{"id":26437,"date":"2025-08-15T02:21:31","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T09:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=26437"},"modified":"2025-08-18T00:38:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T07:38:13","slug":"best-browsers-for-ubuntu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/best-browsers-for-ubuntu\/","title":{"rendered":"Ubuntu Browsers: 7 Great Browsers for the Most Popular Linux OS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ubuntu is the most popular Linux-powered operating system around, and many users choose it because of the flexibility and security it provides. So, it makes sense to pair it with a web browser that offers the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Ubuntu-compatible browsers. That said, it can be a little overwhelming to weigh all of the pros and cons. To make things easier, we\u2019ve compared the top browsers based on speed, usability, and the level of privacy and control they offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Popular Ubuntu Browsers at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The table below offers a quick side-by-side comparison of the most popular browsers for Ubuntu, so you can see at a glance how they measure up in basic terms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browser<\/strong><\/td>Good for<\/strong><\/td>Open source<\/strong><\/td>Extension support<\/strong><\/td>Installation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Firefox<\/a><\/td>Overall Ubuntu<\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td>\u2705 Full\u00a0<\/td>Pre-installed on Ubuntu<\/td><\/tr>
Brave<\/a><\/td>Privacy<\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td>\u2705 Full\u00a0<\/td>Terminal<\/td><\/tr>
Vivaldi<\/a><\/td>Customization<\/td>\u26a0\ufe0fPartially<\/td>\u2705 Full\u00a0<\/td>.deb package or terminal<\/td><\/tr>
Tor Browser<\/a><\/td>Anonymity<\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td>\u26a0\ufe0f Limited<\/td>Terminal or manual<\/td><\/tr>
Falkon<\/a><\/td>Lightweight browsing<\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td>\u26a0\ufe0f Limited<\/td>Ubuntu Software Center<\/td><\/tr>
LibreWolf<\/a><\/td>Speed and security<\/td>\u2705 Yes<\/td>\u2705 Full\u00a0<\/td>Terminal<\/td><\/tr>
Chrome<\/a><\/td>Google ecosystem compatibility<\/td>\u274c No<\/td>\u2705 Full<\/td>.deb package or terminal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Firefox: Great Overall Browser for Ubuntu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Firefox<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefox<\/a> comes pre-installed as the default browser for Ubuntu. It\u2019s a popular choice among users on \/r\/Ubuntu<\/a> and other forums for good reason. It\u2019s open-source, privacy-focused, and outside of the Google ecosystem, which is a big plus if you\u2019re conscious of online tracking and tracing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefox is based on the Gecko rendering engine and the SpiderMonkey JavaScript engine and comes with built-in tracker blocking, fingerprinting protection, and support for encrypted DNS. It\u2019s highly customizable with excellent extension support, making it easy to add extra functionality and modify the browser\u2019s appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/td>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Open-source and community-driven<\/td>Not as lightweight as some other browsers<\/td><\/tr>
Built-in privacy tools<\/td>VPNs are a paid add-on<\/td><\/tr>
Not part of the Google ecosystem<\/td>Not as tightly integrated with Google services<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install Firefox on Ubuntu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Firefox comes pre-installed as the default browser on most Ubuntu systems. If it\u2019s been removed, you can easily reinstall it by running the following commands in Terminal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt update<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt install firefox<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you install it, you\u2019ll see it in your applications menu. Ubuntu\u2019s system updates will then keep it up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>

Note:<\/strong> Firefox is great for privacy, but it doesn\u2019t include a VPN, which means you risk exposing your personal information when you browse on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. To browse in confidence, you can install PIA\u2019s Firefox VPN extension<\/a>, which includes advanced in-browser privacy controls.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Brave: Private Ubuntu Browsing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Brave<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brave<\/a> is a Chromium-based browser like Chrome, but it collects far less browsing data. It\u2019s fast and has excellent compatibility with most modern websites and extensions: you can also use PIA\u2019s Chrome extension<\/a> with Brave if you want VPN protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, it offers aggressive tracker and ad blocking, its own private search engine, and a native Tor mode for more private browsing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also Leo, Brave\u2019s AI assistant that can help you summarize pages, generate content, and answer questions. This puts Brave in the same category as Edge and other AI-integrated browsers, but because Leo runs locally, it does a far better job at keeping your data private.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/td>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Chromium-based for excellent compatibility<\/td>Not fully open-source<\/td><\/tr>
Fast performance even with privacy features enabled<\/td>May break site layouts due to aggressive ad blocking<\/td><\/tr>
Native Tor integration<\/td>Syncing across devices isn\u2019t always seamless<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install Brave on Ubuntu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To install Brave on Ubuntu, just open Terminal and paste the following command:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

