Konqueror
KDE web browser and file manager in one Linux application, on Qt WebEngine, GPL-licensed
Quick Overview
| Company | KDE e.V. (legal representative of the KDE community) |
|---|---|
| Category | Web Browsers |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany |
| EU Presence | EU (Germany) |
| Open Source | GNU General Public License |
| Pricing | Free |
| Free Option | Free with no account |
| Replaces | Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge |
Detailed Review
Konqueror is KDE's combined web browser and file manager, which KDE calls a swiss-army-knife for file management and file previewing. Web pages are rendered with Qt WebEngine.
Beyond browsing, Konqueror opens FTP and SFTP servers, offers a split view, and embeds other KDE components to preview documents, images and text files inside the same window. Plugins extend Konqueror through service menus, KParts, KIO protocols and ad blockers. The KDE applications page lists Konqueror 26.08.1, released on 10 September 2026, and the Konqueror handbook carries a program copyright running from 1999 onwards.
Konqueror is developed by the KDE community, whose legal representative is KDE e.V., a registered non-profit association at Prinzenstraße 85 F in Berlin with register number VR31685.
The Konqueror handbook states that the program is licensed under the GNU General Public License and the documentation under the GNU Free Documentation License; the handbook page does not give a licence version. The source is hosted on KDE's GitLab under the network group. The pages checked for Konqueror contain no statement about telemetry, and no certification is named.
Konqueror is free. The KDE applications page lists installation on Linux through Discover, distribution package managers and the Snap Store, and names no Windows, macOS or mobile build.
Konqueror suits Linux users who like to browse a website, an SFTP server and a local folder in neighbouring tabs of one program. Konqueror is not the right choice for people who want a browser that does only browsing, or for any device that does not run Linux; Falkon is the leaner KDE option for the same desktop.
What Konqueror does well
- Browser and file manager in one application, with FTP and SFTP access
- Licensed under the GNU General Public License, per the Konqueror handbook
- Backed by KDE e.V., a registered non-profit association in Berlin
- Plugin system covering KParts, KIO protocols, service menus and ad blockers
- Version 26.08.1 released on 10 September 2026
Where Konqueror falls short
- The KDE applications page lists Linux installation only
- The handbook page does not name the version of the GNU General Public License
- No mobile version is listed
- No telemetry or data collection statement on the Konqueror pages checked
Standout feature. Konqueror treats a website, an SFTP server and a local folder as the same kind of thing, which no other browser in this list attempts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Browser and file manager in one application, with FTP and SFTP access
- Licensed under the GNU General Public License, per the Konqueror handbook
- Backed by KDE e.V., a registered non-profit association in Berlin
- Plugin system covering KParts, KIO protocols, service menus and ad blockers
- Version 26.08.1 released on 10 September 2026
Cons
- The KDE applications page lists Linux installation only
- The handbook page does not name the version of the GNU General Public License
- No mobile version is listed
- No telemetry or data collection statement on the Konqueror pages checked
Alternatives to Konqueror
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Konqueror?
Konqueror is KDE's combined web browser and file manager, which KDE calls a swiss-army-knife for file management and file previewing. Web pages are rendered with Qt WebEngine.
Beyond browsing, Konqueror opens FTP and SFTP servers, offers a split view, and embeds other KDE components to preview documents, images and text files inside the same window. Plugins extend Konqueror through service menus, KParts, KIO protocols and ad blockers. The KDE applications page lists Konqueror 26.08.1, released on 10 September 2026, and the Konqueror handbook carries a program copyright running from 1999 onwards.
Where is Konqueror based?
Konqueror operates from Berlin, Germany, which places it under EU (Germany).
What does Konqueror cost?
Free. Free with no account.
Who is Konqueror best for?
Linux users who want web browsing and file management in a single KDE application. Konqueror treats a website, an SFTP server and a local folder as the same kind of thing, which no other browser in this list attempts.
What are the drawbacks of Konqueror?
The KDE applications page lists Linux installation only. The handbook page does not name the version of the GNU General Public License. No mobile version is listed. No telemetry or data collection statement on the Konqueror pages checked.
Is Konqueror a good alternative to Google Chrome?
Konqueror is built as a European alternative to Google Chrome: KDE web browser and file manager in one Linux application, on Qt WebEngine, GPL-licensed. 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 Konqueror compare to other Web Browsers tools?
Konqueror is one of several European Web Browsers tools we cover. It is most often compared with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge.