Since the release of Raspberry Pi OS (previously known as Raspbian) in 2012, the idea of using a Raspberry Pi as an everyday computer has caught on. Unfortunately, the hardware limitations of the early Pis and the lack of dedicated programs made it almost impossible. In recent times it’s been proven practical enough to use a Pi as a PC, as can be seen with the Raspberry Pi 400 compact keyboard-computer.
The Pi 400 wasn’t a groundbreaking product, but rather the mass production of something that enthusiasts were already using. The latest revisions of the Raspberry Pi started packing more hardware resources, enabling support for a fully fledged operating system (OS). The Raspberry Pi 4 has a hardware configuration that resembles low-end laptops, at a fraction of the cost. Naturally, that has led to the rise of the Pi as a daily driver computer.
And since we spend a daily average of 7 hours browsing online, a good and versatile web browser is a must on every computer. By default, Raspberry Pi OS, the most-used OS on Pi devices, uses Chromium. But if this browser isn’t enough or it feels too slow for your needs, other options are available.
In this article, we’ll go over the best alternative browsers to use on a Raspberry Pi. But first, let’s take a look at a few technical specs and then go over how we chose them.
How to Install
While some browsers come in an installer package that can be downloaded and installed the “traditional” way, others need to be accessed from the Pi’s Terminal.
For example, Vivaldi has a Linux DEB ARM64 package that can be downloaded from the website, while Luakit needs to be installed with a line command. We’ll include the command at the end of each browser’s description where relevant. If you’d like to know the name of every package supported by Raspberry Pi OS, you can check out the complete list.
To open a Terminal window to install your browser of choice, select the Terminal icon on the toolbar at the top of your screen, or open the Accessories menu and select Terminal. You can find more info on how to use the terminal on the Raspberry Pi website.
First of all, make sure your system is up to date. Paste the following command and press Enter to run it: sudo apt-get update
Now, to update all the other packages, copy-paste this and press Enter to run it:
sudo apt-get upgrade
In case you’re running on an older version, let the system handle the updates and follow the on-screen instructions. Once the updates are completed, come back to the terminal. If you want to install Firefox, for example, you’ll have to paste sudo apt-get install firefox-esr and press Enter. Once the installation is finished, you’ll find your new browser under the Internet submenu on the toolbar.
The process is the same for all browsers and programs. The only variable is the installation command. Pretty easy, right?
Considerations
A good browser should satisfy all these requirements:
- Alive and in good shape: The browser must be in active development. It should also be open-source, either completely or partially. Being lightweight and having a small hardware footprint are also crucial points.
- Runs on ARM Linux: Although some more recent Pi models have spec sheets similar to a PC and support Windows 10 ARM Edition, all the browsers should be able to run under Linux on a Raspberry Pi 3. Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian) is taken as a reference, but you can read more about the best OSs for the Raspberry Pi 4.
- A daily driver: A modern graphical user interface (GUI) is preferred to a text-based interface. Ease of use, integration with existing services, extensions, handling of privacy, and the general user experience are key points.
Since browser privacy has become a popular point of discussion, we’ll include a few considerations about it. We’ll start from the premise that privacy matters. Everybody is entitled to knowing which data is collected during browsing, by who, and how is it used and stored. Whenever possible, we’ll include sources and privacy notices, as well as first-party indications on data collection.
Chromium
Chromium is the default browser on Raspberry Pi OS, optimized for a Pi’s smaller memory. It’s an open-source, reduced version of Chrome that maintains support for most of Google’s services. The user interface remains the same as Chrome, including the tab layout and behavior. The change to Chromium will be easier for those who use Chrome daily on other devices, but on the other hand, for those who don’t like Chrome’s interface, Chromium may not be the right choice.
