Apple Safari

CNET Editors' review

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 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.

Apple Safari-Browse the Web in an elegant interface.-Download Video Previews:

Publisher's Description

More Products to Consider

  • Google Chrome
    Explore the Web using Google's super-fast browser.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Mozilla Firefox
    Surf the Web comfortably, relying on speed, safety, and power o...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Adobe Flash Player
    View Flash multimedia content through your browser.

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Visit Site
  • Java Runtime Enviro...
    Run Java applications on your Windows computer.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • SlimBrowser
    Surf the Web with browser with automatic form filler, popup blo...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Java Runtime Enviro...
    Run Java applications on your Windows computer.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Opera
    Try the faster browser that lets you get the most from today's ...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Mozilla Firefox Por...
    Take your bookmarks, surf internet, and experience the private ...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Google Chrome Porta...
    Take Google's Chrome browser with you on a USB stick.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Comodo Dragon
    Provide a versatile technology browser with high level of secur...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Flash Video Downloa...
    Download video from YouTube, Metacafe, Vimeo, Facebok and other...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Adobe Flash Player ...
    Flash Player preview version with new video hardware accelerati...

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Apple Safari
    Browse the Web with speed and an elegant interface.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Internet Explorer
    Surf the Web with an immersive browser for Windows 7 and Vista.

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Visit Site
  • Free Video Download...
    Download YouTube video from your browser with one-click.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Hotspot Shield Elit...
    Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Easy-Hide-IP
    Hide your IP address and prevent Internet activity tracking.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Tor Browser Bundle
    Protect your privacy and defend yourself against network survei...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • RoboForm
    Reduce multiple passwords to one single item.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Mask Surf Pro
    Delete browser traces and hide your identity while surfing the ...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Internet Explorer
    Surf the Web with the latest Microsoft browser for Windows XP o...

    This download is served from an external site

    close

    NOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.

    Continue to download

    Sponsored Products

    Visit Site
  • KeyScrambler Person...
    Encrypt keystrokes to protect your browser from keyloggers.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • ChrisPC Free Anonym...
    Surf anonymously online and unblock Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer,...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • RAR Password Unlock...
    Recover password to open and extract RAR files.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.1 stars

    out of 760 votes

    • 5 star: 197
    • 4 star: 158
    • 3 star: 128
    • 2 star: 96
    • 1 star: 181
  • Current version:

    3.0 stars

    out of 22 votes

    • 5 star: 4
    • 4 star: 4
    • 3 star: 6
    • 2 star: 5
    • 1 star: 3
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 22

  • 5.0 stars

    "fastest browser there is kinda nice!!!"

    April 11, 2013  |   By jaymans

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    Everything about it's great

    Cons

    None that I see

    Summary

    Thought Opera was fast think I might keep Safari like it more fast nice browsers!!!!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Worst. Browser. Ever."

    April 1, 2013  |   By derek8d

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    It's optimized for Macintosh users and it's simple to use.

    Cons

    It's lags CONSTANTLY. It got on my nerve so much, I decided to create an account and write this review on how badly it runs. There is never a time when I can get even 5 minutes of just smoothness and a lag-free environment. And I know it's not my computer's problem, as Chrome works perfectly for me, but, for various reasons, I am stuck to using Safari. And the worst part is, I use a Macbook that came with this browser. Simply said, Safari is a piece of crap.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 3.0 stars

    "Slow As Hell"

    January 9, 2013  |   By techcrazey

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    Works On Windows 7 Ultimate. I Wish That When People Left Comments They Would Let People Know What OS System Programs Worked Or Did Not Work On. Reviews Without Details Are Not Worth Leaving.

    Cons

    Laggy And CPU Heavy. Pages Take Forever To Load At TIMES.

    Summary

    Its Ok

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Did not work. Uninstalled..."

    December 18, 2012  |   By 5345637457845673

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    None. Did not work.

    Cons

    Would freeze after install. Could not adjust settings. Just flashed.

    Summary

    Back to Firefox.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "It's good, but not perfect."

    December 11, 2012  |   By VirusSupport

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    It's fast, the layout is simple, and it has a decent selection of add ons. Good security is also a feature.

    Cons

    While it has a private browsing feature it doesn't give you the option to automatically start in private. The toolbar could us some color. Security is good accept for download security.

    Summary

    So overall the browser is good and while it needs a few fixes it is acceptable.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 2.0 stars

    "Okay, but needs MAJOR updates"

    December 4, 2012  |   By barton97

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    Everything on the webpage (print) has a nice/crisp look and feel to it. That is about it. Easy/simple interface.

    Cons

    SLOW, Webpages take very long to load, It takes even longer if you are trying to open more than 1 tab. Hardly ever has any new updates, so the software gets "old".

    Summary

    I would never suggest that ANYONE use Safari.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 2.0 stars

    "Not for me"

    November 21, 2012  |   By oneeyedkat

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    I can't think of any

    Cons

    I found it hard to use
    I didn't like that I needed to add things to get what I wanted from it unlike I did with other browsers for example Internet Explorer

    Summary

    I'm finding that the newest browsers that are now offered like Apple Safari for Windows and another for example, Google Chrome, just seem to be more work to get them to my liking than it is worth. I'm sticking to what I know and Safari isn't what I know.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Just plain awful."

    November 9, 2012  |   By WindowsFanBoy

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    There are no pros for me.

    Cons

    1. Apple product 2. Won't load one site for me. 3. Crashes 30 seconds into opening it.

    Summary

    Don't get me wrong, I am not against Apple, but they set the bar pretty high with iTunes and I am dissapointed with their work. When I use Safari at my school's Mac room with 2011 28" or something iMacs, it's amazing, better than Chrome, and even better than IE9 (I am a firm believer in Internet Explorer!!!).

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (2) (0)

  • 3.0 stars

    "Good but not easy for PC users"

    November 9, 2012  |   By bjen1112

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    It has a nice clean look. Seems fast

    Cons

    I could not get it to work with some flash sites. As a pc user I think it will take some time to get used to. I think it should aslo be available for windows but I guess Apple sees it differently

    Summary

    I am not sure but I tried some flash sites that usually open for me. I could not see www.marceko.com, www.etripafrica.com or hf3.coca-cola.com not sure if it is the browser or the sites. Is there some flash player add on that I need to find to install so that I can see everything on my Ipad?

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "It is doable"

    November 2, 2012  |   By shaleseme

    Version: Apple Safari 5.1.7

    Pros

    Style and ease of use

    Cons

    Pop up blocker could be better and it is very annoying to have to deal with commercials on different sites when the right pop up blocker would elevate that problem.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

Results 1-10 of 22

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for Apple Safari 5.1.7
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

Previous Versions:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for Apple Safari

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK

Installed

Smart Install
Apple Safari