xSearch for Safari
v4.1.1Power users of Safari on Apple devices who want to optimize their browsing workflow, increase search efficiency, and maintain strict control over their search engine preferences.
What Is xSearch for Safari?
Launched Sep 20, 2021
Updated Mar 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Instantly switch between different search engines using custom text shortcuts.
Perform simultaneous searches across multiple search engines with a single shortcut.
Automatically selects a search engine from a defined list for each query.
Remembers the previous query to allow for instant reuse without retyping.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a mixed sentiment. Users appreciate custom search functionality, but report steep learning curve / lack of documentation and privacy and permission concerns.”
What Users Love
xSearch has made it possible to use a custom default search engine in Safari
Replicates Chrome’s custom search engine functionality in Safari
Pain Points
It is impossible to figure out how to configure this app, and there are no help files
A guide on best utilizing the app could go a long way
It started to request additional permissions... nothing about extra permissions in change log
The extension xSearch for Safari claims it doesn’t read user data. But we can clearly see it DOES invade our privacy
High confidence · 49 reviews available
How is it ranked?
| Chart | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Paid | #22 | ▲1 |
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Multi-platform ecosystem support (iOS/macOS) with one purchase
- Unique multisearch and random search differentiators
- Strong privacy-first architecture with local processing
Cons
- Significant usability barriers due to lack of documentation
- Technical bugs regarding saving queries and iPad compatibility
- Poor communication regarding OS-level permission changes
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Deepen integration with LLM/AI search tools
- Create a community-driven library of search engine JSON configurations
- Improve onboarding to capture less technical power users
Market Threats
- AI-first browsers like Arc Search making manual switching obsolete
- Native Safari updates that may incorporate keyword search features
- Competitors like Keyword Search offering similar features with better documentation
Who competes with xSearch for Safari?
The Nemesis
Arc Search — Find it, Faster
★4.9 (24K)The Browser Company of New York Inc.
Offers multi-engine search capabilities and quick switching, mirroring xSearch's multisearch differentiator.
Offers multi-engine search capabilities and quick switching, mirroring xSearch's multisearch differentiator.
Peers
StopTheMadness Pro
Jeff Johnson
While broader in scope, it targets the same Safari power-user demographic looking to reclaim control over their browsing experience.
While broader in scope, it targets the same Safari power-user demographic looking to reclaim control over their browsing experience.
Userscripts
Justin Wasack
An open-source extension that allows power users to write custom scripts for search redirection, appealing to the most technical xSearch users.
An open-source extension that allows power users to write custom scripts for search redirection, appealing to the most technical xSearch users.
Vinegar - Tube Cleaner
And a Dinosaur
A popular Safari extension utility that shares the same 'one-time purchase' premium utility model and target audience.
A popular Safari extension utility that shares the same 'one-time purchase' premium utility model and target audience.
What are the key takeaways?
xSearch for Safari is a divisive productivity app that is a paid app. With a 4.5/5 rating from 214 reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users. Users particularly appreciate custom search functionality, though steep learning curve / lack of documentation remains a common concern.
Best for: Power users of Safari on Apple devices who want to optimize their browsing workflow, increase search efficiency, and maintain strict control over their search engine preferences.
How much does it cost?
Model: paid
The app utilizes a straightforward, one-time purchase model, positioning itself as a premium utility rather than a subscription-based service, which appeals to privacy-conscious power users.
iOS Version
4.1.1
Release Date
Sep 20, 2021
iOS Price
$2.99