Thorium review
An open-source Chromium fork with Chrome Web Store extensions and no listed cost.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Thorium pros and cons
- 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
Thorium fact sheet, pricing and score →
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