Portable Chromium for Mac OS X is a lightweight, stand-alone web browser based on the open-source Chromium project. Built specifically for macOS users, this portable browser offers a convenient way to take your bookmarks, browsing history, cookies, settings, and extensions with you on a removable storage device. Unlike the standard Chrome installation, the portable version leaves no trace behind on the host system, making it a great choice for shared or public computers, travel, or maintaining a separate secure browsing environment.
This version of Chromium has been packaged by FreeSMUG, a long-running project known for creating portable macOS applications. Since it runs independently of the system’s installed browsers, it can be used to test websites, isolate browsing sessions, or simply enjoy a faster, clean instance of Chromium wherever you go.
Run Portable Chromium from a Mac OS
Authors Website: Portable Chromium for Mac Project Page
License: Freeware
Supported Operating Systems: Apple Mac OS X 10.5 or newer
Main Features
- Truly Portable: Runs completely from a USB flash drive, external SSD, or any removable storage medium without installing anything on the host Mac.
- Profile Stored Locally: Keeps your bookmarks, extensions, browsing history, and cookies inside the portable folder, not on the system.
- No System Trace: Leaves no data behind on the Mac upon exit — ideal for privacy-focused users.
- Open-Source Base: Built on Chromium, the same engine that powers Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, and other major browsers.
- Multiple Browser Environments: Allows you to run a clean or isolated browser session separate from your main Chrome installation.
- Secure Travel Browser: Perfect for browsing on hotel, library, university, or shared work computers.
How to Use this Portable Version of Chrome for Mac OS X
- Download the DMG file and mount it.
- Insert a USB flash drive or external drive into your Mac.
- Drag the Portable Chromium folder from the mounted DMG to your USB flash drive.
- Open the USB drive and click Portable Chromium to launch the browser directly from your removable device.
Why Use Portable Chromium on macOS?
- Privacy — keeps your browsing data with you instead of storing it on each computer you use.
- Consistency — your browser always looks and behaves the same on every Mac you plug into.
- Testing — web developers can run an independent Chromium instance for testing websites without affecting their main browser.
- Security — great for secure banking, email checks, or accessing personal accounts on shared devices.
- Portability — no installation required; simply plug in and run.
Final Thoughts on Portable Chromium for Mac
Portable Chromium for macOS is a simple yet powerful browsing solution for users who need flexibility, portability, and privacy. Whether you’re a developer testing multiple browser instances, a traveler who wants a secure, self contained browser, or a user who prefers a clean Chromium environment, this portable version gets the job done without any setup hassles.
Its standalone design ensures your personal data always remains with you, and since it's built on Chromium, you get a fast, modern, standards-compliant web browser anywhere you go. If you’re looking for a convenient and secure browser that works directly from a USB drive, Portable Chromium for Mac is an excellent choice.