Google ChromeLinux
vs
SafariWindows
Google Chrome as a Linux alternative to Safari
Updated
Our verdict
Google Chrome is a solid replacement for Safari on Linux for users who need a fast, feature‑rich browser with a large extension library and cross‑platform sync. It covers most web‑related tasks Safari users perform, but it lacks Apple‑specific integrations such as iCloud sync, Handoff, and the deep macOS privacy controls. If you’re comfortable with Google’s data‑collection model and prefer a browser that works well on Linux desktops, Chrome will serve you well.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 156.0.8078.73-1 (October 27, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both render HTML5/CSS3 and execute JavaScript
- Both provide built‑in PDF viewing
- Both support bookmark and password sync
- Both offer developer tools
- Both support dark mode
What is different
- Chrome does not integrate with Apple services (iCloud, Handoff)
- Safari has tighter battery‑saving optimizations on macOS
- Chrome’s privacy controls are less granular than Safari’s tracking protection
- Safari’s default on macOS means it handles mailto: links automatically
- Chrome requires a Google account for full sync features
Opening your Safari files
Safari stores bookmarks in a .html export or a .plist file, and passwords in iCloud Keychain, which Chrome cannot import directly. You can export Safari bookmarks to HTML and then import that file into Chrome via Settings → Import. Passwords and other data would need to be migrated manually or via third‑party tools.
Switching from Safari to Google Chrome, step by step
- Export Safari bookmarks to an HTML file using File → Export Bookmarks.
- Open Chrome Settings → Import Data from another browser and select the exported HTML file.
- Sign into your Google account in Chrome to enable sync for bookmarks, passwords, and history.
- Reinstall any Safari extensions by searching the Chrome Web Store for equivalents.
- Adjust Chrome’s privacy settings under Settings → Privacy and security to match your desired level of tracking protection.
Key features of Google Chrome
- Chromium-based engine for fast page loading
- Full support for Chrome Web Store extensions
- Built-in PDF viewer and downloader
- Automatic updates for security and features
- Sync capabilities for bookmarks and passwords
- Developer tools for web debugging
- Hardware-accelerated video playback
- Dark mode support
How to install Google Chrome on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.google.ChromeFrequently asked questions
Does Chrome support Safari extensions?
No. Safari extensions are built for WebKit and cannot run in Chrome. Look for Chrome equivalents on the Chrome Web Store.
Will my Safari bookmarks sync automatically to Chrome?
Only if you export them to HTML and import them into Chrome. Automatic sync is not available between the two browsers.
Is Chrome lighter on battery than Safari on Linux?
Chrome is generally heavier on battery due to its background processes, but on Linux the impact is minimal compared to macOS. For battery‑sensitive use, consider a lighter browser like Firefox.
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