As you may know, Midori is an open-source, lightweight, and fast web browser designed for users who prioritize simplicity, privacy, and speed. Unlike mainstream browsers like Chrome and Firefox, Midori focuses on delivering a streamlined browsing experience with minimal resource usage.
This makes it especially appealing to those using older hardware or seeking a more efficient alternative. It offers essential features such as private browsing, extension support, and built-in privacy tools, all while maintaining a clean, intuitive interface.
Midori is built using GTK, which allows it to integrate seamlessly into GNOME-based desktop environments like Xfce and LXDE. Its design philosophy emphasizes efficiency, ensuring smooth performance even on low-spec machines.
Main Features of Midori Browser
- Minimalist User Interface: The browser has a simple and clutter-free design, making it easy to navigate and user-friendly.
- Optimized for Performance: Midori runs efficiently, consuming fewer system resources than many traditional browsers.
- Privacy-Centric: With built-in ad blocking, tracker prevention, and fingerprinting protection, it enhances user privacy during web browsing.
- Open-Source Project: Users and developers can inspect, modify, and contribute to the browser’s development.
- Extension Support: While the selection is smaller than Chrome’s or Firefox’s, Midori offers essential extensions to improve functionality.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Now available on Linux and macOS, Midori provides a consistent experience across multiple operating systems.
The Latest Version: Midori 11.5.1
Midori 11.5.1 introduces several new features, improvements, and optimizations to enhance the user experience. Here’s what’s new:
- Enhanced Private Browsing Mode: Strengthened tracker blocking and fingerprinting protection for better privacy.
- Improved Password Autofill: The built-in password manager now provides more reliable autofill functionality, making it easier to access frequently used websites.
- MacBook Compatibility: Midori is now optimized for macOS users, offering improved performance and seamless integration. Learn more about macOS support here.
- Performance Enhancements: The browser’s memory usage has been reduced, and page load times have been improved to provide a smoother browsing experience.
Additionally, Midori continues to support headless mode, introduced in version 11.5. This feature allows the browser to run without a graphical interface, making it ideal for:
- Automating tasks
- Data scraping
- Monitoring websites
- Testing web applications
In headless mode, Midori maintains its privacy features, including ad blocking, tracker prevention, and encryption. It also integrates with Selenium and Puppeteer, facilitating automated testing workflows.
VPN Functionality – Coming Soon
The Midori development team is actively working on a built-in VPN feature aimed at enhancing online privacy and helping users bypass regional content restrictions. This VPN is designed to be lightweight, fast, and easy to use. Although it’s still under development, you can read more about the progress here.
How to install Midori on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian and other 64 bit Debian-based systems:
Download the latest Midori DEB package.
Install GDebi (if not installed) GDebi is a tool that simplifies the installation of .deb packages and handles dependencies automatically.
sudo apt install -y gdebiWhat is GDebi? GDebi is a lightweight package installer for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Unlike the standard dpkg command, which only installs .deb packages, GDebi also resolves and installs necessary dependencies automatically. This makes it a convenient tool for installing software that is not available in official repositories but provided as a .deb package.
Install Midori Using GDebi Run the following command to install the downloaded package:
sudo gdebi midori*.debIn order for Midori to work properly, you need to also follow the installation instructions here.
How to remove Midori from Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian and Derivatives:
If you want to uninstall Midori from your system, use the following command:
sudo apt remove midori This is everything, enjoy surfing the web.
Conclusion
Midori Browser is a compelling option for users seeking a fast, lightweight, and privacy-focused alternative to mainstream browsers.
With features like headless mode, enhanced privacy settings, macOS compatibility, and upcoming VPN functionality, Midori continues to evolve as a versatile and efficient web browsing solution.
