LibreWolfLinux
vs
ChromeWindows
LibreWolf as a Linux alternative to Chrome
Updated
Our verdict
LibreWolf is a good replacement for Chrome if privacy and control are priorities. It handles modern web content well, supports most sites Chrome users expect, and blocks tracking by default. However, it won’t sync with Google accounts or Chrome devices, and some Google-dependent workflows break. It’s best for users who want a standalone, secure browser without ties to Google. Those reliant on Chrome’s ecosystem or certain enterprise tools may find it limiting.
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 159.0-1 (October 27, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports HTML5, JavaScript, and modern web standards
- Runs on Linux and handles tabs, bookmarks, and downloads similarly
- Allows installation of web extensions, including many from Firefox Add-ons
- Includes built-in PDF viewer and developer tools
- Updates regularly with security patches from Firefox Stable
What is different
- No integration with Google services like Chrome Sync or Gmail deep linking
- Telemetry, crash reporting, and updater are removed
- Fingerprinting resistance can break some sites that rely on detailed device info
- No support for Chrome Remote Desktop or Google Password Manager
- Uses Firefox-based engine, so some site behaviors may differ slightly
Opening your Chrome files
LibreWolf can import bookmarks and saved passwords from Chrome if exported manually or accessed via the Chrome profile directory on Linux. However, it cannot directly read Chrome’s encrypted login database due to different encryption backends. You can export bookmarks as HTML and import them. Session data and extensions do not transfer. Synced data from Chrome, like history or open tabs, is not accessible.
Switching from Chrome to LibreWolf, step by step
- Export Chrome bookmarks to an HTML file
- Install LibreWolf via Flathub or official package
- Launch LibreWolf and import the bookmarks file
- Manually re-add essential extensions from LibreWolf-addons or Firefox Add-ons
- Set LibreWolf as default browser in system settings
Key features of LibreWolf
- Built from Firefox Stable with latest security updates
- Telemetry, crash reporting, and updater removed
- Enforced privacy settings via locked config files
- Independent profile and installation path
- Optional LibreWolf-addons for privacy tools
- Hardened security defaults (e.g., resist fingerprinting)
- No connection to Mozilla or Firefox accounts
- Regular updates aligned with Firefox releases
How to install LibreWolf on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.gitlab.librewolf-communitysudo pacman -S librewolfFrequently asked questions
Can I run LibreWolf alongside Chrome?
Yes. LibreWolf uses a separate profile and installation path, so it won’t interfere with Chrome or Firefox.
Does LibreWolf support Chrome extensions?
No. It only supports Firefox-compatible extensions, including LibreWolf-addons and those from Firefox Add-ons.
Why does some web content break in LibreWolf?
Hardened privacy settings, like resistFingerprinting, can cause incompatibilities with sites that rely on detailed browser fingerprinting.
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