Chrome OS vs Chromium OS

by Gralio Mar 11, 2025

Chrome OS and Chromium OS are both operating systems based on the Chrome browser. Chrome OS is Google's official product, offering a streamlined, user-friendly experience ideal for general users and businesses within the Google ecosystem. Chromium OS provides more flexibility and control for developers and advanced users but lacks the polish and support of Chrome OS.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 527 reviews and 60 websites, saving 3 hours, 25 minutes of reading.

Chrome OS

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Chromium OS

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

Chrome OS is Google's operating system. It's known for being simple, fast, and secure, running on laptops called Chromebooks. It's particularly well-suited to businesses because it offers centralized management features, making it easy for IT departments to control and secure devices. Chrome OS is designed to work primarily with web-based applications and cloud storage, making it a good option for businesses looking to reduce reliance on traditional software.

Chromium OS is a Google-developed operating system designed to make your computing experience fast, simple, and secure. Ideal for users who primarily rely on web-based applications, it centers around the Chrome browser and cloud storage. With a focus on speed, security, and ease of use, Chromium OS offers a streamlined alternative to traditional operating systems for a modern, web-centric workflow.

Summary

Main difference

Chrome OS is a polished, user-friendly operating system best suited for individuals and businesses heavily integrated with the Google ecosystem, especially for education. Chromium OS, being open-source, offers greater flexibility and customization but requires technical expertise and lacks commercial support.

Relative strengths of Chrome OS (compared to Chromium OS)

Stronger focus on usability and polish.
Seamless integration with Google services and hardware (Chromebooks).
Comes with official support and automatic updates from Google.

Relative weaknesses of Chrome OS (compared to Chromium OS)

Less customization compared to the open-source Chromium OS.
More limited hardware compatibility than Chromium OS.
Closed-source nature restricts modifications and deeper control.

What companies are using Chrome OS and Chromium OS?

Taco Bell

CHarles Schwab

Sanmina Corporation

Mercado Libre & Portalinmobiliario.com

SAG

Hackensack Meridian Health

STrawberry

No data

Who should use Chrome OS VS. Chromium OS

Chrome OS is a fast, simple, and secure cloud-based operating system ideal for businesses of all sizes. Users love its speed, ease of use, and seamless integration with Google services. However, some find its limited offline functionality and software compatibility challenging. It's particularly well-suited for organizations heavily reliant on Google Workspace and cloud-based applications.

Chromium OS is a fast, simple, and secure operating system ideal for users who primarily use web apps and cloud storage. Users love its speed and seamless Google integration, but some find its reliance on internet connectivity limiting. Best for organizations prioritizing a streamlined, web-based workflow.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially those heavily reliant on Google services.
Strong fit for education, and suitable for most other industries.

Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses in various sectors, especially those with a web-centric workflow.
Particularly well-suited for the Education and Software/IT/Telecommunications industries, where web-based applications are central to operations.

Chrome OS and Chromium OS features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Device management

Supported

Chrome OS supports remote device management, including onboarding, configuration, and security updates.

Supported

Chromium OS devices can be managed remotely via Chrome OS Device Management and Google Admin Console.
AI-powered productivity

Supported

Chrome OS supports AI-powered productivity features like smart task automation and AI-enhanced writing.

Partially supported

Chromium OS can support AI features through third-party apps, but not natively.
Enhanced OS security

Supported

Chrome OS has enhanced security measures like malware protection, sandboxing, and verified boot.

Supported

Chromium OS has enhanced security measures integrated into its core.
Cloud-based OS

Supported

Chrome OS is a cloud-based operating system with automatic updates, enhanced security, and multi-device access.

Not supported

Chromium OS itself is not cloud-based, but it is the foundation for the cloud-based Chrome OS.
Processor compatibility

Supported

Chrome OS supports a variety of Intel and ARM processors.

Supported

Chromium OS supports x86_64 and some ARM processors, but other architectures may require porting.
Peripheral compatibility

Supported

Chrome OS supports various peripherals, including printers, scanners, and cameras, but compatibility may vary.

Supported

Chromium OS supports various peripherals like printers and scanners, but specific device compatibility may vary.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

No data
Customer Service

No data

No data
Ease of Use

No data

No data
Reliability and Performance

No data

No data
Ease of Implementation

No data

No data
Scalability

No data

No data

Chrome OS and Chromium OS Pricing

Chrome OS offers different device management upgrades for businesses. The standalone Chrome Enterprise Upgrade allows remote management and configuration of existing ChromeOS devices, priced at $4.17/device/month. The bundled Chrome Enterprise Upgrade is included with Chromebook Enterprise devices and covers the device's lifetime. The Kiosk & Signage Upgrade, priced at $2.08/device/month, enables remote management and configuration of kiosks and signage devices. Free trials are available for the standalone and kiosk upgrades.

See full Pricing page

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for Chromium OS.

