Google Chrome is the most widely used desktop and mobile browser, driven by Google’s primary focus on advertising and data collection from browsing activities. With its significant influence on web technology development, Google’s priorities may lean more towards benefiting its advertising business rather than enhancing user experience.
The rollout of Manifest V3 is a case in point. Google’s strong control over the Chromium development poses a dilemma for other Chromium-based browsers: comply with Google’s shift to Manifest V3 and phase out support for Manifest V2, or allocate resources to maintain Manifest V2 compatibility. Manifest V3 introduces fundamental changes to APIs long utilized by browser extensions, particularly impacting privacy-oriented and content-blocking extensions. Some speculate that this move is a deliberate strategy by Google to bolster its advertising endeavors.
Only a few browser developers have the capacity to address this change effectively. Microsoft’s Edge browser is an example, but it appears that Edge will only support Manifest V3 in the future. Numerous Chromium-based browsers offer more features than Chrome. Vivaldi provides extensive customization options and incorporates a mail client, Brave features robust content blocking and operates on a distinct business model compared to its counterparts, while Opera caters to gaming enthusiasts with its browser.
In terms of non-Chromium options, Firefox is built on its own codebase and Safari is maintained by Apple. Firefox intends to support both Manifest V2 and Manifest V3, ensuring that Manifest V2 extensions will remain compatible for the foreseeable future.
Most regular users on Ghacks do not primarily utilize Chrome. While some may resort to Chrome for specific tasks like web development or certain site compatibility requirements, the majority rely on alternative browsers. The tech-savvy community frequenting Ghacks are often sought out for technology-related guidance.
In the past, many users transitioned from Internet Explorer or early versions of Edge to Chrome. Now could be an opportune time to steer less tech-savvy users towards exploring different browser options.
Whether one opts for Firefox or another Chromium-based alternative hinges on individual needs. While Chromium-based browsers may excel in web compatibility in certain scenarios, Firefox stands less reliant on Chromium and is likely to sustain better support for add-ons in the future.
Reasons to Consider Moving Away from Chrome
- Chrome serves as a prominent data collection tool for Google.
- Google’s dominance through Chrome plays a significant role in shaping new web standards, potentially conflicting with user interests given its advertising focus.
- The transition to Manifest V3 poses challenges for running content blockers and privacy extensions in Chrome, particularly for users employing multiple extensions or custom filter lists.
Recommended Browsers to Explore
- Firefox – Not Chromium-based, continues support for Manifest V2 and soon Manifest V3, offering superior privacy controls compared to Chrome.
- Vivaldi – Chromium-based, equipped with a content blocker, extensive customization options, a built-in mail client, and committed to deviating from Google’s strict adherence to Manifest V3.
- Brave – Built on Chromium, features a robust content blocker and prioritizes privacy protection. Brave aims to uphold Manifest V2 support, though this stance may change based on cost considerations.
Despite minor drawbacks and criticisms directed at these browsers and their developers, they remain preferable alternatives for the majority of internet users.
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