What is Ungoogled Chromium & Should I Use it?
Dodge Google but enjoy it's interface
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If you’ve ever wanted to benefit from Chrome without worrying about your privacy, then the open-source Ungoogled Chromium may be what you are looking for.
What is Ungoogled Chromium & how do I use it?
Overview
Ungoogled Chromium is a stripped-down version of Google Chrome. It is an open-source version of Chrome without the telemetry features and other Google services such as search, tracking, and data synchronization. In simple terms, it is a Chrome browser that focuses on your privacy.
Installation and set up
- Navigate to your browser and go to the GitHub page for Ungoogled Chromium.
- There will be multiple releases so pick one labelled This release is for all platforms and under the Source code, select the zip file.
- Unzip the file, locate the EXE file and run it.
- Launch the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
You’ll notice the UI is similar to Chrome so you won’t need a tutorial on how to use it. In case you run into installation issues, try disabling your antivirus temporarily.
What are the differences between Ungoogled Chromium and Chrome?
| Ungoogled Chromium | Standard Chromium |
|---|---|
| Stripped from Google services | Integrated with Google services |
| All data tracking and telemetry are disabled | Collects data through tracking |
| No default search engine | Google is the default search engine |
| Updates are conducted manually | Automatic browser updates |
Is Ungoogled Chromium better than Chrome?
- Privacy – It all depends on why you’re using it. If your privacy is more important than Google-related services, then it’s your go-to privacy. However, if you can’t do without the Google ecosystem, you’re better off sticking to standard Chromium browsers.
- Security risks – Your browsing becomes exposed to security risks since Ungoogled Chromium disables some security features like safe browsing. You can always familiarize yourself with the different kinds of browser attacks and how to avoid them.
- Updates – App updates optimize the browser’s performance and keep security risks at bay. Since Ungoogled Chromium doesn’t include automatic updates, you’re further exposed. The update process is also done manually which could be cumbersome compared to standard Chromium browsers.
Alternative methods to browse in private
- There are other privacy-focused browsers that do not strip your browser of Google services so you may want to try them.
- You can install security extensions and block websites from monitoring your browsing activity.
- Browsers with built-in VPNs come in handy as they can encrypt your internet connection by masking your IP address. This will make it harder to track your online activities.
- Private search engines prevent your browser from collecting your personal data or keeping your browser history private.
- Most browsers have built-in privacy settings that do not store your cache and cookies which can be used to tailor your preferences and target ads.
- Remember to disable your location sharing on your browser to prevent access to your real location from cybercriminals.
Ultimately, it’s personal preference on whether to go for Ungoogled Chromium over other privacy-focused browsers. If it were up to us, we’d install both the standard Chromium browser and the stripped-down version.
This can help you separate your information. For the very sensitive information that you want to keep from Google’s prying eyes, Ungoogled Chromium is the browser for the job. For work or school activities that require the Google ecosystem for an enhanced workflow, the standard Chromium browser will do.
That’s all we had for this article. We’d like to get your feedback if you’ve used this browser before. Are there any advantages or disadvantages you’d like to point out? Would you recommend it as a daily browser? Let us know in the comment section below.
