Yalqen
TRDownload for macOS
GitHub★ 43

Browser comparison · November 2026

Yalqen vs Zen

Two open-source browsers with vertical tabs. Zen is built on Firefox. Yalqen is built on Chromium.

Download for macOSSee the comparison ↓

The short answer

Which one fits you?

Where Yalqen is ahead

  • Chromium engine, the same as Chrome, so sites built for Chrome behave the same and the full Chromium DevTools are built in.
  • Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store, where Zen uses Firefox add-ons.
  • A keyboard-first command bar on ⌘L that runs commands by name.
  • Developer tools built in: phone view with device presets, network throttling, request rules and screenshots.
  • Ad blocking from the first launch, and third-party cookie blocking, HTTPS-only mode and secure DNS one switch away in settings.

Where Zen is ahead

  • Zen runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Yalqen is macOS 13+ on Apple silicon only.
  • Firefox add-ons are fully supported in Zen, while Chrome extensions work in Yalqen with limits.
  • Zen has a community theme collection and more ways to customise its look.

Side by side

Yalqen and Zen in one table

YesPartly, or off by defaultNoDefault settings · Last checked November 2026
YalqenZen
The basics
Source codeOpen source (MIT)Open source (MPL 2.0)
EngineChromium, through ElectronGecko, from Firefox
PlatformsmacOS 13+ on Apple siliconmacOS, Windows, Linux
PriceFreeFree
Privacy by default
Blocks ads
Blocks trackers
No usage analytics
Works without an account
Features
Vertical tabs
Workspaces
Split view
Command bar with developer commands
Renders pages like Chrome
Chrome Web Store extensions
Windows and Linux

Questions about Yalqen and Zen

What is the main difference?

The engine. Zen is built on Firefox’s Gecko engine, Yalqen on Chromium, the engine behind Chrome.

Do Firefox add-ons work in Yalqen?

No. Yalqen installs Chrome extensions from the Chrome Web Store, with limits.

Does Yalqen have workspaces or split view?

Yes. Yalqen has sidebar spaces, saved workspaces and split view. Zen has both as well.

Does Zen block ads?

Not on its own. Zen leaves ad blocking to add-ons such as uBlock Origin. Yalqen blocks ads from the first launch.

Keep comparing

Sources: Zen Browser, Wikipedia

A fresh start, one tab away.

Make the web feel light again.

Download for macOS

Free & open source (MIT) · macOS 13+ · Apple silicon