ungoogled-chromium
What ungoogled-chromium is
ungoogled-chromium is an open-source browser based on Chromium that removes dependencies on Google web services while aiming to keep Chromium’s standard browsing experience. It removes background requests during browser builds and use, disables Google-domain functions such as Host Detector, URL Tracker, Cloud Messaging, and Hotwording, and includes disabling Safe Browsing among its changes. Many Google domains are replaced with non-existent qjz9zk domains, and requests to them are blocked as a fallback. Users can enable configurable features through command-line switches and chrome://flags entries, which start disabled. Search settings include a Suggestions URL field and a “No Search” Omnibox provider; other adjustments include opening pop-ups in tabs and preventing automatic URL formatting in the Omnibox. Disabling the intranet redirect detector disrupts captive portal detection, although captive portals still work. Builds or packages are listed for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. The project is free, uses the BSD-3-Clause license, and makes its source code publicly available. Issue trackers are its primary support channel, with Gitter and Matrix chat rooms also available.
Who it suits
It suits people who want a Chromium-based browser with reduced reliance on Google web services and added user controls. It is also relevant to users seeking an open-source browser available across Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What it does well
- Free and open source under the BSD-3-Clause license.
- Builds or packages are listed for four operating system families.
- Reduces background requests to web services.
- Adds configurable features through switches and chrome://flags.
- Supports Chrome Store extensions.
What to know first
- Safe Browsing is disabled among the listed changes.
- Cross-device sync is not available.
- The project warns contributor binaries may not be reproducible or verifiable.
- Captive portal detection is disrupted.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free and open-source | Source code is publicly available · Platform-specific builds and packages are available | Free |
| ungoogled-chromium | Open-source browser · BSD-3-Clause license | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 16 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the project's GitHub website.
- Choose a build or package for Android, Linux, macOS, or Windows.
- Install the selected build or package.
- Adjust available options through command-line switches or chrome://flags if needed.
- Use the issue tracker, Gitter, or Matrix for support.
Verdict
Choose ungoogled-chromium if you want a free, open-source Chromium browser with Google web-service dependencies reduced and configurable controls. Look elsewhere if you need cross-device sync or prefer Safe Browsing enabled; the project also warns that contributor binaries may not be reproducible.
Questions
How much does ungoogled-chromium cost?
It is free. The listed plans are priced at $0.
Is ungoogled-chromium open source?
Yes. Its source code is publicly available, and the browser is listed under the BSD-3-Clause license.
Which platforms are supported?
Builds or packages are listed for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Does it support extensions?
Chrome Store extension support is listed.
Does it include built-in ad blocking or cross-device sync?
Built-in ad blocking and cross-device sync are both listed as unavailable.
Where can users get support?
Issue trackers are the primary support channel. Gitter and Matrix chat rooms are also offered.
Facts from ungoogled-chromium's own pages
- Background requests
- The project removes remaining background requests to web services while building and running the browser. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Browser engine
- chromium · github.com, 16 Sept 2026
- Builds and distributions
- The project lists builds or packages for multiple Linux distributions, macOS, Windows, and Android. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Built-in ad blocking
- No · github.com, 16 Sept 2026
- Captive portals
- Disabling the intranet redirect detector also breaks captive portal detection, although captive portals still work. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Chromium experience
- The project aims to retain the default Chromium experience as closely as possible, as a drop-in replacement. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Cross-device sync
- No · github.com, 16 Sept 2026
- Extension support
- chrome_store · github.com, 16 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 16 Sept 2026
- Google-specific functionality
- It disables Google-domain features such as Google Host Detector, Google URL Tracker, Google Cloud Messaging, and Google Hotwording. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yes · github.com, 16 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- both · github.com, 16 Sept 2026
- Request blocking
- It substitutes many Google domains with non-existent qjz9zk domains and blocks Chromium requests to those domains as a fail-safe. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Safe Browsing
- The project’s listed changes include disabling Safe Browsing. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Search controls
- It adds a Suggestions URL field to search engine settings and a “No Search” Omnibox provider. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to issue trackers as its primary support channel and also offers Gitter and Matrix chat rooms. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Third-party binary limit
- The project warns that contributor binaries may not be reproducible, so their authenticity cannot be guaranteed. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- URL and pop-up behavior
- Enhancements include opening pop-ups in tabs and disabling automatic URL formatting in the Omnibox. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- User controls
- It adds command-line switches and chrome://flags entries for configurable features, which are disabled by default. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- What it is
- ungoogled-chromium is Google Chromium with its dependency on Google web services removed. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The project describes its privacy, control, and transparency tweaks for users who want Chromium with reduced Google web-service dependency. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where ungoogled-chromium stands on Freedom251
- Web browsers#13 of 154