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Orion Browser Brings WebKit Speed and Privacy Focus to Mac Users

Kagi, best known for its telemetry-free search engine, has released version 1.0 of Orion, its privacy-focused browser for Mac. After a long beta period, the WebKit-based browser is aimed at users who want Safari's speed without the data collection that comes with most other options.

orion browser
For users who want an alternative to Chromium browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Brave, without sacrificing speed or extension support, Orion could be worth a look. Moreover, unlike some recent browser launches, there's no integration of AI features, and Kagi says it collects no telemetry or usage data of any kind.

For a browser claiming zero-bloat, there are some notable features, too. Focus Mode strips away the browser interface to turn any website into a distraction-free app, while Link Preview lets you peek at links from mail or notes without actually opening a new tab. You can set up separate profiles that keep work, personal browsing, and everything else completely isolated. Not only that, the browser also works with Chrome and Firefox extensions.

Orion is free to download and use, and also comes with 200 free searches on Kagi's premium search engine, while an optional Orion Plus subscription at $5 per month unlocks floating windows that stay on top of other apps, custom icons, and offers early access to new features.

Kagi's six-person team developed Orion over five years (the first two years handled by a single developer). The company plans to expand documentation and add new features over the coming year. You can grab it over on the Orion website, while iPhone and iPad versions can be downloaded from the App Store.

Tag: WebKit

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Top Rated Comments

orderoftheditch Avatar
9 months ago
As a web developer I hate WebKit and Safari and it annoys me when people praise it.
Safari for example didn't support .webp images to 2020 and the browser updates are tied to iOS/macOS releases, just like Internet Explorer was in the earl 2000s.
WebKit recently had a bug where fixed elements that were positioned using bottom: X broke on mobile devices causing elements to float in the middle of the viewport rather than being attached to the bottom.
Then we have the glacial pace of implementing new features or weird WebKit only quirks that require special work arounds, just like IE did back in the day.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9 months ago

Safari is tied to the OS, can't update it individually.
That’s not true and it’s simply misinformation. They have released several Safari updates, and you can install them directly from System Settings.

I am on macOS Sequoia and I’ve already installed more than two Safari updates, including the latest one that’s in macOS Tahoe. Also, the fact that there aren’t many updates doesn’t mean anything bad. Apple will know when to update it if there’s an emergency, like patching an exploit to prevent attacks. I don’t need constant updates that add bloat to my browser.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9 months ago

How is it any different from Safari in that regard?
Supporting Chrome and Firefox extensions appears to be the big thing.

This actually might be the goldilocks browser for me. I’ve always preferred the battery life and privacy of Safari, but the extensions of Chrome and Firefox.

Also, when I really like a browser and want to stick to it across all my devices so I have browser tab syncing, their iOS apps usually suck compared to Safari. I’m such a huge fan of the UI where the URL bar is at the bottom and you can slide left, right, or up to switch between tabs. It looks like Orion even included this UI in their iOS apps Wow, I’m excited to try this out!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
n-evo Avatar
9 months ago

Orion Browser Brings WebKit Speed and Privacy Focus to Mac Users
How is it any different from Safari in that regard?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jchap Avatar
9 months ago
I've been trying out Kagi, which has been a pretty capable search engine.

As for Orion, though, if it's based off Webkit, what are the convincing differences that make it a better alternative to Safari? Can it really support Chrome and Firefox extensions, if it's a Webkit-based browser?

Someone above posted that Safari is tied to macOS releases whereas Orion might not be, which could be a plus... but again, we are talking about Webkit here, so whatever benefits and detriments the Webkit engine features, wouldn't those be carried over into Orion?

When it comes to alternative browsers for macOS, I must admit that I've never really been captivated enough by any of them to move away from Safari. Safari works great when you're moving between Apple devices—I don't see that other browsers can offer quite as seamless of an experience.

Regardless, it will be interesting to check out the preferences and settings of Orion...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fishrrman Avatar
9 months ago
Here's something that Orion can do that Safari can't:
Toggle javascript off/on with a simple keyboard command (accessible through the "developer" menu).
I set it up to use "command-J".

Reason why this is important:
Some websites are overly intrusive, by either:
- barrages of ads (popups, etc.)
- forcing you to provide an email address before they'll show you content
- demanding paid subscriptions
- other automated popups and garbage "coming at you".

... In many instances, you can substantially defeat such behavior by disabling javascript and reloading the page.

You may not see all (or any) embedded content (videos, audio, etc.),
BUT
You can then READ the articles without all this "interference".

Safari USED to have a "disable javascript" command in its developer menu, but Apple removed it. You now have to open settings, go to "security", and uncheck a checkbox. MUCH more difficult.

The developers of Orion saw the value of leaving it alone.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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