Browser & OS extension stores
Chrome Web Store vs Google Play Store
Chrome Web Store and Google Play Store both compete in browser & os extension stores. Here is how they compare on the factors that decide where a developer should build — authentication, complexity, review, monetization, and merchant of record.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Google LLC | Google LLC |
| Ecosystem | Browser & OS extension stores | Browser & OS extension stores |
| Category | Browser | Consumer |
| Primary auth | OAuth 2.0 | None |
| Also supports | None | OAuth 2.0, API key |
| Complexity | Moderate (L2) | Advanced (L3) |
| Security review | Required | Required |
| Integration types | Extension | Embedded app |
| Monetization | Free, Paid app, Listing fee | Free, Paid app, Usage-based, Revenue share |
| Onboarding fee | $5 one-time developer registration fee | $25 one-time developer registration |
| Commission | 0% (Chrome Web Store payments API deprecated; developers self-manage billing) | Historically 30% standard / 15% reduced; lower tiers rolling out in 2026 (verify current rates) |
| Merchant of Record | Developer is MoR | Google Play Billing is MoR for paid apps and in-app purchases |
| AI agents / bots | Not a focus | Not a focus |
| Example apps | Grammarly, Honey, LastPass | WhatsApp, Netflix, Duolingo |
| API rate limits | No platform-wide API rate limit; governed by whichever web APIs the extension calls. | No marketplace-wide runtime rate limit on installed apps; governed by the Android SDK and any backend the app calls. |
| Links |
Which should you choose?
- Lower complexity: Chrome Web Store (level 2/4).
- Security review: both require a formal review.
- AI agents: neither is AI-agent focused.