FTC compliant

Mar 17

Zen Browser vs Shift

Efficient at Embedded AI, User Experience, Tab Management, Performance Efficiency, and Data Protection

Comparison

Zen Browser

Shift

Comparison Summary

Copy Link

Zen Browser avoids Google and Chromium but breaks your extensions and can cause more site bugs than Shift, which just feels like a Chrome add-on.

Only use Zen Browser if you really want to ditch Chromium and accept broken extensions; otherwise, Shift is less hassle.

1
Zen Browser
2
Shift

At a Glance

Copy Link

See how Zen Browser and Shift compare on the most important Browser criteria.

Embedded AI
Draw
User Experience
Draw
Tab Management
Draw
Performance Efficiency
Draw
Data Protection
Best

Editor's Verdict

Copy Link

If extension support matters to you, Shift is the safer pick. It now supports most Chromium extensions, letting you keep almost all your usual add-ons. Zen Browser, built on Firefox, only managed to bring over 2 of 29 extensions in a real migration test, so you'll lose access to the majority of your Chrome or Safari extensions.

If you're someone who's deeply attached to Firefox and specifically wants a modern take on it, Zen Browser might feel like a refreshing spin. But if you want a browser that just works with your existing extension setup and web compatibility, Shift will cause fewer headaches, even if it feels dated and lacks real innovation.

Bottom line: If you care about keeping your extensions and want things to work out of the box, go with Shift. Zen Browser is only worth considering if you love Firefox and don't mind losing most of your current extensions.

Comparison Video and Summaries

Copy Link

Zen Browser

Shift

Browser Alternatives

Copy Link

Trending app comparisons

See all

Workona vs ShiftBrowser

Zen Browser vs VivaldiBrowser

Zen Browser vs SigmaOSBrowser

Zen Browser At a Glance

See how Zen Browser compares on the most important Browser criteria.

Embedded AI: 1/7
User Experience: 4/7
Tab Management: 4/7
Performance Efficiency: 3/7
Data Protection: 5/7

Zen Browser Editor's Verdict

What is Zen Browser?

Zen Browser is heavily inspired by Arc Browser, with one core difference. It was built for those who want a Chromium alternative, but love the idea of a modern browser with a powerful sidebar, like Arc.

That said, with it being built atop Firefox, if you're moving over to it from Google Chrome or Safari, you're most notably going to notice how many browser extensions you use that don't exist in Firefox more than anything:

Only 2 of 29 extensions ported over

It's also built by a much smaller team, so you really have to just be somebody that absolutely loves Firefox, and wants to use a modern spin on that. That said, if youwant an Arc-like experience without the bugs? Just use Arc instead.

Shift At a Glance

See how Shift compares on the most important Browser criteria.

Embedded AI: 1/7
User Experience: 2/7
Tab Management: 3/7
Performance Efficiency: 3/7
Data Protection: 3/7

Shift Editor's Verdict

What is Shift?

Shift is a tool that I've tried incredibly hard to like over the past 7+ years. The day I first found it, I was so stoked with it, until learning that it didn't have all of the Chromium extension support.

They've since made major strides on that front and have most extensions now supported, but it's beginning to feel a bit like a relic from the past, and pales in comparison to that of the more recent entrants into the space like Arc Browser and SigmaOS. In-fact, comparing Shift alongside Sidekick Browser and you'll be sure to confuse them with one another.

Who is Shift For?

I just have a tough time recommending them at this point, they really just allow for your favorite apps to be pinned on the sidebar and easy account switching with some quick action features.

They'd like to focus on the productivity users, but we feel like you can get most of the positives of Shift in your existing browser by utilizing a tool like Workona or Toby.

Who Shouldn't Use Shift?

If you're unwilling to install a new browser, stopping to use your beloved Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, well, you'd be hard-pressed to even give this browser a shot. We just don't feel like it innovates enough to actually take over your primary browser replacement, especially when looking at Shift vs Arc Browser for example.