Thorium web browser: the fast alternative to Chrome

If you spend a large part of your day in front of a computer, you'll know very well that el Web navigator It has become one of the most important pieces of software. that we use every day. Work, studies, leisure, social media, streaming… practically everything goes through them, so choosing the right one makes more of a difference than it seems.

For years, for many people, Google Chrome has been the default browserChrome is fast, compatible with almost everything, and boasts a huge ecosystem of extensions. But it also suffers from several increasingly annoying problems: excessive resource consumption, constantly running background processes, and data collection that not everyone appreciates. In this context, Thorium emerges, a Chromium-based browser that aims to be what Chrome should have been: lighter, faster, and significantly more respectful of your privacy.

What exactly is the Thorium web browser?

Thorium is a open-source web browser derived directly from the Chromium project, the same one from which Google Chrome originated. Its name comes from thorium, the 90th chemical element on the periodic table, a nod to the "radioactive" nature of the performance improvements it incorporates compared to the original browser.

On a practical level, that means that Thorium's interface and general operation are almost identical to those of Chrome.If you're already used to the Google browser, you won't have to relearn anything: the menus, address bar, extensions, and tab management will all be very familiar. The difference lies under the hood.

The objective of the project is to offer a much more optimized Chromium, less burdened with unnecessary components, maintaining compatibility with modern pages, the Chrome Web Store, and technologies like Widevine for playing protected content.

Furthermore, Thorium is not simply a clone: It includes specific changes to the compilation process and internal configuration. which translates into a notable improvement in performance, both in modern equipment and in older PCs that still resist retirement.

Another clear advantage is that it is a very well-maintained cross-platform browserIt has versions for Linux (including .deb repositories with automatic updates), Windows, macOS, Android, and even dedicated builds for Raspberry PiWindows on ARM and older systems like Windows 7 u 8.1 in 32 bits.

Internal optimizations and performance improvements

Where Thorium really shines is in the technical aspects: The browser is compiled using a very aggressive set of compiler-level optimizationsInstead of using generic configurations, the project takes advantage of advanced CPU instructions such as SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2 and AES, adjusts CFLAGS and LDFLAGS, enables thinLTO and applies specific instruction import limits, in addition to several -mllvm flags focused on optimizing loops and hot paths in the code.

All this fine-tuning work translates, according to the developers themselves and various benchmarks, into a performance improvement that can range from approximately 8% to 38% compared to a "pure" ChromiumDepending on the operating system and the tests used, in real-world use scenarios this is most noticeable in the loading speed of heavy pages, the smoothness of switching between tabs, and the reduction of minor stutters when running demanding web applications.

Thorium offers different builds tailored to your processor's architecture: specific builds for CPUs with AVX2, others with AVX, and an SSE3 version designed for older systems that don't support these modern instructions. This way, the system is used to its full potential. hardware recent without abandoning the old computers that still have a lot of fight left in them.

A key part of the performance leap lies in the way Thorium treats the CPU: The browser is tuned to take better advantage of current processors.using optimization strategies that allow code to run faster and reduce There which takes time to render and respond to interaction with the page.

It also incorporates Specific improvements in WebAssembly handling and tab managementThis is especially relevant in modern web applications (online editors, cloud-based office suites, HTML5 games, etc.), where the difference compared to Chrome can be noticeable when looking at resource consumption and responsiveness.

Thorium vs. Google Chrome: Similarities and Differences

The inevitable comparison is with Chrome, and this is where Thorium positions itself as a An almost identical alternative in appearance, but very different in philosophyOn the one hand, since they share the Chromium base, the rendering engine, web compatibility, and extension support are virtually the same: you can go to the Chrome Web Store and install add-ons normally, without having to perform any complicated procedures or Tricks rare.

However, unlike Chrome, Thorium has gotten rid of Many Google components and services run in the background. These increase memory and CPU usage. This includes telemetry, certain tracking services, processes related to the creation and deep synchronization of user profiles, and other elements that, while useful for the Google ecosystem, aren't always helpful for those who simply want to browse without complications.

This "cut-off" makes the browser lighter and with fewer processes running in the backgroundOn computers with limited hardware, the difference can be very noticeable, especially if you typically have dozens of tabs open at once. Many users who find that Chrome hogs system memory find Thorium a breath of fresh air.

