Should You Install Safari on an Android?
The Safari web browser offers tons of features that make surfing the web easier, and it’s usually considered superior to other browsers in terms of security, unfortunately, you’re not going to find a version of Safari for Android that’s sanctioned by Apple. That’s because while there are plenty of ‘Safari’ browsers out there, none of them were created by Apple. So, the question becomes, should you install one of these Safari files and hope for the best? Probably not, and there are a few reasons for that:
Many of the apps that are calling themselves ‘Safari for Android’ are nothing more than scamware—bits of high-demand software designed to deliver viruses and malware to unsuspecting users.Even ‘Safari’ apps that are generally considered safe are not from Apple, therefore can have different features and capabilities than the Safari browser you may be used to using on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
It’s because of this Lifewire recommends you don’t download ‘Safari for Android.’ At best, you’re likely to be disappointed by the browser you download, at worse, it could deliver malware to your device that requires loads of time to repair, or worse, it turns your phone into a useless brick.
Alternatives to Safari for Android
So, since there is no Safari for Android, what are your options? There are plenty of Safari-like browsers available. For example, some of the highest rated options include:
Opera Browser: Opera is another super fast browser, but it also includes a free VPN that users find useful for getting around geofenced content. It also has a pop-up blocker, but does lack some importing and searching capabilities of other browsers. DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser: Targeting users who are tired of their every move being tracked online, the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser offers all the features you would expect from a Safari-like browser: speed, security, and privacy. However, customization seems limited, so if you’re looking for something that’s highly customizable, this might not be the right browser for you.
Although none of these offers all the features of a Safari browser, each has its own strengths, and if you’re ready to move away from Google Chrome, or Microsoft Edge, then they’re worth your time to try them out. And since they’re all free, you’re not going to spend anything but time trying to find a Safari-like browser that suits you.
