Qt WebEngine vs Chromium Embedded Framework

Developers should use Qt WebEngine when building cross-platform desktop applications that require embedded web content, such as displaying help documentation, rendering web-based dashboards, or creating hybrid apps with web technologies meets developers should use cef when they need to embed a full-featured, modern web browser into desktop applications, such as for creating hybrid apps with html/javascript uis, displaying web content in tools like ides or media players, or building applications that require advanced web capabilities like webgl or webrtc. Here's our take.

Qt WebEngine

Nice Pick

Developers should use Qt WebEngine when building cross-platform desktop applications that require embedded web content, such as displaying help documentation, rendering web-based dashboards, or creating hybrid apps with web technologies

Pros

• It is particularly useful for scenarios where you need a consistent, up-to-date web rendering engine across Windows, macOS, and Linux without relying on external browsers
• Related to: qt-framework, chromium

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Chromium Embedded Framework

Developers should use CEF when they need to embed a full-featured, modern web browser into desktop applications, such as for creating hybrid apps with HTML/JavaScript UIs, displaying web content in tools like IDEs or media players, or building applications that require advanced web capabilities like WebGL or WebRTC

Pros

• It is particularly useful in scenarios where cross-platform compatibility is needed, as CEF supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it simplifies development by handling low-level browser details
• Related to: chromium, electron

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Qt WebEngine is a library while Chromium Embedded Framework is a framework. We picked Qt WebEngine based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Qt WebEngine wins

Based on overall popularity. Qt WebEngine is more widely used, but Chromium Embedded Framework excels in its own space.