Google Chrome: The polished, powerful, and proven leader in today’s browser space
Minimalism made the Google search engine a blow-out success at the turn of the millennium. Even today on the Google homepage you’re treated simply to a logo, the search bar, and some favorites. This iconoclastic approach revolutionized how we search the web. Google took the same formula and applied it to its Chrome browser when it launched in 2008.
Today, competitors emulate that no-frills approach as Chrome has solidified itself as the internet’s most popular browser. It’s easy to use and navigate, gets top marks for security, it syncs your preferences across devices, there are so many useful extensions, and the built-in Password Manager and generator is the best thing since sliced bread. It has much to love. Does it have a couple drawbacks? Relatively, sure. It’s a little large on the download size compared to its peers. Others have been tested to be faster and less a resource hog. You can only have 10 shortcuts on the Google homepage. The most impassioned case against Chrome is one against Google: Their tentacles touch and see everything. For most users, these are all livable compared to the benefits.
The most downloaded browser around
It all starts with Chrome’s well-designed user interface that set the standard a decade ago.
Chrome’s bright white background with gray accents and text looks as inviting as ever. A reliance on icons lets Chrome provide a large window space enabling you to focus on the website while Chrome recedes in the background. The top window pane is as unobtrusive as they come. This is where you’ll find your tabs. It’s one tab per site, allowing you to have one browser window with any number of tabs. You can move tabs to new windows with ease, you just need to drag and drop them. Just below that all navigational elements show as nifty icons. These are your usual Back, Forward, Reload, Home, the search bar or address bar, a star icon to Favorite the site, and then the utility options. If you open a new tab a third bar presents itself with Favorites but this goes away when you navigate to a site. The bottom pane in the window only appears when you’re hovering on a link or have downloaded a file.
Opening a new tab defaults your cursor to the search. You never actually have to go to www.google.com to find anything – typing your query into Chrome’s command line will activate a Google search. That’s if Google doesn’t finish it for you. The auto-fill algorithm approaches Skynet levels of intelligence.
Speaking of Skynet, Google of course wants you to sign into your Google account upon installing Chrome. Chrome syncs with that account across the Google suite of products – Gmail, YouTube, Drive, Docs, etc. This is especially great because it doesn’t matter if you use Chrome on another PC, say, a work laptop. Once signed in you’ll get the same configuration you’re used to, like the menus at two McDonalds ten states away.
A browser with features that set it apart
Extensions. Chrome has countless developers churning out new extensions – you might know them as “plug-ins” – all the time. These are small pieces of software you append to Chrome to modify your experience; like an app to your smartphone. These range from functional things like ad blockers, privacy enhancers, to a tab consolidator like OneTab that reduces memory usage and improves tab management. They also include aesthetic mods which can alter how Wikipedia looks, the scheme of your homepage, and add atmospheric lighting to your Chrome experience. There are thousands of extensions with which you can personalize your Chrome.
Incognito and Guest Modes. Sometimes you simply need to hide your activities; your reasons are yours. Incognito Mode disables your browsing history and the web cache. This lets you visit sites without a trace, not storing any local data about your visit because it doesn’t save cookies. While no information is stored on your local computer, the websites you visit will retain your information. Guest mode similarly does not save browser history or cookies and is a great tool when someone borrows your computer or you browse publicly.
Password Manager. Hands down, the Chrome Password Manager is one of its most useful features. In this day and age where the average person has an account with a hundred distinct sites or services it’s difficult to keep track of your credentials. Especially if you don’t want to commit security cardinal sin numero uno: using the same login/password everywhere. Chrome suggests randomized passwords to combat this. Hopefully, you’re better than that, but instead of writing them down on a note card in your desk you can opt for Chrome’s Password Manager.
Security. Chrome comes with some native features for phishing and malware protection. Occasionally you might notice Chrome preventing you from accessing a certain site without an override decision. This is the security feature at work. An icon will appear on the command line of a red lock or triangle and exclamation mark. Moreover, Chrome is built in a “sandbox” environment, which actually helped make the web more secure. The architecture demands more than words than this review can bear but the bottom line is that Chrome delivers a remarkably safe and secure browser experience.
