Zen Browser

With Zen Browser, you can group vertical tabs into workspaces and view multiple websites next to each other in a customizable interface.

Developer Zen Browser

Version 1.22.3b (bèta) · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Zen Browser?Compare Firefox, LibreWolf, Floorp, Waterfox.Compare alternatives

Zen Browser builds on Firefox and places tabs in a vertical sidebar. With Spaces, you keep different topics together. Split view helps when you want to compare information or follow an instruction next to a web app.

You can customize the interface with Zen Mods and synchronize browser data via a Mozilla account. The public version still bears a beta designation. This makes it wise to keep your existing browser and a reserve of important data available when you try Zen as a daily workplace.

Which software suits you?

Compare Zen Browser with alternatives

If you want to switch within the Firefox family, look at the default settings in addition to extensions. Some variants focus on privacy, others on vertical tabs or more setting options. Importing bookmarks doesn't automatically mean that all your settings and saved sessions will go along.

Differences between Zen Browser and Firefox, LibreWolf, Floorp, Waterfox
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
Zen BrowserYou are viewing this app You work in a Firefox variant with vertical tabs and workspaces. You choose these mainly for organizing multiple tasks within one window. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
FirefoxView this alternative You use the Gecko engine, Firefox extensions and Mozilla synchronization. With that you have a browser that is not based on chromium. Windows, macOS, LinuxMPL-2.0
LibreWolfView this alternative You get a Firefox variant with enhanced privacy settings and without Mozilla telemetry. Stricter default settings can affect websites and data retention. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
FloorpView this alternative You get a Firefox variant with additional capabilities for the layout of your browser and workspaces. That is relevant if you want to change more than in Firefox itself. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
WaterfoxView this alternative You use a Firefox-based browser with your own privacy choices and settings. Check the compatibility of the extensions you use every day. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source

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

Who is it for?

You want to organize many tabs clearly and prefer a vertical sidebar above the usual tabs at the top.

Getting started

Choose the ordinary public beta for your system, not the separate Twilight test release. Import your bookmarks and check the sites you need every day.

Privacy

You can choose which browser data you synchronize via a Mozilla account. Workspaces organize your tabs, but don't make you anonymous. Watch the rights of extensions and apply only mods you need.

Good to know

The desktop browser has no official mobile counterpart. DRM and some other website features may differ from Firefox.

Please note

On Windows and macOS Widevine support for DRM streaming is missing. Services with secure video or music may therefore need another browser. The beta may also contain errors or changing controls.

Advantages

  • You can organize tabs in Spaces.
  • You can open pages next to each other with Split View.
  • You can adjust the sidebar and design extensively.

Things to consider

  • You cannot choose a regular horizontal tabbar.
  • DRM streaming is limited on Windows and macOS.
  • The current public version is another beta.

Download Zen Browser

The download page opens in a new tab.

Version history

1.22.3b (bèta)

You get the Firefox 156.0.1 base and recovery for extensions, menu dressings and windows.

  • The base has been updated to Firefox 156.0.1, including recovery for leaking system handles on Windows and maximized windows on macOS 27.
  • Actions in the address barkmenu and installing extensions in compact mode are working again.
  • Searching for tabs and folders through the command bar has been improved. This edition remains part of the beta series.
1.22.2b (bèta) Security

You get Firefox 156 as base and recovery for tab synchronization and Spaces. This update remains within the existing beta series of Zen.

  • Quickly created tabs are no longer lost when synchronized between devices.
  • Forwarding tabs between Spaces no longer causes the same runner. The sidebar disappears correctly in compact mode.
  • In the command bar you can create a new Space, recover a closed tab and duplicate the current tab.
  • The update takes over security corrections and improvements for the PDF viewer from Firefox 156.
1.22.1b (bèta)

Within the existing beta series you can now also sync regular tabs and share Spaces, folders and split views.

  • You can include regular tabs in synchronization of your Spaces via Settings > Sync.
  • Spaces, folders and split views can be shared via a link, even with people who don't use Zen.
  • When setting up the browser you can choose to install uBlock Origin.
  • Scrolling and video playback have been adapted to improve performance and battery usage. This release remains a beta.
1.22b (bèta)

You can synchronize Spaces between devices and get improvements for scrolling, audio and Linux sleep mode.

Version 1.22b adds synchronization of Spaces and associated format through your Mozilla account. At the first activation, local and synchronized Spaces are merged. The release updates the Firefox base and resolves problems with background radio, keyboard scrolling and unintentionally stopping sleep mode on Linux.
Report a new version

Is there a newer version of Zen Browser? Send the version number and a link to the official announcement. Our editors will check it. No login is required.

Our verdict

Zen is especially attractive if you like working with vertical tabs and keeping multiple topics open at the same time. The sidebar and split view together form another way to use your browser. Those who want to keep the trusted horizontal tabbar should adapt to this.

Before a complete switch, check your video services and other indispensable websites. Especially in secure streaming, a second browser on Windows or macOS is often needed. Start with a limited set of Spaces and then add mods. This allows you to assess whether the layout really makes your work easier and to recognise more quickly which adjustment might cause a problem.

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