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Google Chrome Lags Behind on Android, Experts Say

WireByte Staff · August 6, 2026

Google's Chrome browser on Android is falling behind its competitors, lacking essential features such as extensions, proper privacy controls, and background playback. Experts argue that Google needs to close the gap to stay competitive.

Key points

  • Google's Chrome browser on Android lacks essential features like extensions, proper privacy controls, and background playback.
  • Competing browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Samsung Internet have supported extensions on Android for years.
  • Google is working on a Chrome version for Android that supports extensions, but it's only for Android-powered PCs.
  • Experts say Google needs to add these features to stay competitive in the browser market.
  • The lack of extensions and other features is driving users away from Chrome and towards alternative browsers.

Google's Chrome browser on Android has been struggling to keep up with its competitors. While it remains the most popular browser on the platform, it lacks essential features that users have come to expect. Extensions, proper privacy controls, and background playback are just a few of the features that Chrome still hasn't gotten around to.

This is not a new issue, and experts have been pointing out Chrome's weaknesses on Android for years. The lack of extensions, in particular, is a major drawback. Almost every other popular browser on Android, including Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Samsung Internet, supports extensions. This allows users to unlock additional features and functionality that Chrome currently lacks.

Google is working on a version of Chrome for Android that supports extensions, but it's only for Android-powered PCs. This means that users will still be left out in the cold if they're using a Chromebook or other Android device. Experts say that Google needs to add these features to stay competitive in the browser market. The lack of extensions and other features is driving users away from Chrome and towards alternative browsers.

The consequences of Chrome's lagging behind are significant. As more and more users switch to alternative browsers, Google's market share will continue to erode. This could have serious implications for the company's advertising business, which relies heavily on Chrome's user base. In short, Google needs to act quickly to close the gap and stay ahead of the competition.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.