Falkon
KDE browser on QtWebEngine under GPL-3.0+, with an ad blocker enabled by default
Quick Overview
| Company | KDE e.V. (legal representative of the KDE community) |
|---|---|
| Category | Web Browsers |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany |
| Founded | 2010 |
| EU Presence | EU (Germany) |
| Open Source | GPL-3.0+ |
| Pricing | Free; the project site offers a donation option and no paid edition |
| Free Option | Free with no account |
| Replaces | Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge |
Detailed Review
Falkon is the web browser of the KDE community, built on QtWebEngine and described by KDE as integrated with the Plasma desktop.
Falkon started as QupZilla, first released in December 2010, and the Falkon site states that since version 3.0 new versions are released under the Falkon name as a KDE project. Falkon has an ad blocker enabled by default, a password manager, theming, extensions and a sidebar for bookmarks and history, and recent releases added vertical tabs and site settings. Falkon 26.08.1 was released on 10 September 2026 as part of KDE Gear.
The legal body behind KDE is KDE e.V., a registered non-profit association at Prinzenstraße 85 F, 10969 Berlin, entered in the register of associations at the Amtsgericht Berlin (Charlottenburg) under VR31685.
KDE e.V. describes itself as representing the KDE community in legal and financial matters; the code is written by community contributors rather than by employees of a vendor. Falkon is licensed GPL-3.0+ and the development repository is on KDE's own GitLab. The pages checked for Falkon contain no statement on telemetry or data collection, and no certification.
Falkon is free, with a donation option on the project site. The KDE applications page lists distribution packages, Flathub and the Snap Store for Linux, and only nightly installers for Windows; the Falkon download page lists nothing for Windows or macOS.
Falkon suits Linux users who want a small browser that matches a Plasma desktop and is governed by an association instead of a company. Falkon does not suit people on macOS or phones, or Windows users who want a supported stable installer.
What Falkon does well
- Licensed GPL-3.0+ with development on KDE's own GitLab
- Represented by KDE e.V., a registered non-profit association in Berlin
- Ad blocker enabled by default and a password manager included
- Installable from distribution packages, Flathub and the Snap Store
- Version 26.08.1 released on 10 September 2026 with KDE Gear
Where Falkon falls short
- For Windows the KDE applications page lists only nightly installers
- No macOS download and no mobile version on the Falkon download page
- Releases follow KDE Gear, which the Falkon site describes as typically three a year
- No telemetry or data collection statement on the Falkon pages checked
Standout feature. Falkon is the only browser here whose legal home is a registered non-profit association, KDE e.V. in Berlin, and its GPL-3.0+ code lives on infrastructure the community runs itself.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Licensed GPL-3.0+ with development on KDE's own GitLab
- Represented by KDE e.V., a registered non-profit association in Berlin
- Ad blocker enabled by default and a password manager included
- Installable from distribution packages, Flathub and the Snap Store
- Version 26.08.1 released on 10 September 2026 with KDE Gear
Cons
- For Windows the KDE applications page lists only nightly installers
- No macOS download and no mobile version on the Falkon download page
- Releases follow KDE Gear, which the Falkon site describes as typically three a year
- No telemetry or data collection statement on the Falkon pages checked
Alternatives to Falkon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Falkon?
Falkon is the web browser of the KDE community, built on QtWebEngine and described by KDE as integrated with the Plasma desktop.
Falkon started as QupZilla, first released in December 2010, and the Falkon site states that since version 3.0 new versions are released under the Falkon name as a KDE project. Falkon has an ad blocker enabled by default, a password manager, theming, extensions and a sidebar for bookmarks and history, and recent releases added vertical tabs and site settings. Falkon 26.08.1 was released on 10 September 2026 as part of KDE Gear.
Where is Falkon based?
Falkon operates from Berlin, Germany, which places it under EU (Germany).
What does Falkon cost?
Free; the project site offers a donation option and no paid edition. Free with no account.
Who is Falkon best for?
Linux and KDE Plasma users who want a light browser governed by a German non-profit. Falkon is the only browser here whose legal home is a registered non-profit association, KDE e.V. in Berlin, and its GPL-3.0+ code lives on infrastructure the community runs itself.
What are the drawbacks of Falkon?
For Windows the KDE applications page lists only nightly installers. No macOS download and no mobile version on the Falkon download page. Releases follow KDE Gear, which the Falkon site describes as typically three a year. No telemetry or data collection statement on the Falkon pages checked.
Is Falkon a good alternative to Google Chrome?
Falkon is built as a European alternative to Google Chrome: KDE browser on QtWebEngine under GPL-3.0+, with an ad blocker enabled by default. It will not be a like-for-like feature match in every respect, so check the review above for where the two genuinely differ before switching.
How does Falkon compare to other Web Browsers tools?
Falkon is one of several European Web Browsers tools we cover. It is most often compared with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge.