
Zen Browser is a Firefox-based open source browser focused on privacy, productivity, and a clean distraction-free browsing experience.
Zen Browser - A New Era of Browsing
Zen Browser is an open-source browser built on Firefox that aims to deliver a fast, distraction-free experience without compromising your privacy. It positions itself as a calmer alternative in a market dominated by data-hungry browsers like Chrome.
By leveraging the Firefox engine and stripping away unnecessary bloat, Zen helps you stay productive with features like Workspaces and split view, while keeping trackers and telemetry out of your way.
Key Features
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Workspaces Organize browsing into separate task-based tab groups. Each workspace lives in the sidebar and can run in isolated Firefox containers, making account switching and context separation painless.
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Compact Mode Hide toolbars and UI elements for a clean, immersive full-screen experience. Ideal for reading, watching content, or deep focus sessions.
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Glance Preview links in an overlay without leaving your current tab. Use Alt + Click to peek at content instantly.
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Split View Tile multiple websites side-by-side in the same window. Perfect for research, coding with docs open, or multitasking workflows.
Zen Browser vs Chrome and Firefox
| Feature | Zen Browser | Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Strong by default, no telemetry | Weak defaults, Google integration | Strong but configurable |
| Performance | Optimized builds with PGO/LTO | Very fast but resource-heavy | Solid Quantum engine |
| UI/UX | Minimalist, sidebar-first | Familiar but cluttered | Classic and customizable |
| Extensions | Firefox WebExtensions | Large library, Manifest V3 | Smaller but flexible |
| Resource Usage | Moderate, lighter than Chrome | High memory usage | Generally efficient |
Under the Hood
Zen is built directly on Firefox, inheriting its security model, rendering engine, and rapid update cycle. New Firefox releases are usually merged within days.
Builds use Profile-Guided Optimization (PGO) and Link-Time Optimization (LTO) to squeeze out extra performance without sacrificing stability.
Privacy defaults are aggressive but sane:
- HTTPS-Only mode enabled
- Tracking protection on by default
- OCSP and phishing protection active
- No telemetry sent to Mozilla or Zen
All changes are open-source and configurable through internal settings and files.
Zen is still in beta, so occasional bugs are expected. Updates are frequent and the roadmap is public.
Final Thoughts
Zen Browser is a serious option for users who care about speed, focus, and privacy. If Chrome feels bloated and stock Firefox feels dated, Zen strikes a clean middle path.
👉 Download Zen Browser It’s one of the most thoughtful browser experiments right now.