A very fast and free open-source web browser with a minimalist design, stable build and full support for extensions from the Google Chrome store.
The technology behind Google Chrome is from the open source project called Chromium. It comes without any of the tie-ups with Google's online services.
Chromium provides an experience that is finely tuned to work with all types of web sites and online services including Google. Because Google tweaks the Chromium source code almost every day, you should always use the latest version.
What makes Chromium different from Chrome is that it's not completely integrated with the Google ecosystem and anybody can fork from it. It's not necessarily as stable as one might expect but you're rather unlikely to find any major issues.
Layout and interface isn't too different
After you've installed this browser, you're greeted with a very familiar interface. It has the same tab layout, Omnibox, themes, extensions, bookmarks, history, downloads, and basically the same thing that we can do with Chrome.
Chromium is portable, and does not require installation. You just have to run the .exe file and we will be able to use the browser.
A huge number of other browsers are based off of Chromium
In terms of web technology and standards, Chromium is at the bleeding edge but does not include the type of tracking that other browsers might. To get completely off the grid, a better choice might be Brave Browser or the Tor Browser.
Some of the other browsers, apart from Google Chrome, which have been derived from this project include SRWare Iron, Comodo Dragon and even Opera's new-generation browser. After Microsoft killed off Internet Explorer, they also switched to this codebase with their Microsoft Edge default browser.
In a nutshell
In the end, Chromium is not for everybody and its minimalist interface may take some getting used to. On the other hand, it's great for heavy Google users that wish to synchronize their Google experience across multiple devices such as desktops, notebooks and mobile phones powered by Android.
What's the difference between Chromium vs Chrome?
The main difference we're looking at here is integration with Google services. This can include anything from integration with Google Search, inclusion of Google Translate and a number of other factors to look at. In truth, a lot of the utility in the Chrome browser isn't just its speed and great rendering of web pages, but the useful services that are included by Google itself. This is due to the fact that API keys for Google are non-existent with the browser.
Chromium is essentially untied to the very many useful services that are bundled with the Google Chrome browser and you notice it the moment you start browsing the web with Chromium.
Crash reports are also not sent into Google headquarters and tracking of browsing is probably also rather limited.
Other useful services not requiring an API key are also not present here, so it's worth keeping that in mind when deciding which browser to use on a day-to-day basis.
Features of Chromium Browser
- Customization: Chromium allows you to customize the look and feel of the browser with themes and extensions and to create your own custom search engines.
- Privacy: Chromium includes a number of privacy features such as the ability to block third-party cookies and prevent websites from tracking your browsing activity.
- Security: Chromium includes a number of security features such as a sandbox, which helps to isolate web pages and prevent them from accessing sensitive information on your computer.
- Speed: Chromium is designed to be fast and responsive, with a minimal interface and optimized performance.
- Sync: Chromium includes the ability to sync your bookmarks, history and other data across devices, so you can access your information from any device with the browser installed.
Compatibility and License
Chromium Browser has been released under a BSD license on the Windows operating system from web browsers. This means you can download, install, run and share this program freely without any restrictions. Unlike GPL software, the source code isn't necessarily available.
What version of Windows can Chromium Browser run on?
Chromium Browser can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.
Other operating systems: The latest Chromium Browser version from 2024 is also available for Mac.
Filed under:
- Chromium Browser Download
- Free Web Browsers
- Open source and GPL software
- Internet Browsing Software
