Vivaldi is a feature-rich web browser built on Chromium that gives you full control over your browsing experience. Developed by former Opera co-founder Jon von Tetzchner, Vivaldi packs built-in tools that other browsers require extensions for – tab stacking, a mail client, calendar, feed reader, notes, and a tracker blocker are all included out of the box.
This guide covers how to install Vivaldi browser on all major Linux distributions – Ubuntu, Debian, RHEL, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Fedora, Arch Linux, Manjaro, and via Flatpak. We also walk through key features, privacy settings, and how Vivaldi compares to Firefox and Chrome.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Linux desktop system with a graphical environment (GNOME, KDE, Xfce, etc.)
- Root or sudo access for package installation
- An active internet connection to download packages and configure repositories
- At least 1 GB of free disk space
Step 1: Install Vivaldi Browser on Ubuntu / Debian
Vivaldi provides an official APT repository for Debian-based distributions. Adding the repository ensures you receive automatic updates through your system’s package manager.
Import the Vivaldi GPG signing key to verify package authenticity:
curl -fsSL https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpgAdd the Vivaldi repository to your system sources:
echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg] https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/deb stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vivaldi.listUpdate the package index and install Vivaldi:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install vivaldi-stableAfter installation completes, verify Vivaldi is installed by checking the version:
vivaldi --versionThe output should show the installed Vivaldi version:
Vivaldi 7.9.3970.41 stableLaunch Vivaldi from your application menu or run vivaldi-stable from the terminal.
Step 2: Install Vivaldi on RHEL / Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux / Fedora
For RPM-based distributions, Vivaldi provides an official YUM/DNF repository. This method works on RHEL 9/10, Rocky Linux 9/10, AlmaLinux 9/10, and Fedora 42.
Import the Vivaldi GPG key:
sudo rpm --import https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/linux_signing_key.pubCreate the Vivaldi repository file:
sudo vi /etc/yum.repos.d/vivaldi.repoAdd the following repository configuration:
[vivaldi]
name=Vivaldi Browser
baseurl=https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/rpm/x86_64
enabled=1
gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/linux_signing_key.pubInstall Vivaldi using dnf:
sudo dnf install vivaldi-stableConfirm the installation was successful:
vivaldi --versionYou should see the Vivaldi version number confirming a successful install:
Vivaldi 7.9.3970.41 stableIf you are running Google Chrome or another Chromium-based browser alongside Vivaldi, both can coexist without conflicts since they use separate configuration directories.
Step 3: Install Vivaldi on Arch Linux / Manjaro
Vivaldi is available in the official Arch Linux repositories, so installation is straightforward with pacman. This also works on Manjaro, EndeavourOS, and other Arch-based distributions.
Install Vivaldi from the official repos:
sudo pacman -S vivaldiVivaldi on Arch depends on the vivaldi-ffmpeg-codecs package for proprietary media codec support. Install it for full video playback compatibility:
sudo pacman -S vivaldi-ffmpeg-codecsCheck the installed version:
vivaldi --versionIf you want the latest development snapshot before it reaches stable, the vivaldi-snapshot package is available in the AUR. Install it with your preferred AUR helper:
yay -S vivaldi-snapshotStep 4: Install Vivaldi Browser via Flatpak
Flatpak provides a distribution-agnostic way to install Vivaldi. This method works on any Linux distribution with Flatpak support and keeps the browser sandboxed from the host system.
First, make sure Flatpak is installed and the Flathub repository is configured:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstall Vivaldi from Flathub:
flatpak install flathub com.vivaldi.VivaldiLaunch the Flatpak version from the terminal:
flatpak run com.vivaldi.VivaldiTo update Vivaldi installed via Flatpak:
flatpak update com.vivaldi.VivaldiThe Flatpak version runs in a sandbox, which adds a layer of security but may have limited access to system fonts and themes compared to the native package.
Step 5: Key Vivaldi Features Walkthrough
Vivaldi stands out from other browsers by including productivity tools that typically require third-party extensions or separate applications. Here is an overview of the features that make it worth considering.
Tab Management
Vivaldi offers the most advanced tab management of any browser. Tab Stacking lets you group related tabs by dragging one tab onto another, creating collapsible groups that keep your tab bar clean. Tab Tiling splits your screen to view multiple tabs side by side – useful for comparing documentation or monitoring dashboards. You can also hibernate inactive tab stacks to free up memory, and Workspaces let you organize tab groups by project or context and switch between them instantly.
