Web browsers cause a bit of disappointment on Linux systems.
Web browsers cause a bit of disappointment on Linux systems.
I’ve used FireFox for a long time but stopped because of stability problems. I moved to Opera, but now I’m back to it. After switching to Linux, FF feels less appealing since I don’t like its license. I’ve tried LibreWolf on Fedora KDE—it’s buggy and the password manager isn’t reliable. Falkon works for some tasks but lacks features like CrunchyRoll. I’m stuck choosing between FF, LibreWolf, or Falkon, each with its own drawbacks. Privacy matters, but the alternatives don’t meet my needs. Chrome is out of the question on this system. Any other browsers that work well with KDE without much hassle?
Did you try Waterfox? It's essentially Firefox but without the new licensing changes. Otherwise, make sure you're using a LibreWolf stable version and not mistakenly on the beta or alpha stage. On Linux it's quite straightforward to do this.
I'm not sure if you want to try it since you're not a fan of Firefox, but Zen is really appealing. I don't think the password manager works the same as in Chrome, though I enjoyed the overall Firefox experience more. It looks and feels great.
I don't suggest using any of the Firefox clones on a system where you plan to browse the web regularly. The Mozilla Security Team does an excellent job, and based on what I know, none of the forks match them closely. Considering how risky the online environment is today, it's important to choose a browser that consistently delivers essential security updates. Here are some recent CVEs addressed in Firefox, but were they resolved in Waterfox? Who can say. Mozilla has been working hard to help you see less reason to dislike Firefox, but for now it remains the top choice. It will take time for any fork to keep up (if that happens).
Built-in browser password managers offer ease but lack the robust security of specialized tools and plugins, no matter the browser or engine. Switching to a dedicated manager like Bitwarden is recommended—install the extension for your preferred browser and use it on your phone. For the browser, Brave is my choice, though I also use LibreWolf, which functions well. Regarding Falkon, DRM support depends on enabling Widevine for CrunchyRoll; you can manage extensions via Brave’s settings.
Yeah, Falkon used to be a hidden gem, but it lacks essential features for regular use when paired with modern sites. Still, it remains impressive for older websites that rely on outdated IP connections. Browsers really reflect personal preferences—some folks are frustrated with Windows, others with Linux, but everyone has their own comfort zone. It’s unfair to demand uniformity in tools. Off topic, but Linux offers freedom of choice; criticizing your selection isn’t the issue unless you back it up with solid reasons or a clear explanation. Just don’t push it without proper justification.
On a different note: For me, Vivaldi performs well and has improved since Firefox’s design changes. It doesn’t just look good—it functions better. It aims to go beyond being a basic browser, and that’s something many users appreciate. If you’re curious, give it a try—you might find it enhances your experience, just like I did with Firefox before.