Why is Chrome so popular? Can someone explain to me like I'm 5?

[Kendo]

Keep in mind I am asking because I genuinely do not know. Back when I used a Windows PC, I was a Firefox guy because I preferred the layout of the buttons over Internet Explorer. Ever since I moved to iOS and Mac (2017), I've been exclusively using Safari. I just find it easier with Keychain saving my passwords and Safari supposedly has better battery life.

I've noticed a ton of my friends using Chrome on their MacBook but I'm more surprised to see people using Chrome on their iPhone. Can someone explain why it is so popular? Keep in mind I use Google Search, Google Maps, and Gmail 100% of the time. But I'm curious if I am missing out on what makes Chrome so special.

 

[Mr. Awesome]

I used to use Chrome because it supported more new web development technologies, but I got tired of it sucking up so much battery on my Mac.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I think there is a misconception that it’s ‘the best’ with people that don’t know any better, and when you use on one device it’s natural to want to use it on all. That’s why my girlfriend has it on her phone anyway.

 

[rosegoldoli]

for me its that adblock actually works

 

[LeeW]

But I'm curious if I am missing out on what makes Chrome so special.

When it first came out it was a big jump over the majority of the competition in terms of what it offered the general browser user, it brought a lot to the table at one time. So it became incredibly popular, very quickly. Like a lot of things, people stick to what they know hence it has remained a very popular browser.

Looking at it today it is not so far head, in fact not at all really in comparison to others out there, but again, people are used to it so they keep using it.

 

[macdogpro]

Never use Chrome ever since I use full Apple ecosystem.
Battery hog both on MacBook Pro and iPhone / iPad.

Safari may lag behind sometimes in terms of latest compatibility with newer websites, but I believe it’s more secure with Apple hardware integration. And it’s working nicely in sync between all my devices.

I installed Duck Duck Go on my iPad Pro for more private browsing but couldn’t tell / understand it’s benefits over Safari.

 

[Smoothie]

I really don't like Chrome's bookmark management. I use Safari on my iPhone and Firefox on my iMac.

 

[TenthDoctor]

I have been wondering about that too. Even people who don’t know a lot about computers, older people all seem to use Chrome. I never liked it on any device I have tried it on.

 

[Strelok]

Chrome used to be the fastest, I believe it was around 2010 or somewhere around then when it started really blowing up. Most other browsers were slower and had other issues at the time. Now, they all basically perform the same so I would pick whichever you prefer. I use Firefox on Windows as I prefer privacy and their philosophy over Google's. On iOS/Mac I use Safari.

 

[Eric Idle]

I use Chrome because I want Google to log and monetize everything I do on the web.