Zen Browser: An open-source alternative to Chromium-based browsers

Many popular web browsers, including Google Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, and Arc Browser, are built on the Chromium base developed by Google. 

If you wish to avoid using Google's framework, your main alternatives have traditionally been Safari and Firefox.

Recently, the alpha version of a new browser called the Zen Browser was launched. 

Built on Firefox and fully open source, Zen aims to provide both the privacy benefits of Firefox and an exceptional browsing experience, The Register reports.

The browser offers most of the features found in typical alternatives. Where Zen truly shines is it offers a range of customisation, tab management, and workspace management.

For customisation, Zen Browser's theming approach is quite unique. Their theme store offers a range of options, including modifications to the bookmark toolbar, a floating URL bar, private mode theming, and removal of browser padding. In addition to these, users can also choose from custom colour schemes and built-in theming options.

The tab management in Zen is different from what we have seen on Chrome. The Sidebar is another neat feature which allows you to open tabs in a smaller, smartphone-sized window. You can view websites in mobile layout by using this panel.

As noted earlier, the browser is still in its early stages of development. Some features may not work as smoothly or reliably as you might expect.