Another important point is that of the updates and the control the user has over themChrome frequently forces automatic updates that install in the background, sometimes with changes you might not want. Thorium, on the other hand, is more conservative: on Linux, it has a repository with automatic updates via .deb packages, while on Windows, new versions are downloaded manually from its official website or its GitHub profile. It's a minor inconvenience, but in return, you have the ability to decide when to update and avoid surprises.

In terms of pure performance, tests place Thorium ahead in the three classic areas of browser evaluationOverall performance, graphics and rendering performance, and responsiveness of web applications. This doesn't mean Chrome performs poorly, but rather that Thorium manages to squeeze a little more out of the hardware in scenarios where the Chromium engine was already quite strained.

Privacy and tracking reduction at Thorium

One of the reasons some users are holding off on Chrome is the amount of data that the browser sends back to Google servicesAlthough many of these functions can be adjusted, the feeling of being constantly monitored doesn't completely disappear. Thorium attempts to distance itself from this.

To begin with, the project It eliminates a good part of the telemetry and the integrated tracking which comes by default in Google Chrome. This means less exchange of information about how you use the browser, what extensions you load, what errors occur, or how you interact with certain ecosystem services.

In addition, it incorporates specific improvements from other privacy-focused browsersA clear example is Bromite patches for DNS over HTTPS (DoH)These features allow for encrypted domain name resolution, preventing third parties from easily snooping on which websites you visit. It also leverages Vanadium's approach to the Do Not Track header, reinforcing the request to opt out when browsing between different sites.

All of this does not make Thorium an extreme anonymity browser like Tor Browser, but it does place it as a more respectful option for your personal information than standard Chrome.without sacrificing compatibility with modern websites or the usual services needed on a daily basis.

If you're considering leaving, at least partially, the Google ecosystem, Thorium might be a good fit as centerpiece of a less intrusive browsing experiencewhile maintaining the comfort you're used to with the Chromium engine.

Additional features and improvements inherited from other projects

Thorium doesn't just trim and optimize: it also It integrates interesting features from other browsers and community patches. that improve daily use without complicating your life with advanced menus.

One of the most useful aspects is its I handle the different types of page reloadsFrom the refresh button, you can choose between a normal refresh, a forced refresh, and a forced refresh with cache clearing. This last option is great when you want to make sure you're seeing the latest version of a website and aren't stuck with cached copies that display outdated content.

Another practical improvement is that, when opening a new tab, Thorium always displays a page with a search bar.Regardless of your search engine settings, this makes searching the web simple and fast, without extra steps or complicated customizations.

At the multimedia level, Thorium includes support for advanced formats such as MPEG-DASH and HEVCThese two technologies are widely used in modern streaming, improving compatibility and playback quality compared to other, more limited Chromium forks. It also uses JPEG XL as the default image format, which achieves better compression with high visual quality.

In addition, the browser It maintains compatibility with Widevine and proprietary codecs., something key when we talk about services like NetflixDisney+ and other similar platforms. Although, as we will see later, there are certain resolution limitations, the fact that it maintains this compatibility already puts Thorium ahead of other alternative projects that completely forgo this support.

Advantages of using Thorium as your main browser

With all of the above in mind, several clear advantages can be summarized when using Thorium as your daily browser, especially if you're coming from Chrome or another "unmodified" Chromium version. The first and most obvious is the feeling of lightness and speedPages that load somewhat faster, fewer jumps when moving between tabs, and somewhat more contained resource usage, especially on CPUs with AVX or AVX2 instructions.

For those who often have dozens of tabs open, or work with several web applications in parallel, Thorium becomes a very attractive option. Tab management and CPU usage optimization They allow you to push the hardware a little further before the system starts to slow down, which is much appreciated in portable mid-range or in machines that are already a few years old.

Another strength is that, despite internal differences, the learning curve is practically non-existentEverything looks and works just like in Chrome, so in a matter of minutes you can continue with your normal routine without noticing any friction: your favorite extensions, your keyboard shortcuts and your way of working remains intact.

If we add to this the privacy improvements and a reduction in tracking servicesThe result is a browser that fits very well with users who value a little more control over their data, without sacrificing compatibility or depending on overly experimental projects.

