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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
User consensusAlternativesIs it worth it?
Better options than

Google Chrome alternatives

Users consider alternatives to Google Chrome due to issues with recent updates, including broken features, unwanted AI integration, and performance problems. Many seek different Google services that specialize in specific functions like video, file storage, or navigation.

Why users look for alternatives to Google Chrome

The alternatives

YouTube
4.7★ · 48,043,247 ratings · Free

YouTube offers a vast array of video content, including entertainment, educational material, and music, serving as a primary platform for video consumption R57. Users appreciate the diverse content but sometimes face issues with ads and app stability R53.

Better for: YouTube is better for users primarily seeking video content, including long-form videos and music, who value a dedicated platform for visual media R57R59. It is also suitable for those who want to watch funny or relatable content and wish for features like a repost button R52.

Head-to-head: Google Chrome vs YouTube
Google Drive
4.8★ · 7,655,105 ratings · Free

Google Drive provides cloud storage for files, making it easy to upload, store, and access documents and media across devices R72R76. Users find it simple to use and effective for managing and sharing content, especially for transferring files like VR content to mobile devices R66R72R76.

Better for: Google Drive is better for users who need reliable cloud storage and easy file management, particularly for uploading and downloading content between different devices R72R76R78. It suits those who value a user-friendly experience for organizing their digital files R66.

Head-to-head: Google Chrome vs Google Drive
Google Maps
4.7★ · 7,268,741 ratings · Free

Google Maps is a navigation tool that helps users find locations, get directions, and explore places R80. It is praised for its helpfulness in finding businesses and providing good experiences, though some users report issues with address display, suggested routes, and speed limit detection R81R84R87.

Better for: Google Maps is better for users who need a dedicated navigation and location-finding service R80. It suits those who frequently travel or need to find local businesses and appreciate detailed information about places R83.

Head-to-head: Google Chrome vs Google Maps
Google
4.6★ · 4,802,433 ratings · Free

The Google app serves as a general search engine and information source, with some users finding it helpful for research and understanding various topics R94. It also includes AI features that some find conversational and useful R96. However, some users dislike the AI integration, find it difficult to use, or experience issues with tab management R93R95.

Better for: The Google app is better for users who primarily need a search engine for quick information retrieval and research R94. It can also suit those who enjoy interacting with AI for in-depth answers and conversation R96.

Head-to-head: Google Chrome vs Google
Gmail
4.7★ · 2,421,667 ratings · Free

Gmail is an email service that users find useful for communication, including emailing teachers . It is generally considered accessible and accurate R111. However, users report issues with spam, scam emails, and glitches like emails remaining in the inbox after deletion or display problems R109R113. Some also express concerns about ads and changes to free storage R107.

Better for: Gmail is better for users who need a reliable email service for personal and professional communication R111. It suits those who value an accessible platform for managing their correspondence R111.

Head-to-head: Google Chrome vs Gmail
Stick with Google Chrome if

Users should stick with Google Chrome if they prioritize a browser that feels safer and more secure . It is also suitable for those who find it user-friendly and prefer it over other platforms .

Evidence note: All alternatives had sufficient reviews to draw conclusions.

