Zen is an [[MPLv2]] licensed [[Web Browser]] written in [[Javascript]] (frontend). - [Website](https://zen-browser.app) - [Source](https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop) - [UI Mods](https://zen-browser.app/mods/) > Zen Browser is a free and open-source fork of Mozilla Firefox introduced in 2024, with a focus on privacy, customizability, and design. > > Zen includes many of the layout changes and features associated with the Chromium-based web browser Arc. \- Wikipedia article[^3] on Zen # Notability One of the few browsers actually trying to do something new and giving users *more* customization options rather than less. # Philosophy Based on [[Firefox]]. Seems to be indie, no company backing. ## GenAI Slop Despite multiple statements[^1] in opposition to "AI" [[Generative AI|Slop]], it sure seems to be creeping into the periphery. [[ChatGPT]] is featured in a prominent screenshot on the main landing page beneath "Core Values". That seems quite telling. ### Dosu Bot > Dosu is documentation reimagined for the AI era. \- Dosu website[^4] meta description (visible in search results) > Using AI to Generate and Maintain Documentation \- Dosu blog post[^5] from [[2025-08-28]] > Dosu is an AI-powered Github maintainer agent. \- Dosu Github app page[^6] > What is the point of dosubot? It agrees, and apologizes for not having provided a supposedly adequate response. \- `odiferousmint`, in reply[^7] to a Dosubot comment on a `pkgx` repo > This is my problem with chat gpt - I can’t have anything resembling a ‘real’ conversation with the bot, because it refuses to engage with me in any way other than: > > 1) restate my last message 2) agree with what I’ve said to an excessive degree, possibly even complimenting me on having said it 3) ask me a leading question that encourages me to send another message, and now goto 1 and loop forever. > > It ends up just feeling like I’m the target of some kind of time wasting prank. \- `mock-possum`, reply[^8] yes-and-ing `odiferousmint`'s sentiment on HackerNews Zen has incorporated a chatbot called Dosubot into their Github repo. Dosubot does sycophantic summaries of Github issues when they are closed. ## Privacy & Ads > Experience tranquillity while browsing the web without people tracking you! Zen is a privacy-focused browser that blocks trackers, ads, and other unwanted content while offering the best browsing experience! \- Zen readme[^10] until [[2025-03-22]], also previously used on Sourceforge and still visible in search results They don't seem to know or care much about the realities of security or data, judging by their privacy policy.[^9] Also, the browser *doesn't block ads*. Weird that they put it in the headline. I guess just because [[Brave Browser]] does it. It just allows you to install proper ad-blockers just like every other [[Firefox]] fork. >[!NOTE] Update [[2025-09-14]] > Zen has removed this misleading language from their readme and various project sites that I checked. ## Ethos This seems to be a design and vibes focused project. Minimalism implied. Uses a weird sidebar tab thing and a pop-up location bar when hitting ctrl-L. Feels nice and designery though. See also [[#Vertical Tabs]] ## Customization - https://zen-browser.app/mods/ Zen supports UI mods, much like [[Pale Moon]] and previous versions of [[Firefox]]. ## Creator Also develops several programming languages. Not what I expected. I assumed they were primarily a designer. - https://github.com/snowball-lang - https://github.com/Basl-Language - https://github.com/ReCT-Lang # Platform Support - Linux ([[AMD64]] & [[ARM64]]) - macOS - Windows ([[AMD64]] & [[ARM64]]) # Features ## Split Screen It's a little awkward, but it's a neat feature. ## Vertical Tabs > Zen Browser will not support horizontal tabs in the near future. The decision to focus on **Vertical Tabs** is a core design choice, with the entire Zen Browser experience built around this concept. \- Zen Browser official FAQ[^12] I've really enjoyed vertical tabs and the auto-hiding sidebar. I'll probably end up switching to [[Sidebery]][^11] for a similar functionapability in other Firefox forks. # Tips ## Third-Party Updater Zen is not able to reliably update itself. There is a third party tool which kinda does it when run manually, but it doesn't work properly either - probably because it[^2] is generated AI [[Generative AI|Slop]]. # References [^1]: https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/08/zen-browser-is-what-mozilla-firefox-should-be [^2]: https://github.com/krafairus/zen-browser-start [^3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_Browser [^4]: https://dosu.dev/ [^5]: https://dosu.dev/blog/using-ai-to-generate-and-maintain-documentation [^6]: https://github.com/apps/dosubot [^7]: https://github.com/pkgxdev/pantry/issues/5358#issuecomment-1962903220 [^8]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39500011 [^9]: https://zen-browser.app/privacy-policy/ [^10]: https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/blob/8959adf9e094fd7897a6f4ce90b4228a28b5aa92/README.md [^11]: https://github.com/mbnuqw/sidebery [^12]: https://docs.zen-browser.app/faq