Introduction
The question arises: Is Chrome still the best browser? This Chrome review looks at performance settings, recent features, privacy controls, and memory use to help you decide if Chrome is worth using. Settings paths are checked against Google’s Chrome help. If you decide to stay, update Chrome to get the newest features.
Performance
Chrome is fast on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it has a few settings that affect speed. For best performance, make sure graphics acceleration is on:
- Select More (three dots) > Settings.
- On the left, select System.
- Make sure Use graphics acceleration when available is turned on.
New Features Added Recently
Chrome has introduced several new features to enhance user experience:
- Tab Grouping: Organize your tabs by grouping them together. Right-click on a tab and select Add tab to group > New group.
- Google Password Manager: Select More > Passwords and autofill > Google Password Manager to see and manage saved passwords.
- Live Captions: Automatically generate captions for audio content on Windows and Mac. Turn on Live Caption in Settings > Accessibility. Google says the audio is processed on your device.
Privacy Improvements
Chrome’s main privacy controls:
- Cookie controls under Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies, where you choose to allow or block third-party cookies. Google kept third-party cookies in Chrome and leaves the choice to you. They are blocked by default in Incognito.
- Incognito Mode, opened with Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac)
- Always use secure connections in Settings > Privacy and security > Security, which upgrades sites to HTTPS and warns you before you visit a site that doesn’t support it
Memory Usage Progress
Chrome’s memory usage has been a longstanding concern, and Chrome now has tools to manage it:
- Turn on Memory Saver in Settings > Performance. Chrome then deactivates tabs you aren’t using and reloads them when you return.
- Use the Task Manager within Chrome to see what uses memory: press Shift + Esc on Windows, or select More > More tools > Task manager on any computer.
Final Verdict and Alternatives
Is Chrome the best browser? With useful performance settings, built-in password management and clear privacy controls, Chrome remains a top choice for many users. However, alternatives like Firefox and Microsoft Edge are also worth considering, especially for those emphasizing privacy and integration with Microsoft products.