EpiphanyLinux
vs
SafariWindows
Epiphany as a Linux alternative to Safari
Updated
Our verdict
Epiphany is a solid Linux alternative for users who need a standards‑compliant browser with decent privacy features, but it lacks many of the conveniences Safari users expect, such as deep iCloud integration and a rich extension ecosystem. If you primarily browse the web, need HTML5/CSS3 support, and value GNOME desktop integration, Epiphany will feel familiar. Power users who rely on Safari’s sync across Apple devices or its extensive WebExtension library will find it lacking, so the replacement works best for casual or privacy‑focused users shifting to Linux.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- WebKit rendering engine
- HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript support
- Private‑browsing mode
- Basic bookmark/favorite handling
- Built‑in reader mode
What is different
- No iCloud bookmark or password sync
- Limited extension catalog compared to Safari’s WebExtensions
- No native integration with Apple services (e.g., Apple Pay, Handoff)
- Simpler UI; lacks advanced developer tools found in Safari
- No built‑in PDF viewer with annotation features
Opening your Safari files
Safari stores bookmarks in a binary plist file and may export to HTML. Epiphany can import HTML bookmark files, so you can export Safari bookmarks to HTML and then import them. There is no direct support for opening Safari‑specific data like Reading List files; those would need to be exported manually.
Switching from Safari to Epiphany, step by step
- Export Safari bookmarks to an HTML file via Safari’s File → Export Bookmarks menu.
- Open Epiphany, go to Bookmarks → Import Bookmarks, and select the exported HTML file.
- If you use a password manager, export passwords from iCloud Keychain and import them into GNOME Keyring or another manager.
- Set Epiphany as the default browser in your Linux desktop’s settings.
- Review privacy settings in Epiphany (tracking protection, cookie handling) and adjust to your preference.
Key features of Epiphany
- WebKit rendering engine
- GNOME integration (menus, dark mode)
- Simple tab management
- Built‑in reader mode
- Support for HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
- Private browsing window
- Password manager integration with GNOME Keyring
Frequently asked questions
Can Epiphany sync bookmarks across multiple Linux machines?
Not natively. You can use a third‑party sync service (e.g., Nextcloud Bookmarks) or manually export/import bookmarks.
Does Epiphany support Safari’s WebExtensions?
No. Epiphany only supports extensions built for GNOME Web, which are far fewer than Safari’s WebExtensions.
Will Epiphany run well on low‑end hardware?
Yes. It is lightweight and generally uses less RAM than Safari, making it suitable for older or low‑spec machines.
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