basilisk Firefox is a XUL and Goanna-based web browser that has been designed to offer an experience similar to previous versions of Firefox Quantum. This browser has become a popular choice among free software enthusiasts, especially those looking for an alternative with support for older add-ons and traditional web technologies.
If you are on Linux and want to try Basilisk, here is all the information you need about it. Its features, compatibility, installation and more.
What is Basilisk and how is it different from other browsers?
Basilisk is an open source web browser originally developed by the creator of Pale Moon, although it is now developed independently. Its main feature is that it is based on the Unified XUL Platform (UXP), which is a fork of the old Mozilla codebase without including technologies such as Servo or Rust.
Unlike Firefox, which abandoned XUL add-ons and NPAPI technology, Basilisk maintains support for classic extensions, making it ideal for those who rely on older plugins. Some users have sought out alternatives such as Free wolf, which offers a different approach.
Main features of Basilisk
- Based on the Unified XUL Platform (UXP): Provides a stable base without radical changes.
- Compatible with older Firefox extensions: You can use most add-ons designed for Firefox 52.
- Support for NPAPI Plugins: Allows the use of Java, Unity and other deprecated plugins.
- Goanna rendering engine: A high-performance fork of Gecko.
- Classic Firefox interface: Does not follow design changes in recent versions of Firefox.
- Available for Linux: You can download it on several architectures, including x86_64 and ARM64.
How to install Basilisk on Linux?
To install Basilisk on Linux, follow these steps:
1. Download the package
Visit official download page and select the Linux version that corresponds to your architecture:
- x86_64 with GTK3
- x86_64 with GTK2
- i686 with GTK3
- i686 with GTK2
2. Extract and run
Once downloaded, open a terminal and run:
tar -xJf basilisk-20250220145130.linux-x86_64-gtk3.tar.xz
Then, go into the extracted folder and run the browser:
cd basilisk ./basilisk
3. Create a shortcut
To make it easier to run, you can create a shortcut in your application menu:
nano ~/.local/share/applications/basilisk.desktop
And adds:
[Desktop Entry] Name=Basilisk Browser Exec=/path/to/basilisk/basilisk Icon=/path/to/basilisk/icons/basilisk.png Type=Application
Compatibility and requirements
Basilisk is compatible with:
- Linux (GTK2 and GTK3)
- Windows (7 or higher)
- FreeBSD (experimental)
- macOS (experimental)
To run it on Linux, it is recommended to have a version of glibc 2.28 or higher.
Extensions and customization
One of the biggest advantages of Basilisk is the ability to continue using classic Firefox extensions. Some sources where you can find add-ons are:
To install extensions:
- Download the plugin .xpi file.
- Open Basilisk and go to the Add-ons Manager.
- Select “Install plugin from file” and choose the .xpi file.
Comparison with other browsers
Basilisk differs from other browsers in the following ways:
- Firefox: More up-to-date, but without support for XUL and NPAPI extensions.
- Water Fox Classic: Similar to Basilisk, but without the same level of maintenance.
- Pale Moon: Same engine, but with interface changes.
Community reviews
In forums like Puppy Linux y Pale Moon, The community highlights stability Basilisk's support for older add-ons and acceptable performance compared to alternative browsers.
Basilisk is an excellent choice for those looking for a browser Lightweight, customizable and compatible with classic web technologiesIts support for legacy extensions and focus on stability make it an ideal browser for Linux users who want a pre-Quantum Firefox-like experience without interruptions to their workflow.
