Kristall
What Kristall is
Kristall is a free, open-source desktop browser for Gemini, Gopher, HTTP, and Finger servers. It displays Gemini, HTML, and Markdown documents, along with text, images, and video, but does not support CSS, JavaScript, WASM, or graphical websites. Users can customize document styling and choose light or dark themes. Searchable history, categorized favourites, and document outlines support navigation. The Qt5 interface supports TLS with TOFU and certificate-authority validation, plus client certificates. The project lists Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and Haiku as supported systems. The official site currently has no stable release build. It lists Kristall 0.3 packages for Void Linux and the Arch Linux AUR, alongside nightly downloads for Windows x86_64, Linux x86_64, and unsigned macOS x86_64. Windows may require the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable or fail because MSVCR100.dll is missing. Kristall is released under GPLv3 or later.
Who it suits
Kristall suits desktop users exploring small-internet protocols and text-oriented documents. It is not intended for sites that depend on CSS, JavaScript, WASM, or graphical web features.
What it does well
- Supports Gemini, Gopher, HTTP, and Finger
- Offers light and dark themes
- Includes searchable history and favourites
- Supports TLS and client certificates
- Free and open source
What to know first
- No stable release build currently available
- Does not support CSS, JavaScript, or WASM
- Unsigned macOS nightly download
- Windows may need a legacy redistributable
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kristall | No stable release build currently available · nightly downloads for Windows, Linux, and macOS | Free |
As kristall.random-projects.net lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Kristall focuses on small-internet browsing with customizable reading and TLS options. The absence of a stable build and its deliberately limited web support are important considerations.
Facts from Kristall's own pages
- Browser engine
- other · kristall.random-projects.net, 19 Sept 2026
- Document formats
- It displays Gemini, HTML, and Markdown documents, along with text, images, and video. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · kristall.random-projects.net, 19 Sept 2026
- Interface
- The browser-like user interface is based on Qt5. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The project README states Kristall is released under GPLv3 or any later version. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Navigation
- Features include searchable and viewable navigation history, categorized favourites, and document outlines. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Nightly downloads
- The official site lists nightly downloads for Windows x86_64, Linux x86_64, and unsigned macOS x86_64. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yes · kristall.random-projects.net, 19 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- desktop · kristall.random-projects.net, 19 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- Kristall is a small-internet browser for Gemini, Gopher, HTTP, and Finger servers that does not support CSS, JavaScript, WASM, or graphical websites. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- Kristall supports TLS with TOFU and CA validation and supports client certificates. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Stable builds
- The official site says no stable release build is currently available and lists Kristall 0.3 packages for Void Linux and the Arch Linux AUR. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Styling
- Users can customize document styling and choose light or dark themes. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites support requests and feature proposals by email or through the #gemini IRC channel on tilde.chat. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The project lists Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and Haiku as supported platforms. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Windows requirement
- The site says Windows may require the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable or may fail because MSVCR100.dll is missing. · kristall.random-projects.net, 12 Oct 2026
Where Kristall stands on Freedom251
- Web browsers#41 of 154