Apple Safari for Windows

Safari is Apple's stylish, easy-to-use Web browser for its Mac OS. Safari for Windows lets PC users try Safari for themselves. Safari is a great way for Windows users to take a bite of the Apple since, as a Web browser, it can only be so different from the Big Three; IE, Firefox, and Chrome. We tried Safari 5 in Windows 7. Its new features include the Reading List, which collects Web links and bookmarks that you want to check later.

Safari's page layout shows how much Web browser functionality dictates form these days. Safari for Windows is plain but clean and intuitive, with many similarities to other popular browsers as well as some differences. For instance, the address bar searches the History rather than using your default search engine. Safari has a separate search field instead. The Settings icon opens an extensive menu that includes private browsing, pop-up blocking, Extensions, and customization buttons. One feature we really like is the Page icon that displays a menu just for the current page. The Bookmarks bar holds icons to show the Reading List, Top Sites, and All Bookmarks. Clicking Preferences under Settings opens a tabbed dialog with many more options, including Appearance, Tabs, Security, Privacy, Extensions, and RSS.

Safari is known for its strong privacy protections. It uses machine learning to block trackers and cleans tracking details from website addresses in private browsing. It also keeps your IP address hidden from trackers and prevents web extensions from accessing your browsing details. When you browse in private mode, it blocks trackers and protects your location information.

Performance-wise, Safari is optimized to work best with Apple’s hardware. Its fast JavaScript engine speeds up page loading and saves time. The browser is energy-efficient, helping your device’s battery last longer. It also supports high-quality video streaming on popular platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

Customization is another strong suit of Safari. Users can organize their tabs with Tab Groups and customize their browser windows with features like a Reading List and iCloud Tabs. Adding third-party extensions from the App Store can further enhance functionality, allowing users to browse the way they want across all their devices.

Safari has a good reputation, and we found it to be quick and stable. We started with some news sites, moving through some of our imported IE Favorites and finishing with some random searches. Unlike some of Apple's software, Safari is more like the competition than unlike it, with tabbed browsing, a customizable toolbar, and security and privacy options. Some things are missing; for instance, Safari for Windows can import Favorites from Internet Explorer into its bookmarks, but apparently the same isn't true for Firefox or Chrome bookmarks. You can always export your Firefox or Chrome bookmarks to IE and then into Safari, but being able to import them directly would be a better option.

At any rate, if you've wondered about Safari, here's your chance to see it for yourself.