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 vs Orion
Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions. Orion is best for Safari’s engine with any extension.
Pick Orion if
You want Safari’s engine and battery life with Chrome and Firefox extensions on top.
The catch. It is Apple-only, it has no split view, and some extensions only partly work.
Chrome vs Orion, feature by feature
| Chrome | Orion | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | WebKit |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, since 2026 | Yes, in the View menu |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | One per window |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Profiles, each as its own app |
| Ad and tracker blocking | Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest | Built in, ads and trackers |
| Extensions | Chrome Web Store | Chrome and Firefox extensions |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android | macOS, iPhone, iPad |
| Open source | No (Chromium is) | No |
| Price | Free | Free; Orion+ from $5/month |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Chrome better than Orion?
Neither wins everywhere. Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions; Orion is best for Safari’s engine with any extension. Pick Chrome if you live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device. Pick Orion if you want Safari’s engine and battery life with Chrome and Firefox extensions on top.
Do Chrome and Orion block ads?
Chrome: Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest. Orion: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Chrome and Orion run?
Chrome: Chrome Web Store. Orion: Chrome and Firefox extensions.
Where do Chrome and Orion run?
Chrome: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android. Orion: macOS, iPhone, iPad.
Are Chrome and Orion free?
Chrome: Free. Orion: Free; Orion+ from $5/month.