LibreWolfLinux
vs
VivaldiWindows
LibreWolf as a Linux alternative to Vivaldi
Updated
Our verdict
LibreWolf is not a good replacement for Vivaldi if you rely on its built-in email client, deep UI customization, or Chromium engine. It’s a privacy-hardened Firefox fork, not Chromium-based, so extension and behavior parity is limited. However, for users who prioritize security and privacy over UI tweaks and don’t need email integration, LibreWolf can work as a daily browser. It handles modern web content well but lacks Vivaldi’s workspace and tab management depth. Choose LibreWolf if privacy trumps customization; stick with Vivaldi if you depend on its integrated tools and engine.
- License
- MPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 158.0.1-1 (October 21, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both render modern web pages reliably
- Support tab and window management
- Allow keyboard shortcut customization
- Offer extension support (though different ecosystems)
- Sync bookmarks and passwords with encryption
What is different
- LibreWolf uses Firefox engine (Gecko), not Chromium
- No built-in email client in LibreWolf
- UI customization in Vivaldi is far deeper
- LibreWolf removes telemetry by default; Vivaldi collects some data
- Mouse gestures and tab stacking are native in Vivaldi, not in LibreWolf
Opening your Vivaldi files
LibreWolf cannot directly open Vivaldi-specific files or profiles. However, you can import bookmarks and passwords from Vivaldi via standard HTML or browser export tools. History and settings sync don’t transfer automatically. For passwords, use a cross-platform manager. Extensions must be reinstalled separately. Profile migration isn't supported—manual export/import is required.
Switching from Vivaldi to LibreWolf, step by step
- Export bookmarks from Vivaldi as HTML
- Install LibreWolf via Flathub or AUR
- Import bookmarks in LibreWolf under Settings > Privacy & Security
- Reinstall privacy extensions manually
- Enable sync and set up a Firefox account for cross-device use
- Optionally install LibreWolf-addons for extra privacy
Key features of LibreWolf
- Independent fork of Firefox with hardened privacy settings
- Over 500 privacy, security, and performance configurations pre-applied
- Telemetry, crash reporter, and updater removed
- Enforced settings via librewolf.cfg and policies.json
- Optional LibreWolf-addons for enhanced privacy
- Runs alongside Firefox with separate profile and install path
- Code-reviewed, recommended add-ons list
- Available via Flathub, AUR, and other package sources
How to install LibreWolf on Linux
flatpak install flathub io.gitlab.librewolf-communitysudo pacman -S librewolfFrequently asked questions
Can I run LibreWolf alongside Firefox?
Yes. LibreWolf uses a separate profile and install path, so it won’t interfere with Firefox.
Does LibreWolf support Chrome or Vivaldi extensions?
No. It only supports Firefox-compatible extensions, not Chromium-based ones.
Is sync in LibreWolf as full-featured as Vivaldi’s?
No. LibreWolf uses Firefox Sync, which covers bookmarks, passwords, and settings but not tabs or notes across devices like Vivaldi.
5 other alternatives to Vivaldi
FirefoxFirefox is a fast, private web browser developed by Mozilla.Open sourceFreeFlatpakFirefox vs Vivaldi
ChromiumChromium is the open-source core behind Chrome and Edge, providing a fast, stable web browser without…Open sourceFreeFlatpakChromium vs Vivaldi
BraveBrave is a fast, privacy‑focused web browser that blocks ads and trackers by default and offers an optional…Open sourceFreeFlatpakBrave vs Vivaldi
Google ChromeGoogle Chrome is a proprietary, Chromium-based web browser for Linux that offers a familiar, fast browsing…FreeFlatpakGoogle Chrome vs Vivaldi
FalkonFalkon is a lightweight Qt web browser aimed at providing a fast, feature‑rich browsing experience on Linux.Open sourceFreeFlatpakFalkon vs Vivaldi