Chrome

Google's browser with built-in Gemini, sync and security tools

Beginner
Screenshot of Chrome, Google's browser with built-in Gemini, sync and security tools

What is Chrome?

Chrome is Google's browser with built-in Gemini, tab management tools, cross-device sync, a password manager and Safe Browsing. Advanced AI such as auto browse requires a paid Google AI plan in the U.S.

Chrome is Google's web browser, available on desktop and mobile, and it combines everyday browsing with a growing layer of built-in AI. The core experience covers tabs, bookmarks, autofill, themes and a large extension catalog through the Chrome Web Store, while newer features add an assistant that works from the pages a person already has open. The AI side centers on Gemini in Chrome, which uses the context of open tabs and browsing history to explain content, compare pages, draft replies or help with tasks such as checking a calendar. An auto browse mode can carry out tedious jobs like shopping or reservations, but the homepage limits it to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. Related additions include image generation and editing through Nano Banana, Skills for saving and reusing favorite prompts, and AI Mode, a Google Search experience reachable from the browser. Day to day, Chrome is aimed at people who want a fast, familiar browser that stays organized. Vertical tabs, tab groups with labels and colors, and split view for showing two tabs together help with heavy tab loads. Memory Saver and Energy Saver target performance and battery use. Signing in with a Google account carries bookmarks, saved passwords and other data across devices, and a built-in Google Password Manager handles credentials. Security tooling is part of the package: Safe Browsing warns about malware and phishing, an Enhanced mode adds protection, Safety Check reviews passwords, extensions and settings in one click, and the Privacy Guide walks through sharing controls. Google Pay support covers faster checkout. Among alternatives, Chrome's strengths are its tight link to the Google account ecosystem and the depth of its extension library. Buyers who prefer a browser unconnected to Google services, or who want AI features without a subscription, may weigh other options, since the most advanced agentic features depend on paid Google plans.

How do you use Chrome?

  1. 1Download and install Chrome
    Use the Download Chrome button on the homepage to get the version for your device. Existing users can open the update page to confirm they run the latest release.
    Chrome — Download and install Chrome
  2. 2Sign in with a Google account
    Signing in brings bookmarks, saved passwords and autofill details to every device you use with Chrome.
    Chrome — Sign in with a Google account
  3. 3Try Gemini in Chrome
    Open the Gemini feature from a page you are reading and ask it to explain a concept, compare tabs or draft a reply. Auto browse needs a Google AI Pro or Ultra plan in the U.S.
    Chrome — Try Gemini in Chrome
  4. 4Organize your tabs
    Right-click a Chrome window and choose Show Tabs Vertically, then group, label and color code tabs to keep work separated.
    Chrome — Organize your tabs
  5. 5Turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing
    Enable the Enhanced mode of Safe Browsing for stronger protection against malware and phishing, then run Safety Check to review passwords and extensions.
    Chrome — Turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing
  6. 6Add extensions and themes
    Browse the Chrome Web Store to add extensions for shopping, productivity or accessibility, and pick a theme to personalize the look.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Gemini in Chrome works from open tabs and history, so questions and comparisons need no copy and pasteAI
  • Vertical tabs, tab groups and split view make heavy multi-tab work easier to manageAI
  • Built-in Password Manager, Safe Browsing, Safety Check and Privacy Guide cover security without extra toolsAI
  • Signing in syncs bookmarks, saved passwords and autofill details across devicesAI
  • Large Chrome Web Store catalog extends the browser for shopping, productivity, accessibility and moreAI

Cons

  • Auto browse is limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., so the most capable AI is paywalledAI
  • Gemini features lean on open tabs and browsing history, which raises privacy questions for some usersAI
  • Sync, autofill and password features depend on signing in to a Google accountAI
  • Memory Saver and Energy Saver exist because heavy tab use can still strain resources on weaker devicesAI

How much does Chrome cost?

Pricing

The homepage offers a Download Chrome button without stating a price for the browser. Auto browse in Gemini in Chrome is limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.; plan prices are not listed there.

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Support

Help articles are linked from feature sections, covering tab management, Safe Browsing, Nano Banana in Chrome and Chrome Web Store usage, plus an update page for current users.

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Integrations

Connects with Google services including Google Search AI Mode, Google Password Manager, Google Pay and Google accounts, and extends through extensions and themes from the Chrome Web Store.

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Features

Gemini in Chrome, auto browse, Nano Banana image tools, Skills, AI Mode, vertical tabs, split view, tab groups, themes, autofill, cross-device sync, Password Manager, Safe Browsing, Safety Check, Privacy Guide, Memory Saver, Energy Saver, Google Pay.

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Frequently asked questions about Chrome

  • How much does Chrome cost?
    The homepage offers a Download Chrome button without stating a price for the browser. Auto browse in Gemini in Chrome is limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.; plan prices are not listed there.
  • How do you use Chrome?
    The walkthrough on this page covers 6 steps: 1. Download and install Chrome 2. Sign in with a Google account 3. Try Gemini in Chrome 4. Organize your tabs 5. Turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing 6. Add extensions and themes.
  • What platforms does Chrome support?
    Chrome is available on Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Chrome OS.
  • What does Chrome integrate with?
    Connects with Google services including Google Search AI Mode, Google Password Manager, Google Pay and Google accounts, and extends through extensions and themes from the Chrome Web Store.
  • What are the limitations of Chrome?
    Auto browse is limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., so the most capable AI is paywalled. Gemini features lean on open tabs and browsing history, which raises privacy questions for some users. Sync, autofill and password features depend on signing in to a Google account.

Status

StatusActive
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Added10/8/2026

Platforms

WindowsMacOSLinuxiOSAndroidChrome OS

Pricing

FreeSubscription