This slick Linux browser is like a tricked-out Opera – and it’s faster than Firefox

There isn’t a scarcity of internet browsers. However what makes FireDragon a browser it is best to attempt?

First off, FireDragon was initially a fork of LibreWolf, however the growth crew (which is similar crew behind Garuda Linux) determined to change to the Floorp browser as its base.

Additionally: I’ve tried almost each browser on the market and these are my high 6 (none are Chrome)

FireDragon jogs my memory of a tricked-out model of Opera (with out the built-in AI or Workspaces). There’s even a built-in Workspaces choice, much like that of Opera. As for the UI, I might have preferred to not less than see a vertical tabs choice, however that may all the time be added by way of an extension (comparable to Sidebery). My solely want is that, when utilizing extensions comparable to Sidebery, the horizontal tab bar could possibly be hidden.

What makes FireDragon particular?

The Garuda crew is aware of its means round a UI, and it creates a few of the coolest wanting themes in the marketplace. I am not an enormous fan of darkish themes, however I can admit that all the pieces the Garuda builders contact seems lovely.

However past the wonder, why do you have to think about FireDragon?

Additionally: 5 nice Chrome browser options that put your privateness first

Earlier than we get too deep into this, know that FireDragon is barely out there for Linux and could be put in on Arch-based distributions from throughout the AUR repository and on different distributions by way of Flathub, AppImage, or binary tarballs.

Options

With that mentioned, FireDragon is a privacy-focused internet browser that features:

• Searx and Whoogle search engines like google and yahoo (the default being SearxNG), which may even be run domestically (if crucial)
• Darkish Reader
• Workspaces for improved tab administration
• dr460nized branding
• Firefox account assist
• Presets for each profile-sync-daemon and Firejail (for much more safety)
• Quick webpage loading thanks to personalised settings, FastFox tweaks, and the disabling of media autoplay
• Hidden navigation buttons (as a substitute of grayed-out buttons when inactive)
• PBMode Safety (for safety/monitoring safety that blocks HTTP hundreds on the community stage)
• Newest Fingerprinting is an choice in firedragon.cfg
• Ships with uBlock Origin pre-installed
• A customized self-hosted sync server for Firefox accounts, which can present further privateness in comparison with commonplace Firefox sync
• Mouse gestures, due to Gesturefy

The factor about FireDragon that appeals to me is that it is nearly just like the love-child of Firefox and Opera. It looks like Firefox however seems like Opera, and (to me) that is a superb factor. And since it is privacy-focused, you may wager it is protected to make use of. 

For instance, out of the field, FireDragon makes use of Resist Fingerprinting (RFP) as a substitute of the common FireDragon fingerprinting safety settings. From inside Settings > Privateness & Safety > “Resist Fingerprinting & IP tackle leaks” part, you may allow sturdy safety in opposition to fingerprinting, which is the added safety from Firefox that features pressured gentle mode, some API disabling, and extra. The one factor about this setting is that it’ll more than likely break some websites you go to.

Additionally: 6 obscure browsers which can be higher than Chrome

The excellent news is that the default safety is strong, so that you in all probability will not must allow the sturdy safety in opposition to fingerprinting choice. The entire bits and items present in FireDragon come collectively to create a pleasant and safe expertise.

How does FireDragon carry out?

I used to be pleasantly stunned to search out that FireDragon outperforms Firefox in each startup and web page load instances. It isn’t as quick as Chrome or Opera, which lands it someplace within the center floor of browser efficiency.

I will take that as a result of the added safety makes the dearth of blazing velocity price it.

Additionally: I speed-tested 11 browsers – and the quickest would possibly shock you

Aside from that, FireDragon performs very properly, with the soundness of a way more mature browser.

Though I am set with Zen Browser being my default, I’ll preserve FireDragon put in for these moments once I want a bit extra privateness (however do not need to hassle with Tor).

Is FireDragon best for you?

First off, it’s a must to be a Linux consumer so as to add FireDragon to your present steady of internet browsers. 

Second, you will need to be a fan of the sidebar as a result of FireDragon leans into that function, permitting you so as to add internet panels to get fast entry to sure websites that may operate properly as a panel. For example, I added Perplexity.ai as an internet panel so I may entry the AI search with out leaving the present web page I am viewing.

I discover FireDragon to have simply the correct mix of options, together with an exquisite (dr460nized) UI. Will it grow to be my default? In all probability not, however that does not imply you will not discover it interesting sufficient to make the change.

Additionally: 5 various browsers that may simply substitute Safari in your Mac

You may set up FireDragon on Arch-based distributions with the command:

yay -S firedragon

When you have a Linux distribution that helps Flatpak installs, FireDragon could be added with the command:

flatpak set up flathub org.garudalinux.firedragon

When you’re a Linux consumer, I would extremely suggest you give FireDragon a go and see if it would not substitute your default.