Chromium lacks some features compared to its bigger brother, like a PDF viewer, automatic updates, and Chrome’s Web Store. This last deficiency means that it doesn’t support extensions or themes. It’s important to note that due to some missing libraries (like Google’s Widevine), it’s not possible to watch DRM-protected content on it (e.g. from streaming platforms). The workaround through this is to manually install those libraries. This issue might present itself again in the case that the library isn’t updated frequently enough. It also lacks support for H.264, MP3, and AAC codecs, meaning some type of multimedia files can’t be played.
According to Chromium’s privacy page, the browser is under the Google Chrome Privacy Notice. This means that the way personal data is handled on Chromium should be the same as the rest of Google’s web browsers. Since the general opinion on this is very divided, we leave it to the final user to decide if this is a pro or a con. However, we want to underline the fact that Chromium doesn’t communicate with Google the same way Chrome does and doesn’t send usage reports or telemetry data.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Linux, Windows 10 ARM
- Where to find it: Chromium
- Installation string:
sudo apt-get install chromium-browser(or alternative packagechromium)
Mozilla Firefox
Widely known by the public, Firefox is an open-source browser with an easy-to-navigate interface. It’s the world’s fourth-most-used browser, after Chrome, Safari, and Edge. The Pi version, often referred to as Firefox ESR, supports all the original features, including extensions, add-ons, and a blocker for external trackers. Firefox is one of the most versatile browsers available, as it offers a user experience comparable to the desktop version. It’s the best choice for daily users who don’t need a large number of tabs open.
Despite being considered a less memory-demanding choice compared to Chromium, we couldn’t find any proof backing such claims.
The argument of privacy often ticks out when talking about Firefox. It offers a paid VPN service and has the option to completely turn off internal trackers. This, of course, means that the browser tracks some of the user’s activity unless told not to do so. It demonstrates that even if the code is open-source, the respect of the user’s privacy is not inherently guaranteed.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Windows 10 ARM
- Where to find it: Firefox
- Installation string:
sudo apt-get install firefox-esr
Vivaldi
This almost unknown browser, named after the famous Italian composer, boasts a familiar interface and a straightforward approach to multitasking. The tab layout is highly customizable, with a very flexible screen space manager. It integrates an ad, cookie, and tracker blocker by default, and it supports extensions.
Browsing on Vivaldi will feel familiar to Firefox or Chrome users, as the core functionalities are the same across the three of them. Vivaldi stands out for its easy and customizable tab management. With options such as stacking and resizing multiple tabs, it’s excellent for users who demand a functional and rapid workspace.
While based on Chromium, Vivaldi isn’t open-source software. According to the developers, the only source of income for the Vivaldi project is through partner deals with search engines and bookmark partners. If you’re interested in the topic, you can read Vivaldi’s privacy policy.
The Widevine workaround previously mentioned for Chromium is applicable here too and is officially endorsed by the developers.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Linux Debian, and RPM natively (additional snapshots required for non-Debian/RPM distributions)
- Where to find it: Vivaldi
- Installation string: Direct install from website, or see the manual setup instructions
LuaKit
LuaKit is an extremely lightweight (only 9,000 lines of code) and minimalistic browser, based on the Lua language and the open-source Webkit engine.
The GUI is scarce, with the address bar at the bottom of the window. But what it lacks in the interface, it compensates for in performance: with minimum memory consumption, it can withstand several tabs open without majorly impacting the system. Other than this, it’s quite lackluster in terms of common features: no extension support or private mode, for example.
Its main attribute is that every module, from the interface to the various blockers, is customizable. As for the developer, LuaKit is “primarily targeted at power users, developers and anyone who wants to have fine-grained control over their web browser’s behavior and interface.” Although this might sound intimidating, the base version of the browser can be used without any programming knowledge. It won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s a decent compromise between performance and usability.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Linux
- Where to find it: LuaKit
- Installation string:
sudo apt-get install luakit
Lynx
Lynx is a text-based browser: this means that it’s unable to display images, animations, or videos and instead only displays the text of any web page. This might not make it the best bet for everyday use, especially for entertainment purposes. Yet because of this, resource consumption is extremely reduced when compared to other entries on this list.