Chrome OS and Chromium OS review insights

Users love

Fast and lightweight.
Simple and easy to use.
Seamless integration with Google services.
Secure with automatic updates.
Affordable.

Fast boot times and responsive performance.
Lightweight and efficient, ideal for older hardware.
Simple and user-friendly interface.
Seamless integration with Google services.
Open-source nature allows for flexibility.

Users dislike

Limited offline functionality.
Limited compatibility with certain software.
Limited local storage.
Android apps can behave inconsistently.

Heavy reliance on internet connectivity, limiting offline functionality.
Limited software compatibility, primarily web-based applications.
Lack of advanced features for demanding tasks.
Limited offline functionality for certain apps.
Insufficient customization options.

Chrome OS and Chromium OS Ratings

G2

4.5/5

(392)
Glassdoor

3.5/5

(2)

G2

4.1/5

(135)

Company health

Employee growth

69% increase in the last year

14% increase in the last year

Web traffic

2% decrease in the last quarter

1% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

July 2018 - $16M

No data

How do Chrome OS's centralized management features compare to Chromium OS's open-source flexibility for IT?

Chrome OS excels in centralized management, providing IT departments with robust tools to control and secure devices, deploy applications, and manage user access through the Admin console. Chromium OS, being open-source, offers greater flexibility for customization and adaptation to specific needs. IT teams can modify the source code, integrate custom features, and tailor the OS to unique hardware or software requirements. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of increased management complexity compared to the streamlined, pre-configured management offered by Chrome OS.

Which OS best supports offline functionality given my company's specific needs?

Both Chrome OS and Chromium OS are designed for primarily online usage, so neither excels in offline functionality. However, Chrome OS has broader support for offline functionality within some Google apps and some offline-enabled Android apps. Chromium OS, while open-source and potentially more flexible, generally has less robust offline capabilities. Therefore, Chrome OS is slightly better for offline use, but neither fully meets the needs of a company requiring extensive offline functionality.

What are the advantages of Chrome OS?

Chrome OS offers several advantages. Its simplicity and ease of use make it ideal for users who primarily work with web applications. Centralized management features simplify IT administration, especially for businesses and schools. Automatic updates ensure devices are always secure, and the reliance on web apps and cloud storage reduces the need for expensive traditional software. Finally, Chrome OS devices are generally more affordable than traditional laptops.

What are the disadvantages of Chrome OS?

Chrome OS's disadvantages include limited offline functionality, making it heavily reliant on internet connectivity. It also has limited compatibility with certain software, particularly programs requiring specific operating systems. Furthermore, users often cite limited local storage as a drawback, pushing users towards cloud storage solutions. Finally, while Chrome OS supports Android apps, their performance can be inconsistent and not fully optimized for the platform.

Alternatives to Chrome OS and Chromium OS

FydeOS

FydeOS is a cloud-based operating system that prioritizes speed, security, and simplicity. It boasts a familiar user interface and offers automatic updates and built-in virus protection. FydeOS supports Web, Android, and Linux applications, making it versatile for various tasks. Additionally, its compatibility with a range of devices, including PCs, tablets, and ARM SBCs, makes it a flexible choice for different hardware setups. FydeOS also provides enterprise solutions like device management, brand customization, and kiosk mode, catering to business needs.

Debian

Debian is a free and open-source operating system known for its stability and security. It's like the foundation of a house, providing the core software to run your computer system. Debian offers a wide range of applications and software, making it suitable for various purposes. It stands out for its large, active community of developers who ensure its reliability and provide support.

Xubuntu

Xubuntu is a free operating system designed for desktops, laptops, and older computers. It features a user-friendly interface called Xfce, known for its stability and customization options. Xubuntu aims to provide a visually appealing and efficient computing experience for everyday tasks, without requiring powerful hardware. It's a good option for businesses looking for a reliable and easy-to-use operating system.

Windows Server

Windows Server is a powerful operating system designed by Microsoft for businesses to run their computer networks. It provides all the tools needed to manage user access, applications, and data security in an office environment. Though suitable for any size, its robust features are particularly beneficial for medium to large companies. Windows Server promises reliability and efficiency for businesses looking for a centralized system to manage their IT infrastructure.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a stable operating system used by businesses of all sizes. It's known for its flexibility and security, especially important for companies moving operations online. Red Hat offers support, helping your business use this system whether your data is stored locally, or accessed through the cloud.

Flint OS

Flint OS is a fast and lightweight operating system for PCs and Macs. Based on the open-source Chromium OS, it offers a simple and secure user experience. Flint OS prioritizes speed, security, and ease of management, making it suitable for businesses looking to modernize older devices or deploy a cloud-first infrastructure. It boasts features like automatic updates, cloud-based management, and a streamlined interface focused on web applications.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

How are we doing?

Is this information helpful to you? Is there anything we are missing?

Did this help you select your product?

Other issues? Vote & Let us know