The browser world has been stuck in a bit of a rut lately. Most people use Chrome (or something Chromium-based), and Firefox quietly carries on with its loyal base. Every so often a new browser pops up promising to rethink how we browse, but many end up fading away.
Zen Browser, though, feels different.
It’s built on top of Firefox’s Gecko engine, so it has all the compatibility and open-source spirit you’d expect. But the team behind Zen focused on rethinking the browsing experience, layering in modern design choices, clever tab management, and privacy-first defaults. I’ve been testing it out for a while I still enjoy the experience of using it.
First impressions
Right out of the box, Zen feels clean and modern. Tabs live in a vertical sidebar instead of the traditional row at the top. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, especially if you often have a dozen or more tabs open. There’s also a “compact mode” that tucks the sidebar away until you hover over it — great if you want to maximize screen space.
The browser also introduces Workspaces, which basically let you group tabs by project, topic, or mood. If you’re juggling work, side projects, and personal browsing, it’s a lifesaver. Add in the option to use Firefox’s containers for login isolation, and you’ve got a neat way to separate your digital life.
Features
Split View: You can tile two (or more) sites side by side within the same window. It’s surprisingly handy if you’re comparing information, writing while referencing docs, or watching something while working.
Glance: This is a clever little overlay that lets you peek at a link without fully opening it in a new tab. Think of it as a quick preview — a nice time-saver when you don’t want to clutter your workspace.
Customization: Zen is incredibly customizable. There’s a mods registry where you can install themes, tweak the look with CSS, or change the overall vibe of the browser. It’s a playground for people who like to personalize their tools.
Picture in picture: You can pop videos out of webpages into a clean, always-on-top floating window. Whether you’re working, browsing, or just casually scrolling, PiP keeps your video visible without disrupting your flow.
Sync: Since it’s based on Firefox, you can sign in with a Firefox account and keep your bookmarks, extensions, and history synced across devices.
Things to consider
- Occasional Bugs: the features are fantastic, but sometimes they don’t behave as smoothly as you’d like.
Not as fast as Chrome
Learning Curve: If you’ve never used vertical tabs or workspaces, the interface takes a bit of adjustment. Personally, I think it’s worth the switch, but not everyone will agree.
Comparison
Against Firefox: Zen feels like Firefox with a modern coat of paint and some smart workflow features baked in. If you love Firefox but wish it were a little more futuristic, this might be what you’re looking for.
Against Chrome/Chromium Browsers: You’ll trade some performance and compatibility for privacy and fresh ideas. For people tired of the Chromium monoculture, that’s a fair trade.
Against Arc: Zen has definitely borrowed some inspiration from Arc (sidebars, workspaces), but it’s open-source and not tied to Chromium. It’s a solid alternative if you want Arc’s vibe without giving up Gecko.
Tutorial about configuring Zen
Final thoughts
Zen Browser feels like a genuine attempt to rethink what a browser should look like in 2025: more organized, private, and more customizable.
It’s not perfect, it has some limitations, but for anyone who spends their day bouncing between projects and tabs, is a refreshing choice.