Google Chrome vs Vivaldi

Google Chrome

• Google Account users who want the same bookmarks, passwords and tabs on every device
• People who depend on extensions from the Chrome Web Store
• Those who want Gemini and Google's AI search inside the browser

Vivaldi

• Power users who keep dozens of tabs open
• People who want mail, calendar and feeds inside the browser
• Those who like to customize shortcuts, themes and layout
• Users who want a browser without a built-in AI assistant

Google Chrome

• Auto browse, where Gemini carries out multi-step tasks, is available only to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
• Gemini in Chrome needs a signed-in, eligible account in a supported country, and Google's FAQ says it is not available on Android yet.
• Enhanced Safe Browsing requires browsing data to be sent to Google.
• Desktop requirements start at Windows 10, macOS 13 Ventura, and 64-bit Ubuntu 18.04, Debian 10, openSUSE 15.5 or Fedora Linux 39.

Vivaldi

• Proton VPN for Vivaldi works only in the desktop browser, and faster speeds, more servers and extra devices need a paid Proton VPN plan.
• New installs come with partner bookmarks and search engines that earn Vivaldi revenue. They can be replaced.
• Vivaldi deliberately leaves out an AI assistant, so there is no built-in chatbot or page summarizer.
• The current Mac download requires macOS 13 or later.

Google Chrome

Tab groups, vertical tabs and split view

Tabs can be grouped, labeled and color coded, stacked down the side of the window as vertical tabs, or shown two at a time in split view.

Sync across devices

Signing in to Chrome brings bookmarks, saved passwords, payment info and open tabs to any phone, tablet or computer, and a tab can be sent from one device to another.

Google Password Manager and passkeys

Google Password Manager is built in to save, manage and generate passwords. Passkeys allow sign-in with a fingerprint, face, PIN or pattern.

Safe Browsing and Safety Check

Safe Browsing warns before a dangerous site or download, with an optional enhanced mode. Safety Check reviews saved passwords, extensions and settings and points out anything that needs attention.

Gemini in Chrome and AI Mode

Gemini in Chrome answers questions using the context of open tabs, and Skills save prompts for reuse. AI Mode, Google's AI search, accepts tabs, files and images as context.

Extensions and performance controls

Extensions from the Chrome Web Store add features, Energy Saver and Memory Saver limit resource use, and Google ships a new Chrome update every four weeks.

Vivaldi

Mail, Calendar and Feed Reader

A built-in email client handles several accounts, mailing lists and feeds in one inbox, next to a private calendar and a feed reader that does not rank items by algorithm.

Tab Stacks, tiling and Workspaces

Tabs group into two-level Tab Stacks, open side by side in a split-screen view, and sort into Workspaces for switching between categories of tabs.

Ad and tracker blocker

A blocker for ads and trackers is built into the desktop and mobile browsers, so no extension is needed to remove them.

End-to-end encrypted Sync

Browsing history, passwords, bookmarks, tabs and notes sync between desktop and mobile devices, protected by end-to-end encryption.

Proton VPN for Vivaldi

An opt-in VPN from Proton is built into the desktop browser. It is free with no ads or data limits after signing in with a Vivaldi account.

Customization and Command Chains

Shortcuts, themes and features can be personalized, mouse gestures trigger actions, and Command Chains run a custom sequence of commands from one keystroke or gesture.

Google Chrome

• Free$0

  The full browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad, with sync through a Google Account.

Vivaldi

• Free$0

  The full browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, including mail, calendar, feed reader, sync and the free tier of Proton VPN on desktop.