Librewolf is an excellent browser.

[hacktheworld]

I installed LibreWolf on Debian 12, and I found that it is a great browser for those who want a browser focused on privacy and security.
It doesn't have a password manager, but it's not a problem, with a few clicks you install and set up KeePassXC.
LibreWolf exceeded all my expectations.

LibreWolf Browser

A custom version of Firefox, focused on privacy, security and freedom.

librewolf.net

 

[KGIII]

It's a solid browser. I use it to access one of my bank's online portal. It's a very limited account and can only access a set value. It's useful when I want to generate a debit card number for online shopping. I also use it to restock some online stuff. Funds get moved to the account every two weeks unless I spend more.

I use different browsers for different things. This is one such example. It is good for my productivity and security.

 

[Tomedi]

I used to use it, but recently has switched to Waterfox for two reasons:

1. There is an Android version.
2. The toolbars are much smaller.

Both browsers are based on Firefox and if (or should it be "when"?) Mozilla is no more then they will be gone, too. Let's hope it never happens.

 

[theLegionWithin]

i tried it but it defaults to light theme - i need dark theme only and it wouldnt switch. something about fingerprinting. I didnt care enough to find out how to fix that. will try waterfox to see if sucks less

 

[Condobloke]

Give floorp a run

Floorp PPA

curl -fsSL https://ppa.floorp.app/KEY.gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/Floorp.gpg
(answer y)
sudo curl -sS --compressed -o /etc/apt/sources.list.d/Floorp.list "https://ppa.floorp.app/Floorp.list"
sudo apt update
sudo apt install floorp

 

[KGIII]

Give floorp a run

Funny that you mention that. That was the last new browser that I installed. When I first tried it, it only supported Japanese so it was not something I could use. I tried it about a year ago, on a different system that's now defunct, and it supported English. About a month ago, I was looking for browsers I hadn't tried (or tried recently) and that one was on a list, so it got installed.

It works well enough as yet another Firefox clone.

At this point, we probably should have more Firefox clones - and hopefully some of them will survive if Firefox ends up going under.

I agree with you entirely. Give Floorp a shot. I chose to kill the side bar and status bar, as I want dense information in the browser window, and that was all the tweaking I did other than installing an ad blocking extension. It's good about having a dark theme as it can be set to follow the system's theme. That was a good thing that some browsers ignore.

 

[theLegionWithin]

ill take a look at it as well, thanks!

 

[Condobloke]

if floorp gives any annoying problems...try Midori

 

[JamesLopez]

Funny that you mention that. That was the last new browser that I installed. When I first tried it, it only supported Japanese so it was not something I could use. I tried it about a year ago, on a different system that's now defunct, and it supported English. About a month ago, I was looking for browsers I hadn't tried (or tried recently) and that one was on a list, so it got installed.

It works well enough as yet another Firefox clone.

At this point, we probably should have more Firefox clones - and hopefully some of them will survive if Firefox ends up going under.

I agree with you entirely. Give Floorp a shot. I chose to kill the side bar and status bar, as I want dense information in the browser window, and that was all the tweaking I did other than installing an ad blocking extension. It's good about having a dark theme as it can be set to follow the system's theme. That was a good thing that some browsers ignore. Librewolf is definitely a great browser for privacy-focused users. It’s nice to see more alternatives to mainstream options, especially ones that cut out all the unnecessary tracking. I’ve been exploring different software lately, not just for browsing but also for trade-ins and device management. That’s how I came across Phobio reviews—it’s interesting to see how companies handle device buybacks and software integration. Just like with browsers, having the right tools can make a big difference in user experience. Anyone else here experimenting with privacy-friendly software or different tech solutions? Would love to hear some recommendations!

The removal of telemetry and other tracking elements is a big plus for me. Plus, the security-focused updates make it a great option for anyone looking to browse the web without compromising their personal data. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it’s definitely one of my top recommendations for anyone wanting a more private browsing experience.

 

[Condobloke]

My most recent experience with librewolf, was a complaint from the update manager that it was not signed....
Installed it initially with:

sudo apt install extrepo
sudo extrepo enable librewolf
sudo apt install librewolf -y

It got the flick

 

[KGIII]

a complaint from the update manager

If you're up for it and still interested, you can try the flatpak version.

Install LibreWolf on Linux | Flathub

LibreWolf Web Browser

flathub.org

I've been using a lot of flatpaks lately. Most of the retro game console emulators for Linux oddly have current versions packaged as flatpaks. There's a whole bunch of them, for many consoles and old computer architectures.

They even have Bottles, which is what I use to run Windows games. I've been playing Fallout 2 lately and having a great time at it.

Anyhow, if you want to use Librewolf then you can try the flatpak version.

If they're not already enabled, just sudo apt install flatpak. The installation instructions are available for each package on Flathub. Your system should add the installed Flatpaks to your application menu, so you shouldn't need to run them from the terminal.

 

[Condobloke]

I've been using a lot of flatpaks lately.

Unlike you, I have been heading in the opposite direction. I currently do not have a flatpak installed.

