ELinks

Free plan Linux

What ELinks is

ELinks is a free, open-source text-mode browser for HTTP, FTP, and other protocols. It runs on Linux and is listed for desktop use, with an “other” browser engine category. The browser can display frames and tables while working in a text interface. Its design supports extensive customization and can be extended with scripts. ELinks began as a development version of the Links browser, pursuing a more liberal approach to features and development. The project describes modularization—separating areas such as cookies, bookmarks, SSL, and scripting—as a way to limit code bloat. GPL version 2 is the default license for contributions unless another license applies. The original ELinks team stopped development, and the repository identifies felinks as a continuation. Installation instructions are in the INSTALL file, with documentation in the doc directory, especially index.txt. Community and feedback pages handle feature requests and bug reports.

Who it suits

ELinks suits Linux desktop users who want a text-based browser for HTTP, FTP, and related protocols. It also fits users who value script-based customization and open-source software.

What it does well

Free plan with no listed charge
Renders frames and tables
Extensible through scripts
Open-source under GPL version 2
Supports HTTP and FTP protocols

What to know first

Listed platform is Linux
Original team stopped development
No free trial listed
Text-mode interface may limit presentation

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
ELinks	Text mode web browser · GPL version 2	Free

As elinks.or.cz lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

ELinks provides a customizable text browser with support for frames, tables, and several protocols. Its Linux focus, text interface, and continuation by felinks are important factors when choosing it.

Facts from ELinks's own pages

Customization: ELinks is highly customizable and can be extended via scripts. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Development status: The repository says the original ELinks team lost interest in development and identifies felinks as a continuation of ELinks. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Documentation: The project points users to documentation in the doc directory, especially index.txt. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Install guidance: The project directs users to the INSTALL file for instructions on installing ELinks. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
License: The repository states that GPL version 2 is the default license for contributions unless otherwise specified. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Modular design: The project describes modularization and separating add-on modules such as cookies, bookmarks, SSL, and scripting as ways to limit code bloat. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Portability: The project describes ELinks as portable and able to run on a variety of platforms. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Product: ELinks is a feature rich text mode web browser for HTTP, FTP, and other protocols. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Project history: ELinks began as a development version of the Links browser and was intended as an alternative with a more liberal approach to features and development. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Rendering: ELinks can render frames and tables. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Support: The project directs users to its community and feedback pages to request features or report bugs. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026

Where ELinks stands on Freedom251

Web browsers#141 of 154