A Zen Essentials alternative — that installs in Zen too
Zen is built on Firefox, so Essentials installs directly in Zen — and in Firefox itself. It brings the Essentials workflow as a real extension: a toolbar grid of your key sites in color-coded spaces, synced via Firefox Sync. One-time $4.99.
Essentials runs in Zen
Because Zen is a Firefox fork that supports Firefox add-ons, the Firefox edition installs and runs in Zen directly — same popup, same spaces, same sync.
Why use the extension if Zen has Essentials built in?
Essentials gives you finer control: configurable rows and columns, custom tile icons, and a grid that follows you to plain Firefox too.
| Zen built-in Essentials | Essentials extension |
|---|---|
| Essentials row | Toolbar popup grid, in Firefox and Zen |
| Workspaces | Color-coded spaces |
| Tied to the browser | A portable extension you control |
| Limited layout control | Configurable rows, columns, and custom icons |
FAQ
Does Essentials install in Zen?
Yes. Zen is Firefox-based and supports Firefox add-ons, so the Firefox edition installs and runs in Zen directly.
Why use the extension if Zen already has Essentials?
More control over rows and columns, custom tile icons, and the same grid in plain Firefox.
How does sync work in Zen?
Through Firefox Sync — sign into a Mozilla account in Zen. We run no servers.
How much does it cost?
Free to try, then a one-time $4.99 to unlock. No subscription.
Coming soon
Came from Arc instead? See the Arc alternative.
Arc and Zen are trademarks of their respective owners. Essentials is an independent product and is not affiliated with The Browser Company or the Zen Browser project.