A few years ago, when Opera first released the Workspaces feature, I was certain no other browser would top it. I was right for a long time. Eventually, however, other web browsers caught on and started to realize how important good tab management was -- Chrome has yet to pick up on this.

Prior to using Opera, I was a big fan of Firefox. Sadly, Mozilla has failed to understand how truly good tab management can be. Because Firefox is open-source, other developers can snag the source, build their own take on the browser, and distribute it.

Also: Firefox is finally adding vertical tabs - why it's a game-changing update

And that's how Zen Browser came into being.

I started testing Zen Browser a few months ago, calling it the customizable Firefox I've been waiting for. During those first few weeks, I used Zen Browser sporadically, always coming back to Opera. But then something funny happened on the way to the forum, and I found myself wanting to use Zen Browser more and more.

Then, last week, I made it my default on both Linux and MacOS.

Here's why.

1. Open source

I'm not a purist, so you'll find no opposition to closed-source software from me. I use Slack, Spotify, and other applications that are not open, and I don't feel guilty about that. However, when there's an open-source alternative that's as good as its closed-source relative, I will always opt for the open-source app. Zen Browser is open by design (it has to be because it's a fork of another open-source application -- Firefox). 

Also: My 5 favorite web browsers - and what each is ideal for

You can view and download Zen Browser's source from its official GitHub page. Opera has always been and always will be closed-source, and that's perfectly fine. But since Zen Browser includes all of the features I enjoy in Opera, the choice (for me) is obvious.

2. Theming engine

I know this might seem silly, but aesthetics are important to me. Given how long I stare at a computer display, I want the environment in which I work to be pleasing to the eye. Opera has evolved into a beautiful browser, and for a long time, the only browser that could keep up was Arc. Well... Zen Browser just happens to include a nice theming engine, so you can tweak the look in many ways. 

I love the gradients you can use to turn Zen Browser into a thing of beauty. You can even add texture to the UI (although, at the moment, that feature just makes the app window look grainy) and adjust the sidebar as you see fit.

3. Vertical tabs and Workspaces

This is the big one for me. The reason I stopped using Firefox years ago was the horrible tab management. Until you've used something like Opera's Workspaces feature, you have no idea how bad typical browser tab management really is. Well, fortunately, the developers of Zen Browser get this, so they added both vertical tabs and Workspaces into the mix. 

Also: Too many tabs? Try these browsers with better tab management than Chrome

With Zen Browser's Workspaces, you can also pin specific tabs to specific Workspaces, making it very similar to Opera's take on the feature. In fact, I'd say that of all the browsers with a Workspaces-like feature, Zen Browser's is as close to Opera's as it gets -- and that's a very good thing.

4. Zen Mods

Zen Mods are (mostly) subtle changes you can make to the Zen Browser UI. Consider them like the add-ons for the GUI. You'll find additions like drop shadows, floating address bars, custom address bars, custom status bars, minimal sidebars, themes, and so much more. While some of these mods are subtle, others make a much larger impact on the browser's UI. 

I currently have the following installed: Cleaned URL Bar, Drop Shadow, Eric's Zen UI Tweak Bar, Fluid URL, Sidebar Expand On Hover, Super URL Bar, and Super Pins. Although there are only 79 different mods to choose from, I would imagine that collection will expand considerably over time.

5. Performance and Security

Some time ago, Firefox became a performance and security beast. What used to be a doggedly slow web browser evolved into one of the fastest on the market. And what used to have middling security features became a leader in keeping things locked down. 

Thankfully, Zen Browser inherited that speed and security, so it is as zippy and safe as any browser I use. Not only does the app open quickly, but page render speed is as fast as any browser on the market. On top of that, Zen Browser has the same security features as Firefox, so you know you can trust it.

Also: 5 great Chrome-like browsers that put your privacy first

If these reasons have piqued your interest, make sure to download a version of Zen Browser for your operating system from the official site (available for Linux, MacOS, and Windows).

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