10 Lightweight Open Source Web Browsers for Linux

There are many web browsers available for Linux. Many of them are Chromium-based, but we also have a list of browsers that are not Chromium-based.

Recently, a reader asked for a recommendation of lightweight web browsers, so I took it upon myself to do some quick experimentation. Here is what I found.

Lightweight web browsers for Linux

I haven’t done any benchmark testing because what may work on one system may not work on others. This article is based on my experience and opinion.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some lightweight web browsers may have limited extensions. If you rely on features like account synchronization and use tons of browser extensions, these browsers may not be enough for your needs. However, you can still try some of them as a secondary browser.

One more thing ! This is not a ranking list. The navigator at number 2 should not be considered better than the one at number 5.

1. Viper

By focusing on privacy, minimalism, and customization, this browser has become a powerful and lightweight place where you can do all the research you want. It is, in my opinion, an essential browser with basic features like tab hibernation support, secure autofill management, full screen support, among others.

This is no ordinary browser, but if you’re a fan of minimalism, this might be the one for you.

2. Nyxt

“The Hacker’s Mighty Browser” is how the official Nyxt page describes it; and to be honest, it’s wonderful.

Although it’s not the only keyboard-oriented web browser; its unique feature is that you can overwrite and reconfigure every class, method and function inside of it. It also has a built-in command line tool. No wonder it’s called “the hacker’s mighty browser”.

Nyxt uses a simple computer programming environment that takes input from a single user, executes it, and returns the result to the user; best known as RELP (read-evaluate-print loop).

3.Lynx

I would definitely say this one is for CLI fans because this amazing browser lets you surf the internet from your Linux terminal. It’s true! You can easily access the Internet by starting it in your terminal.

Of course, it consumes less resources, but you should not expect the same type of browsing experience as regular browsers such as Firefox or Brave.

Did you know it’s the oldest still maintained web browser, having debuted in 1992?

4.SeaMonkey

This is another all-in-one browser, but what does SeaMonkey include? SeaMonkey adds features such as an email client, web feed reader, HTML editor, IRC chat, and web development tools. among other features.

I would say SeaMonkey is an amazing fork of Firefox like Librewolf. It uses much of the same source code from Mozilla Firefox, as its webpage says.

5.Waterfox

To be honest, when I tried this browser on my personal computer, I was shocked at how good and fast it was. I’m a fan of minimalism and I guess that’s why I like it so much. An impressive feature of this browser is that it supports Chrome, Firefox and Opera extensions.

So, if you are planning to try a new fast and secure browser without leaving your favorite extensions, Waterfox would be a perfect choice.

6. Pale Moon

This is another web browser based on Firefox code with features like privacy, security, fully customizable and optimized for modern processors. The only feature I find interesting is that it continues to support NPAPI plugins such as Silverlight, Flash and Java. Plugins that have not been maintained in other browsers like Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

In that case, if some of your favorite web pages were affected by the discontinuation of maintenance for plugins like Flash, Pale Moon might be able to revive them.

7. Falcon

Falkon is a KDE browser that works with a technology called QtWebEngine which provides a rendering engine. It includes features like bookmarks and history in the sidebar and brings an ad blocker by default; which can help you prevent websites from being tracked.

A random fact about this browser is that it was originally started for educational purposes only. but nowadays you can use it for your daily routine. I invite you to try it and share your experience with us.

8. Epiphany

This browser is more commonly known as GNOME Web. It is a native web browser focused on the Linux experience, which has a simple user interface for navigation. Of course, simple doesn’t mean less powerful.

Its technology for displaying web pages is similar to the layout engine used in the Mozilla project, and some of its most important features are:

• Customizable user interface
• Availability in over 60 languages
• Cookie management
• Extensions to run commands, python scripts, group tabs, select your stylesheet, etc.

If you’re looking for a simple, minimalistic browser focused specifically on Linux, this is the one.

9. Otter

If you remember what Opera 12 looked like a few years ago, this browser will remind you of this user interface. The main purpose of this browser is to provide powerful tools for power users while they continue to browse.

Something interesting and important that I noticed was the continued commitment to community source code to improve this browser.

This one is a good option if you are looking for a fast, secure and robust one when browsing Linux.

10. Midori Web Browser

There used to be a popular browser called Midori, but its development changed course after it merged with the Astian project. However, you can still install it on your Linux distribution through the snap store.

Its three most powerful features are:

• Adblock filter list support.
• Private navigation.
• Manage cookies and scripts.

But something that really shocked me is that it allows you to instantly open 1000 tabs and create easy web applications. these last two facts are according to his page in Snapcraft.

Conclusion

Remember that finding the perfect browser will depend on your needs and resources. All in all, it all depends on what suits you.

Using lightweight apps is a way to have a better computing experience when your systems are low on hardware.

I avoided some other browsers like Brave or Vivaldi because I was focusing on less popular and lightweight web browsers on Linux. If you know of any others that you use regularly, please mention them in the comments section.

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