Zen Browser 1.20b

Zen Browser is a privacy-focused, open-source Firefox-based browser with tracker blocking, fast browsing, and powerful customization via Zen Mods.

Razvan Serea News Reporter Neowin · May 25, 2026 14:50 EDT with 0 comments

Zen Browser

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 1.20b release notes:

This release includes a major new feature called Boosts! Boosts allow you to customize the look and feel of any website to your liking. To start boosting, click the site's control icon in the urlbar and click the new 'Boost' button.

Security

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/security/advisories/mfsa2026-46/

New Features

Updated to Firefox 151.0 and 151.0.1
Boosts are now in Zen! This allows you to tint colors, customize fonts and styles, zap elements and enable automatic dark mode on any website!
Overflowing web extensions will now appear below the urlbar instead of being added back into the site control panel. This only happens in single-sidebar mode.
Zen now strengthens protection against fingerprinting in Standard Enhanced Tracking Protection, making it harder for websites to track you across sites by limiting the amount of information revealed about your device and browser. This reduces the number of users uniquely identifiable by common fingerprinting techniques by an average of ~14%, and by ~49% on macOS.
You can now merge multiple PDFs directly in Zen PDF. Combine separate PDF files into a single document without ever leaving Zen or relying on third-party tools.

Fixes

Fixed a bug where the url would be cut off when the urlbar was too small. (#13719)
Fixed 'go back to original url' button on pinned tabs showing up even when the url was not modified. (#12949)
Added better support for cyclic workspace switching
Fixed video controls going under the screen when in fullscreen mode. (#10594)
Fixed closing a split view in one window selecting it on other windows. (#13761)

Changes

Geolocation on Windows now respects the user's Windows location permission setting, instead of overriding it, when the user grants location permission to a page. Firefox will ask users to enable the Windows permission if it is needed.

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