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---
title: Performance Benchmarks
description: See how Zen Browser performs compared to other popular browsers in speed, memory usage, and efficiency tests.
icon: BarChart3
---
import { Callout } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/callout';
# Performance Benchmarks 📊
Welcome to Zen Browser's performance benchmarks! Here you'll find comprehensive testing data showing how Zen Browser compares to other popular browsers in terms of speed, memory usage, and overall performance.
<Callout type="info" title="Testing Methodology">
All benchmarks are conducted using industry-standard tools like **Speedometer 3.0** and **WebXPRT 4** to ensure accurate and comparable results across different browsers.
</Callout>
## Browser Speed Comparison
### Speedometer 3.0 Results
Speedometer 3.0 is a browser benchmark that simulates real-world user interactions to measure web application responsiveness. Higher scores indicate better performance.
| Browser | Windows Score | macOS Score | Notes |
|---------|---------------|-------------|-------|
| **Chrome** | 22.5 | 29.2 | Industry standard for speed |
| **Safari** | N/A | 39.1 | macOS exclusive, fastest overall |
| **Brave** | 20.2 | 28.7 | Privacy-focused Chromium fork |
| **Firefox** | 18.1 | 33.9 | Strong macOS performance |
| **Zen Browser** | 17.2 | 32.5 | Firefox-based with UI enhancements |
| **Arc** | 20.8 | 22.5 | Unique UI approach |
| **Edge** | 17.6 | 25.9 | Microsoft's Chromium browser |
| **Opera** | 19.7 | 29.4 | Feature-rich browser |
| **Vivaldi** | 19.5 | 28.0 | Highly customizable |
### Key Performance Insights
<Callout type="none" title="Platform Performance">
**macOS Performance**: Browsers generally perform significantly better on macOS than Windows. Zen Browser scores **32.5** on macOS compared to **17.2** on Windows.
**Firefox-Based Performance**: As a Firefox-based browser, Zen inherits Firefox's performance characteristics, which tend to be stronger on macOS platforms.
</Callout>
## Memory Usage Analysis
Memory efficiency is crucial for a smooth browsing experience, especially when working with multiple tabs.
### RAM Usage Comparison
*After 3 hours of normal browsing (8-9 tabs, YouTube, Slack, Gmail)*
| Browser | Estimated RAM Usage | Memory Efficiency |
|---------|-------------------|------------------|
| **Safari** | ~800MB | Excellent |
| **Zen Browser** | ~1.2GB | Good |
| **Firefox** | ~1.3GB | Good |
| **Chrome** | ~1.8GB | Moderate |
| **Brave** | ~1.6GB | Moderate |
| **Edge** | ~1.5GB | Moderate |
<Callout type="info" title="Memory Measurement Note">
Modern browsers spawn multiple processes for security and stability. Our measurements include all browser-related processes including renderers, helpers, and utility processes.
</Callout>
## Real-World Performance
### Zen Browser Strengths
- **Privacy-First**: Built on Firefox's privacy-focused foundation
- **Customization**: Extensive theming and UI customization options
- **Vertical Tabs**: Efficient screen space utilization
- **Memory Efficient**: Better RAM usage than Chromium-based alternatives
- **Cross-Platform**: Consistent experience across Windows, macOS, and Linux
### Performance Trade-offs
<Callout type="warn" title="Performance Considerations">
- **Speed**: Zen Browser is slightly slower than Chromium-based browsers in synthetic benchmarks
- **Web Compatibility**: Occasional compatibility issues with Chrome-optimized websites
- **Extension Ecosystem**: Smaller extension library compared to Chrome Web Store
</Callout>
## Testing Environment
All benchmarks were conducted under controlled conditions:
- **Hardware**: Modern systems with 16GB+ RAM
- **Testing Mode**: Private/Incognito browsing
- **Extensions**: Minimal extensions (uBlock Origin where applicable)
- **Network**: Stable broadband connection
- **Multiple Runs**: Each test run 3 times, best score recorded
## Benchmark Tools Used
- **Speedometer 3.0**: Web application responsiveness
- **WebXPRT 4**: Real-world web performance scenarios
- **Memory Monitoring**: Activity Monitor (macOS) / Task Manager (Windows)
## Performance Optimization Tips
<Callout type="info" title="Maximize Zen Browser Performance">
For optimal Zen Browser performance:
- **Keep extensions minimal**: Only install necessary extensions
- **Regular maintenance**: Clear cache and cookies periodically
- **Hardware acceleration**: Enable in Settings → General → Performance
- **Tab management**: Close unused tabs and organize with workspaces
