Pale Moon
Firefox-based browser with XUL support and optimized Goanna engine for faster performance.
Pale Moon — Key Facts
- Latest Version
- 34.1.0
- License
- Free
- Category
- Browsers
- Price
- Free to download
- Official Site
- www.palemoon.org
- User Rating
- ★ 4.7 / 5 (776 ratings)
- Tags
- free, portable, lightweight, windows, linux, cross-platform
About Pale Moon
Pale Moon is a customized browser built on Firefox technology since 2009. Unlike modern Firefox versions, it uses the Goanna engine—a specialized fork of Gecko developed specifically for this project. The engine incorporates years of optimization work that boosts speed and efficiency. This approach gives users a familiar browsing foundation with meaningful performance improvements. You can download Pale Moon for Windows or Linux depending on your system.
What makes Pale Moon different? The browser maintains support for XUL extensions and NPAPI plugins—features Firefox removed years ago. Starting with version 28, Pale Moon switched to the UXP (Unified XUL Platform), which ensures compatibility with older add-ons that won't work elsewhere. The project is based on Firefox 68 ESR, providing stability without sacrificing customization options. This focus on legacy support attracts users who value extension flexibility over cutting-edge web standards.
The interface and functionality differ significantly from Firefox. Pale Moon preserves the classic browser layout and includes older features that power users appreciate. The design philosophy prioritizes simplicity and control rather than modern UI trends. If you prefer straightforward navigation and dislike constant interface redesigns, this browser delivers exactly what you're looking for. Browse our browser category to compare other options, or explore free software alternatives to mainstream choices.
Who should try Pale Moon? Users who need XUL extension support, prefer traditional interfaces, or want better performance on older systems benefit most. The pale moon free download works well for anyone tired of bloated mainstream browsers. With consistent updates and a dedicated developer community, it remains a reliable choice for those seeking alternatives to conventional solutions.
Pale Moon is a free browsers available for Windows, Linux. Browse more free software or portable programs.