Librewolf can join the discards heap.

currently using the latest F'Fox, with floorp as a backup

FF is behaving itself, thus far

 

[KGIII]

Librewolf can join the discards heap.

I can relate. I was merely offering an alternative installation method.

As for flatpaks...

Search for 'emulator' | Flathub

Find and install hundreds of apps and games for Linux. Enjoy Firefox, Telegram, RetroArch, GIMP and many more!

flathub.org

If you want to get into retro gaming (and finding roms is very easy) then that's a fine place to start. I seldom used flatpaks until I started getting into retro gaming and emulating old consoles.

 

[Mike-W0BTU]

It's snap packages, and not flatpacks, that I tend to shy away from. I forget why at the moment.

 

[KGIII]

I forget why at the moment.

They're mostly harmless. There were some teething issues but things seem to be mostly sorted now. I've never had a problem with them and don't mind them. I'm comfortable with a variety of packaging methods and I can see the reason why devs might prefer to release snaps over the more traditional methods.

And, yes, it's the devs who are deciding to release snaps. Ubuntu set it up and made it available, but most of the snap applications are maintained by the devs themselves. Ubuntu has a handful of snaps that they themselves curate and maintain.

I only have one complaint and it's a bit minor. The code for the snap server itself is not open source. The rest is, but the server isn't. (That may have changed. I'm no longer testing and I'm no longer an official Ubuntu member. I'll resume that once my bandwidth is back to normal.)

 

[Aristarchus]

Since Librewolf and Florp are FF forks then one way to see which is better is to check default privacy/security settings:
Enables HTTPS-Only Mode
Floorp No
Librewolf yes
Enables Post Quantum Key Agreement
Floorp No
Librewolf Yes
Requires safe connection negotiations
Floorp No
Librewolf Yes
Protects against IDN Homograph Attacks
Floorp No
Librewolf Yes
Hard-fails OCSP revocation checks
Floorp No
Librewolf Yes
Enforces Strict Certificate Pinning
Floorp No
Librewolf Yes
Enables CRLite revocation checks
Floorp No
Librewolf Yes

I could go on (DNS prefetching, link prefetching, speculative preconnections, search suggestions, cross origin referers), but these were weak points when I checked Floorp.
Both require some work except more issues is visible with Floorp. So if I am going to customize then less work is with Librewolf. But de gustibus non disputandum est so as long as users are happy with either..

 

[Condobloke]

Installing Librewolf. my last attempt produced an error in Linux Mints Update Manager, which basically said the repository key etc was unsigned....not particularly secure....so I deleted the repository info from Software Sources.

This was probably caused by Librewolf itself. ...

Debian Migration Guide​

The structure of our Debian repository has changed. https://deb.librewolf.nethas been replaced by https://repo.librewolf.net. If you previously used the old repository, please run the following commands in a terminal to move to the new repository and continue to receive updates.
So, by not removing the OLD repository info from their links all over the 'net, they left the possibility open for the old stuff to be downloaded....which is exactly what I did.....with the abovementioned error being the result.
NOW:...read this. it is a short read, and easy to follow.
I followed the steps to Remove the OLD repository from my PC......just in case there were any leftovers.
https://librewolf.net/debian-migration/
yeah, I know....you are not "migrating" as such.....just follow it anyway
(be warned:Only follow these steps if you installed LibreWolf through APT on aDebian-like distro. If you installed LibreWolf using Flatpak (often just called something like "Software Center"), or by other means, you do not need to follow these steps, as that could result in errors or you having LibreWolf installed two times.)
Remove the Old Repository from your PC.....read above ^^^^^^^
(instructions are at the link above if you need them)

1. Add the new repository to your PC​

sudo apt update && sudo apt install extrepo -y

sudo extrepo enable librewolf

sudo apt --allow-releaseinfo-change update

2. Update LibreWolf (optional) DO THIS....It Updates your Librewolf to 136.0-2​

sudo apt upgrade librewolf -y

That's it. Librewolf is installed.

 

[Condobloke]

First Impressions. it's good...quite quick. Settings were familiar from firefox (of course) but Librewolfs changes and additions are there to be seen.

No cause for complaint.

The post above this from @Aristarchus convinced me to give Librewolf a try

 

[Condobloke]

I experienced just one 'fault'.....not a fault really ....just an inconvenience.

Each time Librefolf opened it opened as a half page....not maximised (I prefer maximised....just a habit)

I found an add on: Maximize All Windows .....in Firefox extensions/add-ons

Works beautifully. Opens all browser windows, maximised.

i did try various other 'fixes'....none of which worked.

I believe it can be fixed by disabling : privacy.resistFingerprinting ....setting the value in about:config to false......But this defeats a great deal of the purpose of using Librewolf in the first place, so I opted to use the extension which changes nothing.

All good.

 

[KGIII]

Each time Librefolf opened it opened as a half page

It probably opens at a specific size to avoid standing out when your browser is being fingerprinted. It takes away the metric of 'screen size' and 'resolution'. The Tor browser does the same thing and they advise you to keep it the default size to avoid standing out if you're being fingerprinted.

If you're not worried about that, and that's a bit paranoid but understandable I guess, then carry on. If that's something you do care about, you might want to revert the settings.