Chrome uses the same source code as Chromium, but with fewer extra features and add-ons.

Overall Findings

Proprietary.

Unlike Chromium, Chrome has automatic updates and browsing data..

Free and open-source.

Illustration showing Chrome and Chromium

Lifewire / Miguel Co

Anyone can modify the source code however they just.

Supplies most of the source code for Chrome.

No auto updates or browsing data.

Two people using either Chrome or Chromium browsers

Lifewire / Miguel Co

Chrome is a proprietary web net online gate developed and maintained by Google.

Chromium is anopen-sourceweb web app developed and maintained by theChromium Projects.

Because it is open-source, anyone is free to modify the source code as they hey.

However, only trusted members of the Chromium Project development community can contribute code.

Regular users can download a frequently updated version of Chromium, compiled and ready to use, fromdownload-chromium.appspot.com.

Chrome Pros and Cons

Updates automatically.

Built-in support for media codecs.

More stable and easier to use.

No support for extensions not found at the Chrome Web Store.

Tracks browsing history and data.

For regular web users, Chrome is likely the better choice.

It is a safe and stable browsing experience due to the automatic updates and error reports.

Unlike its open-source alternative, Chrome offers built-in support for closed-sourcemedia codecslikeAAC, H.264, and MP3.

Moreover, Chrome’s few drawbacks likely aren’t noticeable if you’re not a superuser.

For example, unlike Chromium, Chrome tracks browsing habits, cookies, history, and other data.

This compares with other browsers that allow outside extensions.

If you want the freedom to install outside extensions in Chrome, enable developer mode.

Chromium Pros and Cons

More frequent updates.

Does not track browsing data.

Updates must be manually downloaded and installed.

No built-in support for media codecs.

As an open-source platform, Chromium is better for advanced users and web developers.

There are also no limitations on what kinds of online window extensions can be added.

Since Chromium is compiled from the Chromium Projects source code, it changes constantly.

Chrome has several release channels, but even the bleeding edgeCanarychannel updates less frequently than Chromium.

Routine updates are posted on theChromium Projects website.

While the web app is updated more frequently than Chrome, those updates must be downloaded and installed manually.

There are no automatic updates.

Chromium doesn’t support licensed media codecs like AAC, H.264, and MP3.

Without these codecs, you won’t be able to play media in Chromium.

Finally, Chromium doesn’t always have the security sandbox enabled by default.

Chrome vs. Chromium: Which One Wins?

For regular users, Chrome is probably the better choice.