qutebrowser as a Linux alternative to Brave
Updated
Our verdict
qutebrowser is a good replacement for Brave if you prioritize keyboard efficiency, minimalism, and deep customization over out-of-the-box privacy automation. It blocks ads and trackers effectively when paired with uBlock Origin via a proxy setup, and its privacy controls are strong, though more manual. While it lacks Brave’s automatic fingerprint resistance and crypto rewards, it excels for users comfortable with configuring text-based settings and using the keyboard for navigation. It’s ideal for experienced Linux users who value control and speed over convenience.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.7.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both block ads and trackers with proper configuration
- Privacy-focused by design, with controls for cookies and JavaScript
- Support modern web standards and fast performance on Linux
- Available natively on major Linux distributions
- Can be extended with scripts and customizations
What is different
- qutebrowser lacks built-in fingerprinting protection
- No cryptocurrency rewards or donation system
- Relies on external tools for uBlock Origin, not direct extension support
- Keyboard-driven interface with no mouse focus by default
- No built-in sync or account system
Opening your Brave files
qutebrowser does not directly import Brave profiles, bookmarks, or settings. However, you can export bookmarks from Brave as an HTML file and import them into qutebrowser using tools like qutebrowser-bookmarks. Session data, passwords, and extension settings won’t transfer. Manual setup is required for privacy rules and ad-blocking filters. Compatibility depends on external scripts and user configuration rather than native import features.
Switching from Brave to qutebrowser, step by step
- Install qutebrowser via your distribution’s package manager (e.g.,
sudo apt install qutebrowser) - Export bookmarks from Brave as HTML and import them using a script or manual entry
- Set up uBlock Origin filtering via a local proxy like
qutebrowser-ublock-origin - Configure privacy settings in
~/.config/qutebrowser/config.py - Customize keybindings and themes in the config file to suit your workflow
Key features of qutebrowser
- Keyboard-first navigation with Vim-like keybindings
- Configurable via text-based settings file
- Supports ad blocking with uBlock Origin via proxy
- Tabbed browsing with command-line interface
- Dark mode and custom themes via CSS
- Extensible with Python scripts and userscripts
- Privacy-focused with optional JavaScript and cookie controls
How to install qutebrowser on Linux
sudo apt install qutebrowsersudo apt install qutebrowsersudo dnf install qutebrowsersudo pacman -S qutebrowsersudo zypper install qutebrowserFrequently asked questions
Can qutebrowser block ads like Brave does by default?
Yes, but not out of the box. You need to set up uBlock Origin filtering through a proxy such as qutebrowser-ublock-origin. Once configured, ad blocking is effective and customizable.
Does qutebrowser resist fingerprinting like Brave?
No. qutebrowser doesn’t include built-in anti-fingerprinting. You must manually configure privacy settings, such as disabling JavaScript or user-agent spoofing, to reduce fingerprintability.
Can I use Chrome or Firefox extensions in qutebrowser?
No. qutebrowser does not support browser extensions directly. Instead, it uses proxy-based filtering and userscripts to replicate some functionality like ad blocking.
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