NetSurf
by NetSurf
What NetSurf is
NetSurf is a free, open-source web browser written in C, using its own layout and rendering engine. The project positions it as a compact browser for resource-constrained hardware and everyday activities such as checking webmail, reading news, and posting in discussion forums. NetSurf 3.11 lists HTML 4.01 and CSS 2.1 support, HTTPS, Unicode text, bookmarks, cookie management, URL completion, page thumbnails, local and global history, and saving pages with images. Listed image formats include PNG, GIF, JPEG, SVG, BMP, WebP, and JPEG XL. Desktop platforms listed are Linux, macOS, and Windows. GTK targets Unix-like systems including Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Solaris. The project also lists front ends for RISC OS, BeOS, AmigaOS, Atari, and dumb framebuffers. NetSurf is released under GNU General Public License version 2. Its latest listed release is 3.11, dated 28 December 2023.
Who it suits
NetSurf suits users seeking a free, open-source browser for lightweight web tasks or resource-constrained hardware. It may also interest people using the project’s Unix-like or alternative platform front ends.
What it does well
- Free and open source
- Designed for resource-constrained hardware
- Includes bookmarks, history, and cookie management
- Supports several listed image formats
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows
What to know first
- Windows build is not ready for general use
- Listed standards are HTML 4.01 and CSS 2.1
- Latest listed release is dated 28 December 2023
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| NetSurf | Free, open-source browser | Free |
As netsurf-browser.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
NetSurf focuses on compact browsing and broad platform front ends rather than modern web compatibility claims. Its Windows build limitation and listed standards should be considered before installation.
Facts from NetSurf's own pages
- Browser engine
- other · netsurf-browser.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Features
- Listed features include HTTPS, Unicode text, page thumbnailing, local and global history, bookmarks, cookie management, URL completion, and saving pages with images. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2002 · netsurf-browser.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · netsurf-browser.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Images
- NetSurf 3.11 lists support for PNG, GIF, JPEG, SVG, BMP, WebP, and JPEG XL images. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- NetSurf is described as a lightweight browser for tasks such as checking webmail, reading news, and posting to discussion forums. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- NetSurf is released under GNU General Public License version 2. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Linux and Unix
- The GTK front end targets Unix-like systems including Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Solaris; GTK 3 is built by default, with GTK 2 available as an option. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Yes · netsurf-browser.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Other platforms
- The project lists front ends for RISC OS, GTK, BeOS, AmigaOS, Atari, and dumb framebuffers. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- desktop · netsurf-browser.org, 21 Sept 2026
- Product
- NetSurf is a free, open-source web browser written in C with its own layout and rendering engine. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Release status
- The official site lists NetSurf 3.11, released 28 December 2023, as its latest release. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Resource use
- The project describes NetSurf as compact and designed to run on resource-constrained hardware. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project lists HTTPS support and provides a security email address for reporting security issues. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Standards
- NetSurf 3.11 lists HTML 4.01 and CSS 2.1 support. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users are directed to report problems through the bug tracker and can use a general discussion mailing list for NetSurf. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Windows limitation
- The Windows build is described as a technology demonstrator that is not ready for general use. · netsurf-browser.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where NetSurf stands on Freedom251
- Web browsers#23 of 154