qutebrowser
Vim for the web.
A keyboard-driven browser with Vim keybindings: follow links with hint keys, browse modally, configure everything in Python. Mice optional, productivity mandatory.
- Engine
- Blink (QtWebEngine)
- License
- Open source
- Runs on
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Top marks
- Customization, Keyboard control, Open source
- Updated
- September 2026
Why it shines
- True modal, Vim-style browsing
- Hint-mode link following is addictive
- Python config = infinite tweakability
- Built-in ad blocking
Worth knowing
- Real learning curve
- No WebExtensions — userscripts fill some gaps
Origins
qutebrowser belongs to The Chromium empire — descended from QtWebEngine.
Does well
Ranked in
Scorecard
- Tracking protection1/3
- Fingerprinting resistance0/3
- Anonymity0/3
- Built-in ad blocking2/3
- Customization3/3
- Keyboard control3/3
- Built-in tools0/3
- Minimal interface2/3
- Fresh design0/3
- Classic interface0/3
- Light on resources2/3
- Raw speed2/3
- Battery efficiency0/3
- Extension ecosystem0/3
- Cross-device sync0/3
- Site compatibility2/3
- Low maintenance1/3
- Open source3/3
- Independence2/3
- Built-in AI0/3
- Gaming features0/3
- Dev tooling1/3
0–3 on each of the 22 criteria the quiz and the guides rank by. How we score.
