5 browsers I’ve tried on Linux in 2024

Reading time: 5 minutes

In recent years, choosing a web browser has become an increasingly personal and conscious decision, driven by the need for privacy, performance, and user experience. While the most well-known browsers dominate the market, a host of alternatives based on Firefox has been gaining popularity thanks to their focus on specific features and user data protection.

In this article, I’ll discuss five modern browsers that I had the chance to try on Linux in 2024: Floorp, LibreWolf, Waterfox, Mullvad, and Zen. These browsers, all forks of Firefox, share the solid foundation provided by Mozilla’s project, but each introduces unique features designed to meet different needs.

From Waterfox’s extensive customization options to the obsessive focus on privacy offered by LibreWolf and Mullvad, and the innovative user experience of Floorp and Zen, we’ll explore how these solutions stand out in today’s landscape. If you’re looking for a browser that puts the user first, this journey through Firefox forks might hold some interesting surprises.

Floorp

Website for download: https://floorp.app/en/download?platform=linux

Floorp

Main features:

Open source: Completely open-source, allows users to contribute to its development and fosters community involvement

Innovative design: Offers a modern and highly customizable user interface, perfect for those seeking a unique experience.

Multitasking support: Includes tools to boost productivity, such as side panels and advanced reading modes.

Privacy-focused: Features enhanced settings for personal data protection compared to standard Firefox.

Student-oriented: Designed for a younger audience, with features that simplify academic work.

What i liked more is the neat-looking sidebar menu that allows to quick access to bookmarks, history, downloads, notes, and even WebApps.

LibreWolf

Website for download: https://librewolf.net/installation

LibreWolf

Main features:

Maximum privacy focus: Removes telemetry, search suggestions, and other intrusive features found in Firefox.

Frequent updates: Prioritizes security by providing timely patches for vulnerabilities.

Independent from Mozilla services: Completely excludes Mozilla’s online services, offering a standalone solution.

Open-source components: All code changes are transparent and community-reviewed.

What i liked more is the attention to privacy preventing tracking data by default, it’s like the browser is running a permanent private mode, the only caveat is that it does “break” some websites, the ones that requires the use of tracking data, cookies, and fingerprinting.

Waterfox

Website for download: https://www.waterfox.net/download

Waterfox

Main features:

Legacy extension compatibility: Supports older Firefox extensions, including those no longer compatible with modern versions.

Advanced customization: Allows detailed browser configuration, ideal for power users.

Enhanced privacy: Removes telemetry and minimizes data collection while optionally retaining some Mozilla services.

Open source and cross-platform support: Available on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.

What i liked more is the chance to use both Firefox and Chrome extensions and that is a lightweight version of Firefox.

Mullvad

Website for download: https://mullvad.net/en/download/browser/linux

Mullvad

Main features:

Collaboration with Mullvad VPN: Optimized to work seamlessly with Mullvad VPN but also functions well independently.

Built-in anonymity: Pre-configured settings maximize online anonymity.

Tracker blocking: Includes robust tools to block trackers, ads, and fingerprinting.

Privacy as a top priority: Does not collect or store any user data.

What i liked more is the minimization of own online footprint by using its VPN to conceal metadata and block access to third-party trackers and cookies. It also strips away the complexity of using a Tor-like browser.

Zen

Website for download: https://zen-browser.app/download

Zen

Main features:

Minimalist interface: Focuses on a clean and simple design to improve concentration and reduce distractions.

Speed optimization: Provides a fast and lightweight browsing experience, suitable for less powerful hardware.

Open source and Enhanced privacy: You can inspect the code and is free to use. Includes advanced configurations to block scripts, trackers, and fingerprinting.

User-experience centric: Designed for users looking for an essential browser without compromising important features.

What i liked more is the nice looking user interface and the split-view functionality, which allows to open multiple tabs on the same screen, allowing for great multitasking.

Resources usage

A key aspect for me are the resources used by the browsers I tested. I use Linux on an old laptop with a Dual Core CPU and 4GB of RAM.
Below the amount of RAM used for each browser with default browser tab opened.

BrowserRAM
Floorp 11.21.0366Mb
LibreWolf 133.0.3366Mb
Waterfox 6.5.2440Mb
Mullvad 14.0.3450Mb (308Mb browser + 142Mb WebExtensions)
Zen 1.0.2360Mb

Test privacy

I ran a privacy test with two tools, Privacy Check by digitale.co and Cover Your Tracks by EFF.
With the first test i analyzed 6 data types:

  • Connection (attempts to determine the local IP address (via WebRTC), the DNS server, and the public IP address).
  • Location (uses the IP address to determine the location).
  • Ads and trackers (checks if the browser allows advertisements and trackers).
  • Hardware (identifies various hardware details, including CPU and GPU).
  • Software (identifies the software in use, including the operating system, browser, and installed plugins).
  • Fingerprint (a unique browser fingerprint is generated from all this information).
BrowserConnectionDetected locationDetected Tracking and AdsDetected HardwareDetected SoftwareDetected Fingerprint
FloorpYesYesYes / YesYesYesYes
LibreWolfYesYesNot / YesNotNotNot
WaterfoxYesYesYes / YesYesYesYes
MullvadYesYesNot / YesNotYesYes
ZenYesYesYes / YesYesYesYes

With the second test, I analyzed three types of data:

  • Blocking tracking ads
  • Blocking invisible trackers
  • Protecting you from fingerprint
BrowserBlocking tracking adsBlocking invisible trackersProtecting you from fingerprint?
Floorppartial protectionpartial protectionunique fingerprint 1
LibreWolfpartial protectionpartial protectionunique fingerprint
WaterfoxYesYesnearly-unique fingerprint 2
MullvadYesYesnon-unique fingerprint 3
Zenpartial protectionpartial protectionunique fingerprint
  1. Unique fingerprint
    Browser’s characteristics (user agent, screen resolution, installed fonts, active extensions, etc.) make it unique compared to all other tests recorded. In this case, the browser is highly likely to be identified uniquely.
  2. Nearly-unique fingerprint
    The browser shares many characteristics with a small number of other users but is still distinct enough to be identifiable with a high degree of certainty.
  3. Non-unique fingerprint
    The browser is similar to that of many other users, making it harder to identify you individually. This is the most desirable outcome as it implies greater anonymity.

Performance test

I also performed a test using the Speedometer 3 benchmarking tool, which measures the responsiveness of Web applications.

BrowserTime
Floorp 11.21.03.76s
LibreWolf 133.0.32.95s
Waterfox 6.5.23.47s
Mullvad 14.0.32.13s
Zen 1.0.23.54s

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