Web browsers for MacHead to head

Orion vs Zen Browser

Orion ranks #2 and Zen Browser ranks #3 in our guide to the best web browsers for Mac. Orion is the better pick for most people.

The Useful TechResearched and written with AI under our rulesUpdated 14 Oct 2026

Better for most peopleOrion app iconOrionPick Orion if you like Safari's engine but rely on Chrome extensions you can't give up.Free to start#3 in the guideZen Browser app iconZen BrowserPick Zen Browser if you keep dozens of tabs across projects and want a free Firefox-based browser with workspaces.Free, open source

What decides it

  • Zen Browser costs less over 3 years: Free, against $150 for Orion.
  • Both run on Mac. Only Orion runs on iPhone and iPad.

Side by side

Prices are checked every day.

At a glanceOrion app iconOrionZen Browser app iconZen Browser
PriceFree. Orion+ is an optional $5 a month, $50 a year or $150 lifetimeFree and open source
How you payFree, with paid upgradesFree
3 years of use$150Free Cheaper
Free trialFree to startFree to start
Runs onMac, iPhone, iPadMac
Where to buyApp Store, DeveloperDeveloper
Rating4 1.2K ratingsToo few ratings
FeaturesPrivacyOpen source
Made byKagi Inc.Not listed
Last updated19 Oct 202630 Oct 2026

Who should get which

Get Orion if

You like Safari's engine but can't give up your favorite Chrome extensions.

Get Zen Browser if

You keep dozens of tabs open across projects and want a Firefox-based browser that keeps them apart.

Skip Orion if

You're happy with Safari plus a content blocker and don't rely on any Chrome-only extensions.

Skip Zen Browser if

You need a browser that is finished and stable today; Safari already is, and Zen still carries a beta label.

Our verdicts

Orion app iconOrion

Free on Mac, iPhone and iPad, this browser from Kagi runs on the same WebKit engine as Safari but sends zero telemetry and blocks ads out of the box. It also installs many Chrome and Firefox extensions, though not every one, which is something Safari can't do at all. Orion+ at $5 a month adds early builds, floating windows, programmable buttons and custom icons, but the free version is the one most people want.

Zen Browser app iconZen Browser

Sort your tabs into workspaces for work, side projects and personal browsing, then hide the tab bar with Compact Mode when you want the whole screen. Zen is a free, open source browser built on Firefox, so it suits people who like how Arc sorts tabs into Spaces but want Firefox underneath. It is still labeled beta, which means rough edges that Safari doesn't have.

What each one helps you do

Orion app iconOrion

  • Block ads and trackers without installing anything
  • Run Chrome and Firefox extensions on WebKit
  • Browse without sending usage data anywhere

Zen Browser app iconZen Browser

  • Separate work and personal tabs into workspaces
  • View 2 tabs side by side
  • Hide the tab bar for more screen space
  • Restyle the browser with community mods

Where to get them

Orion

Free. Orion+ is an optional $5 a month, $50 a year or $150 lifetime

  • App Store, iPhone and iPadWith in-app purchases
    Free downloadApp Store
  • From the developer
    Free downloadGet it

Zen Browser

Free and open source

  • From the developerStill in beta; also available for Windows and Linux
    FreeGet it

Neither one quite right?

The other picks in our guide to the best web browsers for Mac.

Read the full guideAll Orion alternativesAll Zen Browser alternatives

More comparisons