Basilisk is an open-source web browser developed by the Pale Moon team, built on the Goanna engine and the Unified XUL Platform (UXP). It aims to provide a modern yet traditional browsing experience, retaining compatibility with legacy Firefox extensions and NPAPI plugins like Flash and Java. With full support for modern web standards such as HTML5, CSS3, WebAssembly, and TLS 1.3, Basilisk is a reliable alternative for users who prefer classic UI layouts and greater control over their browser’s functionality. It serves as a unique open-source alternative to modern browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Waterfox, and LibreWolf, especially for users who rely on deprecated features removed from mainstream browsers.
Key features include:
- Classic Firefox UI: Provides a familiar, pre-Quantum Firefox interface for those who dislike the newer UI revamps.
- Legacy Extension Support: Fully supports XUL/XPCOM add-ons and themes abandoned by modern Firefox.
- NPAPI Plugin Compatibility: Retains support for older plugins like Java and Flash.
- Privacy-Oriented: No telemetry or user tracking, giving users full control of their data.
- Web Standards Compliant: Supports HTML5, CSS3, WebGL, WebRTC, and modern JavaScript features.
- Cross-Platform: Available for Windows and Linux systems.
Use cases include:
- Users needing a browser that supports legacy extensions and plugins.
- Developers testing compatibility with older web technologies.
- Power users seeking a customizable, telemetry-free Firefox alternative.
- Organizations maintaining legacy systems requiring plugin support.