Frequently asked

Why are users unhappy with recent Google Chrome updates?
Users are unhappy with recent Google Chrome updates because they introduce unwanted features like Gemini AI, which cannot be removed and disrupts workflow R7R10R34. Updates also cause bugs such as freezing, slow downloads, and incorrect search history saving R15R16R28R46, and negatively impact usability with changes to tab management R1R33.
What are the common issues with the YouTube app?
Common issues with the YouTube app include videos freezing during ads, frequent app crashes requiring reinstallation, and an undesirable push towards 'shorts' content R53R54R56R58. Some users also note too many commercials and poor UI decisions in updates .
Does Google Drive offer enough storage for users?
One user reported that Google Drive has 'so less storage' R75.
Are there issues with Google Maps' accuracy or navigation?
Yes, Google Maps has issues with accuracy and navigation, as it sometimes suggests illegal turns, nonexistent roads, or takes users to incorrect locations based on ads R82R87. Users also note that the app's speed limit detection can be slow compared to alternatives like Apple Maps R84.
What problems do users experience with Gmail?
Users experience problems with Gmail including an overwhelming amount of spam and scam emails, even from blocked addresses R109. Other issues include emails remaining in the inbox after deletion, display glitches, and the presence of sponsored ads within the email list R113. Some users also report difficulties after password changes and concerns about free storage and verification requirements R107R112.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R7] Google Chrome 1/5 · US New Update: This new update is infuriating. I don’t want Gemini at the bottom of my page, or anywhere near me. I don’t want the search and tabs bars to be disjointed. The fact we cannot return Chrome to how it was before the update, or remove Gemini from our bar!, is awful. Please give us the option to return back to the previous version of Chrome.
  2. [R10] Google Chrome 2/5 · US Too much AI: I am sick of AI trying to guess what I’m thinking all the time. It tries to correct my technical word spellings (incorrectly of course) of course). Or suggests words that pop up and have no relevance and interrupts my train of thought that wastes my time. I feel like it’s gathering information from me so that it can “learn” but I don’t feel it’s my responsibility to be a teacher to t
  3. [R34] Google Chrome 1/5 · US Ai option: There should be a way I can disable the AI setting in the app.
  4. [R15] Google Chrome 3/5 · US My problems with the app: I tried to download a color fan app and it took so long and for some reason isn’t working
  5. [R16] Google Chrome 1/5 · US New update BUGS: Recent updates have caused my chrome browser to start saving search history and websites browsed even though settings are all turned off. I verified settings were off, updated the app, and it is still happening. This just started this week. What is going on????
  6. [R28] Google Chrome 1/5 · US Keeps freezing: The app freezes when I exit it to reply to a text and then I swipe back to the app, it freezes and doesn’t want to work unless I close it completely and reopen it
  7. [R46] Google Chrome 2/5 · US Keeps freezing: Freezes so many times a day and I always have to close the app and restart it. I honestly use it because it syncs with the rest of my chrome usage on desktop etc.
  8. [R1] Google Chrome 1/5 · US Scrolling Tab Groups: This is still an issue as of 7/9/26 - Taking away the ability to scroll through tab groups when you’re trying to add a link to the them was not a good decision. I can’t for the life of me think of any reason why anyone would think it was.
  9. [R33] Google Chrome 3/5 · GB Pointless updates: Yet another pointless update that moved the quick hold and release “close tab” up, and moved “open incognito tab” into its place. Stop changing things to justify a designers job.
  10. [R18] Google Chrome 3/5 · US Decline of Google: Google was once THE Best source for obsure information. Now I get shunted to Reddit, which answers questions that it thinks I should have asked, often really irrelevant to my search. Or AI, which disclaims accuracy right up front. Or Utube with random unknown accuracy. Sad loss of a once valuable tool. Now mostly ads, not information.
  11. [R19] Google Chrome 1/5 · US Horrible: Worthless search engine.
  12. [R22] Google Chrome 1/5 · US Google the worst ai platform: Google is comparing other websites true or not true information when you search and it has given me some false information I don’t recommend it
  13. [R9] Google Chrome 3/5 · US Account hacked?: Cannot access my account with trillions of chips! She emailed me once. I still cannot access my account. Please find someone who can help?
  14. [R12] Google Chrome 3/5 · US “Parental controls” as a 32 year old with a compromised iPhone: Same thing I’ve said - malicious. Malicious. Malicious. With intent. And withholding information, preventing any actual way to reach someone without wire fraud or transferring calls or even not stealing PI from me or anyone else I know or their group of those involved.
  15. [R40] Google Chrome 1/5 · US Google Forms: I have a free version yet I’m being told I can’t turn on the free version for emails for my customers and they can’t put thier email in or fill out form without signing in to a google acct. I have to contact you because customer service for Google forms are not resolving this issue. People can’t fill out the form I created and it’s free. Please escalate to the appropriate department
  16. [R52] YouTube 5/5 · US Some fun suggestions!!: I think YT is a 5 star app but I have some suggestions to improve the app and make it more enjoyable for users! My first one is making a repost button. I love watching funny content and sometimes if it’s relatable I wish there was a button to show that I relate other than the comments section. It could be in the same area we’re you send videos to your friends on YT and it c
