We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

Lightning for Mac

Minimalist Web browser based on Webkit (was Lightning Web Browser).

$1.99
In English
Version 4.2
3.1
Based on 6 user rates

Lightning overview

Lightning (was Lightning Web Browser) is a minimalist web browser designed with one thing in mind - speed of search. An order of magnitude smaller than other browsers, Lightning loads in less than a second and is ready to use straight away. Enable the "Lightning Lookup" service and search on selected text from any application in an instant by typing command-@.

Based on Webkit (the already fast core of the Safari and Chrome browsers), instead of unloading browsed pages as you navigate, Lightning keeps a buffer of many WebBrowser objects in memory. This allows you to return back to a previously viewed page instantaneously without having to wait for it to reload. This optimisation makes a huge difference to speed of navigation. URL's (starting with http://) or search items can be selected or entered into the address bar. For search terms, select the site you wish use as a search engine on the popup list at the left hand side.

Features:
  • History and Bookmarks are HTML pages containing an (optional) snapshot of the page when it was last viewed.
  • The Bookmarks page is WSYWIG editable to "arrange" them and can be used as your home page. Use the "Manage/Save Bookmarks" menu item to make your changes permanent.
  • Preloads next page off-screen when you hover over a link.
  • Page by Page control over Flash content and cookies.
  • All the usual trackpad gestures including zoom supported.
  • To close a tab or remove a bookmark tap it's icon.
  • Full Spelling/Grammar checking available via edit menu.
  • As a final boost to initial page load try Google DNS on 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.

What’s new in version 4.2

Version 4.2:
  • Minor adjustment of background colour for Mojave, Improved interface to blocking functionality, Same Lightning Speed.

Lightning for Mac

$1.99
In English
Version 4.2
Write a detailed review about Lightning

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

MacUpdate Comment Policy. We strongly recommend leaving comments, however comments with abusive words, bullying, personal attacks of any type will be moderated.
3.1

(3 Reviews of Lightning)

  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Nuttawut
Nuttawut
Feb 21 2014
3.0
5.0
Feb 21 2014
5.0
Version: 3.0
Love this web browser. Clean simple a nd fast.
Mac007
Mac007
Oct 17 2011
2.0.2
0.0
Oct 17 2011
0.0
Version: 2.0.2
Well that certainly didn't last long. Wonder what happened?
Ninja-Boy
Ninja-Boy
Mar 4 2011
1.4.2
0.0
Mar 4 2011
0.0
Version: 1.4.2
So, I've been hunting for a download link for the last 20 minutes and can't, for the life of me, find one. Where do I download this? Went to the App Store, but I'm just travelling around in a loop, returning to the same page of adverts again and again .., and again ...
Nuttawut
Nuttawut
Feb 21 2014
5.0
Feb 21 2014
5.0
Version: null
anonymous-pig-176437
anonymous-pig-176437
May 26 2012
1.0
May 26 2012
1.0
Version: null
widethtripp
widethtripp
Nov 10 2011
2.0
Nov 10 2011
2.0
Version: null
Majesty30
Majesty30
Mar 6 2011
5.0
Mar 6 2011
5.0
Version: null
anonymous-dingo-5564
Mar 2 2011
4.5
Version: null
Tmch
Tmch
Feb 15 2011
4.0
Feb 15 2011
4.0
Version: null