Don’t like using Chrome? So you are looking for a browser for Linux but better than Chrome to use? Don’t worry, you have a lot of options.
Each of the apps on the list has some cool features, while retaining the great compatibility that Chrome has to offer.
5 browsers for Linux that are better than Chrome
Note: While free and open source software plays an important role in the big tech replacement, any alternative available on Linux other than Google Chrome is a good choice. As a result, you will also find some options that are not part of open source software.
In my opinion, the best alternatives to Chrome are Chromium-based, meaning they share the same DNA as Chrome. The advantage of this is that they have comparable features to Chrome, while giving them more time to add their own features.
Also, if you want, you can explore open source alternatives to Chrome that are not based on Chromium.
1. UnGoogled Chromium
Feature:
- Remove Google domains=-specific functionality.
- Intercept internal requests to Google at runtime.
- Separate the Google binary from the source code.
- Many new ommand-line options and chrome:// flags entries.
- Force all popups to tabs.
For those who like to protect their privacy, this browser will be a great choice. While it may look similar to Chrome, it has more privacy tweaks.
The biggest obstacle for Chrome users will be the absence of built-in Google services. This also means that there are no more internal requests to Google, or tracking of Google URLs, etc.
It’s nothing special to protect your privacy, but it will be better than Google Chrome.
You can also explore and tweak privacy settings through Chrome’s flag settings.
All in all, UnGoogled Chromium provides a familiar browsing experience, with a newly added set of security features. It is reliable and also compatible with the large ecosystem of Chrome extensions.
2. Brave
Feature:
- Built-in ad blocker.
- Faster page load times.
- Rewards program.
- Ability to synchronize between devices.
- Chrome web store support.
When Brave was first released in 2016, people around the world were amazed at its privacy and interesting features. At launch, Brave included a built-in ad blocker and a new user interface.
Since then, the browser has added more features, including a rewards program and Tor integration. This has made it one of the fastest growing browsers.
3. Microsoft Edge
Feature:
- Chrome Web Store Integration
- Kids browsing mode (additional protection and simpler user interface)
- Good PDF editing tools
- Built-in coupon finder
- Reading mode
- Built-in password generator
When Microsoft Edge was first released with Windows 10 in 2015, it was criticized by many for being slow and buggy. However, in early 2020, it was completely reworked by switching to Chromium source code.
This is the same tool based on Chrome. The result of this is a modern and fast browsing experience. One benefit of this transition is that it can run on a variety of platforms, from Windows 7 and macOS to Ubuntu and other Linux-based distributions.
I know, if you hate Microsoft for some reason, it’s because you won’t like the browser – but Microsoft Edge for Linux is a serious alternative to Google Chrome.
4. Vivaldi
Feature:
- Built-in language translator
- Email Vivaldi (Beta)
- Feed Reader (Beta)
- Vivaldi Calendar (Beta)
- Highly customizable user interface
- Built-in ad blocker
- Chrome Web Store Support
- Tab group
- Split tabs
First released in 2016, Vivaldi has quickly risen in the ranks in the cross-browser wars. It was originally designed for Opera users who were unhappy with the transition from the Presto layout, it attempted to re-implement many of the features lost during Opera’s transition to Chromium.
Amazingly, it has grown so well while being based on Chromium (which is exactly why Opera dropped these features).
The latest release of Vivaldi 4.0 has also turned the tide with a number of features for professional users.
5. Opera
Feature:
- Built-in VPN
- Easy access to social networks
- Built-in crypto wallet
- Anti-fraud and malware
- Easy-to-see website security badge
Although it has never been at the forefront of web browsers, Opera has always been in the debate about which browser to use. It was originally based on Presto, but it switched to Chromium in 2013.
Unfortunately, this transition meant that the Opera team was forced to remove some of its most famous features, paving the way for alternatives like Vivaldi and Firefox to fill the void Opera created.
In addition, you can also learn 4 anonymous web browsers that you should use here.