Lynx doesn’t support JavaScript, a programming language many websites require to be displayed or show interactive features. A graphical interface is non-existent, and it doesn’t add any other special features.
It can be considered a fancy tool for super-users, but it’s also a functional piece of software. For heavy multitasking, particularly on an old system or with a slow internet connection, Lynx gets the job done. It’s the lightest browser available, too, if space is a concern.
Because of the limited support, Lynx automatically cuts off certain trackers and cookies that simply can’t work with it. It also lacks many other common privacy features, including a private mode and total tracker blockage. It doesn’t support plugins or add-ons, leaving the user unable to personalize the interface or the functionalities without touching the source code.
For those interested in the fascinating world of text browsers there’s also Browsh, a modern alternative, with partial support for graphical content.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Linux
- Where to find it: Lynx
- Installation string:
sudo apt-get install lynx
Tor
With the reputation of being the most private, untraceable, and secure browser, Tor is a must for every user concerned with privacy. With an interface derived directly from Firefox, the backbone of the browser is actually way more complex.
Tor redirects the user’s traffic through a series of nodes scattered around the globe, in order to anonymize the request and avoid any tracking. This network doesn’t guarantee complete anonymity, but it helps tremendously to reduce the likelihood of being traced back to a set of data.
The amount of privacy protection that Tor offers is great, but in order to work flawlessly, it requires a constant commitment from the user: No logins or direct downloads, no commenting or engaging in social activities, and so on. That is, no activities that could help identify who’s behind the monitor.
Of course, if someone isn’t interested in total protection (but only higher-than-normal), Tor is still a valid alternative for everyday browsing. Just don’t take all of these precautions. And with a layout imported directly from Firefox, the user experience is straightforward, too.
According to Adafruit, a Raspberry Pi with Tor can also be used as an Onion Pi, which creates a secure wireless access point that will anonymously route all of your web browsings through the Tor network.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Linux
- Where to find it: Tor
- Installation string: In order to get Tor up and running as quickly as possible, you’ll have to install the Pi Apps Collection of installation scripts. You can do so by running the command:
wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Botspot/pi-apps/master/install
After the installation is complete, run Pi Apps from the Accessories submenu on the toolbar. In the Pi Apps window, select the Internet section, scroll down and find the Tor application. Click on it, then follow the instructions.
Konqueror
Konqueror combines an advanced file manager, web browser, and document viewer in a lightweight software package. It comes with everything needed to preview and manage a wide variety of file formats and supports first-party plug-ins for the rest of them.
Based on the Dolphin file manager, Konqueror can also work with FTP and SFTP server protocols and perform basic databasing tasks.
But with the main focus being file management, the web browsing experience isn’t one of the best. The interface is intuitive but skinny, offering all basic features and not much more. If space is a concern, a multipurpose, all-in-one package might be the most sensible solution.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Linux
- Where to find it: Konqueror
- Installation string:
sudo apt-get install konqueror
Pale Moon
Pale Moon is a well-optimized, open-source browser, with software packages made specifically for Raspberry Pi OS.
Like many others, the interface is based on Firefox and is easy to use. It supports a series of extensions and themes, as well as a private mode derived from Firefox, and it integrates natively an ad and spyware blocker.
Thanks to its optimization and constant support, Pale Moon combines the advantages of the familiar Firefox interface alongside a low memory impact. Yet it doesn’t feature any innovative characteristics, making it a good alternative for those who don’t like the other Firefox-based browsers, even if it’s not necessarily the first pick.
While it’s good enough for general purpose use, more demanding applications will require a more powerful browser.
- Available on: Raspberry Pi OS, Linux
- Where to find it: Pale Moon
- Installation string: Direct install from website, or see the manual setup instructions
License: The text of "The Best Raspberry Pi Browsers" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.