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 Vivaldi
Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions. Vivaldi is best for customising everything.
Pick Vivaldi if
You want tabs on any side, tab stacks, tiling and a setting for nearly everything.
The catch. The number of options takes time to learn, and its interface is not open source.
Chrome vs Vivaldi, feature by feature
| Chrome | Vivaldi | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium | Chromium |
| Vertical tabs | Yes, since 2026 | Yes, tabs on any side |
| Sites on screen at once | Two, in Split View | Several, with Tab Tiling |
| Separate workspaces | Profiles and tab groups | Workspaces and profiles |
| 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, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Open source | No (Chromium is) | Partly — the interface is closed |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Development | Active | Active |
Questions
Is Chrome better than Vivaldi?
Neither wins everywhere. Chrome is best for Google apps and extensions; Vivaldi is best for customising everything. Pick Chrome if you live in Gmail and Docs, rely on a Chrome-only extension, or want one browser on every device. Pick Vivaldi if you want tabs on any side, tab stacks, tiling and a setting for nearly everything.
Do Chrome and Vivaldi block ads?
Chrome: Only intrusive ads; an extension does the rest. Vivaldi: Built in, ads and trackers.
Which extensions do Chrome and Vivaldi run?
Both install extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Where do Chrome and Vivaldi run?
Both run on macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android.
Are Chrome and Vivaldi free?
Both are free.