Chrome vs Brave vs Safari

10 Best Lightweight Browsers for Linux (Update 2025)

Linux is all about speed and efficiency, but a heavy browser can slow down your system. In 2025, lightweight browsers are the perfect match for Linux, offering fast performance and low resource usage. I’ve tested and ranked the 10 best lightweight browsers for Linux that deliver speed, security, and smooth browsing without draining your system. Whether you’re coding, streaming, or just surfing the web, these browsers will keep up with your needs. Ready to make your Linux experience even better? Let’s explore the top lightweight browsers for Linux in 2025 and enjoy faster, hassle-free browsing!

1. Mozilla Firefox

best lightweight browsers for linux

Mozilla Firefox strikes an ideal balance between functionality and efficient performance on Linux systems. It features robust customization via add-ons, stringent privacy standards, and support for open web technologies. Firefox also has different builds optimized for privacy or speed.

2. Google Chrome

While not the most lightweight, Google Chrome offers reliable web compatibility and quality performance. Customization via extensions is a highlight, syncing data across signed-in devices. Recent Linux versions utilize less RAM than before while retaining Chrome’s standards support.

3. Falkon

Previously known as Qupzilla, Falkon prioritizes speed and simplicity, rendering pages swiftly with lower overhead. It natively supports KDE Plasma, offering tight integration, but runs well on GNOME, Xfce, and others too. An extensions framework fosters personalization.

Check out these Firefox Alternatives for Linux

4. Midori

best lightweight browser for linux

As a Linux-exclusive browser, Midori focuses explicitly on delivering a lightweight browsing solution. It uses the WebKitGTK engine and has a small memory footprint even with multiple tabs open. Midori also comes with options for proxy and privacy configurations.

5. NetSurf

NetSurf draws praise as a speedy browser available for multiple Unix-based operating systems besides Linux. Its interface stays out of the way, loading pages smoothly while allowing users to enable features modules like JavaScript as needed instead of by default.

6. Dillo

Dillo takes a no-frills approach centered around HTML rendering without additional overhead such as CSS or multimedia support. The result is an ultra-fast option for basic web browsing. Dillo best suits users wanting a distraction-free experience for reading text-heavy pages.

Here is the list of Best Lightweight Browsers for Ubuntu

7. Surf

In line with suckless.org principles, Surf creates a simple webkit browser leveraging external components from users’ systems. The focus remains exclusively on rendering web pages efficiently while eliminating other functionality. Surf works well for users embracing the “do one thing well” Unix philosophy.

8. Qutebrowser

Qutebrowser sets itself apart with a strong focus on keyboard usage, influenced by Vim navigation concepts. Custom key mappings control the interface, so there’s little need for a mouse. Performance remains responsive thanks to WebEngine or WebKit rendering paired with a minimalist design.

9. Brave

While not exclusively designed for Linux, Brave provides a privacy-oriented option compatible across platforms including Windows and Mac. It blocks intrusive ads and trackers by default while enabling custom configurations. Performance also remains speedy based on Chromium foundations.

10. GNOME Web (Epiphany)

GNOME Web, also known as Epiphany, offers tight integration as the default browser for the GNOME desktop environment widely used with Linux. It feels right at home with a system font/GTK theme synchronization. Speed and standards support carry over from the underlying WebKit engine.

Consider your priorities regarding efficiency, customization, privacy protections, and extension support when selecting an optimal lightweight browser tailored to your Linux setup. Fortunately, the range of focused options makes enhancing your browsing experience easy.

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