Alternatives to Chrome
Google's Chromium browser with the largest extension ecosystem
Chrome ranks #10 of 14 in Browsers, with an Alt Score of 47. It is proprietary, free and available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. 10 of 12 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Anyone browsing the web on desktop or mobile who wants a fast, free browser with built-in Google integration; it scales from casual users to enterprise deployments.
A Chromium-based browser with tab grouping, split-view, and memory/energy saver modes for managing many tabs. It syncs bookmarks, passwords, and open tabs across signed-in devices via a Google account, with built-in autofill and Google Password Manager. Security features include Enhanced Safe Browsing, Safety Check, and a Privacy Guide. Thousands of extensions are available through the Chrome Web Store, alongside optional Gemini AI features for search and task assistance.
Download and install Chrome, then sign in with a Google account to enable sync across devices. Browse using the omnibox for combined search and URL navigation, install extensions from the Chrome Web Store, and manage settings like passwords, privacy, and themes from the browser menu.
Why people leave Chrome
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
Sign in to add a reason — new reasons go through moderation before appearing.
Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
Rows come from the Browsers checklist (16 rows). Human-verified cells only. ? means the value has not been verified.
| Browsers checklist | Chrome | Vivaldi | Brave | Waterfox | Orion | Firefox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Engine (Chromium / Gecko / WebKit) | ||||||
| Built-in ad blocker | ||||||
| Built-in VPN or proxy | ||||||
| Vertical tabs | ||||||
| Tab groups & workspaces | ||||||
| Extension ecosystem compatibility | ||||||
| Sync (E2E encrypted) | ||||||
| Battery / memory saver mode | ||||||
| Privacy: fingerprinting protection | ||||||
| Telemetry opt-out | ||||||
| Profile containers | ||||||
| Reader mode |
Every fact and feature listed for Chrome is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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License Proprietary verified 2026-07-11
These Google Chrome and ChromeOS Additional Terms of Service apply to the executable code version of Chrome and ChromeOS.
https://www.google.com/chrome/terms/ -
Pricing model Free verified 2026-07-11
Free · In‑App Purchases
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-chrome/id535886823 -
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android verified 2026-07-11
64-bit Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 10+, openSUSE 15.5+, or Fedora Linux 39+
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95346 -
Status active verified 2026-07-11
Stable Channel Update for Desktop
https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/2026/07/stable-channel-update-for-desktop_01162222768.html -
Engine (Chromium / Gecko / WebKit) Yes verified 2026-07-11
Blink serves as the rendering engine for Chromium-based browsers, including Chrome, Android WebView, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave.
https://developer.chrome.com/docs/web-platform/blink -
Built-in ad blocker No verified 2026-07-11
To prevent intrusive or misleading ads, change your site settings
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2765944 -
Tab groups & workspaces Yes verified 2026-07-11
When you create or edit a tab group, Chrome automatically saves and syncs changes across devices where you're signed in with the same Google Account.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2391819 -
Extension ecosystem compatibility Yes verified 2026-07-11
You can customize Chrome on your desktop by adding extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
https://support.google.com/chrome_webstore/answer/2664769 -
Sync (E2E encrypted) Partial verified 2026-07-11
use Google's cloud to store your Chrome data without letting Google read it
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/165139 -
Battery / memory saver mode Yes verified 2026-07-11
Chrome deactivates tabs that you aren't currently using
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/12929150 -
Privacy: fingerprinting protection Partial verified 2026-07-11
enforce a limit on entropy collected by each site
https://www.chromium.org/Home/chromium-privacy/privacy-sandbox/covert-tracking/ -
Telemetry opt-out Partial verified 2026-07-11
You can start or stop allowing these reports any time.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96817 -
Profile containers No verified 2026-07-11
With profiles, you can keep all your Chrome info separate, like bookmarks, history, passwords, and other settings.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2364824 -
Reader mode Partial verified 2026-07-11
Customize your reading experience on Chrome with reading mode.
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/14218344
FAQ
Yes. Vivaldi, Brave and Waterfox have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
Brave, Waterfox and Firefox — every license claim links its source.