saasrankedSoftware, ranked on the facts

web browser · Google

Google Chrome

Free browser with Safe Browsing warnings, optional encrypted sync and the Chrome Web Store.

66/100

#4 of 12 web browsers
Facts checked 8 Oct 2026

In short

Chrome suits people who want the Chrome Web Store, passkeys and sync across all their devices at no cost1,8,9,2. A passphrase makes sync unreadable to Google4. The catch: the cookie help page names blocking by default only for Incognito mode, and Manifest V2 content blockers no longer work5,7.

Best for: People who want the Chrome Web Store and sync across Windows, Mac, Linux and phones.

Where the points come from

Systems8 of 8
Privacy and security9 of 37
Sync and sign-in22 of 22
Extensions6 of 12
Tabs and tools16 of 16
Price5 of 5

Systems 8 of 8 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Other systemsmacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidHelp page lists Windows, macOS and Linux builds; Chrome pages and the App Store cover iPhone, iPad and Android2,3,15.8 / 8

Privacy and security 9 of 37 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Blocks trackers by defaultNot publishedHelp page says third-party cookies are blocked by default in Incognito mode; it states no default for regular windows5.0 / 8
Built-in ad blockerNot publishedNot published on the vendor's Chrome pages1,12.0 / 5
Fingerprinting protectionNot publishedNot published on the vendor's cookie and Safe Browsing help pages5,6.0 / 7
Built-in VPN or proxyNot publishedNot published on the vendor's Chrome pages1,12.0 / 3
Open sourceNoTerms cover the executable code; only 'most' source is open source. We count the Google Chrome product as not open source14.0 / 5
Public bug bountyYesChromium security page points to a Chrome Reward Program, hosted by Google's Bug Hunters site13.4 / 4
Phishing and malware warningsYesPhishing and malware detection is turned on by default in Chrome6.5 / 5

Sync and sign-in 22 of 22 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Free sync across devicesYesSigning in syncs bookmarks, passwords, settings and tabs; Chrome is free to install1,4,2.6 / 6
End-to-end encrypted syncYesWith a passphrase, you can store Chrome data in Google's cloud without letting Google read it4.8 / 8
Built-in password managerYesChrome has Google Password Manager built in1.3 / 3
Saves passkeysYesChrome saves passkeys in Google Password Manager on Windows 10 or later and signs you in with them9.5 / 5

Extensions 6 of 12 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Chrome Web Store extensionsYesYou can add extensions from the Chrome Web Store on desktop8.6 / 6
Manifest V2 extensions still workNoManifest V2 extensions cease to function for users on Chrome 139 and later7.0 / 6

Tabs and tools 16 of 16 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Vertical tabsYesVertical tabs stack down the side of the browser window1.4 / 4
Tab groupsYesTab groups can be named, coloured and collapsed12.4 / 4
Built-in page translationYesChrome translates a page into other languages from the address bar icon or right-click menu10.4 / 4
Separate profilesYesProfiles keep bookmarks, history, passwords and settings separate11.4 / 4

Price 5 of 5 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Cost to use$0Chrome can be downloaded and installed at no charge2.5 / 5

The rule behind each line: how we score web browsers.

Plans and prices

As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.

PlanPrice as listedPer monthNotes
Chrome1 personFree2$0Free to download and install on desktop

Strengths

  • Free to download, with desktop builds for Windows, macOS and Linux2.
  • A sync passphrase lets you store Chrome data in Google's cloud without Google reading it4.
  • Saves passkeys in Google Password Manager on Windows 10 or later9.
  • Offers tab groups with names, colours and collapsing, plus vertical tabs1,12.
  • Google runs a Chrome Reward Program for vulnerabilities13.

Limits

  • Chrome's cookie help page gives a third-party cookie blocking default only for Incognito mode5.
  • Manifest V2 extensions stop working from Chrome 1397.
  • Chrome ships under Google's terms; only most of its source is published under open-source licences14.
  • In 2024 Google agreed in a settlement to destroy Incognito data points and update its disclosures16.

Concerns on record

  • In April 2024, 9to5Google reported that Google agreed to destroy billions of data points collected in Incognito mode and update its private-browsing disclosures, settling a lawsuit filed in 202016.

Other web browsers

  1. 1
    BravePeople who want privacy protections on from the first launch
    84/100
    $0cost to use
  2. 2
    Mozilla FirefoxPeople who want open-source code, tracker blocking and sync that Mozilla cannot read
    80/100
    $0cost to use
  3. 3
    Microsoft EdgeWindows users who want tracker blocking by default and Chrome extensions
    73/100
    Not publishedcost to use
  4. 5
    VivaldiPeople who want to customise their tabs, sidebar and layout
    65/100
    $0cost to use

All 12 web browsers

Sources

  1. Google Chrome, Google. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  2. Download and install Google Chrome, Google Chrome Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  3. Chrome browser tools, Google. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  4. Sync Chrome data across devices, Google Chrome Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  5. Manage cookies in Chrome, Google Chrome Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  6. Safe Browsing in Chrome, Google Chrome Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  7. Manifest V2 support timeline, Chrome for Developers. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  8. Install extensions, Chrome Web Store Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  9. Use passkeys, Google Chrome Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  10. Translate pages in Chrome, Google Chrome Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  11. Set up Chrome profiles, Google Chrome Help. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  12. Chrome tips, Google. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  13. Vulnerability Rewards Program, The Chromium Projects. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  14. Google Chrome Terms of Service, Google. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  15. Google Chrome on the App Store, Apple App Store. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  16. Google agrees to destroy Incognito data in settlement, 9to5Google. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.

Website: www.google.com/chrome · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Google.