Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

GNU IceCat VS Comodo IceDragon

Compare GNU IceCat VS Comodo IceDragon and see what are their differences

GNU IceCat logo GNU IceCat

Gnuzilla is the GNU version of the Mozilla suite, and GNU IceCat is the GNU version of the ...

Comodo IceDragon logo Comodo IceDragon

Comodo IceDragon is designed by the developers of the Comodo that developed the Dragon Web Browser.
  • GNU IceCat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-11-01
  • Comodo IceDragon Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-15

GNU IceCat features and specs

  • Privacy-Focused
    GNU IceCat includes a number of privacy-oriented features such as resistance against fingerprinting and built-in ad blocking, which enhance user privacy.
  • Free Software
    Being part of the GNU Project, IceCat is free software and respects users' freedom, providing full transparency and control over the source code.
  • LibreJS
    IceCat comes with LibreJS, which blocks non-free JavaScript, helping to ensure that all JavaScript executed by the browser is free software.
  • Enhanced Security
    Regular security updates and a philosophy aligned with free software make IceCat a secure option for users who prioritize safety and transparency.
  • Customizable
    As a derivative of Firefox, IceCat supports a range of customization options, allowing users to tailor their browsing experience to their needs.

Possible disadvantages of GNU IceCat

  • Limited Add-ons
    Due to its restrictive stance on non-free software, some popular Firefox add-ons might not work with IceCat, limiting the browser's extensibility.
  • Performance Issues
    Compared to mainstream browsers, IceCat may experience slower performance or compatibility issues with certain websites.
  • Less Support
    Being a niche browser, IceCat has less community support and fewer resources available for troubleshooting compared to more popular browsers.
  • User Interface
    The user interface might not be as polished or intuitive as more mainstream browsers, which can result in a less user-friendly experience.
  • Compatibility
    Due to its focus on free software, some web features or services that rely on proprietary technologies might not function properly.

Comodo IceDragon features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    Comodo IceDragon includes additional security features such as SiteInspector malware scanning and domain validation technology to provide a safer browsing experience.
  • Lightweight
    IceDragon is designed to be less resource-intensive than some other browsers, which can lead to faster load times and improved performance, especially on older machines.
  • Privacy Features
    The browser offers various privacy tools, such as the Comodo Secure DNS service, which enhances privacy by blocking harmful sites.
  • Firefox Compatible
    Built on top of the Firefox engine, IceDragon is compatible with most Firefox plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize their browsing experience.
  • Usability
    With a familiar interface derived from Firefox, users will find it easy to navigate and use IceDragon.

Possible disadvantages of Comodo IceDragon

  • Slower Updates
    Updates for IceDragon may lag behind official Firefox updates, potentially delaying new features and security patches.
  • Limited Support
    As a niche browser, IceDragon has less community support and fewer online resources compared to major browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Since IceDragon is built on an older version of Firefox, some modern web applications or sites might not function as smoothly or error-free as on current browsers.
  • Fewer Features
    Some advanced features found in major browsers may be missing or less polished in IceDragon, which might not satisfy power users.

Analysis of GNU IceCat

Overall verdict

  • GNU IceCat is considered a good browser for users who value privacy, security, and open-source software. While it might not have the same level of polish or feature-set as some mainstream browsers, its dedication to user rights and privacy sets it apart.

Why this product is good

  • GNU IceCat is a free and open-source browser developed by the Free Software Foundation. It focuses on user privacy and freedom, offering features that block non-free software, prevent tracking, and provide HTTPS by default. Its commitment to user privacy makes it a strong choice for those who prioritize security and ethical software usage.

Recommended for

    Users who prioritize privacy and free software principles. It's ideal for those who want a browsing experience that minimizes tracking, avoids proprietary software, and prefers open-source solutions.

GNU IceCat videos

GNU Icecat Installation & Review

More videos:

  • Review - Aaron Jones: Intro to GNU IceCat

Comodo IceDragon videos

Comodo IceDragon Internet Browser Review

More videos:

  • Review - Comodo IceDragon & Dragon Browser | Faster and Safer Web Browsers

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to GNU IceCat and Comodo IceDragon)
Web Browsers
59 59%
41% 41
Customisable Web Browser
50 50%
50% 50
Web Development Tools
47 47%
53% 53
Browsers
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare GNU IceCat and Comodo IceDragon

GNU IceCat Reviews

We have no reviews of GNU IceCat yet.
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Comodo IceDragon Reviews

10 Alternative Browsers Based on Mozilla Firefox
Comodo IceDragon takes the Firefox core build and adds several security, performance and feature enhancements whilst remaining fully compatible with Firefox plugins and extensions.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Comodo IceDragon seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

GNU IceCat mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of GNU IceCat yet. Tracking of GNU IceCat recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Comodo IceDragon mentions (1)

  • Cannot download Comodo IceDragon
    I want to download IceDragon but the link is not working (https://icedragon.comodo.com). Source: about 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing GNU IceCat and Comodo IceDragon, you can also consider the following products

Brave - Fast and secure, ad and tracker blocking browser.

Pale Moon - Pale Moon is an Open Source, Mozilla-derived web browser available for Microsoft Windows and Linux, focusing on efficiency and ease of use.

Epic Browser - A privacy-centric web browser

Vivaldi - Vivaldi is a free, fast web browser designed for power-users. You decide how you browse. Download Vivaldi's fully customisable browser now and browse your way.

SRWare Iron - SRWare Iron: The browser of the future - based on the free Sourcecode " Chromium" - without any problems at privacy and security.

qutebrowser - An actively developped, keyboard-focused browser with a minimal GUI, inspired by other...