10 Best Chromium-Based Browsers 2024

Chromium-based browsers have rapidly gained popularity for their fast and secure browsing capabilities. Essential for navigating the internet, these browsers are a top choice for many users.

In this article, we will explore what defines a Chromium-based browser, best Chromium-based browsers and how to choose the best one for your needs.

What's A Chromium-based Browser?

A Chromium-based browser is a type of browser that utilizes the open-source Chromium codebase. Initiated by Google, the Chromium project provides the foundational code for the web engine that drives Google Chrome, one of the most widely used browsers around the globe.

Asides from Chromium, there are only two other active web engines that power web browsers: WebKit (powers Apple’s Safari) and Gecko (powers Mozilla Firefox). These two web engines lack widespread usage compared to Chromium.

The popularity of Chromium means that it not only supports Google Chrome but also forms the basis for numerous other browsers.

Chrome vs Chromium

Chromium is an open-source project launched by Google. It is a basic, free web browser that serves as a foundation for any Chromium-based browser. On the other hand, Google Chrome is built on this open-source foundation and enhances it by adding features such as Google Services, various customization options, and synchronization capabilities.

Google Chrome offers more than just basic browsing functionality, it enhances the user experience with additional features that improve both usability and personalization. Essentially, while Chromium provides the skeleton, Google Chrome adds the flesh, bringing additional tools and services that cater to a wide range of user needs.

Best Chromium-Based Browsers

Arc Browser

Arc Browser is a fresh and innovative browser still under development, currently available only for macOS users. As a Chromium-based browser, Arc has been recognized for its user-friendly interface and strong performance. Despite being new, it's already drawing attention for its unique features geared towards multitasking, such as the ability to split tabs, pin them, and manage all open tabs conveniently through a sidebar.

Access to Arc is somewhat limited, as it's available only through invites, but students with a college email address can download it right now.

Pros

• Features a user-friendly design with unique multitasking tools.

Cons

• Currently only available on macOS and via invite.

• As it is still being developed, it might have fewer features compared to more established browsers.

Brave

Brave, a standout among Chromium-based browsers, was crafted by the pioneers behind JavaScript and Mozilla Firefox. It mirrors Google Chrome's minimalist design yet significantly ramps up privacy measures. Brave is particularly acclaimed for its speed, often outperforming Chrome and Firefox, especially on slower internet connections.

Brave enhances user privacy with features like built-in Tor support, which provides an additional layer of anonymity online. Its unique Brave Rewards system allows users to earn BAT (Basic Attention Tokens) by engaging with privacy-respecting ads, integrating Web 3.0 technology seamlessly into the browsing experience.

Pros

• Blocks ads and trackers by default.

• Loads pages quicker than many competitors.

• Includes a built-in wallet for cryptocurrencies.

• Compatible with most Chromium extensions.

Cons

• Its ad system, while innovative, can be perceived as intrusive.

• May reduce earnings for content creators dependent on ads.

Comodo Dragon

Comodo Dragon is a web browser developed by Comodo, a company known for its antivirus software. This Chromium-based browser aims to offer better security and privacy than standard browsers. Comodo Dragon includes many of the core functionalities of Google Chrome but with several Google services disabled to enhance privacy. Despite these modifications, it supports Chrome Web Store extensions and allows users to log in with their Google accounts.

Pros

• Incorporates domain validation technology and a web inspector to guard against malware.

• Supports Chrome extensions.

Cons

• Updates and performance improvements are less frequent, which may affect security and user experience.

• Despite being more private than standard browsers, it has faced criticism for not being as secure as other privacy-focused browsers.

Epic

Epic is a Chromium-based browser that focuses on user privacy. It always operates in a private mode, deleting all cookies, caches, and history once you close it. This prevents any personal data from being stored.

Epic blocks over 600 tracking attempts in a single session, keeping your online activities private. It also includes a built-in proxy to hide your IP address, enhancing your anonymity.

However, Epic's privacy features mean it supports fewer web extensions, which could limit some functionality. The browser may run slower than others, and managing multiple tabs can be tricky due to its focus on isolating them to protect your data.

Pros

• Strong privacy and no data retention.

• Effective at blocking ads and trackers.

• Built-in proxy for IP anonymity.

Cons

• Limited extensions available.

• Slower performance.

• Difficulties with multiple tabs.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is a Chromium-based browser from Microsoft, designed to replace Internet Explorer. Launched to rival Chrome, it offers strong performance and many features. Since adopting Chromium in 2020, Edge has become popular for its seamless integration with Windows and full support for Chrome extensions.

Edge is efficient with memory, which makes it faster and lighter than many other browsers. It's pre-installed on Windows PCs and features an easy-to-navigate interface with options like dark mode and customizable tabs. Additionally, it includes tools like an immersive reader and PDF markup to boost productivity.

Pros

• Efficient memory use.

• Features like dark mode and PDF tools.

Cons

• Limited security features.

• Fewer extensions than competitors.

