Flynx vs GNU IceCat
When comparing Flynx vs GNU IceCat, the Slant community recommends GNU IceCat for most people. In the question“What are the best Android web browsers?” GNU IceCat is ranked 1st while Flynx is ranked 14th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Articles can be saved for offline reading
A simple double-tap will save an article that can be pulled up at any time. All this is done in the background as to not interfere browsing.
Pro Built-in reading mode
Blogs and articles can be opened in a distraction-free mode that even removes ads, saves memory and uses up less data.
Pro Loads links in the background
Flynx can open up to 4 links simultaneously in the background. This can eliminate having to wait for each page to load.
Pro All the benefits of Firefox, but with 100% free software
Pro LibreJS
LibreJS blocks proprietary JavaScript code, ensuring your user freedom.
Pro Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF
Pro Extra security and privacy features
Pro Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.
Pro No spyware
Pro Https-Everywhere by default
Pro SpyBlock
Blocks privacy trackers.
Cons
Con No desktop sync
Although there's a sync option to sync across devices, it has no web client. If you want to view the links on your desktop, there's no feature for that.
Con Messes with any video played full screen
The screen flickers in full screen video mode if any Flynx bubble is open.
Con Asks for unnecessary permissions
Asks for phone state permission which is not required for the app to function.
Con Could be a little buggy sometimes
Slows down your phone occasionally.
Con Doesn't support drop down menus
Con Too much bloat
The browser comes with 15 addons installed by default, most of which are useless or ruin one's browsing experience.
Con Mainly just an old Firefox
It is mainly a renamend older version of Firefox that comes preinstalled with some extensions.
Con Not up to date
Latest binary is still version 60.7 ESR and was last updated over a year ago
Con Requires too much unnecessary configuration to use
You have to manually delete all the bloated addons from your files (only for them to show up again when the browser is updated) and manually install some addons and themes that the browser labels as "corrupt".
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Can't install some Firefox themes/addons
"Installation aborted because the addon appears to be corrupt".
Con Includes LibreJS by default with no way to remove it
Con Very slow boot time
It takes 10+ seconds for the browser to load up
Con Dependent on Mozilla
Since IceCat is based off Firefox, it's dependent on all of Mozilla's decisions.
Con Made by idealists
It is part of the GNU Project.