Zen Browser
Free, open-source desktop browser built around vertical tabs
What is Zen Browser?
Zen Browser is a free, open-source desktop browser for macOS, Windows and Linux whose codebase is derived from Firefox. Its interface is designed around vertical tabs and adds Workspaces, Split View, a Compact Mode that hides the tab bar, and community-made Zen Mods for customization. It is built by a small volunteer team funded by donations and is still labeled a beta.
Zen Browser is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- People who prefer vertical tabs and a minimal interface
- Firefox users who want workspaces and split view built in
- Those who want an open-source browser funded by donations
Worth knowing
- Zen is labeled a beta and is maintained by a small team, so bug reports and feature requests can take time.
- There is no Android or iOS version, and the FAQ says none is planned.
- The FAQ says Zen has no Widevine license, so DRM-protected streaming does not play on Windows or macOS.
- Horizontal tabs are not supported; the team says they will not be added in the near future.
Key features
- Workspaces
- Tabs are organized into Workspaces so that separate projects stay apart, with quick switching from one to another.
- Vertical tabs and Compact Mode
- The whole interface is built around a vertical tab bar. Compact Mode hides that bar until it is needed, leaving more of the screen for the page.
- Split View
- Split View shows tabs side by side for comparison. Tabs are selected with Ctrl or Shift and split from the right-click menu.
- Glance
- Glance gives quick access to the tabs a person uses most, without scrolling back through history to find them.
- Zen Mods
- Zen Mods are themes and modifications that change how the browser looks and behaves, and the documentation covers live CSS editing for further customization.
- Sync through Firefox Sync
- Signing in with a Mozilla account syncs add-ons, bookmarks, history, passwords and other browser data across devices.
Zen Browser pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Zen is free and open-source with no paid tier. Development is supported by optional donations through Patreon and Ko-fi and by sponsors.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | The full browser for macOS, Windows and Linux, including Workspaces, Split View, Compact Mode and Zen Mods. |
Read from zen-browser.app on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Zen Browser before you buy.
Works with
- Firefox Sync
Zen Browser alternatives
- Zen Browser vs Brave
Free plan · from $3.00/mo
Common questions
Is Zen Browser free?
Yes. Zen Browser is free to use. Zen is free and open-source with no paid tier. Development is supported by optional donations through Patreon and Ko-fi and by sponsors.
How much does Zen Browser cost?
Zen Browser lists one plan. Free: $0. Prices were read from zen-browser.app on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does Zen Browser work on?
Zen Browser is available on macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Zen Browser have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Zen Browser is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Does Zen Browser have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Zen Browser is listed for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is Zen Browser open source?
Yes. Zen Browser is open source, according to its own site.
What does Zen Browser integrate with?
Zen Browser's listing names Firefox Sync. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Zen Browser?
Zen Browser is made by Zen Team.
What are the alternatives to Zen Browser?
The closest alternatives to Zen Browser in our directory are Arc, Firefox, Vivaldi and Brave. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Zen Browser.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.