Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
Zen Browser logo

Free Zen Browser alternatives

Top Web Browsers like Zen Browser

The most popular alternative to Zen Browser is Arc, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Zen Browser are Firefox, LibreWolf, Vivaldi, and Brave.

Most alternatives to Zen Browser are in the Web Browsers category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Zen Browser alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
7 apps

All Zen Browser alternatives

  1. Arc

    Arc is a Chromium-based browser from The Browser Company that replaces the tab bar with a sidebar, where tabs are grouped into spaces and pinned items while unused tabs are archived automatically. It supports Chrome extensions, split view and Arc Max AI features on macOS and Windows. The company has since shifted its focus to Dia, so Arc mainly receives maintenance updates.

    9 Arc alternatives

    Pros

    • Sidebar with spaces and pinned tabs keeps browsing organized
    • Automatic archiving of unused tabs reduces clutter
    • Supports Chrome extensions and split view

    Cons

    • Only receives maintenance updates since the focus moved to Dia
    • Unconventional interface takes time to get used to
    • No Linux version is available
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    Platforms
  2. Firefox is an open source web browser developed by Mozilla and one of the few major browsers not based on Chromium, running on its own Gecko engine instead. It blocks many trackers by default with Enhanced Tracking Protection, supports extensions on desktop and Android, and syncs bookmarks, passwords and tabs through a Mozilla account. Recent versions add vertical tabs and tab groups.

    11 Firefox alternatives

    Pros

    • Independent Gecko engine, an alternative to Chromium browsers
    • Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks many trackers by default
    • Extensions supported on desktop and Android

    Cons

    • Some sites tested mainly in Chrome may misbehave
    • No extensions on iPhone, where it runs on WebKit
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
  3. LibreWolf is a community-maintained fork of Firefox focused on privacy and user freedom. It removes telemetry and sponsored content, ships with uBlock Origin and hardened privacy settings, defaults to privacy-respecting search engines, and clears cookies and history on exit unless you change it. It is free and open source, available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

    7 LibreWolf alternatives

    Pros

    • Telemetry and sponsored content removed from Firefox
    • Ships with uBlock Origin and hardened privacy settings
    • Keeps compatibility with Firefox add-ons

    Cons

    • Strict defaults, such as clearing cookies on exit, need tweaking
    • Updates can arrive a little after official Firefox releases
    • No mobile version is available
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
  4. Vivaldi is a Chromium-based browser from Norway, created by a co-founder of Opera, in which almost every part of the interface can be customized. It offers tab stacking and tiling, workspaces, a built-in ad and tracker blocker, notes, and integrated mail, calendar and RSS reader, with end-to-end encrypted sync. Vivaldi has chosen not to build generative AI chatbots into the browser.

    10 Vivaldi alternatives

    Pros

    • Almost every part of the interface can be customized
    • Built-in mail, calendar, feed reader and notes
    • Tab stacking and tiling for heavy multitaskers

    Cons

    • The sheer number of options can overwhelm new users
    • Interface can feel less snappy than leaner browsers
    • Its interface code is proprietary, unlike Brave or Firefox
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
  5. Brave is an open source browser built on Chromium that blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting by default through its Shields feature. It stays compatible with Chrome extensions on desktop and adds Brave Search, private windows with Tor, the Leo AI assistant and an opt-in rewards program based on privacy-preserving ads. A VPN and Leo Premium are offered as paid extras.

    12 Brave alternatives

    Pros

    • Blocks ads, trackers and fingerprinting by default
    • Compatible with Chrome extensions on desktop
    • Private windows with Tor built in

    Cons

    • Crypto wallet, rewards and other extras clutter the interface
    • Some sites break when Shields block their scripts
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
  6. Dia

    Dia is a Chromium-based web browser from The Browser Company, the makers of Arc, designed around a built-in AI assistant. You can chat with the current page or several open tabs to summarize, compare or draft content, and save reusable prompts as Skills. It supports Chrome extensions, runs on macOS and offers a paid Pro plan with higher AI usage limits.

    9 Dia alternatives

    Pros

    • Chat with the current page or several tabs at once
    • Reusable prompts can be saved as Skills
    • Supports Chrome extensions on a familiar Chromium base

    Cons

    • Available only on macOS
    • Heavier AI use requires the paid Pro plan
    • Fewer power-user tab features than Arc
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  7. Google Chrome is Google's web browser, built on the open source Chromium project and available on desktop and mobile. It syncs bookmarks, passwords, history and tabs through a Google account, gives access to the large Chrome Web Store extension catalog, and includes tab groups, Incognito mode, a built-in password manager and Gemini AI features in some countries.

    11 Google Chrome alternatives

    Pros

    • Largest extension catalog through the Chrome Web Store
    • Smooth sync of tabs, passwords and history across devices
    • Excellent site compatibility, since most sites are tested on it

    Cons

    • Ties browsing closely to a Google account and its data collection
    • Can be heavy on memory with many tabs open
    • Manifest V3 has weakened ad blockers such as uBlock Origin
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories

Zen Browser vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Zen Browser, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Zen Browser vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsCross-device syncPrivate browsingSupports extensionsTab management
Zen BrowserFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
ArcFreeWindows, Mac
FirefoxFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
LibreWolfFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
VivaldiFreeWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
BraveFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android

Zen Browser alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Zen Browser?

The most popular alternative to Zen Browser is Arc: Sidebar-driven browser that organizes tabs into spaces. Other great alternatives are Firefox, LibreWolf, Vivaldi, and Brave.

Is there a free alternative to Zen Browser?

Yes, 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Arc, Firefox, LibreWolf, and Vivaldi.

Is there an open source alternative to Zen Browser?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including Firefox, LibreWolf, and Brave.

Is Zen Browser free?

Yes, Zen Browser is free to use.

Compare Zen Browser with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it