Linux users know that choosing the right web browser can make a big difference in speed, security, and productivity. Whether you are on Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, or any other distro, having a browser that is fast, stable, and secure is essential. In 2025, several browsers stand out on Linux, each with unique features and advantages. I’ve personally tested most of these, and in this guide, I’ll share the best options along with pros, cons, and installation steps.
1. Mozilla Firefox
Firefox has been a Linux favorite for years, and in 2025, it remains one of the best browsers for Linux users.
Pros:
- Open-source and privacy-focused.
- Lightweight and runs well on older machines.
- Supports a wide range of extensions.
- Regular updates and security patches.
Cons:
- Slightly slower than Chromium-based browsers in some benchmarks.
- Some websites optimized for Chrome may not work perfectly.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint:
sudo apt update sudo apt install firefox - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install firefox - You can also download the latest version from Mozilla’s official site and run it as a standalone package.
2. Google Chrome
Google Chrome remains the go-to choice for speed and compatibility. If you use Google services heavily, it’s ideal.
Pros:
- Extremely fast and stable.
- Wide range of extensions.
- Best compatibility with web apps and websites.
- Frequent updates and strong security features.
Cons:
- Closed-source, not fully open-source like Chromium.
- Higher RAM usage compared to Firefox.
- Collects some user data by default.
How to Install:
- Download the .deb package for Debian/Ubuntu or .rpm package for Fedora from Google Chrome’s official site.
- Install via terminal:
- For Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb sudo apt -f install - For Fedora:
sudo dnf install google-chrome-stable_current_x86_64.rpm
- For Debian/Ubuntu:
3. Chromium
Chromium is the open-source version of Chrome and a great alternative if you want Chrome’s speed without Google’s tracking.
Pros:
- Open-source and privacy-respecting.
- Very fast and lightweight.
- Supports Chrome extensions.
- Syncs with Google services if you choose.
Cons:
- Slightly fewer features than Google Chrome.
- No automatic updates on some distros (manual updates needed).
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint:
sudo apt update sudo apt install chromium-browser - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install chromium
4. Brave Browser
Brave is a Chromium-based browser focused on privacy and speed. It blocks ads and trackers by default, giving a cleaner browsing experience.
Pros:
- Built-in ad and tracker blocker.
- Fast performance with low memory usage.
- Rewards system for users (optional).
- Open-source with a focus on privacy.
Cons:
- Some websites may break due to aggressive ad blocking.
- Rewards system might be confusing for beginners.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install apt-transport-https curl curl -fsSL https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/brave-core.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg] https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/ stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-release.list sudo apt update sudo apt install brave-browser - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install dnf-plugins-core sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://brave-browser-rpm-release.s3.brave.com/x86_64/ sudo rpm --import https://brave-browser-rpm-release.s3.brave.com/brave-core.asc sudo dnf install brave-browser
5. Vivaldi
Vivaldi is a Chromium-based browser designed for power users. It’s highly customizable and ideal if you like tweaking your workflow.
Pros:
- Highly customizable interface and tabs.
- Built-in tools like note-taking and screenshot capture.
- Good privacy features and ad-blocker.
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than lightweight browsers like Firefox or Chromium.
- Learning curve due to many customization options.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install wget wget -qO- https://repo.vivaldi.com/stable/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add - sudo add-apt-repository 'deb https://repo.vivaldi.com/stable/deb/ stable main' sudo apt update sudo apt install vivaldi-stable - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install https://downloads.vivaldi.com/stable/vivaldi-stable-*.rpm
6. Midori
Midori is a lightweight browser perfect for older Linux machines or minimal setups.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight, ideal for 2GB–4GB RAM systems.
- Simple and fast interface.
- Open-source with a focus on privacy.
Cons:
- Fewer features and extensions than mainstream browsers.
- Limited support for modern web apps.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint:
sudo apt update sudo apt install midori - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install midori
7. Opera
Opera is a feature-rich browser with built-in VPN and ad-blocker. It’s great for privacy and multitasking.
Pros:
- Built-in free VPN and ad-blocker.
- Integrated messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) in sidebar.
- Fast and stable on Linux.
Cons:
- Closed-source, not fully open-source.