Web Panels
The sidebar Web Panels feature lets you pin any website to the left sidebar as a narrow panel. This is useful for keeping chat apps like Slack, WhatsApp Web, or a Mastodon feed open alongside your main browsing without switching tabs. Panels load in a mobile-responsive view, so most web apps adapt well to the narrow width.
Built-in Mail Client and Calendar
Vivaldi Mail is a full email client built directly into the browser. It supports multiple IMAP and POP3 accounts, threaded conversations, and custom filters. The integrated Calendar syncs with CalDAV servers and supports multiple calendars with color coding. A Feed Reader is also included for following RSS and Atom feeds without relying on external services.
Customization and Interface
Nearly every element of the Vivaldi interface can be customized. You can move the tab bar to any edge of the screen, change the address bar position, edit toolbar layouts, and create custom themes with scheduled switching. Quick Commands (accessible with F2) provides a universal search across open tabs, bookmarks, history, and browser settings. Mouse gestures and configurable keyboard shortcuts round out the navigation options.
Step 6: Configure Vivaldi Privacy Settings
Vivaldi includes a built-in tracker and ad blocker that works without extensions. To configure it, open Vivaldi Settings (Ctrl+F12) and navigate to the Privacy section.
Key privacy settings to configure:
- Tracker Blocker – Enable the built-in tracker blocker under Privacy > Tracker and Ad Blocking. Choose between “Block Trackers” or “Block Trackers and Ads” for stronger protection
- Blocking Lists – Vivaldi uses DuckDuckGo Tracker Radar and EasyPrivacy lists by default. You can add custom filter lists in ABP format
- Cookie Management – Configure third-party cookie blocking under Privacy > Cookies. Block third-party cookies to reduce cross-site tracking
- Private Translation – Vivaldi includes a built-in page translator powered by Lingvanex that processes translations locally without sending data to external servers
- Google Service Controls – Under Privacy, you can disable individual Google services like Safe Browsing, search suggestions, and autofill that send data to Google servers
- Private Window – Use Ctrl+Shift+N to open a private browsing window that does not save history, cookies, or site data after closing
Vivaldi does not track its users, sell user data, or profile browsing behavior. The browser itself does not include any telemetry that identifies individual users.
Step 7: Vivaldi vs Firefox vs Chrome Comparison
Choosing a browser depends on what matters most to you. Here is how Vivaldi compares with Firefox and Google Chrome across the features that matter for Linux desktop users.
| Feature | Vivaldi | Firefox | Chrome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chromium (Blink) | Gecko | Chromium (Blink) |
| Tab Stacking/Grouping | Yes – two-level stacks with renaming | No (extensions needed) | Basic tab groups |
| Tab Tiling | Yes – split screen multiple tabs | No | No |
| Built-in Mail Client | Yes – full IMAP/POP3 support | No (Thunderbird separate) | No |
| Built-in Calendar | Yes – CalDAV sync | No | No |
| Feed Reader | Yes – RSS/Atom built-in | No | No |
| Ad/Tracker Blocker | Yes – built-in | Enhanced Tracking Protection | No (extension needed) |
| Extension Support | Chrome Web Store | Firefox Add-ons | Chrome Web Store |
| Web Panels (Sidebar) | Yes – pin any website | Limited sidebar | No |
| UI Customization | Extensive – move everything | Moderate | Minimal |
| Open Source | Chromium base open, UI proprietary | Fully open source | Chromium base open, Chrome proprietary |
| Memory Usage | Moderate (Chromium-based) | Lower | Higher |
| Sync | Vivaldi account (encrypted) | Mozilla account | Google account |
Choose Vivaldi if you want an all-in-one browser with built-in productivity tools and deep customization. It replaces the need for a separate email client, calendar app, and tab management extensions.
Choose Firefox if open source matters to you and you prefer a browser independent of the Chromium ecosystem. Firefox uses less memory and has strong privacy defaults.
Choose Chrome if you rely heavily on Google services and need maximum web compatibility. Chrome has the widest extension ecosystem, though Vivaldi supports the same Chrome Web Store extensions.
Conclusion
You now have Vivaldi browser installed on your Linux system with access to its full set of built-in productivity tools. The combination of advanced tab management, integrated mail and calendar, and a built-in tracker blocker makes it a strong choice for users who want fewer extensions and more control over their browsing environment. For additional configuration options, check the Vivaldi 7.9 release notes for the latest features and improvements.
