Google Chrome vs Safari

This comparison uses the current IdleForest model for Google Chrome and Safari: their category, modeled CO2 per use unit, methodology notes, key drivers, and assumptions.

Supporting comparison page

Google Chrome

Browsing

25g

CO2 / HOUR

Higher emissions

Safari

Browsing

20g

CO2 / HOUR

Data-backed comparison

Summary

When comparing Google Chrome and Safari, Google Chrome generates significantly more CO2 emissions per hour (25g) than Safari (20g). Both applications rely on devices, networks, and server infrastructure, which all contribute to their environmental impact.

Why the gap happens

Google Chrome is modeled at 25g CO2 per unit, while Safari is modeled at 20g, so the visible gap is 5g in the current dataset.
Both products sit in the Browsing category, so the difference comes from the per-product estimate and page-level methodology fields rather than a category change.
The Chrome estimate focuses on active browsing behavior and background browser load rather than only the energy of a single page view.
Open tabs, video-heavy pages, and extensions can keep CPU and memory usage elevated.

What to act on first

Because Google Chrome is higher in the current model, start there: Close unused tabs and disable heavy extensions you no longer need.

Google Chrome is currently modeled at 5g CO2 more per unit of use than Safari.

Deep dive into their footprints

Read the full Google Chrome report Read the full Safari report

Comparison takeaways

Google Chrome is modeled at 25g CO2 per unit, while Safari is modeled at 20g, so the visible gap is 5g in the current dataset.

Both products sit in the Browsing category, so the difference comes from the per-product estimate and page-level methodology fields rather than a category change.

About IdleForest

IdleForest is a passive browser extension that plants trees while you browse, game, or stream. It uses your unused internet bandwidth to fund reforestation projects.

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