The source code of great browsers
Chromium is an open-source browser project designed for security and speed. It is a powerful and malleable tool that lives at the heart of popular Internet browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, Epic, Yandex, and Brave. Chromium's source code serves as the backbone for these browsers, and serves as a raw powerhouse that lets users take the reigns and custom build a better browser.
The roots of the modern browsing experience
- Google Chrome is a cross-platform web browser developed by Google. It was first released in 2008 for Microsoft Windows built with free software components from Apple WebKit and Mozilla Firefox. It was later ported to Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android where it is the default browser built into the OS.
- Chrome User Agent Strings Chrome Free open-source web browser developed by Google. Chromium is the name of the open source project behind Google Chrome, released under the BSD license. Click on any string to get more details Chrome 70.0.3538.77.
The Chrome team is delighted to announce the promotion of Chrome 90 to the stable channel for Windows, Mac and Linux. This will roll out over the coming days/weeks.
The primary reason for downloading Chromium is that it will provide a very similar browsing experience to that of Google Chrome, the most impressive (and best known) fruit borne from Chromium's branches. Aside from that connection, Chromium is not inherently tied to Google. Unlike the Google search engine or browser, Chromium will not collect your personal information.
Install Chrome 79 Mac
Google Chrome does Chromium's heavy lifting
Put in the most simple way, the Google Chrome browser is based very closely on Chromium. Chromium in a way is like an unrefined version of Google Chrome. So much so, in fact, that when Google releases updated versions of Chrome the stable code is imported directly from Chromium. They then add their own proprietary code to add convenient features such as automatic updates or browsing preferences.
By comparison Chromium does not auto-update, but it's for a good reason: The main appeal of Chromium to begin with is that it's more susceptible to being molded by its user. An auto-update runs the risk of removing or redefining any source code that users have manually altered. Think of using Chromium as choosing to manually install software, or driving a vehicle with a stick shift.
The Google Chrome OS also includes certain binary packages that are not allowed to be included in the Chromium project. This aspect can make the difference if you're on the fence about which browsing experience is better for you. Some of the more common utilities in question are 3G Cellular support, Adobe Flash, or (in some cases) a DisplayLink Manager for video over USB.
Chromium vs Google Chrome
Without Google monitoring your activity you can enjoy a browsing experience devoid of the trackers, cookies, or intrusive banners that come with using Chrome. The catch, however, is that you will also be missing out on the protection and stability of Google Chrome. For many users this is a price worth paying, though in the case of privacy most would opt instead for Brave or Firefox.
Chromium does have one leg up over Firefox or Safari, though: Since Chrome is built on the tools and source code of Chromium, using the raw Chromium browsers means all your favorite Google extensions will still work. Once Chromium is downloaded, installed, and up and running, you'll be able to seamlessly integrate these extensions along with the knowledge that Google isn't looking over your shoulder.
The choice between Google Chrome versus Chromium depends on whether you value convenience or personalization. Chrome optimizes its hardware so that the end user gets the benefit of ease of use, enhanced performance, and superior security. Chromium is supported by the open source community, and relies on the talents of the user to tackle any security issues. Such is the price of freedom!
Stability issues
The freedom and accessibility of Chromium comes at a cost, and the biggest drawback is an overall loss in stability. While Chromium's aesthetic is very akin to that of Google Chrome, the tenuous, constantly evolving nature of Chromium means that the build you install is likely to encounter errors and suffer instability. Crashes are frequent, Chromium should be used with caution for any long-term work.
Security issues
Chromium lacks the stability of Chrome, but oddly enough it's actually the better browser for security. Since Chromium source code updates more frequently, any security patches that go to Chrome must first go through Chromium as a first line of testing. The caveat is that this makes it possible for users to be running a version of Chromium that's still vulnerable.
The only way to keep your version of Chromium up-to-date is to manually install these patches regularly. Unlike Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, Chromium will not auto-update privacy or security settings - as with every other part of the Chromium experience, doing this is up to the user. You won't even receive a prompt to tell you that a newer version is available.
Chrome Canary
If you regularly download, update, and compile new versions of the browser on your own, then Chromium can be every bit as secure as Google Chrome. If that sounds like too much micromanagement but you still like the idea of new builds coming in on the regular, then Chrome Canary is a great alternative that serves as a solid middle ground.
Chrome Canary has all the speed and power of Google Chrome, but benefits from the more frequent refreshes and updates that Chromium users enjoy. Any time that a new build goes through Chromium, Canary automatically adds all the new features and security patches. It's like the perks of Chromium without the hassle of having to manually download updates all the time.
Our take
The beauty of Chromium is in its purity; it's like a Google Chrome prototype in the best and worst way. 'Best' in that it doesn't seek to put its hooks in you and track your every move on the Internet, but 'worst' in that if you don't know what you're doing it can quickly snowball into a mess of problems you don't know how to fix.
Its open source nature means that anyone can download, tweak, and alter Chromium to suit their needs, and if you're the type who enjoys tinkering with source code you'll find few options better than Chromium. Still, exercise caution and patience if you choose to use Chromium. It is not as reliably stable as other browsers, and is more a customizable foundation than a complete browser.
Chrome 79 Mac Os
New features
One of the selling points of Chromium is that it's constantly being refreshed and retooled as new bug fixes and updates are made available. Some sites have also begun posting pre-built versions of the Chromium OS. Some of these already include commonly downloaded plugins (such as Adobe Flash) which may speed up your Chromium setup. Be aware, however, that these downloads are not all verified by Google.
