Linux is an open-source operating system. So developers get a lot of freedom when building an app for Linux. Which is why there are a lot of lightweight and privacy focused web browsers on Linux. And even more niche open-source web browser projects. Things get very interesting when you’re looking for Linux apps.
We’ve tested a bunch of these web browsers, including some of the very niche ones. And we’ve come up with a list of browsers that we think are best for Linux.
Overview of the Best Browsers on Linux
| Browser | Best For | Best Feature | |
 | Firefox | Privacy & Customisability | ETP & Containers |
 | Brave | Privacy & Ad Blocking | Built-in Ad Blocker & VPN |
 | Librewolf | Privacy | Built-in uBlock Origin |
 | Chromium | Lightweight | No Google Telemetry |
 | Vivaldi | Customisability | Vertical Tabs |
 | Waterfox | Extension Support | Legacy Add-on Support |
 | Zen Browser | Customisability | Vertical Tabs & Zen Glance |
Firefox – The Default Linux Experience
If you’re running Linux, Firefox probably came pre-installed with your distro. Firefox has been the go to browser for Linux users for years. Not just because it’s open-source, but because it actually respects user privacy and isn’t tied to Google.
Privacy-Focused and Open-Source
Firefox is one of the only mainstream browsers that isn’t built on Chromium, which means it doesn’t rely on Google’s browser engine. That alone makes it appealing to Linux users who want to avoid the Big Tech ecosystems.
It also takes privacy seriously. Features like Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP), built-in anti-fingerprinting and telemetry controls make sure that your browsing habits stay private. Firefox is designed to keep trackers out, unlike some browsers that are built to track you even more.
Better Resource Handling
One of Firefox’s biggest advantages on Linux is how it manages system resources. Unlike browsers that spawn a separate process for every tab, Firefox keeps things under control, using less RAM for multiple tabs. If you’re using a lightweight distro or an older machine, Firefox is often the better option.
Multi-Account Containers
One of Firefox’s standout features is Multi-Account Containers. This lets you isolate different browsing sessions within the same browser. This is something no other mainstream browser does as well. This means you can separate work accounts from personal ones and sign into multiple social media accounts at the same time without having to worry about tracking
Customisation and Extension Support
Firefox is highly customisable, so it feels right at home on Linux. You can tweak the UI, modify settings with about:config and even install add-ons that other browsers block.
It fully supports powerful privacy-focused extensions like uBlock Origin, NoScript, and Privacy Badger without restrictions. Chrome has been slowly limiting ad-blocking functionality, so Firefox might soon be the only browser where uBlock Origin works properly.
A Few Nitpicks
While Firefox is a solid choice, not everyone is happy with Mozilla’s UI changes over the years. The Proton UI redesign removed some of the older, more customisable elements and long-time users weren’t thrilled.
Some users have also reported that Firefox feels slower than Chromium based browsers especially when using Google services like YouTube (coincidence?). Since Google has no incentive to optimise its web apps for Firefox, performance on certain sites can feel a little slow.
Who Should Use Firefox on Linux?
Firefox is the best browser for Linux users. It’s privacy focused, lightweight and not controlled by Google, so it’s an easy recommendation. If you care about open-source software, customisation and security then Firefox is the way to go.
Brave – Privacy-Focused Browser For Linux
Brave takes a different approach to privacy. Instead of relying on third-party extensions, it blocks by default. It’s one of the few browsers that removes ads, trackers and prevents fingerprinting without extra add-ons.
Built-in Ad & Tracker Blocking
Brave’s Shields feature blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting out of the box. No need for third-party ad blockers. It also upgrades insecure HTTP connections to HTTPS automatically, and adds an extra layer of security.
Faster Page Loads
Since Brave blocks third-party scripts and trackers, websites feel faster, especially compared to browsers that don’t block ads by default. On Linux, this makes Brave one of the fastest browsers for media-heavy sites like YouTube.
Chromium, Without Google
Brave is built on Chromium, so it’s compatible with Chrome extensions and web apps. But all of Google’s tracking and background services have been removed, so it’s a de-Googled version of Chrome. For users who love Chrome’s speed and compatibility but don’t want to be tracked, Brave is a great option. You still get access to the Chrome Web Store, but without feeding Google unnecessary data.