- Some features may feel unnecessary if you want minimalism.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian:
wget -qO- https://deb.opera.com/archive.key | sudo apt-key add - sudo add-apt-repository "deb https://deb.opera.com/opera-stable/ stable non-free" sudo apt update sudo apt install opera-stable - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install https://download3.operacdn.com/pub/opera/desktop/xx.x.x.x/linux/opera-stable_xxx.rpm
8. Waterfox
Waterfox is a Firefox-based browser focused on performance and privacy. It’s optimized for speed and supports legacy Firefox extensions.
Pros:
- Fast and lightweight.
- Privacy-friendly, minimal tracking.
- Supports older Firefox extensions.
Cons:
- Less frequent updates compared to mainstream browsers.
- Smaller community support.
How to Install:
- Download the tar.bz2 package from Waterfox official site.
- Extract it and run the executable:
tar xjf waterfox*.tar.bz2 cd waterfox ./waterfox
9. Falkon
Falkon is a lightweight KDE browser. Ideal for low-spec Linux machines and simple browsing.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and fast.
- Built on QtWebEngine.
- Good for older hardware or minimal setups.
Cons:
- Limited extensions and features.
- Not ideal for heavy web apps or modern websites.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint:
sudo apt update sudo apt install falkon - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install falkon
10. GNOME Web (Epiphany)
GNOME Web, also known as Epiphany, is the default browser for GNOME desktops. It’s clean, simple, and lightweight.
Pros:
- Simple and minimalistic interface.
- Lightweight, uses low RAM.
- Good integration with GNOME desktop.
Cons:
- Limited extensions.
- Lacks advanced features compared to Firefox or Chrome.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian/Linux Mint:
sudo apt update sudo apt install epiphany-browser - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install epiphany
11. Pale Moon
Pale Moon is a Firefox fork designed for speed and efficiency, with a focus on user control.
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast.
- Supports legacy Firefox extensions.
- Open-source and privacy-oriented.
Cons:
- Not fully compatible with some modern websites.
- Updates are less frequent than mainstream browsers.
How to Install:
- On Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:palemoon/stable sudo apt update sudo apt install palemoon - On Fedora:
sudo dnf install palemoon
Recommendations for the Best Linux Browsers in 2025
After testing all the browsers listed above, here’s my personal take on which browser works best for different users and setups:
1. Firefox
✅ Best for: Privacy-conscious users and general browsing.
- Firefox is fast, secure, and open-source. It works well on almost any Linux distro and is perfect if you value privacy without sacrificing performance.
2. Google Chrome
✅ Best for: Users who want maximum website compatibility and speed.
- Chrome is the most compatible browser for web apps and streaming services. Use it if you don’t mind slightly higher RAM usage.
3. Chromium
✅ Best for: Open-source fans who still want Chrome-like performance.
- Chromium gives you the speed and features of Chrome without Google tracking. Great for Linux users who want a balance of performance and privacy.
4. Brave
✅ Best for: Users who want privacy-focused browsing by default.
- Brave blocks ads and trackers automatically. It’s fast and lightweight compared to Chrome, making it ideal for everyday browsing.
5. Vivaldi
✅ Best for: Power users and customization lovers.
- Vivaldi is perfect if you like customizing your browser interface, tabs, and workflow. It’s heavier than Firefox or Chromium but worth it if productivity matters.
6. Midori
✅ Best for: Low-spec Linux machines or minimal setups.
- Midori is extremely lightweight and fast. Ideal if your system has limited RAM (2–4GB) and you don’t need advanced features.
7. Opera
✅ Best for: Users who want built-in VPN and extra tools.
- Opera is an all-in-one browser. Use it if you like having messenger apps, VPN, and ad-blocker built into your browser without extra configuration.
8. Waterfox
✅ Best for: Legacy Firefox extension users and lightweight browsing.
- Waterfox is fast and privacy-focused, supporting older Firefox extensions. Ideal if you want a balance between modern browsing and legacy support.
9. Falkon
✅ Best for: Lightweight Linux desktops or older hardware.
- Falkon is extremely fast and uses very little RAM. It’s perfect for simple browsing or minimal Linux setups.
10. GNOME Web (Epiphany)
✅ Best for: GNOME desktop users and simplicity lovers.
- Epiphany integrates beautifully with GNOME desktops. If you want a clean, minimal interface without distractions, this is the browser for you.
11. Pale Moon
✅ Best for: Lightweight, privacy-conscious browsing with legacy support.
