ChromiumLinux
vs
BraveWindows
Chromium as a Linux alternative to Brave
Updated
Our verdict
Chromium is a viable replacement for Brave if you're willing to configure privacy manually. It delivers the same core browsing performance and extension support via Chrome Web Store, but lacks Brave’s default ad and tracker blocking, anti-fingerprinting, and reward system. Recent interest in ungoogled-chromium shows demand for a de-Googled Chromium experience, which helps close the privacy gap. For users who want full control and don’t mind installing uBlock Origin and tweaking settings, Chromium works well. Not ideal for those wanting strong privacy right out of the box.
- License
- BSD-3-Clause and LGPL-2.1+ and…
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 156.0.8078.47 (October 20, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are based on the Chromium engine, ensuring identical rendering and JavaScript performance
- Support for Chrome Web Store extensions, including ad blockers and privacy tools
- Fast, modern web compatibility and frequent security updates
- Available natively on Linux through standard package managers and Flathub
- No forced account sign-in or built-in user tracking by default
What is different
- Chromium doesn’t block ads or trackers by default—requires manual setup with extensions
- No built-in anti-fingerprinting or shield-like privacy features as in Brave
- Lacks Brave’s optional Basic Attention Token (BAT) rewards and verified creator donations
- No curated default settings for privacy; you must configure everything yourself
- Brave includes HTTPS Everywhere and tracker blocking out of the box, Chromium does not
Opening your Brave files
Chromium can import bookmarks and browsing history from Brave since both use the same profile structure. Passwords, saved forms, and cookies can also be transferred if both browsers are open during migration. Extensions from Chrome Web Store work identically, so ad blockers like uBlock Origin can be reinstalled easily. However, Brave-specific data such as wallet information or BAT reward status won’t carry over. There’s no direct export/import tool between the two, but standard browser data (bookmarks, passwords) moves smoothly using Chromium’s import wizard.
Switching from Brave to Chromium, step by step
- Install Chromium via your distro’s repository or Flathub
- Launch Chromium and choose to import settings from Brave when prompted
- Install privacy extensions: uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and ClearURLs
- Enable strict site isolation and disable unnecessary APIs in chrome://settings
- Use a hardened user.js or tweak privacy flags in chrome://flags if desired
- Optionally switch to ungoogled-chromium for reduced Google service reliance
Key features of Chromium
- Open-source core of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge
- Fast rendering engine with strong JavaScript performance
- Full support for Chrome Web Store extensions
- Regular security updates and stable release cycles
- Available via Flathub, Snap, and native distro packages
- No proprietary telemetry or forced Google account sign-in
How to install Chromium on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.chromium.Chromiumsudo apt install chromium-browsersudo apt install chromiumsudo dnf install chromiumsudo pacman -S chromiumsudo zypper install chromiumFrequently asked questions
Does Chromium block ads like Brave does?
No, Chromium doesn’t block ads or trackers by default. You must install extensions like uBlock Origin to get similar protection.
Can I use Brave’s reward system in Chromium?
No, the Basic Attention Token (BAT) rewards system is exclusive to Brave and not available in Chromium.
Is ungoogled-chromium the same as regular Chromium?
No. ungoogled-chromium removes Google dependencies and telemetry, making it more privacy-focused than standard Chromium builds.
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