RedirectWeb vs Customize Search Engine
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RedirectWeb
Automate your web browsing with custom URL redirects. This Safari extension lets you control how links open, from mapping apps to search engines and social media platforms, offering a cleaner, ad-free experience. It supports advanced rule creation and syncs across your Apple devices.
- Automatic URL redirection
- Customizable rules
- Smart Maps redirection
- Privacy-focused search engines
- Ad-free social media
- iCloud Sync
- Regex support
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Tired of manually fixing URLs? RedirectWeb is a Safari extension that automatically redirects URLs based on your custom rules. Save time, protect your privacy, and browse the web your way. — TOP FEATURES & USE CASES — • Smart Maps Redirection: Automatically open Google Maps links in Apple Maps. • Search Your Way: Force Safari to use Kagi, Startpage, Brave Search, or any privacy-focused engine as your default. • Better Social Media: Redirect Twitter/X to Nitter, Reddit to Old Reddit, or YouTube to Invidious for a cleaner, ad-free experience. • Global Compatibility: Works seamlessly on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. Also compatible with Chrome and Firefox on Mac. • Extensive Library: Don't know where to start? Browse our built-in library of popular, pre-made rules. — PRIVACY FIRST — • Zero Tracking: We do not collect any personal data. Your browsing habits stay on your device. • No Ads: Enjoy a distraction-free utility. — FOR POWER USERS — • Multiple Rule Formats: Support for Wildcards and full Regular Expressions (Regex). • Advanced Logic: Use exclusion patterns to prevent loops and capture groups ($1, $2) for complex URL rewriting. • Ultra-Fast DNR Rules: Leverage the modern Declarative Net Request API for lightning-fast, zero-latency redirections before network requests even start. Gain granular control by filtering resource types and HTTP methods. • Sync & Backup: iCloud Sync keeps your rules updated across all your devices. Export/Import JSON for easy backup. — FOR ENTERPRISES & IT ADMINS — • MDM Support: Centrally deploy and manage redirection rules across your organization's devices using Apple's Managed App Configuration (Jamf, Intune, Kandji, etc.). • Enforced Routing & Control: Seamlessly redirect employees during internal system migrations, set up intranet access, and lock down in-app settings to prevent user tampering. For Volume Purchase Program (VPP) customers, we also offer a Pro version with all features unlocked out-of-the-box, ideal for businesses, educational institutions, and organizations of all types. Search for "RedirectWeb Pro" on the App Store. — PRICING — • Start for Free: Enjoy 1 active rule forever. No ads, no time limits. • Pro Unlock: One-time purchase or low-cost subscription for unlimited rules and iCloud Sync. Universal Purchase included. Buy once, use on all devices. — HOW IT WORKS — 1. Install RedirectWeb and enable the extension in Safari. 2. Add a rule from the Library or create your own "From → To" flow. 3. Browse as usual. RedirectWeb handles the rest in the background! — SUPPORT — Questions or feedback? Go to Settings → "Send Feedback" within the app. We listen to our users! Take control of your web links today. Download RedirectWeb and skip the detours.
Customize Search Engine
This Safari extension lets you customize your default search engine and settings. Easily switch between preferred search engines, including AI assistants, and modify options like hiding AI Overviews or changing language. It offers quick search shortcuts and emoji search functionality.
- Customize default search engine
- Use custom search engines in Private Browse
- Quick search with keywords
- Emoji search on Emojipedia
- Switch search engines by shortcuts
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Safari Extension to customize your search engine. This extension allows you to use your preferred search engines, such as non-default search engines or AI assistants. You can also use it to change search engine settings, for example, by hiding AI Overviews or changing language settings. ### Features ### --- Customize your Search Engine Change Safari's default search engine. --- CSE for Private Browse Switch search engines in Private Browse. --- Quick Search Enter the keyword to switch search engines. Example: - Search "br something" to search in Brave Search - Search "wiki Safari" to find Safari on Wikipedia - Search "yt Me at the zoo" to find the oldest videos on YouTube - Search "wbm example.com" to see past versions of the website --- Emoji Search If you enter only one emoji, you can search it on Emojipedia.org. --- Switch Search Engines by Shortcuts and Focus You can use a different custom search engine or disable CSE while at work, school, etc.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Customize Search Engine at free against RedirectWeb's free with in-app purchases. RedirectWeb's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and review sentiment (93% vs 78%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. RedirectWeb sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year and Customize Search Engine sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
RedirectWeb holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 73 and 66 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of RedirectWeb's written reviews are positive against 78% of Customize Search Engine's.
RedirectWeb ships an update every 2 weeks, Customize Search Engine every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RedirectWeb | Customize Search Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (73 ratings) — better | 4.4 (66 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 93.1% of reviews — better | 78.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 73 — better | 66 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 9 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Manabu Nakazawa | Cizzuk Shihu |
Customer experience
RedirectWeb
Customize Search Engine
Bugs and requests
RedirectWeb
Reported bugs
4 issues- App is too difficult to understand for non-coders
- Redirection isn't smooth
- Some users report it doesn't work at all
- Extension doesn't open other apps as expected
Requested features
5 requests- Folders and search feature for created rules
- More in-depth tutorial for complex redirects
- Wildcard support in a future update
- Ability to modify request headers
- More examples in the help guide for wildcard redirects
Customize Search Engine
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
RedirectWeb
- Unlock all features (1 year)7 Days trial$1.991 Year
- Unlock all features forever$3.99
Customize Search Engine
- Change App icon$0.99
Questions
Is RedirectWeb free?
Is Customize Search Engine free?
Which has better reviews, RedirectWeb or Customize Search Engine?
Do RedirectWeb or Customize Search Engine have ads?
Which is updated more often, RedirectWeb or Customize Search Engine?
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