You might have heard of Chromium, then two questions pop up to mind: what’s the difference between Chrome and Chromium? Which one should we choose? We’ve all heard about Chrome But did you know that both Chrome and Chromium are closely related to one another?
Without a doubt chrome, ruling the market for global browsers. It is undisputed the top player and has no intention of quitting its place. Chromium On its own is a completely free open-source software developed by Google which is the foundation of several different browsers, including the brand new Microsoft Edge. The source code of the project provides the basis for multiple browsers.
Chromium vs. Chrome has become a popular discussion. However, their names look identical and are developed by the same person but they differ in numerous ways. This article will help clarify the various questions.
What is Chromium?
Chromium is a minimalist, free browser, and open-source project under a BSD license and OS whose user interface was substantially designed by Google. Free and open-source implies that developers of the software have the right to modify sources of code. However, only the Chromium Project development community’s trusted members are allowed to make changes to the source code. The installation and downloading process are similar to Chrome and the application itself is similar to the stripped-down version of Chrome.
Although Chromium is available as a standalone web browser, however, it is mostly used as a testbed and base of code to other browsers. Browsers that are built from the Chromium source code include Brave, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and many others, along with Google’s Chrome browser. Some users compile it and then release browsers with Chromium Logo and name. Many frameworks for application also use Chromium’s source code.
What does Chromium have that Chrome doesn’t?
Chromium browser is lacking in consumers' features in comparison to Chrome. It is a bit less user-friendly than Chrome.
Here’s what it does offer:
- Codecs need to be installed manually if you want to stream audio or video.
- There is no tracking or central control (depending on your perspective it could be positive)
- Instead of regular automatic updates, you can skip manual updates if you want.
- Without restriction, either developer or source extensions that are available from any source run easily
- Command-line switches are similar to flags but require users to access the commands
- Sandbox mode is available, however, it’s not activated by default
Chromium: Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Chromium can access Chrome’s Extention
- Supports all of Google Chrome features
- Gets constant updates
- Does not come with Google account requirement
- Does not track browsing data.
- Completely Open Source
Cons:
- Updates need to be downloaded & installed manually
- High RAM usage
- Lacks privacy options
- Lacks support for media formats such as AAC, H.264, MP3, and Flash
- No official builds are available
- Can be dangerous because plenty of unofficial chromium
What is Chrome?
Chrome is Google’s web browser. It’s an easy and user-friendly consumer browser that is available to download at no cost and instantly used. It was first released in 2006 for Microsoft Windows and later for other browsers which are developed and maintained by Google. Chrome is built upon Chromium which means that Google developers use the open-source Chromium Source code and then add their own code. Chrome is licensed by Google that is not granted to the Chromium project.
If you’ve been using Chrome for some time, you’ll discover options like Incognito mode, Chrome Extensions, the ability to change your homepage, an automatic update feature, capable of tracking browsing data, inbuilt Flash support, and tons more. However, the one significant difference between Chrome and Chromium is that in Chrome you cannot make changes to its source code to develop a new program from it.
What does Chrome have that Chromium doesn’t?
Chrome is a browser for consumers designed to be simple to use. It is loaded with options that make it easy to browse and download. Chrome includes the following features that Chromium does not have:
- It comes with Inbuilt support and is easier for audio and video stream
- Chrome can be managed centrally from the google admin console
- Chrome has third-party support for applications such as Flash and media codecs like MP3
- Chrome Tracks browsing data including cookies, durations, site visits, and much more.
- By default, only extensions that are available from Chrome Web Store can be installed.
- Sandbox mode for extensions is limit access to improve privacy and security.
- Flags that allow access to other or in-testing options, accessible at chrome://flags. They are controlled in the normal Chrome OS
Chrome: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Syncs history, extensions, passwords, bookmarks, and other settings between devices.
- Good performance
- Simple user interface
- Support for many licensed unfree media formats than any open-source browser
- Can translate text directly
- Built-in support for media codes and Adobe Flash
- Works great performance regardless of how many extensions installed
- Automatically Updates in the background
Cons:
- Not fully open-source
- Most targeted browser by hackers
- No any support for extensions outside of the Chrome Web Store
- Tracks browsing history and data.
- Bad for Laptop battery life
What Do The Stats Say?
The Popularity of Chrome according to the W3Counter’s Browser date of October 2021, Chrome has around 65.4% of the market share which means more than 6 of 10 internet users in the world use Chrome to browse the web. You can easily determine which browsers are currently the most popular. While Safari, Edge & Firefox are to be listed, their popularity isn’t as great as the popularity of Chrome. Chrome has more than 3/1 of its combined market share.
After you have figured out that how Chrome is dominating the browser market. Now it’s time to deep dive into the difference between Chromium and Chrome. In the following section, we will discuss the ways in tabular form of Chromium vs Chrome:
Difference between Chromium and Chrome (comparison table):
Take a look at the following form for more details.
Chromium Vs Chrome: Comparison Chart
Related: SSL vs TLS — What’s The Difference Between SSL and TLS? Which Is More Secure?
Chrome VS Chromium: Which One to Use?
There’s no single answer. Pick the best browser for the scenario for use. Select the right browser based on the scenario for use. Chrome and Chromium are very similar, and both have their own advantages and disadvantages, therefore it’s difficult to determine which one is better. For normal users, or windows as well as Mac Users, Chrome is an excellent option. If you’re an advanced user who pays attention to privacy and coding, choose Chromium.
Most people generally prefer to use Chrome because it’s easier to use and offers many helpful extensions. However, open-source developers might prefer Chromium in the event that they want to modify their source code. One of the advantages is that Chromium lets Linux distributions that require open-source software to install the same browser like Chrome. Linux distributors can also use Chromium as their default web browser instead of Firefox.
Chrome is also accessible on Linux. If you are looking to run a free software and attempt to stay away from closed-source alternatives, Chromium is an excellent option for you. However, if you need an internet browser that doesn’t require any additional configuration, then Chrome is an ideal choice for you. Take all the info above to make the right choice.
Conclusion:
Now you have known much information about the difference between these two web browsers, If you decide to use Chromium Please note that you need to make sure to update it every week to take advantage of bugs fixes and stay safe. It’s a risky world online. Choose the best browser that meets your requirements to use. We hope that all the details mentioned above have given you the answer to the Chromium Vs Chrome mystery. Thank you for reading!
Originally published at https://gliteg.com on November 19, 2021.