Opera

Opera, a well-known web browser, has kept improving since it started using the Chromium engine in 2013. It introduced many features that are now common in browsers, offering fast and secure browsing.

Opera is great for privacy with its built-in VPN that hides your IP address. It also has an ad blocker that makes browsing smoother by stopping unwanted ads. The browser is easy to use and lets you change settings to fit your needs.

It also has a sidebar that makes it easy to use social media like WhatsApp and Instagram right from the browser, so you can chat and browse at the same time.

Opera is not just user-friendly but also fast. It speeds up web loading, especially on slow connections, by compressing data.

Pros

• Built-in VPN.

• Integrated Ad Blocker and social media apps.

• High Customizability.

• Compresses data to improve browsing speeds.

Cons

• Some users may find the interface cluttered with features.

• Certain websites might not work perfectly with Opera.

Opera GX

Opera GX is a unique browser tailored for the gaming community, developed by Opera to enhance internet gaming experiences. It stands out with its game-inspired user interface, complete with customizable animations, sounds, and graphic effects that appeal to gamers. From the moment of installation, users can personalize the browser's look with a vast collection of wallpapers or add their own to match their gaming aesthetic.

The browser includes specialized tools such as the GX Corner for quick access to gaming-related content and integrations with platforms like Discord and Twitch directly in the sidebar. Opera GX also features innovative resource management tools, allowing users to set limits on RAM, CPU, and network usage to optimize their PC’s performance during gaming sessions.

Pros

• Adaptive usage of RAM, CPU, and network to enhance performance.

• Easy access to gaming platforms and customizable UI.

• Built-in adblocker and VPN.

Cons

• Some features may be difficult for non-gamers to navigate.

• Potential concerns for user privacy.

Ungoogled Chromium

Ungoogled Chromium is a specialized browser designed for users prioritizing privacy and control over their online environment. This browser is based on the open-source Chromium, but it removes all Google-related elements and services, enhancing privacy by not relying on Google’s web infrastructure.

Ungoogled Chromium maintains the core features of Chromium but requires users to manually enable privacy settings. This makes it suitable for advanced users who want more control over their browsing experience. It does not come with any pre-installed search engines, allowing users to choose whichever one they prefer. Additionally, it does not support direct installation of extensions from the Chrome Web Store, which could affect functionality but increases privacy.

Pros

• Enhanced privacy.

• Allows users to manually adjust privacy settings and choose their search engine.

• Clean interface.

Cons

• Does not allow direct installation from the Chrome Web Store.

• Requires a bit of programming knowledge to use.

SRWare Iron

SRWare Iron is a web browser based on the open-source Chromium project, similar to Google Chrome. However, SRWare Iron sets itself apart by removing several features that connect users to Google's services. This includes disabling Google's suggestion features in the address bar, URL tracking, RLZ tracking, DNS pre-fetching, and Google-hosted error pages. The goal is to enhance user privacy by eliminating potential data tracking and dependencies on Google.

Despite its focus on privacy, SRWare Iron has faced some challenges. One major issue is the slower pace at which updates and security patches are released compared to more mainstream browsers like Chrome. This can leave users vulnerable to new threats for longer periods.

Pros

• Enhanced privacy.

• Offers a cleaner experience without unnecessary features.

Cons

• Slower to receive security patches and updates.

• Less stable and prone to crashing.

Vivaldi

Vivaldi stands out in the crowded field of Chromium-based browsers for its unique blend of customization and efficiency.

Designed by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner, the former CEO of Opera, Vivaldi takes a different path from conventional browsers by offering extensive customization options and innovative features that appeal particularly to power users.

You can adjust almost everything from the color scheme—which changes based on the current website—to the layout of your tabs and navigation icons.

Vivaldi also includes built-in tools such as notes, tab management, and mouse gestures, enhancing productivity without the need for additional extensions.

Pros

• Extremely customizable.

• Built-in features.

• Does not sync history or passwords from other browsers, enhancing user privacy.

• Operates efficiently.

Cons

• No iOS support.

• Potential for high memory usage.

How to choose your browser

Selecting the right web browser can significantly impact your online experience and security. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:

Decide if you need a browser with just the essential features or one that supports a wide range of Chrome extensions.

The best browser for you is one that you find easy and comfortable to use.

Check if the browser is available as a mobile app by visiting the browser's official website.

Find out how often the browser releases updates.

Investigate if the browser has had any security breaches and how swiftly they were addressed.

Consider the credibility of the company behind the browser. A reputable developer can often offer more reliability and security.

Conclusion

Choosing the right browser is crucial for a safer and more enjoyable online experience. Remember, no browser alone can offer complete protection. It's important to consider additional tools.

Using a VPN can hide your IP address and location, giving you more privacy than just using incognito mode. Proxies also help by serving as intermediaries between your device and the internet, further shielding your identity.

For an extra layer of security, consider using BrowserScan. By understanding what information your browser reveals, you can better protect yourself from unwanted tracking and data breaches.