Thorium Browser vs Ungoogled Chromium

Thorium and Ungoogled Chromium both modify the Chromium source code, but with opposite priorities. Ungoogled Chromium methodically removes every Google service, binary blob, and phone-home mechanism from the codebase. Thorium compiles Chromium with aggressive CPU optimizations for maximum speed. One prioritizes de-Googling; the other prioritizes performance. The overlap is that both are "better than Chrome" for users who distrust Google, but they make very different trade-offs.

Ungoogled Chromium is maintained by Eloston and a community of contributors who audit the Chromium source code and patch out every Google dependency they can find. This includes: Google Safe Browsing, Google URL tracker, Google host detection, automatic URL formatting that sends data to Google, background requests to Google servers, Google API keys, Google default search, and dozens of other integrations that Chromium makes to Google services. The result is a browser that looks and works like Chrome but never contacts Google for any reason.

The de-Googling comes with real trade-offs. Without Google Safe Browsing, you lose phishing and malware URL warnings (you can substitute with other services). Without Google's extension auto-update mechanism, extensions do not update automatically—you need to manually update them or use a helper extension. The Chrome Web Store does not work natively (since it requires Google API authentication), though workarounds exist. These friction points are acceptable to users who prioritize complete Google removal but frustrating for users who just want a faster Chrome.

Thorium takes a different approach entirely. Created by Alex313031, it compiles Chromium with compiler flags that enable AVX, AVX2, SSE4, and other CPU instruction sets that Google disables in official Chrome builds for backward compatibility. The result is measurably faster JavaScript execution (V8 benefits significantly from these optimizations), faster rendering, and lower memory usage on modern CPUs. Thorium also removes some Google telemetry and disables some tracking, but it is not as thorough as Ungoogled Chromium in this regard.

Thorium retains the Chrome Web Store, extension auto-updates, and most Chrome conveniences. It feels like a faster Chrome with some privacy improvements rather than a fundamentally different browser. Google services still work normally—you can sign into your Google account, use Google Sync, and access all Google web apps without issues. For users who use Google services but want better performance and slightly less tracking, Thorium is a comfortable middle ground.

The performance difference between them is notable. Thorium is faster than both stock Chrome and Ungoogled Chromium in benchmarks because of its compiler optimizations. Ungoogled Chromium performs identically to stock Chromium since it does not change compilation flags—it only removes Google code paths. If raw speed matters to you, Thorium wins.

The privacy difference is equally clear. Ungoogled Chromium contacts zero Google servers and contains no Google-specific code. Thorium still contains some Google integration points and may contact Google servers for certain features. If complete Google removal is your goal, Ungoogled Chromium is the only option that delivers it comprehensively.

Update frequency and security patching differ significantly. Ungoogled Chromium releases track upstream Chromium but with a delay (patches need to be rebased on each new Chromium version). Thorium also lags behind Chrome releases as the single maintainer applies optimizations to new versions. Both carry more security risk than stock Chrome due to update delays. Ungoogled Chromium has a larger contributor base which helps with timely releases; Thorium depends on one developer's schedule.

Feature	Thorium Browser	Ungoogled Chromium
Sugggest Score	—	—
Category	Web Browsers	Web Browsers
Pricing	Open Source	Open Source

Product Overview

Thorium Browser

Description: Thorium is an open-source web browser focused on privacy and security. It blocks ads and trackers by default and doesn't collect user data. Thorium offers a minimal interface for distraction-free browsing.

Ungoogled Chromium

Description: Ungoogled Chromium is an open source web browser that aims to remove Google web service dependency and enhance privacy, control, and transparency. It is based on the Chromium code but removes integration with Google services.

Key Features Comparison

Thorium Browser Features

• Built-in ad blocker
• Tracking protection
• Encrypted sync
• Tab isolation
• WebRTC protection
• Fingerprint randomization
• No telemetry or data collection

Ungoogled Chromium Features

• Removes Google web service dependency
• Enhances privacy, control and transparency
• Based on open source Chromium codebase
• Removes Google branding and telemetry
• Includes additional privacy features like disabling hyperlink auditing

Pros & Cons Analysis

Thorium Browser

Pros

• Strong privacy and security
• Fast and lightweight
• Open source code
• Customizable settings
• Supports many Chrome extensions

Cons

• Limited name recognition
• Fewer extensions than Chrome/Firefox
• Lacks some convenience features of big browsers

Ungoogled Chromium

Pros

• No reliance on Google services
• Improved privacy and control
• Open source and transparent
• Actively developed and updated

Cons

• May break some websites or extensions
• Lacks some Chromium features tied to Google services
• Smaller community than mainstream Chromium

Pricing Comparison

Thorium Browser

• Open Source

Ungoogled Chromium

• Open Source