Finally, we must not forget that this is a active project with versions for multiple OSThis includes Linux, macOS, Android, traditional Windows, and less common configurations like Raspberry Pi or Windows on ARM. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent browsing experience across different devices.

Limitations and disadvantages you should consider

Of course, it's not all good news. Thorium, being based on Chromium but remaining an independent project, It does not receive updates as frequently and automatically as the original Chrome.On systems like Windows, you'll need to keep an eye on their website or GitHub repository to check for a new version and download it manually.

Things are better in Linux because A .deb repository is provided that allows automatic updates.However, even so, the loading speed can be somewhat slower than that of Google's browser. This is an important point from a security standpoint, since Chrome prides itself on reacting very quickly to critical vulnerabilities.

Another sensitive aspect is related to the DRM and video-on-demand platformsThorium maintains compatibility with WidevineHowever, there are limitations on the maximum resolution for certain services, often limiting them to 480p or 720p. If you're a stickler for watching all your series and movies in the highest possible quality from your browser, this could be a deal-breaker.

Furthermore, like any highly tuned Chromium fork, There may be occasional moments of incompatibility or minor errors that don't appear in the main browser. Although most popular web services generally work without problems, there's always the possibility that a very specific page might not work so well with these modified builds.

Finally, it's worth keeping in mind that Thorium It doesn't have the muscle of a large company behind itIt relies on the community and its lead developer to maintain the pace of patches, new features, and compatibility. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's something to consider if you're going to use it in highly critical professional environments.

Compatible platforms and Thorium installation

One of Thorium's greatest strengths is its wide range of supported platformsThe browser is available for all major desktop operating systems and also for mobile devices and less conventional hardware.

In the desktop ecosystem, you can find builds for Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributionsIn Windows there are even specific versions for x86 architectures designed for computers with 32-bit Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Server 2012, something increasingly less common but very useful in environments where these systems are still maintained.

On Linux, the project offers a .deb repository that allows integrating Thorium into the package system of compatible distributions. To add it, the procedure involves downloading the repository list from the official URL (dl.thorium.rocks), updating the package index, and installing the browser with a simple `apt install` command. Once this is done, subsequent updates will arrive via the system's own package manager.

There are also specific builds for Raspberry Pi and for Windows on ARMThis expands its usability across a wide range of devices, from mini PCs to tablets and less traditional machines. This demonstrates the project's commitment to covering a broad spectrum of hardware.

For Android, there is a version adapted to the mobile environment, so you can maintain a similar experience on your smartphone or tabletAlthough the mobile experience always depends somewhat on the device and system, having a Thorium-based option helps maintain consistency if you also use it on your desktop.

What type of user is Thorium designed for?

Thorium is primarily aimed at Users who value performance and speed over deep integration with the Google ecosystemIf you work with many tabs open, use demanding web services, or have a computer that's starting to show its age, this browser can extend the life of your computer a little.

It is especially interesting for those who They notice that Chrome has become sluggish over timeThis is especially true on machines with limited memory or older processors. The existence of AVX2, AVX, and SSE3 builds means that almost any computer can benefit from some of the optimizations offered.

It also fits very well with users concerned about privacy, but who They don't want to give up full compatibility with modern websites and Chrome extensions.The reduction in telemetry, improvements to DNS over HTTPS, and a less intrusive approach to tracking make Thorium a more data-friendly option without venturing into the more radical territory of other browsers focused almost exclusively on anonymity.

On the other hand, those who use a lot streaming platforms that require the highest image quality They may prefer to continue relying on Chrome or other officially certified browsers, due to the resolution limitations mentioned regarding Widevine and DRM.

In short, if you are looking A Chromium-based browser that runs more smoothly, with less Google overhead and a good dose of optimization.Thorium is a very strong candidate. It's not for absolutely everyone, but within its niche, it's a very compelling alternative.

Looking at the project's feature set, compatibility, and philosophy, Thorium positions itself as An ideal browser for those who want to get the most out of their hardware and gain some privacy. without giving up the convenience of the Chromium ecosystem, with the small price to pay of dealing with less automatic updates and certain limitations on DRM-protected content.