, it may not be the fastest, but it’s a good option for those who want to be independent from Chromium-based browsers.
Arc – Consistent, But Fails to Stand Out
Arc has changed the way we think about web browsers, but when it comes to raw speed, it didn’t quite deliver. With a Speedometer 3.0 score of 20.8 on Windows and 22.5 on macOS, it’s consistent across platforms which is the most surprising thing about it.
Can’t Really Match Chrome’s Performance
We expected Arc to perform like Chrome on both platforms given it’s Chromium-based. Instead, while it keeps up with the others, it doesn’t quite reach the top. It’s not slow by any means, but for a browser that’s all about rethinking the experience, we thought it would be faster.
The Good Bits
The good news? Arc is fast enough. If you’re an Arc user, you’re not here just for the numbers. Arc is all about workflow efficiency, smart tab management and beautiful design. It also manages memory well and never stutters when switching between multiple “Spaces” (its take on tab grouping or workspace). Plus it’s one of the only browsers that actually helps you declutter your tabs, which indirectly helps performance over time.
Who is Arc For?
Arc isn’t for people chasing the benchmark scores. If you’re looking for a reimagined browsing experience with great multitasking features and design, Arc is for you. It might not be the fastest, but it’s fast enough, and that’s all it needs to be.
Zen Browser – The Best Firefox Fork
Zen is a Firefox-based browser, and its Speedometer 3.0 scores reflect that. With a 17.2 on Windows and 32.5 on macOS, Zen is just behind Firefox’s 18.1 on Windows and 33.9 on macOS. So if Firefox works on your system, Zen will too.
Mirrors Firefox’s Performance
Like Brave mirrors Chrome, Zen mirrors Firefox’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s way faster on macOS than on Windows, thanks to WebKit’s influence on Apple’s ecosystem, just like Firefox.
There’s More To It
Zen isn’t just a reskinned Firefox, it has unique features like vertical tabs, split view and modular UI which can make you more productive without sacrificing speed. It’s lightweight and has more flexibility than vanilla Firefox. Moreover, it also blocks ads and trackers by default, like Brave, which can speed up page loading on ad heavy sites. With less junk running in the background, web apps and media heavy sites feel snappier.
Who is Zen Browser For?
If you like Firefox’s speed and open-source ethos but want more customisation and built-in privacy features, Zen is the way to go. It’s fast, lightweight and well optimised, especially on macOS.
Microsoft Edge – Not the Fastest, But Surprisingly Good
Edge isn’t the fastest, but one of the best when it comes to memory management and battery life. In our tests, Edge scored 17.6 on Windows and 25.9 on macOS, so it’s one of the slowest on Windows but surprisingly good on macOS. It’s funny that Microsoft’s own browser runs better on Apple’s platform, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice for Windows users.
Optimised for Efficiency, Not Just Speed
Edge may not be the fastest, but it’s great at system efficiency. Features like Sleeping Tabs and Efficiency Mode reduce RAM and CPU usage, making it perfect for users who have dozens of tabs open. It also extends battery life on laptops, something Chrome struggles with on Windows.
Good for Windows Users, But Surprisingly Good on macOS Too
If you’re using Microsoft services like OneDrive, Teams or Office 365, Edge integrates seamlessly, so it’s convenient. It has built in tracking protection and password manager so you don’t need extensions. It’s not as fast as Chrome, but it’s a solid, all round browser that works across all platforms.
Who is Edge For?
Edge is for Windows users who want a browser that’s efficient, stable and integrated with Microsoft’s ecosystem. It may not be the fastest, but if you prioritise battery life and memory management over speed, it’s a good choice whether you’re on Windows or, oddly, macOS.
Opera – Feature-Rich Without Compromising on Speed
Opera has always been the browser for people who want more built-in features, and despite all the extras it’s still pretty fast. In our tests it scored 19.7 on Windows and 29.4 on macOS, behind Chrome and Brave but ahead of Edge on both.
Speed Meets Convenience
Opera is built on Chromium so it benefits from fast page loading and smooth performance. But it doesn’t just stop at speed, it optimises the entire browsing experience. Features like built-in ad blocking and tracker prevention reduce page load times and the Turbo mode can speed up browsing on slow connections by compressing web data.
A Browser With Everything Included
Opera’s sidebar is a game-changer for people who like to have everything within reach. Instead of switching tabs you get quick access to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Facebook Messenger as well as built-in tools like free VPN, media player and AI tools. It’s one of the few browsers that feels designed for multitasking, not just browsing.
Who is Opera For?
Opera is for people who want speed but also built-in features that reduce the need for extra extensions, especially helpful in gaming. It may not be the fastest browser but it’s fast enough and with more convenience than most. If you like to have extra tools at your fingertips without sacrificing too much performance then Opera is a good choice.
Vivaldi – The Browser for Power Users
Vivaldi’s main focus is on customisation, control and multitasking. It’s fast – 19.5 on Windows and 28.0 on macOS in our tests. It surely doesn’t beat Chrome or Safari, but it holds its own with more features than almost any other browser.
Fast, But That’s Not Its Biggest Strength
Vivaldi is built on Chromium so it’s got fast page loads and smooth scrolling like Chrome and Brave. But where it really shines is workflow efficiency. If you’re the kind of person who juggles dozens of tabs and custom keyboard shortcuts, Vivaldi’s features can actually make you feel faster even if the benchmark scores don’t put it at the top.
More Control, Less Clutter
Vivaldi’s tab management system is one of the best out there. With tab stacking, tiling and workspaces you can group and organise tabs in a way that makes sense. The sidebar is highly customisable so you can pin messaging apps, RSS feeds and even your own custom web panels.
Who is Vivaldi For?
If you want pure speed Chrome and Brave are better choices. But if you value organisation, multitasking and deep customisation Vivaldi is unbeatable.
Wrapping Up
Speed is important but it’s not the deciding factor when switching to a new browser. Our tests show some clear differences in numbers, but the real world impact depends on how you use your browser, what features you use, and how well it fits into your workflow. Some browsers focus on raw speed while others prioritise efficiency, privacy or customisation. A browser that loads pages milliseconds faster may not be the best choice if it drains your battery, eats up system memory or lacks the features you need. And as we’ve seen, platform optimisation matters too. What’s fast on Windows isn’t always fast on macOS and vice versa.