Qutebrowser review (2026): is it any good?
Keyboard-driven browser with a minimal interface
Qutebrowser report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for keyboard-driven browsing for Vim-style users
Qutebrowser is a free browser you drive from the keyboard, written in Python and Qt, with a minimal interface. It needs Python and Qt installed, one developer works on it part-time, and distribution packages may ship an old engine.
Who Qutebrowser is for
- Fits if you like Vim-style keys and a minimal window
- Makes sense if you are comfortable installing Python and Qt
Who Qutebrowser is not for
- Skip it if you want to point and click: it is built around the keyboard
- Not for you if installing Python and Qt sounds like a chore
- Watch out: on Linux, stable distributions may ship an older QtWebEngine on an old Chromium version
- Tight if you want fast fixes: the main maintainer works part-time, funded by donations
Why Qutebrowser gets a 2.6
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree software under the GPL, supported by donations, so under 60% of this category's cheapest quarter.
- AFree plan and trialThe whole browser is free, with Windows and macOS builds on GitHub Releases.
- CFeaturesA keyboard-focused browser with optional ad blocking and built-in help. It does the browsing job on QtWebEngine.
- DEase of useNo rating on record. It needs Python 3.10 or newer and Qt 6.2 or newer, or Qt 5.15, and is run from the keyboard.
- CPlatforms and integrationsLinux, macOS and Windows, desktop only, with no phone version.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from qutebrowser project's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
Make Qutebrowser? Put this grade on your site
Paste this where you want the badge. It links here and follows the grade if it changes. About badges
<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/qutebrowser#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/qutebrowser.svg" alt="Qutebrowser: 2.6 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Qutebrowser stands among browsers
Qutebrowser's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 20 of the 60 other browsers we grade, and level with 2.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 22 of 60) and worst on ease of use (D, above 0).
Qutebrowser has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 61 browsers we grade, cut by the letter each got. Qutebrowser’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 22 of 60, level with 38
- AFree plan and trialAbove 21 of 60, level with 39
- CFeaturesAbove 2 of 60, level with 46
- DEase of useAbove 0 of 60, level with 4
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 4 of 60, level with 34
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 54 browsers. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep Qutebrowser, or make your own?
Keep it
Qutebrowser is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could make
- Ad and tracker blocking: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- A web browser.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. Qutebrowser’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is Qutebrowser?
Qutebrowser is a free, keyboard-focused browser with a minimal GUI, written in Python and Qt and licensed under the GPL. It was inspired by dwb and by the Vimperator and Pentadactyl add-ons. Its main developer works on it part-time, funded by donations.
Worth knowing
- It needs Python 3.10 or newer and Qt 6.2 or newer, or Qt 5.15; Windows and macOS builds are on the GitHub Releases page.
- On Linux, stable distributions may ship an older QtWebEngine based on an old Chromium version.
- The primary maintainer works part-time on it, funded by donations.
Key features
- Keyboard-driven
- Described as a keyboard-focused browser with a minimal GUI, inspired by dwb and Vimperator/Pentadactyl.
- QtWebEngine backend
- Uses the Chromium-based QtWebEngine by default, with an older QtWebKit backend that the project does not recommend because of security issues.
- Optional ad blocking
- Improved ad blocking with Adblock Plus syntax is available when the optional adblock library is installed.
- Built-in help and reporting
- A :report command and crash dialog send bug reports, and a :help command shows documentation.
Qutebrowser pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, Qutebrowser is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Free software under the GPL, supported by donations.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | The full browser, free software under the GPL. |
Read from qutebrowser.org on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Qutebrowser before you buy.
Qutebrowser alternatives
Common questions
Does Qutebrowser have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Qutebrowser is listed for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Does Qutebrowser have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Qutebrowser is listed for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Is Qutebrowser open source?
Yes. Qutebrowser is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.