EpiphanyLinux
vs
Netscape BrowserWindows
Epiphany as a Linux alternative to Netscape Browser
Updated
Our verdict
Epiphany is a solid modern replacement for Netscape Navigator for anyone who just needs a functional web browser on Linux. It handles HTML, CSS, JavaScript, HTTPS, tabs and bookmarks without fuss, and its GNOME integration makes it feel native on most desktop setups. Power users who relied on Netscape’s extensions or legacy plug‑ins may miss that flexibility, but for everyday browsing, reading news, and occasional web‑app work Epiphany matches the core needs well. Users comfortable with GNOME’s keyring for passwords will find the transition smooth, while those on other desktops may prefer a more feature‑rich fork.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- —
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- HTML, CSS and JavaScript rendering via WebKit
- Tabbed browsing with simple UI
- HTTPS support and certificate handling
- Bookmark and history management
- Basic private‑browsing mode
What is different
- No support for Netscape‑style plug‑ins (e.g., NPAPI)
- Limited extension ecosystem compared to modern browsers
- No built‑in email or news client integration that Netscape once offered
- Less granular developer tools than heavyweight browsers
Opening your Netscape Browser files
Netscape stored bookmarks in an HTML file (netscape bookmarks.html). Epiphany can import that file directly through its bookmark manager, so existing bookmark collections move over without issue. There is no native support for Netscape’s old session files, but those can be recreated manually if needed. Exporting from Epiphany produces a standard HTML bookmark file that any other browser, including legacy Netscape, can read.
Switching from Netscape Browser to Epiphany, step by step
- Export your Netscape bookmarks to an HTML file via File → Export Bookmarks.
- Open Epiphany, go to Bookmarks → Import Bookmarks, and select the exported HTML file.
- If you use saved passwords, ensure GNOME Keyring is enabled and re‑enter credentials as you browse.
- Set Epiphany as the default browser in your desktop’s settings.
- Adjust any custom homepage or startup URLs in Epiphany’s preferences.
Key features of Epiphany
- WebKit rendering engine
- GNOME integration (menus, dark mode)
- Simple tab management
- Built‑in reader mode
- Support for HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
- Private browsing window
- Password manager integration with GNOME Keyring
Frequently asked questions
Can Epiphany run Netscape‑specific extensions?
No, Epiphany does not support the old NPAPI plug‑ins that Netscape used; you’ll need to rely on built‑in WebKit features or modern extensions if available.
Is Epiphany suitable for web development work?
It provides basic developer tools, but for heavy debugging or profiling you might prefer Firefox or Chromium, which expose more detailed panels.
Will my saved passwords from Netscape transfer automatically?
Passwords were stored in Netscape’s own database, which Epiphany cannot read. You’ll need to re‑enter them; Epiphany will then store them in GNOME Keyring.
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