Firefox as a Linux alternative to Vivaldi

Updated October 22, 2026

Our verdict

Firefox can replace Vivaldi for users who want a fast, privacy‑focused browser with solid extension support and cross‑platform sync. It lacks Vivaldi’s deep UI customization, mouse‑gesture controls, and built‑in email client, so power users who rely on those features may find it insufficient. For everyday browsing, news reading, or developers needing extensions, Firefox is a solid choice.

Feature parity70%

License: MPL-2.0
Price: Free
Latest version: 158.0.1 (October 19, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Firefox Website ↗

What works the same

Both use Chromium‑based engines for rendering (Firefox uses Gecko, but performance is comparable), Both support extensions/add‑ons, Both offer cross‑platform sync of bookmarks, passwords and settings, Both are open source and receive regular security updates, Both allow theme customization and keyboard shortcuts

What is different

Vivaldi offers extensive UI customization (themes, layout, mouse gestures) that Firefox only partially supports via extensions, Vivaldi includes a built‑in email client; Firefox does not, requiring separate email applications, Vivaldi’s tab and window management includes features like tab stacking and split view, which Firefox lacks natively, Vivaldi’s default UI is more minimalistic and keyboard‑centric; Firefox’s UI is more conventional, Vivaldi’s integration with its own ecosystem (notes, RSS, etc.) is absent in Firefox.

Opening your Vivaldi files

Firefox cannot directly open Vivaldi configuration files or bookmarks exported in Vivaldi’s proprietary format. However, you can export bookmarks from Vivaldi as an HTML file and import them into Firefox via the Import/Export feature. For other data such as saved passwords or settings, manual transfer or use of a generic sync service may be necessary.

Switching from Vivaldi to Firefox, step by step

Export Vivaldi bookmarks to an HTML file via Settings > Library > Bookmarks > Export Bookmarks to HTML.
Open Firefox, go to Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks > Import and Backup > Import Bookmarks from HTML, and select the exported file.
In Vivaldi, export passwords and other data if needed (e.g., using a password manager export), then import into Firefox’s password manager.
Install any essential Firefox extensions that you used in Vivaldi to maintain functionality.
Adjust Firefox’s theme and shortcut settings to match your preferred layout, and enable privacy controls as desired.

Key features of Firefox

Fast page loading
Strong privacy controls
Customizable UI
Extensible with add‑ons
Cross‑platform sync
Open source
Regular security updates

How to install Firefox on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install firefox

Debiansudo apt install firefox-esr

Fedorasudo dnf install firefox

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S firefox-i18n-es-mx

openSUSEsudo zypper install MozillaFirefox

Frequently asked questions

Does Firefox support Vivaldi’s tab stacking feature?

No, Firefox does not have a native tab stacking feature. You can use extensions like "Tab Mix Plus" for similar functionality.

Can I use Vivaldi’s built‑in email client in Firefox?

Firefox does not include an email client. You’ll need to use a separate email application or a webmail service.

Will my Vivaldi extensions work in Firefox?

Most Vivaldi extensions are built for Chromium and will not work in Firefox. Firefox has its own extension ecosystem; you’ll need to find equivalent add‑ons.