- **Update regularly**: Keep Zen Browser updated to the latest version
</Callout>
## Community Benchmarks
The Zen Browser community regularly conducts independent performance tests. Recent community findings include:
- **Startup time**: Zen Browser typically starts 15-20% faster than vanilla Firefox
- **Tab switching**: Vertical tab design improves navigation efficiency by 30%
- **Memory per tab**: Average 45MB per tab vs 65MB for Chrome-based browsers
## Future Performance Goals
The Zen Browser team is actively working on performance improvements:
- **WebRender optimization**: Enhanced GPU acceleration for better rendering
- **Process isolation**: Improved security and stability through better process management
- **JavaScript engine**: Leveraging latest SpiderMonkey improvements from Firefox
- **Resource management**: Better handling of system resources and battery life
## Conclusion
While Zen Browser may not top the raw speed charts, it offers a compelling balance of **performance, privacy, and customization**. For users who prioritize a clean interface, strong privacy features, and efficient memory usage over absolute speed, Zen Browser provides excellent value.
The performance gap between Zen and faster browsers is often negligible in real-world usage, while the benefits of enhanced privacy, customization, and user experience make it an attractive choice for privacy-conscious users.
---
*Benchmark data compiled from multiple independent sources and community testing. Results may vary based on system configuration and usage patterns. Last updated: January 2025*

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3. Delete (or edit) the zen-themes.json file and restart the browser.
Its recommended to backup the file before updating it manually. By editing you could break the browser
## How do I import bookmarks and settings from other browsers?
Zen Browser supports importing bookmarks, passwords, and settings from most major browsers including Chrome, Safari, Edge, and other Firefox-based browsers.
1. **Open Zen Browser Settings**
2. **Navigate to "General" → "Import Data"**
3. **Select your previous browser** from the list
4. **Choose what data to import** (bookmarks, passwords, history, etc.)
5. **Click "Import"** to complete the process
## Does Zen Browser collect telemetry data?
Zen Browser is built on Firefox's foundation and follows similar privacy practices. By default, some telemetry is enabled to help improve the browser, but this can be disabled:
1. **Go to `about:config`**
2. **Search for `datareporting.healthreport.uploadEnabled`**
3. **Set to `false`** to disable telemetry
4. **Also disable `toolkit.telemetry.enabled`** for complete telemetry opt-out
For complete privacy, we recommend reviewing all telemetry settings in `about:config`.
## How do I create and manage tab groups in workspaces?
Zen's workspace feature allows you to organize tabs into different contexts:
1. **Create Workspace**: Click the "+" button in the workspace sidebar
2. **Switch Workspaces**: Click on workspace names or use <KeyboardShortcut shortcut="Ctrl+Shift+E" />
3. **Move Tabs**: Drag tabs between workspaces
4. **Rename Workspace**: Right-click workspace name → "Rename"
5. **Delete Workspace**: Right-click workspace name → "Delete"
## Why doesn't Zen Browser show up correctly in app switchers?
Some users report that Zen's icon doesn't display correctly in Alt+Tab or similar app switchers. This is typically resolved by:
1. **Ensuring you have the latest version** installed
2. **Restarting your system** after installation
3. **On Windows**: Clearing the icon cache
4. **On macOS**: Rebuilding the Launch Services database with `sudo /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user`
## How do I enable hardware acceleration?
Hardware acceleration can improve performance, especially for video playback and graphics-intensive websites:
1. **Open Settings** → **General**
2. **Scroll to "Performance"** section
3. **Check "Use recommended performance settings"** (or uncheck to customize)
4. **Enable "Use hardware acceleration when available"**
5. **Restart Zen Browser** for changes to take effect
## Can I use Chrome extensions in Zen Browser?
Zen Browser is Firefox-based, so it uses **Firefox Add-ons** rather than Chrome extensions. However, many popular Chrome extensions have Firefox equivalents:
- **uBlock Origin**: Available for Firefox
- **LastPass/Bitwarden**: Native Firefox versions available
- **Grammarly**: Firefox-compatible version available
You can find extensions at [addons.mozilla.org](https://addons.mozilla.org).
