Enhancing Your Safari Experience: The Best Dark Mode Extension
Written on
Chapter 1: The Need for Dark Mode
As a technology enthusiast, I often find myself glued to my Mac for extended periods. Unfortunately, the websites I frequently visit are predominantly designed with light backgrounds and dark text, which can be quite straining on the eyes. The introduction of iOS 15 was a game changer for me, as it enabled support for extensions on Safari, my browser of choice. Since then, I’ve experimented with various free dark mode extensions in pursuit of a more comfortable browsing experience.
While these free options provided some relief, they often fell short in terms of comprehensive functionality. Understandably, I didn't expect too much from free applications. However, I eventually decided to try Dark Reader— a paid app that ranks #11 in Productivity and #1 among dark mode extensions on the App Store. It was my first paid app, costing me $4.99. Though this might seem steep, it is undeniably worth the investment.
Section 1.1: Key Features of Dark Reader
#1. No Data Collection
During my time using free dark mode extensions, I was often left with a nagging concern about whether they were harvesting my sensitive login information. The App Store’s privacy section indicated data collection. In contrast, Dark Reader provides peace of mind by ensuring it does not collect any personal data or browsing history— a fact backed by Apple.
Dark Reader has never collected and will never collect any personal data or browsing history, as stated in its privacy policy.
#2. Compatibility with Default Dark Mode
Many websites, including Google, YouTube, and LinkedIn, already feature their own dark themes. If you enable dark mode on these sites and then use an additional dark mode extension, the result can be visually jarring. However, Dark Reader is smart enough to recognize when a website has its own dark mode and will deactivate itself accordingly, avoiding any clash.
#3. Smooth Color Adjustments
One frustrating experience I had with a free dark mode app was when I toggled the feature on a payment gateway and the entire page refreshed, causing me to lose my transaction. Thankfully, Dark Reader avoids this issue; it allows users to switch modes without refreshing the page, preserving both the integrity of the webpage and my data usage.
#4. Customizable Website Preferences
A standout feature of Dark Reader is its ability to remember individual preferences for specific websites. For instance, while I enjoy using it on Instagram, I prefer not to use it on my university’s website. The app remembers these settings, making my browsing experience much more personalized.
#5. PDF Suppo