NetSurf For Mac

NetSurf is a simple, open source web browser that uses its very own rendering engine and is designed to provide a lightweight alternative to more complex applications.

Unfortunately, the OS X app is still in the early stages of development. Currently, it lacks all but the most basic functions and does not support many common web standards.

To say that the application’s interface is minimalistic would be putting it lightly. Aside from the main browser window, the only other visible elements are the URL field, Back/Forward buttons, Homepage and History shortcuts. Any of these can be removed, and multiple icon styles are available.

NetSurf comes with a useful feature that allows you to view the browsing history of each separate tab in diagram form, which makes it very simple to find and navigate to various pages.

Due to that fact that CSS, HTML and JavaScript implementation is not complete, many web pages cannot be displayed correctly. This significantly limits your browsing options, as it is almost impossible to navigate through certain websites.

Moreover, the features included in the app’s current version are simply not sufficient, and some of them do not function as intended.

Even though the functions are included, you cannot add bookmarks or manage them, and it is impossible to clear the browsing history. The app does not offer an adequate download manager, search engine integration or support for extensions.

Also, you cannot view a page’s source code, despite the fact that the function can be found by accessing the right-click menu. The zoom function does not appear to have any effect.

Moreover, trying to set the current website as your homepage crashes the application, and the last session cannot be recovered.

It is not possible to customize security and privacy settings or any other advanced parameters, as the only settings that can be configured are related to the display of confirmation dialogs when performing certain actions.

NetSurf can become a powerful web browser in time, but at this current stage in the development process it cannot be recommended, as the lack of important features and operational bugs limit its usefulness.