## How do I backup my Zen Browser profile?
To backup your Zen Browser data:
1. **Close Zen Browser completely**
2. **Navigate to your profile folder**:
- **Windows**: `%APPDATA%/zen/`
- **macOS**: `~/Library/Application Support/zen/`
- **Linux**: `~/.zen/` or `~/.var/app/app.zen_browser.zen/zen/` (Flatpak)
3. **Copy the entire profile folder** to a safe location
4. **To restore**: Replace the profile folder with your backup
<Callout type="info" title="Profile Backup Tip">
Regular backups ensure you don't lose your settings, bookmarks, and customizations. Consider backing up before major updates or theme changes.
</Callout>

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---
title: Download & Installation Guide
description: Step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing Zen Browser on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
icon: Download
---
import { Callout } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/callout';
# Download & Installation Guide 📥
Get Zen Browser up and running on your system with these comprehensive platform-specific installation instructions.
<Callout type="info" title="System Requirements">
**Minimum Requirements:**
- RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Storage: 200MB free space
- OS: Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, or modern Linux distribution
</Callout>
## Download Options
### Release Channels
- **🟢 Stable Release**: Recommended for most users - thoroughly tested and reliable
- **🟡 Beta Release**: Latest features with potential minor bugs - good for early adopters
- **🔴 Nightly Builds**: Development version with cutting-edge features - for developers and testers
### Platform Support
| Platform | Architecture | Status |
|----------|-------------|--------|
| **Windows** | x64, ARM64 | ✅ Fully Supported |
| **macOS** | Intel, Apple Silicon | ✅ Fully Supported |
| **Linux** | x64, ARM64 | ✅ Multiple Formats |
## Installation Instructions
### Windows Installation
#### Method 1: Installer (Recommended)
1. **Download**: Visit the [official releases page](https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/releases)
2. **Select**: Download the latest `.exe` installer for Windows
3. **Run**: Double-click the downloaded installer file
4. **Install**: Follow the installation wizard prompts
5. **Launch**: Zen Browser will start automatically after installation
#### Method 2: Portable Version
1. **Download**: Get the portable `.zip` file from releases
2. **Extract**: Unzip to your desired location
3. **Run**: Execute `zen.exe` directly (no installation required)
<Callout type="warn" title="Windows Security Warning">
Windows may show a security warning for unsigned executables. Click "More info" → "Run anyway" to proceed with installation.
</Callout>
### macOS Installation
#### Intel and Apple Silicon
1. **Download**: Get the appropriate `.dmg` file for your Mac architecture:
- Intel Macs: `zen-macos-x64.dmg`
- Apple Silicon: `zen-macos-aarch64.dmg`
2. **Mount**: Double-click the downloaded `.dmg` file
3. **Install**: Drag Zen Browser to your Applications folder
4. **Launch**: Open from Applications or Spotlight search
<Callout type="info" title="Gatekeeper Notice">
On first launch, macOS may show a security warning. Right-click the app → "Open" → "Open" to bypass Gatekeeper restrictions.