Where can you run this program?
Chrome for desktop runs on Windows 7 and higher, Mac OS X, and Linux. It also has an iOS app and is the default, optimal choice for Android phone users.
Is there a better alternative?
Unless you’re a tech aficionado you might be surprised at the choices of browser today. Common alternatives to Chrome include Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge, while more niche players are Opera, Brave, and Vivaldi with their own unique compelling features. Would you believe that Firefox is the only browser in this list (yes, including Edge) that doesn’t use the Chromium open source development environment that powers Chrome? This means that Chromium based browsers share the same web security superlatives that Chrome has but take slightly different directions.
• Firefox is the second most popular browser and has a similar feel to Chrome. It may be the simpler choice if you’re not a Google apps kind of person.
• Edge still plays catch up and claims its safer and faster but evidence remains limited.
• Opera has a built-in VPN and ad blocker more restrictive than Chrome’s and takes Chrome extensions.
• Vivaldi has a ton of UI customizability and nifty features like tab stacking, tab tiling, and note taking.
• Brave boasts some of the highest speeds around because of its iron-fist ad blocking.
Our take
Google Chrome is intuitive, speedy, secure, has endless extensions, integrates with your Google account, has built-in ad blocking and Adobe Flash, manages and suggests passwords, offers incognito mode... the list goes on. Chrome is the default choice for today’s browsers. Others exist as alternatives to Chrome, not the other way around. Potential drawbacks are privacy concerns because of Google’s ubiquity, since it has shown to be more of a resource burden than some alternatives, and because of its place in the Google ecosystem can feel more like a platform than a browser. Still, it ticks all the boxes and shows no signs of being outpaced.
Should you download it?
Yes. However, you should always have multiple browsers installed in case certain websites (usually older government or education sites) won’t load properly in Chrome.
Highs
- Breezy to learn and use
- Secure
- Customization options
- Password management
- Google account integration
FAQs
Can I download Google Chrome for free? ›
Install Chrome
On your Android phone or tablet, go to Google Chrome. Tap Install. Tap Accept.
...
- Download the installation file.
- Open the file called "googlechrome. ...
- In the window that opens, find Chrome .
- Drag Chrome to the Applications folder. ...
- Open Chrome.
How to Install Google Chrome on Windows 10 and 11. Open any web browser such as Microsoft Edge, type “google.com/chrome” into the address bar, and then press the Enter key. Click Download Chrome > Accept and Install > Save File.
How do I download Google Chrome on Windows? ›- Visit google.com/chrome/.
- Once there, click on the blue box that says Download Chrome.
- Find the .exe file you just downloaded and open it. ...
- Wait for Chrome to download and install.
Some people believe that Google and Google Chrome are two separate entities, but Google Chrome is just a product of the company, Google. The company was founded in 1998 and Google Chrome wasn't created until 2007.
How do I install Google Chrome without installing it? ›- Visit the Google Chrome page on the Portable apps project.
- Click the download button for the latest version, wait for the download to begin and complete.
- Launch and 'Run' the downloaded application.
- Select your language.
- Click next.
- Agree to the terms.
You might run into a problem if there's not enough space on your computer for Chrome. Clear up hard drive space by deleting unnecessary files, such as temporary files, browser cache files or old documents and programs. Download Chrome again from google.com/chrome. Try reinstalling.
How do I completely install Google Chrome? ›- On your computer, close all Chrome windows and tabs.
- Click the Start menu. Control Panel.
- Click Add or Remove Programs.
- Click Google Chrome.
- Click Remove.
- To delete your profile information, like bookmarks and history, check "Also delete your browsing data."
- Click Uninstall.
Google Chrome is a lightweight browser that is free to download for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Which Chrome is best for Windows 10? ›- Google Chrome. No browser comes close to Google Chrome in terms of market share. ...
- Mozilla Firefox. Mozilla Firefox is a privacy-focused browser. ...
