I have been a fan of Firefox for a very long time. Nevertheless, a couple of years in the past, I dropped it as my default browser as a result of I discovered its tab administration missing. On high of that, the browser was lacking another UI customizations.
Plus, it has been almost 4 years for the reason that Firefox builders carried out a significant tweak to the UI, which implies Firefox is getting a bit stale. That is why, when the builders of Zen Browser reached out to me, my curiosity was piqued.
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Zen Browser is predicated on Firefox ESR 128. However for individuals who do not know, Firefox ESR is an extended-release candidate, which implies it will be supported for for much longer than the usual launch. What Zen Browser does with Firefox is spectacular as a result of it brings it virtually in step with my favourite browser, Arc.
Zen tweaks Firefox by making use of a sidebar but additionally (and at last) including higher tab administration by way of Workspaces just like Opera’s. That characteristic alone makes Zen Browser superior to Firefox (and a worthy possibility to exchange my present default).
Zen Browser consists of the next enhancements to Firefox:
- A extremely customizable UI
- Vertical tabs
- Cut up views
- Workspaces for improved tab administration
- Customizable sidebar
- Zen Look (just like Little Arc)
- OCSP enabled
- HTTPS solely mode
- Zen Mods so as to add much more options
Whenever you add these options on high of Firefox ESR, you may have the makings of a fairly candy browser.
I have been utilizing Zen Browser for some time now, and I can not think about going again to Firefox. I am additionally beginning to consider it might simply overtake Opera as my default on Linux.
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One actually cool characteristic I have been exploring with Zen is the Zen Mode. By means of the Zen Mods retailer, you’ll be able to set up a protracted listing of modifications that assist make Zen Browser even higher. Some mods are so simple as making your present tab stand out higher, whereas others generally is a bit extra sophisticated. I’ve added Zen Mods comparable to:
- Drop Shadow – provides a drop shadow to the web site view panel.
- Higher Energetic Tab – provides a vivid line subsequent to the lively tab.
- Higher Letterboxing – a theme-friendly rounded letterbox for the UI.
- Cleaned URL bar – cleans up the Zen Browser URL bar.
- Floating Toolbar – detaches the toolbar from the sting of the browser.
- Tremendous URL Bar – a number of tweaks to the URL bar
I’ve spent extra time than I care to confess customizing Zen Browser with mods.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
You possibly can spend a good period of time including Zen Mods to the browser till you are zenned out.
Outdoors of all of the tweaks Zen Browser has added to Firefox, it is only a good browser. It renders pages precisely and rapidly, performs nicely, and has the same old Firefox built-in safety.
What’s to not like?
Putting in Zen Browser
Zen Browser is accessible for Linux, MacOS, and Home windows. You possibly can obtain an installer for every from the official Zen Browser download page. Whenever you obtain an installer, you’ll be able to select from an Optimized or Generic model.
I might advocate you go along with the Optimized possibility as a result of it is quicker and suitable with trendy {hardware}. For MacOS, there are installers for each Apple Silicon and Intell-based techniques. On Linux, you’ll be able to run Zen Browser as an AppImage, a Moveable model (that does not really set up), or as a Flatpak app. I like to recommend going with the AppImage model as a result of for those who go along with Flatpak you are restricted to the Generic possibility. For the AppImage model, all it’s important to do is open a terminal and run the command:
bash <(curl https://updates.zen-browser.app/appimage.sh)
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Outdoors of Arc, I have not been this impressed with an internet browser in a very long time. So if you’d like the tab administration of Opera, however the safety and reliability of Firefox, get your zen on and provides this browser a attempt. I promise you will not remorse it.