Google Chrome review

Chrome is the default choice for a reason: it is free on Windows, Mac and Linux, it syncs through your Google account, and Google keeps it current. Google ships a new version every four weeks, and Energy Saver and Memory Saver help on laptops with many tabs open. Recent releases add vertical tabs, split view for two tabs side by side and tab groups with labels and colors. Gemini in Chrome helps you understand content using the context of your open tabs, and AI Mode puts Google's AI search in the address bar, although auto browse is only for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. Security tools include Enhanced Safe Browsing, Safety Check and Google Password Manager. Privacy is where Chrome trails this list: there is no built-in ad or tracker blocker, and Apple's own comparison says Chrome does not block third-party cookies by default. On a Mac, Chrome needs macOS 13 Ventura or later.

Who it is for

people who live in Google accounts and want every site and extension to work

Price

Free on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.

You can download and install the Chrome web browser at no charge, and use it to browse the web.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Energy Saver and Memory Saver modes
• Gemini in Chrome assistant and AI Mode search
• Enhanced Safe Browsing and Safety Check
• Vertical tabs, tab groups and split view
• Google Password Manager built in

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: A new Chrome update every four weeks
• Strength: Sign in on any device to sync bookmarks, passwords and history
• Strength: Vertical tabs and split view are built in
• Weakness: Apple's comparison chart notes Chrome does not block third-party cookies by default
• Weakness: No built-in ad blocker
• Weakness: Gemini auto browse is limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
• Update cadence: Every four weeks
• Mac requirement: macOS 13 Ventura and up
• AI: Gemini in Chrome

Where it ranks

Google Chrome is No. 4 in our Best Web Browsers verdict.