The division between scale and control
Island secured $250 million in Series D funding this November, which intensifies the rivalry with Google Chrome Enterprise Premium. I see a market split between companies needing deep in-browser controls and those wanting familiar, managed environments. Island maintains a 98% user satisfaction rating from 228 reviews, whereas Chrome Enterprise holds 94% from 1922 reviews. SelectHub calls Island a best-in-class option for Security and Privacy and notes it is a User Favorite. Island is a leader for Secure Enterprise Browsers, and it also earned a Customers’ Choice designation in the 2026 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer based on 331 verified reviews. The rivalry centers on whether security exists within the browser or is managed externally through a cloud console. Island uses its Perfect Packet architecture to provide SASE reimagined for the AI era, while Chrome focuses on centralized management for the browser people already use. I see the distinction clearly between a tool meant for scale and a tool meant for deep protection.
Comparing in-browser security and management
Island provides granular in-browser data loss prevention that allows users to move data between Salesforce and Office 365 while simultaneously blocking the same data from reaching a personal note application during their daily work. Chrome Enterprise uses sandboxing and real-time AI checks through Chrome Browser Cloud Management. I find that Island provides SSO to authorized apps the moment a user launches the browser. You should select Island if your organization manages BYOD or requires tight control over sensitive SaaS applications.
| Feature/Metric | Island Enterprise Browser | Chrome Enterprise Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly Starting Price | $25,000 | $6 per user, per month |
| User Satisfaction | 98% | 94% |
| SelectHub Rating | Best-in-class Security/Privacy | Best Overall Enterprise Browsers |
| Management Focus | In-browser DLP/SSO | Centralized Cloud Management |
Chrome Enterprise gives admins over 300 policies for URL blocking and extension control. It connects with Google Workspace to keep tools like Gmail and Drive one click away. Island uses a secure clipboard to keep regulated data inside sanctioned tools. It also restricts downloads to secure cloud storage to prevent files from landing on local disks. While Chrome relies on familiarity, Island provides an agentic control plane for AI, network, and data protection.
Economic impact and user experience
Veeam saved $2 million using Island, and Slingshot Aerospace saves nearly $1 million every year. I find that Chrome Enterprise works well for users who already use Google’s ecosystem, but the heavy RAM use on older machines causes issues during multitasking. Chrome Enterprise handles browsing, office tasks, and web app testing through a managed version of the browser people already use. Island manages third-party contractors in minutes rather than months and gives newly acquired teams secure access on day one. Island provides full visibility into organization-wide work activity and allows users to innovate without opening the door to risk. The platform includes an AI Playbook for Security Teams to map the AI threat surface and close coverage gaps. Because Island focuses on the browser itself, it enables a zero trust architecture. This flexibility makes BYOD a reality. Users gain the ability to onboard third-party contractors in minutes. Does the depth of in-browser controls in Island outweigh the broad reach and familiarity of Chrome?
