Install Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 22.10/22.04/20.04 – Get the Fastest, Most Reliable Way
If you’re tired of the stock browser that ships with Ubuntu and want something a little leaner, faster, or just more up‑to‑date, installing Chromium is your next step. Below I break down how to get it on three recent Ubuntu releases, explain why each method matters, and share a quick anecdote from my own rigs.
Why “Chromium” Might Be Your Browser of Choice
I’ve seen the same problem pop up in workstations after a routine driver update: web‑audio stops, certain WebRTC demos crash, and you’re forced to jump through hoops to get a browser that can keep pace. Chromium’s open‑source code means it often gets those fixes first—so if you need the latest bug patches or a particular feature, installing it manually is the fastest route.
Step 1: Update Your System (All Versions)
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Why this matters? A stale package list can lead to an outdated Chromium version slipping in. Plus, any security updates you miss will stay on your machine until the next upgrade.
Method A – Snap (Latest Stable, Quick)
On Ubuntu 22.10, 22.04 and 20.04, a Snap of Chromium is usually available by default.
sudo snap install chromium
Why use Snap?
Snap automatically pulls the newest stable build straight from Canonical’s repository, so you won’t be stuck on an older version that came with the OS release. It also runs in a sandbox, which keeps it isolated from system libraries and reduces the chance of breakage when new kernel modules load.
What to watch out for?
Snap takes up more disk space than a native apt package (about 300 MB after install), so if you’re on a machine with limited storage you might want the apt route instead.
Method B – APT Package (Stable, Low Overhead)
sudo apt install chromium-browser
Why use apt?
If you’re on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or 22.04 and don’t mind the browser being a few releases behind the Snap, this is the leanest option. It pulls from the official Debian repository, so it’s well tested against your system’s libraries.
When you might need to add a PPA:
If you want something newer than what apt offers but still prefer a non‑Snap install, use the “Chromium Team” PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:chromium-team/stable sudo apt update sudo apt install chromium-browser
Be aware that PPAs can sometimes bring in newer dependencies that clash with other packages—use them only if you’re comfortable troubleshooting.
Method C – Building from Source (For the Hardcore)
If you like tinkering or need a custom build, download the source and compile:
sudo apt install build-essential git python3 git clone https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src.git cd src ./build/install-build-deps.sh gn gen out/Default ninja -C out/Default chrome
This is overkill for most users, but it guarantees you’re running the very latest code. It also shows why many people choose Snap or apt: building Chromium takes hours and a hefty RAM allocation.
Quick Fix: Removing an Old Version
If you had a prior install that’s now causing conflicts, clean it up before installing a new one:
sudo apt remove chromium-browser # if installed via apt sudo snap remove chromium # if installed via snap
This guarantees the fresh install doesn’t have lingering config files that could throw errors.
Final Thoughts
I’ve patched dozens of laptops where the default browser simply wasn’t cutting it after a kernel bump. Switching to Chromium—whether via Snap for speed or apt for stability—has almost always fixed those headaches in under ten minutes. Pick the method that fits your storage, update cadence, and comfort with PPAs.
