Zen Browser

An open-source Firefox-based browser with an Arc-style sidebar, workspaces and split view.

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 4
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Zen Browser

Zen is a community-built browser based on Firefox that took off as an Arc alternative. It puts tabs in a vertical sidebar, groups them into workspaces, hides the interface in a compact mode, opens links in floating Glance previews, and shows two or more tabs side by side with split view. A mods system lets you install community themes and tweaks. Because it is built on Firefox, it uses the Gecko engine, supports Firefox extensions including uBlock Origin, and avoids depending on Chromium. It is a younger, smaller project than Firefox, so updates can occasionally lag behind upstream security releases and some rough edges remain. Sync uses a Firefox account. It is free and open source under the MPL, and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with no mobile app. It suits people who want Arc's layout and calm design without Chromium or AI features.

Best for: Arc fans who want a similar sidebar layout on Firefox, without AI.

What works

Workspaces, split view and compact mode built in
Firefox engine with full uBlock Origin support
Free and open source on all desktop platforms

Why people leave

No mobile app
Smaller team, so updates can lag Firefox
Some rough edges in newer features

Top Zen Browser alternatives

See all 4

1
Floorp
Another Firefox-based browser with workspaces and even more customisation.
66.5
2
Firefox
The upstream browser, with faster security updates and mobile apps.
62.6
3
Dia
Arc's successor, if you want AI features and Chromium compatibility.
57.2
4
Vivaldi
Chromium browser with vertical tabs, workspaces and tiling.
55.3

Why people left Zen Browser

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Zen Browser: common questions

Is Zen Browser free?

Yes. Zen Browser is free, open-source software.

Is Zen Browser open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at zen-browser/desktop.

What platforms does Zen Browser run on?

Zen Browser is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to Zen Browser?

The highest-ranked Zen Browser alternatives right now are Floorp, Firefox and Dia. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 Zen Browser alternatives

Zen Browser facts

4 of 4 verified

Price: Free and open source; Checked Oct 25, 2026zen-browser.app(opens source in a new tab); “Free and open-source Simple yet powerful”
Licence: MPL-2.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: MPL-2.0 (Mozilla Public License 2.0).”
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux; Checked Oct 25, 2026zen-browser.app(opens source in a new tab); “Zen is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.”
Key features: Workspaces, Compact Mode, Glance, Split View; Checked Oct 25, 2026zen-browser.app(opens source in a new tab); “Workspaces Compact Mode Glance Split View”