Highs
- Open source
- Customizable
- Private browsing
- Same security as Chrome
- Supports Chrome extensions
Lows
- Less stable than Chrome
- Automatically sets new OS defaults
- Requires frequent manual updates
- Crashes often
Chromiumfor Mac
79.0.3945.88
The world's number 1 browser
Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser in the world. Users enjoy its fast loading speed, cross-device integration, and tabbed browsing. Google Chrome does not come installed as a standard on new Macs or PCs. Their native web browsers (Safari and Microsoft Edge, respectively) are automatically installed, forcing users to install Chrome themselves.
Seamless internet navigation
Chrome is an ideal browser to enjoy easy, coordinated online browsing across various devices.
Whether you have a new Mac or an older one, Google Chrome sets the bar high for web browsers. You want a browser that is safe, easy to use, syncs data and content across all your devices, and operates quickly. Google Chrome is the solution that over 63% of the world turns to and with good reason. Mac users have distinguished taste and as such, expect high quality in their hardware and software products. Google Chrome delivers this to Mac users with its low CPU usage, reliability, and overall browsing experience. It delivers a high-quality browsing experience to Mac users with its low CPU usage, reliability, tabbed browsing, cross-device syncing, and lighting fast loading speed.
Google Chrome for Mac has a laundry list of features, earning its spot as the top web browser of choice for both Mac and PC users. It offers thousands of extensions, available through the Chrome web store, providing Mac owners with even more functionality. Adobe Flash is also available when you install Chrome on your Mac. The overall appearance is professional and clean. Enjoy customized browser preferences including your homepage of choice, sync and Google services, Chrome name and picture, importing bookmarks and settings, autofill capabilities (passwords, payments, addresses, etc.), toolbars, font, page zoom, and startup settings. Chrome’s user interface is incredibly easy to navigate. Multi-tasking just got easier with tabbed browsing, which not only helps productivity, but looks clean and organized. Since Chrome can be downloaded on all of your devices (computers, phones, tablets), if you open a browser or perform a search on one device, Chrome will auto-sync that work stream on your other devices. If you look up a dinner recipe at work on your Mac but need the ingredient list at the grocery store? No problem - pull up the same tab within Chrome on your iPhone. Once you are home and ready to start cooking, just pull up the same Chrome recipe tab on your tablet. With the world moving faster than ever before, functionality like this can help make life a little easier.
Chrome’s password, contact information, and payment autofill capabilities are revolutionizing users’ online experience. Upon your consent, Chrome’s autofill feature will easily fill out your name, address, phone number, email address, passwords, and payment information. If it’s time to register your child for the soccer season but your wallet is downstairs, Google Chrome has your back, helping you easily fill in the data, so you can stay in your comfy chair. Chrome will only sync this data on your approved devices, so you can rest easy that your information is safe. CPU usage is immensely important when choosing a web browser. Keep your Mac’s CPU free by browsing with Google Chrome, maximizing overall system performance. Chrome for Mac is currently available in 47 languages. It can only be installed on Intel Macs, currently limiting its userbase. Mac users can manage how their browsing history is used to personalize search, ads, and more by navigating to their 'Sync Settings' within Chrome. Encryption options, auto-completion of searches and URLs, similar page suggestions, safe browsing, and enhanced spell check are also available within the settings tab, helping users feel more in control of their browsing experience. Users also have the option to 'help improve Chrome' by automatically sending usage statistics, crash reports, visited URLs, and system information to Google, or can easily opt out within Chrome’s settings.
Where can you run this program?
Google Chrome is available on MacOS X Yosemite 10.10 or later, Windows 7 or later, Android, and iOS devices. Chrome may successfully install on devices with lesser system requirements; however, Google only provides support on a system meeting the minimum system requirements.
Is there a better alternative?
For Mac users, Safari is the standard out-of-the-box browser installed on new devices. Most users prefer a web browser with better functionality than Safari. Chrome is harder on a Mac’s battery life than Apple’s native Safari browser. However, Chrome comes out ahead of Safari in terms of browsing speed, extensions, and video loading capabilities. Safari does have many of Chrome’s features such as tab syncing across devices and auto-filling based on previous searches. Mozilla Firefox is another commonly used web browser among Mac users, though its memory usage knocks it down on the list of competitors. The main draw to Mozilla Firefox over Chrome is that because Firefox is open source, nothing fishy is going on behind the scenes. Google is notorious for capturing and using data which rightfully makes people uncomfortable.
Our take
Mac users tend to do things their own way. You’ve opted for the non-mainstream computer hardware, so using the native installed Safari browser seems in character. Safari’s minimalist look draws Mac users in as well. Google Chrome is much more 'going along with the crowd'. Putting that aside, Mac owners should dig into what they really use their web browsers for, and determine if data privacy or features is more important to them. Better yet, why not have two browsers?
Should you download it?
Yes. For Mac users, Google Chrome’s quick speed and helpful features makes it an excellent web browser choice. Google’s controversial collection of personal and usage data is sure to make some pause on whether to install Chrome or not. However, if you are comfortable or indifferent to Google’s data collection, go for it; the browser's overall functionality is impressive.
Highs
- Fast loading speed
- Thousands of extensions available via the chrome web store
- Tabbed browsing synced across devices
- Convenient auto-fill
Lows
- Available on MacOS X Yosemite 10.10 or later
- Google’s aggressive data collection practices
Google Chromefor Mac
75.0.3770.100