Diversity in browser engines- Keep Gecko alive

Feedback
1

Hi everyone,

I am Piyush. I recently switched to Zorin OS 18 and I want to share something important about privacy.

I have helped 19 people move to Firefox because it uses its own Gecko engine. I strongly suggest avoiding browsers like Brave or even the default ones from mobile companies. Even though they claim privacy, they are all built on Chromium.

If we want a truly open web, we must support non-Chromium browsers like Firefox. Let's keep the internet independent!

Using Zorin OS 18 on my i5 PC and loving the experience.

2

Hi Piyush:

Welcome the forum! You aren't alone in being displeased at Brave having taken the place of Firefox as the default browser offering in Zorin.

However:

Regarding privacy comparing Brave and Firefox:

Out of the box, Brave is generally more private than stock Firefox, but a well‑tuned Firefox can match or surpass it for some threat models.
Defaults: no tweaking

Brave: Blocks ads, trackers, many fingerprinting techniques, and does HTTPS upgrades by default via Shields, so your traffic is heavily filtered from first run.

Firefox: Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks many trackers and third‑party cookies, but it does not fully block ads or as much tracking unless you switch to Strict mode and/or add uBlock Origin.

Tracking, cookies, and fingerprinting

Brave: Uses “farbling” (fingerprint randomization) plus aggressive script and tracker blocking; it also uses more ephemeral storage patterns that reduce long‑term cross‑site tracking.​

Firefox: Has Total Cookie Protection, isolating cookies per site, and strong anti‑tracking lists, but relies more on cookie isolation than on blocking everything at the network level by default.

Data sent back to the vendor

Brave: Telemetry is opt‑in and designed to be privacy‑preserving; most installs send very little data home unless you enable specific features (rewards, sync, etc.).​

Firefox: Telemetry is on by default but can be disabled in settings; Mozilla is a non‑profit, but some people still prefer to turn this off for maximum privacy.

Advanced / power‑user privacy

Brave: Better if you want strong privacy with minimal effort and like having built‑in Tor windows and integrated ad/tracker blocking without extra add‑ons.

Firefox: Better if you want fine‑grained control (about:config, multi‑account containers, very strict cookie and storage policies) and are willing to tune settings and install extensions.

Practical takeaway

“Set and forget” user: Brave is usually more private by default.

“Tinker and harden” user: A carefully configured Firefox (Strict ETP, containers, uBlock Origin, hardened settings) can be at least as private, and you get engine diversity plus Mozilla’s non‑profit model if you care about that dimension.

Here's the link to the above, if you'd care to check the sources of the information:
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/is-brave-less-secure-because-i-ReIjvGu.Sz6IUzlGldKKKQ

1 Like
3

Brave is a more private browser than Firefox. I don't trust Firefox.

4

Hi everyone, thanks for the welcome!

I understand why some prefer Brave for its 'out of the box' simplicity. However, for a user who wants absolute control, Firefox isn't just a browser; it’s a fortress.

I’ve hardened my Firefox with uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger. While Chromium-based browsers are facing limitations with Manifest V3, my setup blocks everything seamlessly, including YouTube ads that often bypass other blockers.

Furthermore, I use 'Strict' Enhanced Tracking Protection and have enabled DNS over HTTPS with Max Protection (Cloudflare). This ensures that not even my ISP knows what I am browsing.

Brave is good for 'set and forget' users. But for those of us who 'Tinker and Harden,' Firefox’s Gecko engine remains the only true independent alternative to the Chromium monopoly.

Trust is earned through control, and Firefox gives me 100% of it."

5

"@Thor, respect your opinion, but 'Trust' is a strong word when you're talking about a Chromium-based browser like Brave.

Here is the reality: Brave still depends on Google’s engine. If Google decides to kill ad-blockers via Manifest V3, Brave will have to fight a losing battle.

I trust Firefox because it is the only major browser with its own independent engine (Gecko). It doesn't follow Google's rules. By using uBlock Origin on Firefox, I get better protection than Brave’s built-in shield, especially since uBlock on Firefox can use advanced 'scriptlet' injections that Chromium limits.

Also, I’ve enabled Max Protection DNS and Strict Tracking Protection. My data stays with me, not with an engine controlled by an advertising giant.

Brave might be 'Private' by default, but Firefox is 'Private' by Design and Independence. I’ll take independence over a reskinned Chrome any day."

6

I'm a fan of Librewolf,
because it's not only Firefox based, but because it comes with many protections enabled out of the box.

2 Likes
7

Glad we found common ground! :handshake:

But for me, it’s more than just a browser choice—it's about supporting an independent web. This is why I personally help people switch to Firefox. So far, I’ve helped 19 people move away from Windows and Chromium-based browsers to a more private setup on Zorin OS and Firefox.

I encourage everyone here to not just use Firefox, but to support it and help others download it too. If we don't support the only independent engine (Gecko) left, we might lose our digital freedom to the Chromium monopoly.

Let’s keep the web open and independent!

8

"That's a great choice! Librewolf is amazing because it proves that the Firefox (Gecko) engine is the best for privacy when configured correctly.

However, my mission is bigger. I don't just use it; I help others join the movement. I have already helped 19 people switch to Firefox and Zorin OS. My goal is to support Mozilla directly so they can keep fighting the Chromium monopoly.

I encourage everyone to support Firefox, help others download it, and keep the web independent! :rocket:"

9

Besides being more private and less data hoarder than Firefox, Brave is also faster than Firefox.

