Comparison Summary
Comparison SummaryChromium gives you the bare code that browsers like Chrome and Edge are built on, but there's no benefit for most people compared to just using those full browsers, while Sidekick's supposed productivity features are nothing special now and its design feels behind Arc and SigmaOS.
Only use Chromium if you really want to mess with the raw browser foundation; skip Sidekick unless you have a specific reason, since its features and experience lag behind current browsers.
ChromiumBrowser engine foundation
Browser engine foundation
Sidekick BrowserAcquired and shut down by Perplexity
Acquired and shut down by Perplexity
Comparison Video
Comparison VideoBest Web Browser? Arc vs Chrome vs Safari vs Brave
Best Web Browser? Arc vs Chrome vs Safari vs Brave
13:23Best Web Browser? Arc vs Chrome vs Safari vs Brave
Best Web Browser? Arc vs Chrome vs Safari vs BraveRecommended Alternatives
Recommended Alternatives
ChatGPT AtlasShut down & rolled into ChatGPT Chrome extension
Shut down & rolled into ChatGPT Chrome extension
Editor's Verdict
Editor's VerdictChromium is just the raw engine behind mainstream browsers like Chrome and Edge, so using it directly doesn't give you any of the features or conveniences you'd expect from a modern browser. There's no benefit for regular users unless you actually want to mess around with the underlying codebase.
Sidekick isn't a real option either. It's been shut down after being acquired, so you can't use it at all. Even before that, its supposed productivity features had already fallen behind and didn't stand out against other browsers.
If you're picking between these two, neither is worth your time. Chromium isn't meant for everyday browsing, and Sidekick doesn't even exist anymore. Skip both and use literally any mainstream browser built on Chromium for a normal experience.
