My current browser is too slow. So I tried the alternatives

Summary

The creator looks for a replacement for Zen Browser, which they find slow and RAM-hungry, while trying to preserve its workflow features: vertical tabs, pinned tabs, split view, link previews, workspaces, containers, and a compact interface.

Browser Comparisons

• Brave Origin: A stripped-down version of Brave that removes heavier features such as its crypto wallet and AI tools. It supports vertical tabs, pinned tabs, and split view, but lacks Zen-style link previews and native workspaces. The creator initially believes container support is being rolled out. They find the interface less space-efficient because they cannot hide the top bar and have trouble hiding the tab bar.
• Vivaldi: Offers extensive customization, vertical tabs, pinned tabs, split view, and built-in workspaces. Its many settings can feel overwhelming, and the interface initially seems awkward, but it can be configured to closely resemble Zen. The creator does not find Zen-like link previews or containers.
• Helium: The creator likes its clean, compact design and the option to hide the browser interface or toggle the tab bar with a shortcut. It supports vertical tabs, pinned tabs, and split view, but lacks workspaces, containers, and the desired link-preview feature. The creator initially favors it over Brave Origin.
• Orion: The creator tests its sidebar and pinned tabs but encounters slowdowns, freezing, page-load errors, and confusing interface elements. They stop testing it.

Performance Tests and Outcome

Initial speed-test scores were 12.3 for Zen, 12.9 for Brave, 13.6 for Vivaldi, and 13.4 for Helium—only modest improvements over Zen. The creator later discovers that OBS screen recording was skewing the test results. Retesting without OBS produces much better results, particularly for Vivaldi, though no revised scores are given.

After configuring Vivaldi with hidden tabs, shortcuts for showing tabs and switching workspaces, and maximum memory saving, the creator decides to use Vivaldi instead of Zen. They still plan to watch Brave Origin’s development. Although Helium initially seemed like the best fit, the later Vivaldi retest and customization changed the final choice.

Key Review and Setup Takeaways

• The comparison tests Zen-inspired browser features rather than just default appearance.
• Vivaldi requires more configuration but can be tailored to match much of the creator’s Zen workflow.
• The initial benchmark results should be treated cautiously because OBS affected them.

Main speaker/source: The video’s creator and narrator, testing the browsers firsthand.