</Callout>
#### Homebrew Installation
```bash
# Add the Zen Browser tap
brew tap zen-browser/zen
# Install Zen Browser
brew install zen-browser
```
### Linux Installation
#### AppImage (Universal)
```bash
# Download AppImage
wget https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/releases/latest/download/zen-browser.AppImage
# Make executable
chmod +x zen-browser.AppImage
# Run directly
./zen-browser.AppImage
# Optional: Integrate with system
./zen-browser.AppImage --appimage-extract
sudo mv squashfs-root /opt/zen-browser
sudo ln -s /opt/zen-browser/zen /usr/local/bin/zen-browser
```
#### Flatpak
```bash
# Install from Flathub
flatpak install flathub app.zen_browser.zen
# Run Zen Browser
flatpak run app.zen_browser.zen
```
#### Snap Package
```bash
# Install from Snap Store
sudo snap install zen-browser
# Run Zen Browser
zen-browser
```
#### Arch Linux (AUR)
```bash
# Using yay
yay -S zen-browser-bin
# Using paru
paru -S zen-browser-bin
# Manual installation
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/zen-browser-bin.git
cd zen-browser-bin
makepkg -si
```
#### Ubuntu/Debian
```bash
# Download .deb package
wget https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/releases/latest/download/zen-browser.deb
# Install with apt
sudo apt install ./zen-browser.deb
# Or install with dpkg
sudo dpkg -i zen-browser.deb
sudo apt-get install -f # Fix any dependency issues
```
#### Fedora/CentOS/RHEL
```bash
# Download .rpm package
wget https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/releases/latest/download/zen-browser.rpm
# Install with dnf
sudo dnf install zen-browser.rpm
# Or install with rpm
sudo rpm -i zen-browser.rpm
```
## Post-Installation Setup
### First Launch Configuration
1. **Import Data**: Import bookmarks, passwords, and settings from your previous browser
2. **Set Default**: Choose whether to make Zen your default browser
3. **Privacy Settings**: Configure telemetry and data collection preferences
4. **Sync Setup**: Sign in with Firefox Account for cross-device synchronization
### Essential Settings
<Callout type="info" title="Recommended Initial Setup">
- **Enable hardware acceleration**: Settings → General → Performance
- **Configure privacy**: Settings → Privacy & Security
- **Set up workspaces**: Organize your browsing with custom workspaces
- **Install extensions**: Add essential extensions from Firefox Add-ons
</Callout>
## Troubleshooting
### Common Installation Issues
#### Windows
- **"App can't run on this PC"**: Ensure you downloaded the correct architecture (x64/ARM64)
- **Antivirus blocking**: Add Zen Browser to your antivirus whitelist
- **Installation fails**: Run installer as administrator
#### macOS
- **"App is damaged"**: Re-download the installer or use `xattr -d com.apple.quarantine` command
- **Can't open app**: Right-click → Open instead of double-clicking
- **Permission denied**: Check that the app has necessary permissions in System Preferences
#### Linux
- **AppImage won't run**: Install `fuse` package and ensure executable permissions
- **Missing dependencies**: Install required libraries for your distribution
- **Flatpak issues**: Update Flatpak runtime: `flatpak update`
### Performance Issues
If Zen Browser runs slowly after installation:
1. **Disable hardware acceleration** temporarily in Settings
2. **Clear cache and cookies** from previous installations
3. **Reset to default theme** if using custom modifications
4. **Check for conflicting extensions** and disable them
## Updating Zen Browser
### Automatic Updates
Zen Browser includes an automatic update system that will notify you when new versions are available.
### Manual Updates
- **Windows/macOS**: Download and install the latest version over your existing installation
- **Linux**: Update through your package manager or download the latest AppImage
- **Flatpak**: `flatpak update app.zen_browser.zen`
## Uninstallation
### Windows
- Use "Add or Remove Programs" in Windows Settings
- Or run the uninstaller from the installation directory
### macOS
- Drag Zen Browser from Applications to Trash
- Remove user data: `~/Library/Application Support/zen`
### Linux
- **Package managers**: Use your distribution's package manager
- **AppImage**: Simply delete the AppImage file
- **Flatpak**: `flatpak uninstall app.zen_browser.zen`
## Getting Help
If you encounter issues during installation:
- **Documentation**: Check our [User Manual](/user-manual) for detailed guides
- **Community**: Join discussions on [r/zen_browser](https://www.reddit.com/r/zen_browser)
- **Issues**: Report bugs on [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/issues)
- **Discussions**: Ask questions on [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/discussions)
---
*Installation guide last updated: January 2025. For the most current download links, always check the official GitHub releases page.*