  17. [R53] YouTube 3/5 · US Ads freezing the video: Since the most recent update, any time an ad plays the video ends up freezing. I have to close the app and restart it in order to watch the video. Fix this.
  18. [R57] YouTube 5/5 · US Its just amazing: Its just amazing with all content and others its not just videos there could be games, editing, even other types like youtube tv and regular also even music on seperate apps
  19. [R59] YouTube 4/5 · US Please fix shorts: I’ve been watching YouTube for years because I prefer the long-form content to instagram or TikTok. I fragrant and TikTok are very addictive and I find that the mindless scrolling takes over my life. I used YouTube instead but now that they added shorts they push almost exclusively shorts. When I open the app it’s automatically showing me shorts without me even tapping the video
  20. [R66] Google Drive 5/5 · US Super easy to use: Such a great user experience, so easy to use
  21. [R72] Google Drive 5/5 · US Great app: I use this app for uploading stuff basically on VR it takes too long to download to my phone so I just use Google Drive to upload the photos onto Google Drive and download them from my phone. It’s way easier and faster. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
  22. [R76] Google Drive 5/5 · US Good for vr content: It’s really good if you wanna post VR content all you gotta do is just have the app on VR and on your mobile or whatever device that you do it you just explode it on your the Google Drive and then on your mobile you can check it and then download it to your Photos and edit it and post it
  23. [R78] Google Drive 5/5 · US Google Drive review A+: Always user friendly and consistent
  24. [R80] Google Maps 5/5 · US Superb Bartender: Came in for a quick bite and drink. Sat at the bar where Oowauwe the bartender treated me like family. She gave a beautiful and concise rundown of the menu and drinks. After asking me what kind of cocktail I enjoy she crafted a delicious tropical Rum punch for me. It was beautiful and tasted even better. I ordered the gumbo dumplings and Brussels and I was not disappointed.
  25. [R81] Google Maps 3/5 · US Bring back featuring the address on top: I love this app, I’ve used it for years. The only reason I’m writing a review now is because with the new update, they’ve hidden the address below and you have to scroll and search for it. I now have to search for it. I have friends who don’t use this app. “Sharing the location” doesn’t work if you don’t have the app. Stop making me search and lift up rocks
  26. [R83] Google Maps 5/5 · US BEST HANDMADE ICE CREAM IN FLORIDA: BEST HANDMADE ICE CREAM IN FLORIDA 💕💕Also they have the best Matchas!!
  27. [R84] Google Maps 3/5 · US Needs Work: Calibration needs to be done for the sensor that detects speed limits because the app takes too long to switch over to a new speed- Apple Maps is faster at this. Also, please update so I can use my Siri voice as override audio because I don’t like the one Google has- it’s too sounds robotic to be helpful.
  28. [R93] Google 2/5 · US Read Aloud disappeared: To be honest, I don’t really like the Google app, I am just super used to safari and can’t change it but I heavily, HEAVILY, used it for the “Read Aloud” function (and it’s the only reason why I use the Google App). It was working just fine but the option suddenly disappeared the day before yesterday. I have already removed the app, reinstalled, removed shut down the phon
  29. [R94] Google 5/5 · US Helpful!: It helps us understand things
  30. [R95] Google 1/5 · US Difficult: Meant to make life easier, nope…redirects slow, takes you to shady locations and the longest route possible
  31. [R96] Google 5/5 · US My friend google ai: It’s so kind and nice
  32. [R107] Gmail 1/5 · US They ruined it: You now have zero free storage and they force you to have YouTube to verify. Absolutely worthless like all google products now. They intentionally ruined everything they own.
  33. [R109] Gmail 3/5 · US Spam and Scam Emails: Blocked email addresses should not come to my inbox, junk, Spam folder or deleted folder. The number of scam, span type emails have gotten out of control.
  34. [R111] Gmail 5/5 · US A review by James Mitchell: Gmail and Google are first class! Keeps you in touch with the world. Always accessible and accurate. POSITIVE YES!!
  35. [R113] Gmail 1/5 · US Light/Dark Display Glitch: Please fix this before you ask me for a single penny.
  36. [R54] YouTube 1/5 · US Application keeps crashing: Noticed about 2 days ago the app started crashing again and again. Only fix I have found is uninstalling and re-installing the application.
  37. [R56] YouTube 2/5 · US Keeps crashing: Why does it keep crashing every time I open it? I have to uninstall the app and keep reinstalling it. I’ve had to do it at least 20 times in the past three days.
  38. [R58] YouTube 1/5 · US YouTube crashes: YouTube crashes immediately upon opening. Deleting and reinstalling the app only resolves the issue temporarily for a few hours before the crashing recurs. Environment: OS: iOS 18.7, App Version: YouTube 21.26.4
  39. [R75] Google Drive 1/5 · US It has so less storage: It really does have really low storage
  40. [R82] Google Maps 1/5 · US They broke a perfectly good product: I’ve used google maps almost exclusively for years. Yesterday it insisted on not using an address I selected from my address book, that I’ve used many times behind, and instead pushing locations based on ads. After restarting the process it seemed to be taking me to the right place, but in fact it took me to a separate location 8 minutes away. At this point i
  41. [R87] Google Maps 3/5 · US untrustworthy: After all these years, still suggests illegal turns and nonexistent roads…
  42. [R112] Gmail 3/5 · US Problem: Gmail has been great for many years however I was asked by Gmail to change my password and since then it’s a mess. I’m not getting my mail.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store