When comparing GNU IceCat vs Naver Whale, the Slant community recommends GNU IceCat for most people. In the question“What are the best desktop web browsers?” GNU IceCat is ranked 8th while Naver Whale is ranked 53rd.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
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.
Pro It's a Suite
It includes a calculator, timer, calendar and unit converter and a built-in music player.
Pro Convenient sidebar
You can have a bunch of apps on the sidebar which makes accessing them more convenient.
Pro Looks cute
Has a cute aesthetic with many options for wallpapers and changing the browser design.
Pro Compatible with Chromium extensions
You can use Chromium extensions.
Pro Uses Blink
It uses Blink which is the most used rendering engine.
Cons
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.
Con Misses translations
Since Naver is the South Korean Google it focuses mostly on Korea and some parts of the browser might miss translations.
Con Looks like an alien
It does not follow your desktop overall design.
Con Feature creep
Too much stuff.