Ditching Google Chrome? Here Are the Smartest Alternatives

Google Chrome is the most used browser in the world. Maybe you already knew that, but you may not have stopped to think about what that means for its developer. Currently, the web browser has become the main tool of many. It is no longer only used to open Internet sites, but also to access platforms and applications in the cloud. That’s why the browser war is so bloody.

There are a lot of things I like about Google Chrome. For example, I love its minimalist interface and the fact that it’s not cluttered with buttons and options. On the other hand, it has an excellent synchronization service, making using it on all platforms very convenient. It even now comes with Google Lens built-in.

In addition to the above, it includes quite useful tools. Without going any further, its password manager allows you to store passkeys. So you can have them on any device, as long as you’ve installed Chrome. Finally, I think it’s a decent browser in terms of performance (although there are ways to optimize Chrome). I’m not obsessed with RAM consumption, as both Windows and macOS manage it very well.

However, all these positive points are overshadowed by some controversies associated with Google Chrome. Here are some examples:

• Incognito mode not very private. One of the main problems with Chrome is the lack of privacy. This is true even when browsing in incognito mode, as Wired explains. Apparently, the company has not been entirely clear with the data it collects in this type of session.
• The arrival of Manifest V3. This manifesto is the one that regulates the operation of extensions. With this new version, the performance of extensions such as ad blockers is greatly limited. It is true that security for the user is reinforced, but Google’s advertising business is also protected.
• Comprehensive user tracking. Web browsing is one of the most succulent sources for profiling users. When you use Chrome, Google knows exactly what you’re doing on the internet. Not only does it know the URLs you visit, but how you interact with websites.
• Abuse of dominant position. The last reason to leave Google Chrome is that, little by little, it has become a monopoly within the web. This gives enormous power to Google to influence the development of web standards. It also prevents other browsers that don’t use its technology from having a harder time.

In the following sections I analyze what, in my opinion, are the best alternatives to leave Google Chrome. I’m sure you’ll find your new explorer among them.

Mozilla Firefox

Google Chrome doesn’t just dominate as a browser. Its underlying technology, which is being developed under the Chromium project, also monopolizes the Internet. This project is open source, which has caused most companies to use it to build their browsers. Brave, Vivaldi, Edge, Opera… simplifying it a lot, all of them are a Google Chrome in an alternative disguise. Despite its open nature, Google dominates the development of Chromium.

That’s why Mozilla Firefox has become a symbol of resistance on the internet. Along with Safari, it is the only one that bets on a rendering engine other than Blink (Chromium). Firefox uses Gecko. Although many websites are developed with Chrome in mind, the truth is that Firefox compatibility is very good.

In terms of characteristics, I think it doesn’t lack anything relevant. It has an excellent interface, has data synchronization between devices and has mobile applications. Even though Mozilla has made some bad decisions, I think it’s a very competent, open-source, privacy-focused browser with support for Manifest V2 extensions.

The best

• Open source and privacy-focused.
• It has a good user interface.
• High compatibility with all sites.

The worst

• Mozilla’s main funding is the payment Google makes to be the default search engine.
• It takes a long time to incorporate certain novelties. For example, it currently does not allow installing PWAs.
• Its performance is sometimes not very well optimized.
• Its mobile apps can be improved.

Vivaldi

We enter fully into the world of Chromium. One of the browsers that I have been using lately and that I liked the most is Vivaldi. The first thing that stands out is that it is one of the few browsers developed in Europe. So if you were looking for an alternative away from the United States, this explorer is a good place to start.

On the other hand, it stands out for having a highly customizable interface. In fact, it even integrates a very complete theme editor. It has synchronization between devices and very good mobile applications. As if that were not enough, it integrates an email client and calendars, in case you are one of those who like to have everything in the same place.

The Good

• Highly customizable interface.
• Support for Chrome extensions.
• Excellent mobile apps.
• Built-in ad blocker with support for custom filters.

The Bad

• Its performance has seemed inferior to Chrome and Edge.
• The initial setup takes some time.
• It includes a filter that prevents its partners from blocking ads (it does not warn of it).

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the browser that you have on your Windows computer, but that you can also install on Linux or macOS. Personally, I think Microsoft is doing a commendable job with its browser, especially with the Windows version.

What I like most is that its performance is exceptional. It is a browser that is highly integrated into Windows and, in addition, stands out for being efficient. In addition, it allows you to install any Chrome extension and has quite a few useful tools: video enhancement, scamware blocking, Copilot, image editor, and more.

The Good

• It has highly optimized performance on Windows, as well as deep integration with the system.
• Edge’s mobile apps are great. In fact, on Android it now supports extensions.
• High compatibility with any website or service.

The Bad

• With so many tools included, its interface is a bit cluttered.
• It includes undesirable features, such as a coupon finder.
• In terms of privacy, your data goes to Microsoft instead of Google.

Brave

Brave is a privacy-focused browser. In fact, one of its strengths is its tracker and ad blocker, with support for custom filters. In addition, it incorporates a series of quite useful services, such as an RSS reader (Brave News) or a video call platform.

Personally, I’ve used Brave for a long time (I’m now with Firefox). The feeling I’ve had is that it’s like using Chrome, but without Google tracking. However, the company behind it is also an advertising company that has not always played fair (see this and this). It also includes some cryptocurrency-related options.

The Good

• It’s basically Chrome with enhanced privacy.
• Their sunscreen is excellent.
• Brave’s mobile apps work like a charm.

The Bad

• It includes too many unnecessary tools (although most can be turned off entirely).
• The company that develops it has been involved in several controversies.

Lesser-known alternative browsers

The above are my proposals to leave Google Chrome. However, I’ve also been trying many other browsers that are less well-known. For example, you have Zen Browser, a fork of Firefox with a bunch of customization options. There is also DuckDuckGo Browser, if you are looking for privacy and a simple browser is enough. Another one you could also try is Opera (and its different versions).

Finally, if you’re within the Apple ecosystem, you always have Safari. Personally, it’s not the browser I like the most. When using it, I have encountered errors and incompatibilities. Also, I think its interface is quite chaotic. I don’t recommend it for very intensive use, but it is ideal for occasional users due to its efficiency.