ungoogled-chromium review
A privacy-focused Chromium fork for users who want control over Google integration.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ungoogled-chromium is an open-source Chromium fork for people who want the familiar Chromium browser without Google-specific web services and binaries. It is aimed at users who value transparency, control, and reduced Google integration across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The project retains Chromium’s browser foundation while changing how Google functionality, requests, binaries, search suggestions, pop-ups, and address-bar formatting are handled.
Its strongest distinction is the depth of its de-Googling work. Google-specific web-service functionality is removed, internal requests to Google are blocked at runtime, and pre-made binaries are removed from the source code where possible. Additional command-line switches and chrome://flags entries give technically inclined users more control. Search-engine suggestion URLs can also be customized, while pop-ups are forced into tabs. This makes the browser a focused choice for privacy-conscious users who want a configurable Chromium base rather than a browser built around Google services.
The trade-offs affect convenience and maintenance. Chrome Web Store extensions can be installed manually, but automatic extension updates are not available, and built-in Chrome synchronization is absent. There is also no built-in ad blocking, so users seeking an all-in-one privacy setup may prefer a browser that includes that function. Platform packages and builds vary by distribution, and contributor-provided binaries are not official. Choose ungoogled-chromium if removing Google integration and keeping source visibility matter most; choose an alternative if cross-device sync, automatic extension management, or built-in ad blocking are priorities.
ungoogled-chromium pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Removes Google-specific services and blocks internal Google requests
- Open-source code with builds for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
- Supports Chrome Web Store extensions through manual installation
- Where it doesn't
- No cross-device synchronization
- No built-in ad blocking
- Extensions require manual installation and updates
ungoogled-chromium fact sheet, pricing and score →
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