Google Chrome now has a paid version: Who it is for, how much it costs

Google Chrome is a free-to-use browser on several different platforms, but that is changing — at least partly. Google has introduced a new edition of Chrome called Chrome Enterprise Premium with free and paid options. Aimed at businesses particularly, the Chome Enterprise Premium has additional features to justify the cost. According to Google, the new Chrome version will offer thorough online data protection from various bad actors, such as malware, spyware, and phishing attacks.

Who is it for?

As the name suggests, Chrome Enterprise Premium is meant for organisations, enterprises, and businesses that mostly rely on third-party software for data protection. Google wants to offer data protection tools within the browser, eliminating unnecessary browser integrations with antivirus or anti-malware applications. Google says Chrome Enterprise Premium uses automatic updates to safeguard a machine and stored data against new vulnerabilities, customised site permissions, suspicious add-ons, and more across devices.

The bottom line is Google’s new Chrome Enterprise Premium is targetting business-specific needs. But the availability of features will depend on the model: free Core model will lack essential tools such as data loss prevention and malware deep scanning, while the paid Premium edition has them. Chrome Enterprise is compatible with other enterprise software such as Google Workspace for seamless productivity flow. Chrome Enterprise also allows an organisation’s IT department to manage all Chrome browsers installed on employees’ machines, including access to the extensions they have installed and their web apps. With data scanning features in the Premium version, IT department can rest assured that no malicious apps or extensions are installed.

Although the features available in Chrome Enterprise Premium are more advanced than the regular Chrome version, they are useful mostly to businesses and individuals cannot make the best use of them.

How much does it cost?

Chrome Enterprise Premium is available for enterprises at $6 per month. That is about ₹500 monthly. The new version is now generally available, meaning enterprises and businesses can now enquire about it through Chrome Enterprise Premium’s website or talking to the existing relationship manageer for an upgrade.