- Pale Moon is fast, open-source, and good for users who prefer Firefox forks. Not ideal for modern web apps, but excellent for simple browsing and older Linux setups.
Quick Recommendations by Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended Browser(s) |
|---|---|
| Privacy-focused | Firefox, Brave, Waterfox, Pale Moon |
| Lightweight / Low RAM | Midori, Falkon, Epiphany |
| Power user / customization | Vivaldi, Opera |
| Maximum compatibility | Chrome, Chromium |
| GNOME integration | Epiphany |
In my experience, Firefox remains the most balanced choice for almost every Linux user. For privacy and speed, Brave is excellent. If you’re on a lightweight system, Midori or Falkon will give you a smooth browsing experience. And if you love tweaking every little detail, Vivaldi is unbeatable.
| Browser | Speed | RAM Usage | Privacy | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefox | Fast | Moderate | High | Open-source, privacy-focused, supports extensions | Slightly slower than Chrome on some websites | General Linux users, privacy-conscious users |
| Google Chrome | Very Fast | High | Medium | Fast, stable, wide compatibility | High RAM usage, closed-source | Users needing maximum website compatibility & speed |
| Chromium | Very Fast | Moderate | High | Open-source Chrome alternative, supports extensions | Fewer features than Chrome, manual updates | Open-source fans who want Chrome-like performance |
| Brave | Fast | Moderate | Very High | Built-in ad/tracker blocker, privacy-focused | Some websites break, rewards system can be confusing | Privacy-focused everyday browsing |
| Vivaldi | Fast | Moderate-High | High | Highly customizable, built-in productivity tools | Heavier than lightweight browsers, learning curve | Power users and customization lovers |
| Midori | Moderate | Very Low | Medium | Extremely lightweight, fast on low-spec systems | Limited features, few extensions | Low-spec machines or minimal setups |
| Opera | Fast | Moderate | Medium | Built-in VPN & ad-blocker, integrated messengers | Closed-source, extra features may be unnecessary | Users wanting all-in-one browsing tools |
| Waterfox | Fast | Low-Moderate | High | Supports legacy Firefox extensions, privacy-focused | Less frequent updates, smaller community | Lightweight browsing with legacy extension support |
| Falkon | Moderate | Very Low | Medium | Lightweight, fast, minimal resources | Limited extensions & features | Older hardware or minimal Linux desktops |
| GNOME Web (Epiphany) | Moderate | Low | Medium-High | Clean interface, GNOME integration | Limited extensions, lacks advanced features | GNOME desktop users, simplicity lovers |
| Pale Moon | Moderate | Low | High | Lightweight, privacy-conscious, supports legacy extensions | Not ideal for modern web apps | Lightweight browsing with legacy support |
FAQs
Google Chrome is generally the fastest browser in Linux for most users, especially for web apps, video streaming, and heavy websites.
Chromium is also very fast and lightweight, with performance close to Chrome, but without Google tracking.
For lightweight browsing, Midori and Falkon feel fast on older or low-spec systems.
Firefox is better if you care about privacy, open-source software, and low RAM usage. It integrates well with Linux and is lightweight enough for older systems.
Chrome is better if you prioritize speed, website compatibility, and smooth web app performance.
Personally, I use Firefox for daily Linux browsing and Chrome when I need maximum speed or compatibility.
The lightest browsers for Linux are Midori, Falkon, and Epiphany (GNOME Web).
These browsers use minimal RAM and CPU, making them ideal for older computers or minimal Linux setups.
Midori and Falkon consume the least RAM, often under 200–300MB for normal browsing.
Firefox is moderate in RAM usage (300–600MB) and more efficient than Chrome for multiple tabs.
Chrome and Vivaldi consume more RAM, sometimes over 1GB with multiple tabs open.
Firefox works best overall because it is fully open-source, lightweight, stable, and well-supported on all Linux distributions.
Chromium is also excellent if you want Chrome-like performance without Google tracking.
For GNOME users, Epiphany (GNOME Web) is the smoothest because of perfect desktop integration.
“Strongest” depends on your needs:
Chrome is the strongest for speed and web compatibility.
Firefox is the strongest for privacy, security, and Linux optimization.
Brave is strong for privacy with built-in ad/tracker blocking.
For general Linux users who want a mix of speed, security, and flexibility, Firefox is my top pick.