Tor Mode
For extra privacy, Brave has Tor Mode, which lets you browse the Tor network directly in the browser. It’s not as secure as the Tor Browser itself, but a useful built-in option for those who want anonymity without installing a separate browser.
Brave Rewards
Brave Rewards lets you earn Basic Attention Token (BAT) by opting into privacy-respecting ads. The feature is completely optional, so you can disable it if you prefer a cleaner experience. But for users already into crypto, Brave is one of the few ways to earn BAT just by browsing.
Performance
Brave’s ad-blocking and tracker prevention makes it one of the fastest browsers on Linux. Since it doesn’t load ads or unnecessary scripts, webpages load much faster. And compared to Firefox, Brave performs better on JavaScript-heavy and media-rich sites (like YouTube). But since it’s Chromium-based, it still uses more RAM than Firefox with multiple tabs.
Who’s Brave Linux For?
Brave is perfect for Linux users who want Chrome’s speed but without Google’s tracking. It’s fast, private and lightweight, so one of the best browsers for ad-free, private browsing on Linux.
LibreWolf – Firefox, but Better
If you like Firefox but want it to be even more private, LibreWolf is exactly that. It takes vanilla Firefox, removes all telemetry, blocks even more trackers and comes pre-configured with hardened privacy settings.
A More Private Firefox
LibreWolf is Firefox with all the privacy settings turned up to 11. Unlike regular Firefox which collects some telemetry by default, LibreWolf removes all background data collection, it’s a true privacy first browser.
It comes with uBlock Origin built-in, so ads and trackers are blocked out of the box. It also disables WebRTC leaks, which can expose your real IP even when using a VPN.
No Telemetry, No Firefox Sync
One of the biggest changes in LibreWolf is that Firefox’s sync feature is completely removed. While this is good for privacy, it also means you can’t sync bookmarks, passwords or history between devices using Firefox Sync. If you use syncing across multiple devices you’ll need a self hosted alternative like Nextcloud or use a password manager to handle logins.
Clears Data on Exit
By default LibreWolf clears all data when you close it, so your sessions don’t persist between restarts unless you change the settings manually. If you want a browser that leaves no trace by default this is a big plus. But keep in mind, some websites might break. Sites that rely on persistent cookies for logins may not work unless you tweak settings.
Privacy Comes at a Cost
LibreWolf’s strict privacy settings can make some websites act funny. Some login pages, banking sites or heavily JavaScript dependent websites may not work unless you adjust security settings manually. Unlike Firefox which takes a balanced approach to usability and privacy, LibreWolf prioritises security over convenience. If you’re comfortable tweaking settings when needed this isn’t a big deal. But for casual users it can be frustrating.
Who Should Use LibreWolf on Linux?
LibreWolf is the best browser for Linux users who want maximum privacy without manual configuration. It’s Firefox but with all the privacy weaknesses removed, it’s one of the most hardened browsers available.
Chromium – Chrome Without Google (Mostly)
Chromium is the open-source version of Google Chrome, but without all the Google tracking and services. For Linux users who want Chrome’s speed and compatibility but without the extra baggage, Chromium is a middle ground.
Faster Than Firefox, Great for Web Compatibility
One of the main reasons Linux users choose Chromium is performance. Chromium-based browsers are faster than Firefox, especially for JavaScript-heavy websites, media streaming, and Google services like YouTube. It’s also more compatible with modern web apps. Some websites are optimised for Chromium-based browsers, so Firefox users sometimes experience bugs or slower load times.
Full Chrome Extension Support
Unlike Firefox, Chromium supports full Chrome extensions. That means you can install ad blockers, password managers, VPN extensions and productivity tools just like you would on Chrome. For Linux users who prefer Chrome’s extension platform without using Chrome, Chromium is one of the few options that retains this flexibility.
Privacy Considerations
While Chromium removes Google’s built-in tracking, it doesn’t add any extra privacy protections. Unlike Brave or LibreWolf, Chromium doesn’t block trackers, ads or fingerprinting by default. You’ll need to manually configure privacy settings and install extensions like uBlock Origin to get similar privacy.
Also, while Chromium is open-source, it’s still developed by Google, so updates, bug fixes and security patches all come from the same company that builds Chrome. Some Linux users consider this a dealbreaker.
