Thorium
Thorium: An open-source Chromium fork with Chrome Web Store extensions and no listed cost. Ranked #45 of 58 in Google Chrome Alternatives by our editors (4.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for users seeking a performance-focused Chromium browser.
At a glance
- Editor score4.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forUsers seeking a performance-focused Chromium browser
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Chromium-basedYes
- Facts checked3 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Available for Linux, Windows, macOS, and Android
- Supports Chrome Web Store extensions
- Open source, with performance-focused compiler optimizations and patches
Where it doesn't
- Performance benefits are not quantified in the product details
- Privacy and security changes are not specified in detail
- Android sync support is unclear
Our verdict on Thorium
Thorium is an open-source Chromium-based browser for Linux, Windows, macOS, and Android. It is aimed at people who want a familiar Chromium browsing experience with performance-oriented changes, plus access to Chrome Web Store extensions. The project also lists Raspberry Pi in its description, and offers platform-specific downloads. Its free distribution may appeal to individuals as well as organizations looking for a browser without a listed price.
Performance is a central focus: Thorium includes compiler and link-time optimizations such as AVX, AES, thinLTO, and PGO, along with performance-focused patches and modifications. Those implementation choices distinguish it from a standard Chromium build, but the product details do not quantify the resulting performance gains. Buyers should treat the optimizations as the project's stated approach rather than a guarantee of faster browsing for every device or workload. Its open-source status and project repositories may matter to people who value access to the code and documented modifications.
Thorium also describes privacy- and security-oriented changes, but does not specify their scope here, so users with particular privacy or security requirements should review the project's documentation before switching. Chrome extension compatibility is a practical fit for people who rely on browser add-ons. Android builds are listed, though sync support on that platform is unclear. Choose Thorium if you want a free, open-source Chromium browser with performance-focused changes and Chrome Web Store extensions; consider another browser if you need clearly documented privacy controls or confirmed Android sync behavior.
Your product? Our editors can test Thorium in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Thorium pricing
Thorium fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Chromium-based | Yes |
| Built-in tracking protection | Not verified |
| Built-in ad blocking | Not verified |
| Sync platforms | Not verified |
| Built-in VPN | Not verified |
| Extension store | Chrome |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows, macOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Tickets, Email |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | thorium.rocks |
| Facts checked | 3 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to Thorium
- Brave BrowserA free, Chrome-compatible browser with built-in tracking protections and encrypted sync.9.4
- Microsoft EdgeA free Chromium browser with Chrome extension support and cross-device sync.9.2
- Mozilla FirefoxA cross-platform browser with tracking protections, sync, and its own extensions ecosystem.9.1
See all Thorium alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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