- Microsoft Edge. ...
- Opera. ...
- Vivaldi. ...
- Brave Browser. ...
- Torch Browser. ...
- Tor Browser.
Is there an offline installer for Chrome? ›
The official Google Chrome offline installer contains the full setup files and doesn't need any Internet connection at the installation time, so you can use it to install Google Chrome in multiple computers.
Can I install Chrome on Windows 10? ›For Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 64-bit. For macOS 10.13 or later.
Is there a Chrome app for PC? ›Chrome for desktop runs on Windows 7 and higher, Mac OS X, and Linux. It also has an iOS app and is the default, optimal choice for Android phone users.
Is Chrome available on Windows Store? ›Updated December 19, 2017: Microsoft has now pulled Chrome Installer from the Microsoft Store. Google has today launched its Chrome web browser in the Microsoft Store on Windows 10, allowing users to head to the Windows 10 app store and download Google's ever-popular Chrome browser ... well, sort of.
What is the safest browser to use? ›- Firefox. Firefox is a robust browser when it comes to both privacy and security. ...
- Google Chrome. Google Chrome is a very intuitive internet browser. ...
- Chromium. Google Chromium is the open-source version of Google Chrome for people who want more control over their browser. ...
- Brave. ...
- Tor.
Even though Chrome is good at protecting users against external threats, Google itself is a major threat to your privacy.
Which browser should I use instead of Chrome? ›Microsoft Edge.
The new Microsoft Edge is built on the Chromium engine so it's as compatible as Chrome itself, but with that Microsoft spin.
You might run into a problem if there's not enough space on your computer for Chrome. Clear up hard drive space by deleting unnecessary files, such as temporary files, browser cache files, or old documents and programs. Download Chrome again from google.com/chrome. Try reinstalling.
Does Microsoft edge block Google Chrome? ›Edge does not block you from using Google Search or downloading Google Chrome.
How long does it take to install Chrome on Windows 10? ›Right-click the downloaded file, then choose to open with your preferred installer. Install the Chrome browser from there; you may be required to enter your account password and download extra files. The installation may take up to 1 min, depending on the hardware.
How do I reinstall Chrome on my laptop? ›
Open Internet Explorer or another installed browser and visit google.com/chrome . Highlight "Download" at the top of the page and select "For personal computer." This will take you to the Chrome download page. Click "Download Chrome" to download the Chrome installer.
Do I need both Chrome and Google? ›Google Chrome is a web browser. You need a web browser to open websites, but it doesn't have to be Chrome. Chrome just happens to be the stock browser for Android devices. In short, just leave things as they are, unless you like to experiment and are prepared for things to go wrong!
How do I uninstall Chrome and reinstall it? ›If you can see the Uninstall button, then you can remove the browser. To reinstall Chrome, you should go to the Play Store and search for Google Chrome. Simply tap Install, and then wait until the browser is installed on your Android device.
How much is Google Chrome cost? ›Google Chrome Pricing
Google Chrome is 100% free.
Because no matter what device you're using, when you uninstall Chrome, it will automatically shift to its default browser (Edge for Windows, Safari for Mac, Android Browser for Android). However, if you don't want to use the default browsers, you can use them to download any other browser you want.
Is Chrome safe to use now? ›Google Chrome is by all accounts a secure browser, with features like Google Safe Browsing, which helps protect users by displaying an impossible-to-miss warning when they attempt to navigate to dangerous sites or download dangerous files. In fact, both Chrome and Firefox have rigorous security in place.
Should I switch from edge to Chrome? ›Since Edge moved to Chromium, the browsers are very similar, and which one works better for you is a personal choice. However, in a few areas, Edge has the edge. If you prioritize speed or low resource consumption, you should choose Microsoft Edge over Chrome.
What's the best browser to use with Windows 10? ›- Best overall: Google Chrome.
- Best for security: Mozilla Firefox.
- Best for customization: Vivaldi.
- Best for social media: Opera.
- Best for macOS: Apple Safari.
- Best for Windows: Microsoft Edge.
