Comparison

RedirectWeb vs Customize Search Engine

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Automatic URL redirection
  • Customizable rules
  • Smart Maps redirection
  • Privacy-focused search engines
  • Ad-free social media
  • iCloud Sync
  • Regex support
Features
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • Customize default search engine
  • Use custom search engines in Private Browse
  • Quick search with keywords
  • Emoji search on Emojipedia
  • Switch search engines by shortcuts
Features
Read full description

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

RedirectWeb4 screens
Customize Search Engine3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
RedirectWeb versus Customize Search Engine: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRedirectWebCustomize Search Engine
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (73 ratings) — better4.4 (66 ratings)
Positive reviews93.1% of reviews — better78.0% of reviews
Number of ratings73 — better66
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperManabu NakazawaCizzuk Shihu

Customer experience

RedirectWeb

All ratings73 ratings
Positive91.8%
Neutral1.4%
Negative6.8%
Written reviews72 reviews
Positive93.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.9%

Customize Search Engine

All ratings66 ratings
Positive84.8%
Neutral1.5%
Negative13.6%
Written reviews59 reviews
Positive78.0%
Neutral5.1%
Negative16.9%

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

2 purchases

RedirectWeb

Subscriptions1
  • Unlock all features (1 year)7 Days trial$1.991 Year
One-time1
  • Unlock all features forever$3.99
1 purchases

Customize Search Engine

One-time1
  • Change App icon$0.99

Questions

Is RedirectWeb free?
RedirectWeb is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Customize Search Engine free?
Customize Search Engine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, RedirectWeb or Customize Search Engine?
RedirectWeb is rated higher. RedirectWeb averages 4.7 out of 5 from 73 ratings, while Customize Search Engine averages 4.4 from 66 ratings.
Do RedirectWeb or Customize Search Engine have ads?
Neither RedirectWeb nor Customize Search Engine shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RedirectWeb or Customize Search Engine?
RedirectWeb ships an update every 2 weeks, and Customize Search Engine every 9 days. Most recently, RedirectWeb was updated on September 19, 2026 and Customize Search Engine on September 24, 2026.

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