ELinks
ELinks: A protocol-rich terminal browser for users who value control over visual polish. Ranked #62 of 145 in Web Browsers by our editors (4.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for terminal users needing protocol-rich browsing.
At a glance
- Editor score4.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTerminal users needing protocol-rich browsing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Browser engineOther
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, Gopher, SMB, NNTP and more
- Includes tabs, background downloads and hierarchical bookmarks
- Offers Lua, JavaScript and other scripting hooks
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only platform coverage limits desktop availability
- Terminal-first navigation is not suited to visual-first browsing
- No stated modern privacy or synchronization feature set
Our verdict on ELinks
ELinks is an open-source, text-mode web browser for Unix-like desktop environments, with Linux listed as its platform. It is aimed at terminal users, administrators and technically inclined readers who prefer keyboard-driven navigation and broad protocol support over a conventional graphical interface. The browser renders HTML tables and frames, supports color, and includes tabs, cookies, history, configurable MIME handling and bookmarks. Its GPL version 2 licensing also makes it suitable for users who want an openly developed browser that can be inspected and adapted.
Its strongest distinction is breadth beyond standard web protocols. ELinks supports HTTP, HTTPS and FTP, along with Gopher, SMB, NNTP, BitTorrent and finger. Background downloads help separate retrieval tasks from active browsing, while hierarchical bookmarks and XBEL support provide organization for saved destinations. Lua, JavaScript and other scripting hooks extend the browser for users who need automation or customization. This combination makes ELinks more than a minimal page reader, particularly for terminal workflows and protocol-specific browsing.
The trade-off is its narrow platform and interaction model. Linux-only desktop coverage excludes users looking for a browser across multiple desktop operating systems, and terminal operation will not suit people who expect image-rich layouts, mouse-led controls or a standard graphical browser experience. ELinks also does not present a stated modern privacy or synchronization feature set, so users prioritizing those capabilities should consider an alternative. The currently maintained continuation is the rkd77/elinks fork, while the original project history reflects a change in ongoing development.
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ELinks pricing
ELinks fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Desktop |
| Browser engine | Other |
| Built-in ad blocking | Not verified |
| Tracking protection | Not verified |
| Extension support | Not verified |
| Cross-device sync | Not verified |
| Open source | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | elinks.or.cz |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to ELinks
- Google ChromeA complete free browser with broad platform coverage, sync, extensions, and built-in security.9.3
- Microsoft EdgeA free, cross-platform browser suited to Microsoft users who want broad compatibility.9.2
- Mozilla FirefoxA mature, privacy-focused browser for everyday browsing across desktop and mobile.9.1
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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