Our verdict: Basilisk is for people who miss the classic Firefox-style browser: it runs XUL extensions and NPAPI plugins and keeps a customizable traditional interface. Its Goanna engine is independent, so some modern sites work less well than in Chrome or Firefox.
About Basilisk
Basilisk is built on the Unified XUL Platform (UXP) and the Goanna rendering engine, an independent fork of Mozilla's older code base. It is developed by the Basilisk Development Team, separately from Mozilla and from the Pale Moon team, and calls itself stable software that avoids disruptive redesigns.
It supports modern web features such as advanced scripting, WebRTC, modern CSS, HTML5 and web fonts, plus NPAPI plugins and XUL-based extensions that current browsers no longer run. That makes it popular in preservation and retro-computing communities. The code is under the MPL 2.0; the name and logo are trademarks reserved for official builds.
What it does well
- XUL extensions. Runs classic XUL-based extensions that modern Firefox dropped.
- NPAPI plugins. Still loads legacy browser plugins for special workflows.
- Customizable interface. Traditional toolbars and menus that you can rearrange.
- Goanna engine. Independent engine with WebRTC, HTML5 and modern CSS support.
- Wide platform list. Builds for Windows, Linux, macOS and FreeBSD.
Who it is for
Good fit
Users who need XUL extensions or NPAPI plugins, or want a classic interface that stays the same.
Look elsewhere
People who mostly use complex modern web apps that are tested only on Chrome and Firefox.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Supports XUL extensions and NPAPI plugins
- Interface does not change between updates
- Open source
- Runs on many platforms
Cons
- Some modern websites do not work as well as in Chrome or Firefox
- Small team and a niche extension ecosystem
- Installer link changes with every new build
How to install Basilisk
The button downloads the official 64-bit Windows installer; a 32-bit installer and 7z archives are also on the download page (the archives are not portable builds). There is no bundled software. Basilisk has its own built-in updater.
Questions about Basilisk
Is Basilisk free?
Yes. Basilisk is free and open-source software under the Mozilla Public License 2.0.
Is Basilisk related to Firefox or Pale Moon?
It is not affiliated with Mozilla. It shares the UXP platform with Pale Moon but is developed by a separate team.
Can Basilisk run old Firefox extensions?
It supports XUL-based extensions and NPAPI plugins, which current Firefox no longer runs.
