Pick Chrome if
You live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device.
The catch. It is heavier on memory and battery than Safari, and it blocks only intrusive ads.
Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions. Dia is best for AI in the browser.
You live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device.
The catch. It is heavier on memory and battery than Safari, and it blocks only intrusive ads.
You want an assistant that reads your tabs and does writing and research with you.
The catch. It needs an Apple Silicon Mac on macOS 14 or later, and its best AI features are paid.
| Chrome | Dia | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, since 2026 | Yes |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | Two or more, in Split View |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Profiles, each in its own window |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store | Chrome Web Store |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS (Apple Silicon) |
| Open source | No (Chromium is) | No |
| Price | Free | Free; Dia Pro $20/month |
| Development | Active | Active |
Neither wins everywhere. Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions; Dia is best for AI in the browser. Pick Chrome if you live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device. Pick Dia if you want an assistant that reads your tabs and does writing and research with you.
Chrome: Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest. Dia: Built in, ads and trackers.
Both install extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Chrome: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android. Dia: macOS (Apple Silicon).
Chrome: Free. Dia: Free; Dia Pro $20/month.