Not Available on Every Linux Distro
Some Linux distributions have removed Google APIs from their Chromium builds, so some features (like Widevine DRM for Netflix) might not work out of the box. If your distro doesn’t support Chromium, you may need to install an alternative Chromium build like Ungoogled Chromium to get the missing features.
Who Should Use Chromium on Linux?
Chromium is perfect for Linux users who want Chrome’s speed, compatibility and extension support without using actual Chrome. It’s lighter, open-source and free of Google services, so it’s a better alternative to Chrome in many ways.
Vivaldi – The Most Customisable Browser on Linux
If you like to tweak everything, Vivaldi can be your playground. It’s got built in tools, deep customisation options, and tab management features so it’s the best for power users on Linux.
Customisable UI Like No Other
You can rearrange every part of the interface from the address bar to the colour scheme and tab placement. Want a minimalist experience? You can strip everything down. Prefer an info-dense UI? Add panels, toolbars and sidebars wherever you like.
Built in Features Reduce the Need for Extensions
Vivaldi has a built in ad blocker, tracker blocker, note taking tool and even an email client. There’s also an RSS reader for following news feeds directly within the browser.
Unlike Chrome or Chromium which need dozens of extensions to achieve the same, Vivaldi packs everything in by default. While this makes it more powerful it also means Vivaldi is heavier than lightweight browsers like Brave or Ungoogled Chromium.
Better Tab Management for Power Users
If you’re the type of person who always has 50+ tabs open Vivaldi handles tab management better than almost any other browser. Tab Stacking lets you group related tabs together so they don’t clutter your workspace. Workspaces allow you to separate browsing sessions for different tasks (work, entertainment, research). You can also use tiling to view multiple pages side by side. And Session Management lets you save and restore entire browsing sessions with a single click.
Independent, But Still Chromium-Based
Vivaldi is based on Chromium so it supports all Chrome extensions and works well with modern web apps. But unlike Brave which strips out Google services while keeping the UI familiar, Vivaldi builds its own unique browsing experience on top of Chromium. It doesn’t sync data using Google. Instead of Chrome Sync Vivaldi has its own encrypted sync service so your bookmarks, passwords and settings stay private.
The Cons
Many Linux users prefer open-source browsers. Vivaldi is not open-source. And Vivaldi uses more system resources than minimalist browsers like Brave or Chromium. All those built in features add weight so it’s not the best option for older or low power Linux machines.
Who Should Use Vivaldi on Linux?
Vivaldi is perfect for power users who like customisation, advanced tab management and built in tools.
Waterfox – A Firefox Alternative for Legacy Extension Fans
Waterfox started as a privacy-focused, stripped-down Firefox, but ended up being known for something else, supporting legacy Firefox extensions.
Supports Legacy Firefox Extensions
One of Waterfox’s biggest features is that it still supports older (XUL and XPCOM-based) extensions, which Firefox dropped after the Quantum update. If you have an old add-on that no longer works in modern Firefox, Waterfox is one of the few browsers that will run it. It also supports many Chrome extensions, making it one of the few browsers that can run both Firefox and Chrome add-ons at the same time.
More Customisation, Less Mozilla Telemetry
Waterfox removes a lot of Mozilla’s built-in tracking, including telemetry, data collection and sponsored content. It’s more private than vanilla Firefox, but still requires some manual adjustments for optimal security and privacy settings.
Since Waterfox is a Firefox fork, it has most of Firefox’s customisation options, but with fewer restrictions on user settings. You can modify about:config without Mozilla limiting what you can change, so you have more control over your browsing experience.
Updates Lag Behind Firefox
One of Waterfox’s biggest drawbacks is that it doesn’t get security patches and new web standards as fast as Firefox. Since it’s a smaller team, it lags behind Mozilla’s development cycle, which can make it less secure than Firefox sometimes.
Who Should Use Waterfox on Linux?
Waterfox is good for Linux users who still use old Firefox extensions or want a more customisable, less restricted Firefox. It’s great if you want Chrome and Firefox extension support in one browser.
Zen Browser – The Modern Firefox Alternative for Linux
If Firefox and Arc had a baby, it would be Zen Browser. It’s a privacy-focused, open-source fork of Firefox that takes the best of Mozilla’s browser and adds unique features, enhanced customization and a modern UI. Zen Browser feels like a fresh, reimagined version, with features you won’t find in vanilla Firefox.
