Google Chrome vs Mozilla Firefox: which should you use on Windows?
Both are fast, secure and free, and both get regular security updates. The real differences are who makes them, how much you can change them, and how they handle your data.
Short answer
Pick Chrome if you live in Google services and want the fewest website problems. Pick Firefox if privacy and independence from Google matter more to you. Switching later is easy, because both import bookmarks and passwords.
Side by side
| Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Mozilla | |
| Licence | Free | Free |
| Latest version we list | 157.0.8103.39 | 159.0 |
| Last updated | 5 Nov 2026 | 1 Nov 2026 |
| Download size | 1.5 MB | 60 MB |
| Windows versions | Windows 11, Windows 10 | Windows 11, Windows 10 |
| Recommended for | — | — |
| Install with winget | Google.Chrome | Mozilla.Firefox |
| Official site | google.com | mozilla.org |
Choose Google Chrome if
- You use Gmail, Google Drive and an Android phone and want everything synced
- A website or web app you depend on is only tested in Chrome
- You want the largest choice of extensions
Choose Mozilla Firefox if
- You want strong tracking protection switched on by default
- You prefer a browser from a non-profit that does not use Google's engine
- You like to adjust how the browser looks and works
Strengths and weaknesses
Google Chrome
Pros
- Very fast
- Large extension store
- Sync across devices
Cons
- High RAM usage
- Privacy concerns
Mozilla Firefox
Pros
- Strong privacy
- Open-source
- Customizable
Cons
- Some sites optimised for Chrome