Floorp vs helium
Firefox-based and Chromium-based browsers compared
Floorp and helium are desktop browsers derived from established open-source browser projects. Floorp is based on Firefox, while helium builds on Chromium and emphasizes privacy, ad-blocking, and a less cluttered experience; helium is currently in beta.
Floorp: A Firefox-Based Desktop Browser
Floorp is a desktop browser built on Mozilla Firefox, aimed at people who want an independent browser with a focus on an open, private and sustainable web. It supports Windows, macOS and Linux.
helium: A Privacy-Focused Chromium Web Browser
Helium is a Chromium-based browser focused on privacy, unbiased ad-blocking, and a simpler browsing experience. It is aimed at people who want Chromium compatibility without extra browser clutter.
| Floorp | helium | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | C++ |
| License | MPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 8.4k | 21.2k |
| Forks | 274 | 608 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 12, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- Floorp uses Mozilla Firefox and Gecko as its foundation; helium uses Chromium and builds on ungoogled-chromium.
- Floorp is written in TypeScript and uses the MPL-2.0 license; helium is written in C++ and uses GPL-3.0 for Helium-specific material.
- Floorp documents support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including installer and package-manager options; helium maintains platform packaging and downloads in separate repositories for macOS, Linux, and Windows.
- Floorp is intended for Firefox users seeking a separately developed browser; helium targets Chromium users interested in privacy, unbiased ad-blocking, and fewer distractions.
- Floorp documents a Deno-task-based build workflow; helium recommends macOS for development and notes that Linux packaging has a similar development script.
- helium is in beta and may have unexpected issues; Floorp's supplied information does not identify it as being in beta.
Choose Floorp if you…
- want a desktop browser based on Firefox and Gecko.
- need documented support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with platform-specific installation options.
- prefer the MPL-2.0-licensed project or want to inspect a Firefox-derived browser written in TypeScript.
Choose helium if you…
- want a Chromium-based browser focused on privacy and unbiased ad-blocking.
- prefer a less cluttered browsing experience built on ungoogled-chromium.
- are comfortable trying a browser in beta or want to contribute to a C++ project whose primary development platform is macOS.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.