More Customizable Firefox
Zen Browser takes Firefox’s open-source foundation and builds upon it with a more modern and customizable interface. Unlike Firefox, which has slowly removed some of its deeper customization features, Zen embraces personalization with built-in theming and a sidebar. Zen Mods lets you install custom themes and UI tweaks directly from a dedicated store.
Multitasking Features for Power Users
One of Zen’s standout features is vertical tabs, something that Firefox still doesn’t support natively. If you prefer a clean, sidebar-based tab layout, Zen makes managing multiple tabs much easier. It also includes Split View, which lets you tile multiple web pages within a single window. This is perfect for research, coding or working with multiple documents side by side.
Zen also introduces a quick preview feature called Zen Glance, which lets you hover over links to get a preview of the webpage without fully opening it. It’s a lot like Peek on Arc Browser. It’s a small but useful feature that makes browsing smoother and more efficient. It reduces the need to open unnecessary tabs.
Security & Privacy
Zen Browser comes with enhanced security settings out of the box. It has tracking protection which blocks third-party trackers, no extensions required. If a website doesn’t meet modern SSL standards, Zen will block it by default because of its strict SSL enforcement. And unlike Firefox, which requires you to install an ad blocker separately, Zen comes with uBlock Origin preinstalled.
Faster Than Firefox?
Since Zen is built on Firefox’s Gecko engine, it performs similarly to Mozilla’s browser. But some users report it feels faster, probably due to its streamlined UI and modern optimizations. Compared to Chromium-based browsers, Zen still lags behind in some areas. Wspecially with YouTube and other Google services. But for general browsing, it’s a good balance of speed, privacy and usability.
Couple of Downsides
Zen Browser isn’t perfect. It’s a smaller project, so updates and security patches may not be rolled out as fast as Firefox. Some extensions may not work as expected, since Zen modifies some parts of Firefox’s code. It’s new, so long term stability and support is yet to be seen.
Who should use Zen Browser on Linux?
Zen Browser is ideal for Linux users who want a modernised Firefox with built-in customization, privacy features and multitasking tools. If you like Firefox’s open-source nature but want something a bit fresher and more flexible, then Zen Browser is a great alternative.
What is the Best Browser for Ubuntu?
Firefox is the best browser for Ubuntu. It’s included in most Ubuntu distributions and the most stable and well integrated for Linux users. Since Ubuntu prioritises long term support and system stability, Firefox is the obvious choice. It gets updates from Ubuntu’s repositories or as a Snap package so you get security patches and feature updates seamlessly.
It’s privacy focused and fully open-source so it fits Ubuntu’s philosophy. With Enhanced Tracking Protection, Multi-Account Containers and full add-on support Firefox has a balance of security, flexibility and compatibility without extra configuration. Unlike Chromium based browsers it doesn’t rely on Google services so it’s one of the best independent browsers.
Brave is a close second with built in ad and tracker blocking for faster page loads and more privacy. It’s a good choice if you want Chromium’s compatibility without Google’s tracking. But Firefox’s Ubuntu integration and long term stability make it the better choice for most users.
What is the Most Private Browser on Linux?
The most private browser for Linux is Brave. It blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting by default, so you get a clean and secure browsing experience with no extra configuration. Other browsers require add-ons to enhance privacy, Brave’s Shields feature stops third-party tracking, upgrades connections to HTTPS and prevents browser fingerprinting. It’s a Chromium based browser without Google’s tracking, so it’s a good balance between privacy and usability.
For those who prefer a Firefox based option, LibreWolf is another good choice. It’s a hardened version of Firefox with all telemetry, tracking and data collection removed. It comes with uBlock Origin pre-configured for ad-blocking and clears session data on exit. Another option is Waterfox, based on Firefox but strips out Mozilla’s telemetry while still allowing legacy extensions. It’s not as private as LibreWolf but offers more flexibility and avoids some of Mozilla’s tracking.
Wrapping Up
Linux has a lot of interesting options to choose from, when it comes to both distros and web browsers. For the most stable experience, Firefox and Brave are our top picks. But Vivaldi and Zen Browser offer a lot of customisability. Librewolf, Chromium, and Waterfox are not always the most stable, but worth looking into.