curl -fsS https:\/\/dl.brave.com\/install.sh | sh<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Vivaldi: Customizable Ubuntu Browser<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Vivaldi<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vivaldi<\/a> is a Chromium-based browser that\u2019s a great pick if you want to make your browser your own. It combines reliable Chromium performance with a massive<\/em> range of features, from built-in tab tiling and notes to email, RSS, and even calendar tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it doesn\u2019t get quite the same spotlight as Firefox or Brave, Vivaldi offers a high level of customization, built-in productivity tools, and user-focused design. It has great built-in ad and tracking blockers, and it doesn\u2019t store or sell user data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/td>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Customizable interface and controls<\/td>Can feel overwhelming for casual users<\/td><\/tr>
Chromium-based with full extension support<\/td>Uses more memory than simpler browsers<\/td><\/tr>
Blocks ads and trackers without add-ons<\/td>Not completely open-source<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install Vivaldi on Ubuntu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To install Vivaldi, start by downloading the .deb installer from the official Vivaldi website<\/a>. Or, if you prefer using the terminal, copy and paste these commands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wget
https:\/\/downloads.vivaldi.com\/stable\/vivaldi-stable_amd64.deb<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt install .\/vivaldi-stable_amd64.deb<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Tor Browser: Anonymous Ubuntu Browsing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Tor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tor<\/a> is a good option if you need anonymity and secure communication. It routes your traffic through a network of independently operated servers, which makes it much more difficult for anyone to track your online activity or pinpoint your location.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s built on Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release), so it feels familiar while offering extra layers of protection. Tor also disables many types of scripts and trackers by default and doesn\u2019t store browsing history. However, it can be slow, making it unsuitable for some tasks, and may not work with some sites due to its strict privacy rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/td>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Provides strong anonymity via the Tor network<\/a><\/td>Slower browsing speeds due to multi-hop routing<\/td><\/tr>
Based on Firefox ESR for stability and familiarity<\/td>Some websites may not load correctly<\/td><\/tr>
Doesn\u2019t store history or cookies<\/td>No built-in extension store<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install Tor Browser on Ubuntu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The easiest way to install Tor Browser is by adding the official Tor Project repository and installing it through Ubuntu\u2019s package manager. Open the terminal and copy and paste each of the following commands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:micahflee\/ppa<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt update<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt install torbrowser-launcher<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>

\ud83d\udca1 PIA VPN Tip:<\/strong> Connecting to a Tor-compatible VPN<\/a> like Private Internet Access adds an extra layer of privacy by hiding your Tor usage from your internet service provider and masking your real IP address from the Tor entry node.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Falkon: Lightweight Ubuntu Browser<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Falkon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falkon<\/a> is a resource-friendly browser, making it a great choice if you\u2019re running Ubuntu on older hardware or just prefer a no-frills browsing experience. It\u2019s built on the QtWebEngine (based on Chromium) but runs with far fewer background processes and a noticeably lighter system footprint.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it doesn\u2019t offer the extensive feature set of Firefox or Brave, Falkon loads quickly, handles everyday sites well, and includes basic privacy tools like ad blocking and script control. It also has a built-in RSS reader and supports custom user scripts, though extension support is limited.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/td>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Extremely lightweight<\/td>Not suitable for heavy multitasking or web apps<\/td><\/tr>
Uses QtWebEngine for broad compatibility<\/td>Limited extension support<\/td><\/tr>
Built-in ad blocker and privacy tools<\/td>Fewer updates and slower development pace<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install Falkon on Ubuntu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Falkon is available in the Ubuntu Software Center, so you can install it in a few clicks. If you prefer the command line, you can just use this command:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt install falkon<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. LibreWolf: Great for Secure Ubuntu Browsing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"LibreWolf<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LibreWolf<\/a> is a privacy-focused fork of Firefox that strips out telemetry, hardens security settings, and disables resource-intensive features. It\u2019s great for Ubuntu users who want the benefits of Firefox without the extra bloat or background connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the hood, LibreWolf is built on Firefox ESR, so you\u2019ll get a familiar interface and strong performance, just with stricter privacy defaults out of the box. It blocks trackers, forces HTTPS connections, and comes preconfigured with uBlock Origin. The downside is there\u2019s no sync feature, and updates are managed independently from Firefox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/td>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Fully open-source and telemetry-free<\/td>Not many customization options out of the box<\/td><\/tr>
Firefox ESR base makes LibreWolf feel familiar<\/td>May break sites that rely on third-party scripts<\/td><\/tr>
Comes with uBlock Origin preinstalled<\/td>Not available in Ubuntu\u2019s default repositories<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install LibreWolf on Ubuntu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While LibreWolf isn\u2019t available via the default Ubuntu repositories, it\u2019s easy enough to add the official LibreWolf PPA. In the terminal, run:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:librewolf-community\/ppa<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt update<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt install librewolf<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Chrome: Compatible with the Google Ecosystem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Google<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The perennially popular Google Chrome<\/a> runs smoothly on Ubuntu, with full support for modern web apps and an enormous library of extensions. It\u2019s especially useful if you\u2019re already invested in the Google ecosystem and use services like Gmail, Drive, Docs, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it can be resource-heavy, and it\u2019s not necessarily great for privacy. Chrome collects browsing data<\/a>, device information, and usage patterns, which can be linked to your Google account and shared with advertisers or third parties. That said, it\u2019s still a pretty popular option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Pros<\/strong><\/td>\u274c Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Fast, stable, and highly optimized<\/td>Sends user data to Google by default<\/td><\/tr>
Massive extension library via Chrome Web Store<\/td>Heavier on system resources than other browsers<\/td><\/tr>
Reliable updates and cross-platform support<\/td>Not open-source<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Install Chrome on Ubuntu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chrome isn\u2019t available in the Ubuntu Software Center, but you can download the .deb package<\/a> directly from Google\u2019s website or install it via the terminal with these commands:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

wget
https:\/\/dl.google.com\/linux\/direct\/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

sudo apt install .\/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb<\/code><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Web Browsers for Ubuntu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ubuntu supports a wide range of browsers beyond the major players. Many of these are built on Firefox or Chromium infrastructure, offering varying levels of performance, customization, and privacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n