Zen Browser is a privacy-focused, open-source web browser built on Mozilla Firefox, offering users a secure and customizable browsing experience. It emphasizes privacy by blocking trackers, ads, and ensuring your data isn"t collected.
With Zen Mods, users can enhance their browser experience with various customization options, including features like split views and vertical tabs. The browser is designed for efficiency, providing fast browsing speeds and a lightweight interface.
Zen Browser prioritizes user control over the browsing experience, offering a minimal yet powerful alternative to traditional web browsers while keeping your online activity private.
Zen Browser’s DRM limitation
Zen Browser currently lacks support for DRM-protected content, meaning streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max are inaccessible. This is due to the absence of a Widevine license, which requires significant costs and is financially unfeasible for the developer. Additionally, applying for this license would require Zen to be part of a larger company, similar to Mozilla or Brave. Therefore, DRM-protected media won"t be supported in Zen Browser for the foreseeable future.
Zen Browser offers features that improve user experience, privacy, and customization:
- Privacy-Focused: Blocks trackers and minimizes data collection.
- Automatic Updates: Keeps the browser updated with security patches.
- Zen Mods: Customizable themes and layouts.
- Workspaces: Organize tabs into different workspaces.
- Compact Mode: Maximizes screen space by minimizing UI elements.
- Zen Glance: Quick website previews.
- Split Views: View multiple tabs in the same window.
- Sidebar: Access bookmarks and tools quickly.
- Vertical Tabs: Manage tabs vertically.
- Container Tabs: Separate browsing sessions.
- Fast Profile Switcher: Switch between profiles easily.
- Tab Folders: Organize tabs into folders.
- Customizable UI: Personalize browser interface.
- Security Features: Inherits Firefox’s robust security.
- Fast Performance: Lightweight and optimized for speed.
- Zen Mods Customization: Deep customization with mods.
- Quick Access: Easy access to favorite websites.
- Open Source: Built on Mozilla Firefox with community collaboration.
- Community-Driven: Active development and feedback from users.
- GitHub Repository: Contribute and review the source code.
Zen Browser 1.16b changelog:
This update focuses on the URL bar, letting you open extensions and switch spaces by typing their names, with a redesigned interface for clearer, richer results. It also adds smoother transitions, improved split view creation, and general performance fixes.
New Features
- Upgraded to Firefox 143.0
- Introduced command bar actions (e.g., toggle Compact Mode directly from the command bar). More commands and features will be added over time—contributions are welcome!
- Extensions can now be opened by typing their name directly in the URL bar
- Compact Mode backgrounds now transition smoothly when switching spaces instead of changing instantly
- Added a new shortcut (cmd+alt+=) for creating split views, along with a redesigned split view creation interface
- Redesigned URL bar for improved usability and richer results
- Spaces can now be switched by typing the space name directly into the URL bar
- Optimized Glance for smoother scrolling and faster performance
Fixes
- Resolved an issue where pinned tabs were not being saved or restored correctly
- Fixed a bug preventing tabs from being restored across different spaces
Changes
- Reassigned the "cmd+O" shortcut from opening a file to expanding Glance
- Reassigned the "cmd+shift+D" shortcut from saving all bookmarks to pinning/unpinning tabs
- Enhanced performance of space-swiping gestures
- Keyboard shortcuts on macOS now use native system symbols
- Improved both performance and interface for the drag-to-split action
- Various security fixes
Zen Browser 1.16.1b changelog:
New Features
- Command Bar commands will now obtain more priority in the URL bar
- Enabled Firefox"s crash reporter to better identify crashes
Fixes
- Fixed not being able to close the window on an empty state
- Fixed broken UI when using split views on collapsed mode
- Fixed a memory leak due to the the folder icon animation
- Improved performance when having compact mode enabled, reducing the amount of observations
Download: Zen Browser | 83.6 MB (Open Source)
Download: Zen Browser ARM64 | Other Operating Systems
View: Zen Browser Home Page | Screenshots 1 | 2 | Reddit
