Between the browsers With browsers becoming too cumbersome and targeted advertising overwhelming, surfing the web quickly becomes a chore. Added to this is the persistent feeling of being tracked with every click. It seems logical, then, if you're looking for a modern alternative that doesn't entrust your entire digital life to Google, you've probably come across Zen Browser; otherwise, you wouldn't be here. Based on Firefox Heavily inspired by Arc's practical organization, this browser is free and open source. It focuses heavily on tab management and privacy. On paper, the promise is enticing. But how does it actually perform on your desktop? We took a closer look.
Putting an end to the avalanche of unreadable tabs
If you are used to keeping 40 tabs You already know the problem with having multiple apps open at the same time. With a traditional bar at the top, logos get cramped, titles disappear, and you end up clicking randomly. Zen Browser moves all of that to a sidebar on the left. And when you simply want to read an article or work in peace, this panel collapses to give you the entire screen.
To avoid mixing up your days, we've identified two features that are real game-changers:
- Workspaces: you organize your activities into distinct sections. You keep your professional research in one place, your social networks in another, and reserve a space for your leisure activities. You switch between them with a single click, without cluttering your pages.
- The Essentials area: located at the very top, it's used to keep your essential tools like Gmail, your personal email account, or YouTube handy. Your favorite services remain accessible at all times without cluttering your browsing.
In addition, the Web Panel is really handy. Its main function is to keep a handy view on the side. You can slip in, among other things, a dictionary while you're writing your report. You can also put a notepad ou WhatsAppTherefore, you can chat without splitting your screen in two.
Your privacy protected and a PC that breathes
Most modern browsers are based on Chromium. This is the case for Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Opera. Zen Browser takes a different approach. It's based on Firefox, which changes quite a few things in how your data is handled.
Here, no one forces you to create an account. You also don't need to provide an email address after downloading. You can simply open your browser and start browsing.
Furthermore, the team has disabled the telemetry and statistics components built into Firefox by default. Your login credentials remain saved locally. The same applies to your form entries and history. This data therefore remains on your Hard disk, without background transfer.
Your computer will thank you too. If your computer tends to struggle when you open several large pages, you'll quickly appreciate Tab Unloading. With a simple right-click, you can put an inactive page to sleep. This frees up RAM without having to close the tab.
Minor flaws and compromises to expect
To be completely honest with you, the software is new and needs some adjustments.
Ads aren't blocked by default. The browser does a good job of blocking trackers and other tracking technologies. However, it does allow regular banner ads. If you want to get rid of them, you'll need to add an extension, such as uBlock Origin. It's available in just two clicks from the Firefox add-on catalog.
You also need to adjust a few habits. The profile button is located on the left. Some menus aren't where you'd expect them. The overall layout therefore differs from a typical browser. If you use Chrome If you've been using Edge for several years, a few hours will probably be necessary. Just enough time to get back into the swing of things.
Furthermore, customization enthusiasts should keep an eye on Zen Mods. These community-created themes are used to modify colors and interface transparency. However, some visual issues may appear on certain websites. For example, buttons may be slightly misaligned.
Our verdict: Is this the right choice for you?
If you're attached to your old habits and your current browser suits you perfectly, there's no need to change. However, if you're looking to better organize your tabs while keeping an eye on your vie privéeZen Browser definitely deserves your attention. It's an interesting alternative to try.
