Google Chrome vs Wavebox

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

Wavebox

• Virtual assistants and agencies working across many client accounts
• People who live in several Gmail, Slack or Teams accounts at once
• Teams that want a shared, pre-configured browser for new hires

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.

Wavebox

• The free Basic plan stops at 2 groups with 2 apps in each, 1 extension and 1 dashboard.
• The pricing page shows annual-billing rates only; monthly billing is offered, but its price is not listed there.
• Wavebox is a desktop browser for macOS, Windows and Linux; no mobile app is listed.
• The Mac version requires macOS 12 Monterey 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.

Wavebox

Apps, groups and Spaces

Web apps sit in a sidebar and are grouped much like apps on a phone, and Spaces keep separate setups for work, home or individual clients.

Several accounts signed in at once

Multiple accounts of the same service, such as Gmail, Slack, Microsoft Teams or Asana, stay signed in side by side without switching browsers or profiles.

Unread badges and notifications

Apps show unread badges and desktop notifications, the Wavebox Mini menu lists what is new across accounts, and Focus Mode silences them for a while.

Split screen and tab strips

Any app or tab can be split into resizable panes, including two accounts of the same type, and every group has its own tab strip.

AI assistant on the page

A chosen AI engine works in the context of the current app or tab, with ready-made skills in the right-click menu and custom skills. It can be disabled.

Chrome extensions and team setups

Extensions install from the Chrome Web Store, with 20 or more built in. Teams can share an app setup with encrypted passwords and manage the browser remotely.

Google Chrome

• Free$0

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

Wavebox

• Basic$0

  Work and Home spaces, 2 groups with 2 apps in each, 1 extension and one dashboard.

• Wavebox Pro$8.33

  per month, paid annually

  For individuals: unlimited spaces, groups and apps, all extensions, cloud sync and unlimited dashboards. The help center puts the annual charge at $99.

• Teams$12.50

  per user / month; $150 per seat when paid annually

  Everything in Pro plus Connect, shared dashboards, Wavebox Live, consolidated billing and an admin portal. Monthly billing is offered at a rate not shown.

Google Chrome

No public discounts listed.

Wavebox

• Education

  70% discount for education

  People in full-time education or working in education can claim 70% off by starting a 7-day trial with an education email address and then emailing support.

• Nonprofit

  70% discount for non-profits

  Non-profit teams and people working in the non-profit sector can claim 70% off by starting a 7-day trial with a .org email address and then emailing support.