Basilisk

With Basilisk you can use a desktop browser with a classic interface and the Goanna engine, separate from Chromium.

Developer Basilisk Development Team

Version 2026.09.24 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Basilisk?Compare Firefox, Pale Moon.Compare alternatives

Basilisk is a browser based on the Unified XUL Platform and the Goanna engine. The operation is consistent with classic Firefox versions, with recognizable menus and extended settings. The project is not a current Firefox release, nor does it use the Chromy base on which many other browsers support.

This distinction is particularly relevant for extensions and websites. You can't assume that a modern Firefox or Chrome extension works in Basilisk. Also, a web service that only supports recent versions of the largest browsers can display or refuse parts differently. Therefore, check your bank, video services and work portals before setting the browser as default.

Basilisk is interesting when you are looking for the classic operation and the associated ecosystem. For those who want to use modern web apps especially without a search, the smaller compatibility margin weighs more. Save a current second browser for websites that are not working properly.

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Differences between Basilisk and Firefox, Pale Moon
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
BasiliskYou are viewing this app With Basilisk you can use a desktop browser with a classic interface and the Goanna engine, separate from Chromium. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
FirefoxView this alternative You want a wider supported browser with your own engine. Windows, macOS, LinuxMPL-2.0
Pale MoonView this alternative You are also looking for a classic Goanna-based browser. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You are looking for a classic desktop browser and understand that extensions and modern websites do not always connect.

Getting started

Download the official build for your system. Start with your own profile and check the compatibility of any extensions before adding them.

Privacy

The browser doesn't make you anonymous. Cookies, websites and search services will continue to affect your privacy. Install only extensions you recognize and really need.

Good to know

Not every modern website works completely. Limited offer suitable extensions. Needs more control with daily use

Please note

The Goanna engine differs from current Firefox and Chromy. Test important websites and do not assume that every Firefox extension is suitable.

Advantages

  • Classic Menu & Operation A different engine than Chromy Extended setting options

Things to consider

  • Not every modern website works completely Limited offer of appropriate extensions Needs more control with daily use

Download Basilisk

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Version history

2026.09.24 Security

You get wider CSS support and stricter processing of websites and media files.

  • Support for CSS:has(), revert-layer, replaceSync and adoptedStyleSheets has been added.
  • The browser checks memory limits, fonts, animations and invalid video files more strictly.
  • Audio with a sample frequency below 8 kHz is refused to avoid processing problems. Memory cleanup and website compatibility have been improved.
2026.06.12

You get improvements to modern CSS functions and JavaScript compatibility.

  • You get improvements to modern CSS functions and JavaScript compatibility.
  • The AV1 decoder dav1d and security components have been updated.
  • There are corrections for WebAudio and website processing.
Report a new version

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Our verdict

Basilisk is especially valuable if you consciously choose its classic browser environment. However, this preference should outweigh the risk of less good support from web services. For general recommendations to a novice user it is therefore less obvious than Firefox or Chrome. First use the browser next to your current browser and review the sites that are important to you, rather than just choosing looks.

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