If you are looking for a new web browser that can offer you more features, flexibility, and control over your online experience, you might want to consider switching from Google Chrome to Vivaldi.
In this article, we will compare the two browsers in terms of their platforms, syncing options, privacy and security, search engines, customization features, extensions. We will also share some tips and tricks on how to make the most out of Vivaldi browser.
What is Chrome?
Chrome is a web browser created by Google back in 2008. It runs on the Blink engine and, as of 2019, dominates the browser market with over 60% share. One of its key attractions is its simplicity, speed, and seamless integration with other Google services. Chrome offers a vast array of apps and extensions, allowing users to customize it according to their preferences.
Chrome was introduced to replace older browsers like Internet Explorer, which used to be the most popular choice. Remarkably, Chrome surpassed Firefox to become the second most popular browser in 2011 and has continued to thrive ever since.
What is Vivaldi?
Vivaldi is a web browser developed in 2016 by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner, who co-founded Opera. It’s built on the Chromium platform and the Blink engine, aiming to offer users more ways to personalize the browser’s appearance and improve its speed.
This browser stands out not only for its distinctive look but also for some unique features we’ll discuss later in this article. Thanks to its flexibility and customization options, Vivaldi caters to a wide range of users, whether your tech-savvy or just want a straightforward and clean web browser experience.
Google Chrome vs Vivaldi
When it comes to web browsers, Google Chrome and Vivaldi are two popular options. Both are built on the open-source Chromium code, but they have some differences.
Platforms
Google Chrome is accessible on all popular platforms, making it available for users on a wide range of devices and operating systems.
Vivaldi, while available on major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux, notably does not have an official version for iPhones, limiting its availability to iOS users.
Syncing options
Both Google Chrome and Vivaldi offer synchronization features for various options such as passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, and settings. However, there are some differences in what they sync:
In Google Chrome, you can sync not only the standard data like passwords, bookmarks, history, and settings but also your payment information. Vivaldi, on the other hand, provides the ability to sync notes you add in the browser.
To achieve this synchronization, Google Chrome uses your Google account, while Vivaldi utilizes its own account system for syncing data.
Privacy and security
Google Chrome offers three security settings:
- Standard Protection: This setting notifies you when your passwords are compromised on websites and also alerts you about potentially harmful websites, downloads, and add-ons.
- Enhanced Protection: This option is more aggressive and thoroughly checks websites, downloads, and add-ons for potential dangers.
- No Protection: This setting provides no security measures at all.
In addition, Chrome allows you to choose from three cookie settings: allow all cookies, block all cookies, or block only third-party cookies. Vivaldi, on the other hand, offers three levels of protection: Essential, Classic, and Fully Loaded, which essentially provide similar features. Vivaldi also provides three blocking options: No blocking, which offers no protection, Block Trackers, and Block Trackers and Ads, which effectively blocks all ads.
Both Chrome and Vivaldi allow users to save passwords in their accounts, which can be accessed through the settings. Chrome also stores passwords in your Google account, accessible at passwords.google.com. To access passwords on both desktops and phones, you’ll need a PIN, as neither browser offers a master password option.
A noteworthy feature of Google Chrome is its security checkup, which examines:
- Chrome’s update status
- The security of your saved passwords and whether they have been compromised
- The safety settings for your browser
- Potentially harmful extensions
- Any harmful software on your computer
Chrome also keeps track of compromised passwords and identifies the websites associated with them. Additionally, it suggests strong passwords when creating or updating passwords, and if accepted, saves them to your account for convenience and security.
Search engines
Google Chrome comes with Google set as its default search engine. It also includes some pre-installed search engines like DuckDuckGo, Bing, and Yahoo.
In contrast, Vivaldi has Yahoo as its default search engine, but users have the option to switch to Bing, Google, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, Startpage.com, and Wikipedia. Both browsers allow you to add your own custom search engines as well.
Customization features
Google Chrome offers a wide range of themes, and you can find even more on the Chrome Web Store. When you’re logged into your Google account, you can conveniently access all Google apps right from the main page. You also have the option to add a side panel for quick access to a reading list and bookmarks.
In Vivaldi, you can stack tabs in rows, which improves visibility and helps with time management. It also allows you to open two tabs side by side on the same screen. Vivaldi has a customizable panel for adding extensions and apps, and from this sidebar, you can access features like email, notes, and translation tools.
To determine the ideal browser for your needs, delve into the article titled “Tor vs Chrome: Which Browser You Should Use.” This comprehensive comparison explores the differences and considerations between Tor and Chrome, aiding you in making an informed decision about your preferred browsing experience.
Extensions
Vivaldi provides extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their browser experience to their preferences. One way to do this is by adding extensions and apps to Vivaldi, and there are plenty of choices available for both.
Some popular options include AdBlock Plus, LastPass Password Manager, Grammarly, WOT Safe Browsing Toolbar, and more.
Similarly, Chrome also offers a variety of extensions and apps that can be integrated into the browser. In fact, Chrome boasts the world’s largest library of extensions, with many coming from Google and other major companies. Popular choices in Chrome include AdBlock Plus, LastPass Password Manager, Grammarly, WOT Safe Browsing Toolbar, and numerous others.
Both browsers offer a decent selection of extensions and apps, with Chrome having a larger library overall. However, Vivaldi is steadily expanding its collection, making it a competitive option for users seeking customization and additional features.
Frequently Asked Qustions
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google Chrome and Vivaldi are both powerful and popular web browsers that offer many features and options to enhance your online experience. However, Vivaldi has some advantages over Chrome in terms of platform compatibility, syncing options, privacy and security, search engine options, customization features, extension support, tab management, productivity tools, performance, and resource usage. Therefore, if you are looking for a new web browser that can offer you more features, flexibility, and control over your online experience, you might want to consider switching from Google Chrome to Vivaldi.
Google Chrome vs Vivaldi Features Tips and Tricks