- Download Plus. Download Plus is a simple yet handy download manager extension for Google Chrome. ...
- Download Manager Pro. ...
- Download Manager. ...
- IDM Integration Module. ...
- Chrono Download Manager. ...
- DownThemAll. ...
- Thunder Download Manager.
- Use this special URL when visiting Google Chrome's download site.
- Click on 'Download Chrome. ...
- The Google Chrome offline installer will now be downloaded and will have a name similar to ChromeStandaloneSetup64.exe.
How much does it cost to get Chrome? ›
Google Chrome is 100% free.
What browsers are available for free? ›- Opera. Opera Software. ...
- CryptoTab. CryptoTab. ...
- Kasm Workspaces. Kasm Technologies. ...
- Feed Viewer. Vaclav Dajbych. ...
- Google Chrome. Google. ...
- Brave Browser. Brave Software. ...
- Mozilla Firefox. Mozilla. ...
- Microsoft Edge. Microsoft.
Google Chrome is the most secure browser you can download. It's designed to protect your data and privacy, so it does not use third-party cookies and other types of tracking technologies that may compromise your security, speed up advertising and steal information.
How much does a Chrome license cost? ›What Do You Need to Do? If you plan to purchase the new Chrome Education Upgrade licenses on or after March 9, 2021, the new rate at $38 USD will apply. If you're not planning to purchase new the new Chrome Education Upgrade licenses, no action is required.
Do I need both Chrome and Google? ›Google Chrome is a web browser. You need a web browser to open websites, but it doesn't have to be Chrome. Chrome just happens to be the stock browser for Android devices. In short, just leave things as they are, unless you like to experiment and are prepared for things to go wrong!
Which is better Windows or Chrome? ›If the two operating systems are compared based on default applications, Chrome OS is ahead of Windows. In Windows we find a store (Microsoft Store) with useful applications, but not very varied. Instead, Chrome OS supports apps from google play. This considerably opens up the range of possibilities and available apps.
Which Chrome browser is best? ›Google Chrome is our pick for the most well-rounded web browser you can get. It's fast and natively supports your favorite Google services like Gmail and Google Drive. You can perform a search within the address bar, group your browser tabs, and more.
What is the safest browser to use on your computer? ›- Brave Browser.
- Tor Browser.
- Firefox Browser.
- Iridium Browser.
- Epic Privacy Browser.
- GNU IceCat Browser.
- Other honorable mentions.
- Firefox. Firefox is a robust browser when it comes to both privacy and security. ...
- Google Chrome. Google Chrome is a very intuitive internet browser. ...
- Chromium. Google Chromium is the open-source version of Google Chrome for people who want more control over their browser. ...
- Brave. ...
- Tor.
Brave is arguably one of the best web browsers for all-around security. The open source browser includes a built-in ad blocker, a script blocker, automatically upgrades to HTTPS, blocks all third-party storage and protects against browser fingerprinting.
Which is safer Google or Chrome? ›
Even though Chrome is good at protecting users against external threats, Google itself is a major threat to your privacy.
What is the safest version of Google Chrome? ›Google has launched version 100 of Chrome which patches 28 vulnerabilities and introduces some new features with security and privacy implications. Google has launched Chrome version 100 which, among other things, fixes 28 vulnerabilities.
What are the risks of using Google Chrome? ›- Performance and Stability. Just because it's the most used doesn't mean it's the best. ...
- Extensions Security. ...
- Settings Bloat. ...
- Slow Feature Development. ...
- Ecosystem Lock-in. ...
- Tracking and Privacy. ...
- False Sense of Security. ...
- Google Monopoly.
Chrome keeps you safe and sound with its built-in malware and phishing protection. It has safe browsing technology and will show you a warning message before you visit a site that is suspicious. Chrome also automatically updates, so you always have the latest and most up-to-date version.
Do Chrome licenses expire? ›Chrome Enterprise includes 24/7 Enterprise support from Google. The perpetual license is valid for the life of the device but can be transferred to a like device in the event of a device issue.