Chromium is open source.

Once google decides to kick Firefox to the curb, it's over for Firefox. Firefox depends on google for revenue.

10

I approved your post when it landed in the queue in order to encourage diverse opinions, recommendations and free exchange of ideas.

However, please keep it limited to the above, rather than being a Firefox Advertisement.
Not every post need to be a repeat commercial for Mozilla Firefox, including when members discuss forks of the project.

5 Likes
11

"@Thor, you’re missing the forest for the trees. Let’s talk about the 'Real Truth' of Brave:

  1. The Chromium Trap: Brave is just a 'reskinned' Chrome. It lives on Google's engine. When Google forces Manifest V3 to limit ad-blockers, Brave will be fighting a losing battle within Google's own walls.
  2. Speed is a Mirage: Brave feels fast because it’s a parasite living on someone else's infrastructure. Firefox is a 'Fighter'. It builds its own path (Gecko), which is why it can offer Strict Tracking Protection and uBlock Origin with full capabilities that Chromium restricts.
  3. Revenue vs. Survival: You mock Firefox for taking Google's money. But Firefox uses that money to maintain the ONLY alternative engine left. If Firefox dies, Google becomes the God of the Internet.
  4. Impact: While you defend a 'shell' browser, I have already moved 19 people to Firefox on Zorin OS to ensure Google never gets a 100% monopoly.

I don't trust a browser that hides behind its enemy's engine. I trust the one that builds its own weapons. Long live Gecko! :rocket:"

12

Well I don't use Zorin anymore, but I don't use Brave. I don't use Firefox because of it's terms and conditions changed around the very thing you are claiming it protects. We can't see everything that is taking place "under the hood".

Unfortunately, chromium based browsers appear to be dominant, but there is unGoogled Chrome available and if you want complete security of not viewing java scripted sites then use Ice Cat.

My preference for video conferencing is Jitsi Meet (https://meet.jit.si) and that relies on Chromium based browser or one that uses Chrome extensions.

Personally looking forward to the release of ladybird browser which is not using any existing engine, being built from the ground up.

Currently using zen, a fork of Firefox.

If you want to carry out your own audit of different browsers then use BrowserAudit (site currently down).

1 Like
13

"I appreciate the moderation. However, my posts aren't 'advertisements'; they are a response to the growing Chromium monopoly that even other members here have acknowledged.

While Brave is the default in Zorin OS now, as a community, we should be able to discuss why an independent engine like Gecko is vital for long-term privacy. If discussing the only major alternative to Google's engine is seen as a 'commercial,' then we are ignoring the technical reality of the web.

I’m here for a free exchange of ideas, and that includes defending the tools that keep the web open. I will keep my future comments strictly focused on these technical merits."

14

"I truly value your perspective, swarfendor437. You've raised a very valid point about not being able to see everything 'under the hood'.

The reason I advocate for Firefox isn't because it's perfect, but because it’s the only major alternative to the Chromium monopoly. If we lose the Gecko engine, the entire web will be dictated by Google's standards.

It’s interesting that you mentioned Ice Cat and Zen—this actually proves my point! Both are based on Firefox's engine. By supporting the base (Firefox), we ensure that forks like Zen or Librewolf can continue to exist and offer better privacy than Chromium-based alternatives.

I’m also keeping an eye on Ladybird, but until it's ready, I believe our best bet is to keep the Gecko ecosystem alive. Thanks for the knowledge exchange!"

15

And you can.

This is not up for debate.

You may discuss alternatives to Brave Browser, as many threads do.

  • Repeating the number of people you proselytized to and converted
  • Repetitive promotion of Mozilla over forks
  • Repeating the claims you already have made

all fall under spam.
When you post, please review it before submitting to see if you already said that.

1 Like
16

"Understood. I'll make sure to review my posts and avoid repeating points. Thank you for the clarification."

17

Zorin used to ship Firefox as default but things got changed when Mozilla made changes in their ToS to acquire a licence for the user data they are collecting.

2 Likes
18

How was your switch from Windows 10? What do you like best and how do they compare?

I have deleted Firefox. It changes my settings with updates, very sneaky things too when I opted out already.. Firefox always opts me in and I really do not like it. I Privacy Badger and Ublock Origin work on Brave also you don't need the shields.

Also, Zorin has done things that make Brave much better than if you downloaded it. It's good, I like it and it doesn't change my settings like Firefox. You can like what you like but don't force your ideas on me pls, I like to read and think myself. There is a lot about browsers in this forum and great information. The devs stopped it with Firefox for lots of reasons but you are free to add it back if you like it.

2 Likes
19

I agree except for the quote above. There is a fundamental difference between enthusiastic advocacy and an attempt to "force ideas" on us. I appreciate the patience of the mods in allowing for lively discussion. It makes us the richer for the interaction. Yes, it technically took us off topic, and was somewhat repetitive, but Aravasian took care of that. That Piyush responded with understanding and civility is admirable. The things he has to say are not without merit. They deserve our consideration (maybe under a more browser related discussion).

20

This is true. The strongest merit is in having more than one browser engine.
Currently, there are three, but WebKit is exclusive to Apple.

There is, indeed.
Some learn how to present a forceful idea as "innocent advocacy" in order to sidestep being moderated.
I can only remind us all:
Doubt the words, question the claims, trust the patterns.

Bonny may be referring to a pattern that is repeating, as you are looking at the individual words.