Falkon Browser, formerly known as QupZilla, pairs a lightweight Qt WebEngine core with KDE-friendly design, giving you a fast browser that feels at home on Plasma desktops, low-powered laptops, and privacy-focused workstations. Built-in AdBlock and tracker protection cut noise without extra plugins, while theming and extension support let you match Falkon to minimal tiling setups or a full KDE workflow.
You will install Falkon on Ubuntu with APT (Ubuntu’s package manager similar to Windows Update), Snap packages from the Snap Store (comparable to Microsoft’s app store with sandboxing), or Flatpak bundles from Flathub (a universal app catalog). After choosing your method, you’ll learn the quickest ways to launch Falkon, keep it updated, and remove it cleanly if you switch browsers.
Choose Your Falkon Installation Method
Falkon offers multiple installation paths on Ubuntu, each with distinct trade-offs for version freshness, system integration, and resource usage. Choose the method that aligns with your update preferences and security requirements.
| Method | Version/Channel | Stability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| APT (Ubuntu Repository) | Ubuntu-packaged stable | Very stable, tested integration | Users who prefer system-managed updates and minimal disk usage |
| Snap | Upstream auto-updates | Latest stable from Snap Store | Users who want automatic updates and self-contained packages |
| Flatpak (Flathub) | Community-maintained latest | Sandboxed, frequent updates | Users prioritizing application isolation and security sandboxing |
The APT method integrates with Ubuntu’s standard update cycle and shares system libraries, while Snap and Flatpak deliver newer versions with automatic updates but consume more disk space through bundled dependencies. For most users, the APT installation provides sufficient stability and performance.
Method 1: Install Falkon Browser via APT
Update Ubuntu System Packages
Before installing Falkon, ensure your system packages are up-to-date. This involves two tasks: refreshing your local software list and upgrading existing software, which keeps APT aligned with Ubuntu’s repositories.
First, open your Terminal (press Ctrl+Alt+T; it works like Windows PowerShell) and input the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgradeUpon entering these commands and hitting Enter, your system might prompt you for your password as you’re trying to execute commands with sudo. After entering the password, your system will ask for confirmation if there are any updates to install. Hit Y and Enter to proceed.
Install Falkon via APT
After ensuring your system is up to date, it’s time to install Falkon. Ubuntu’s repositories include a wide range of software that Ubuntu officially supports and maintains. Furthermore, Falkon is included in these repositories, making its installation a one-command affair through APT.
Next, input the following command in your Terminal application:
sudo apt install falkonAPT will calculate Falkon’s required dependencies and request your confirmation to install them. Press Y and Enter to proceed. Subsequently, APT will download and install the necessary packages on your system.
Method 2: Install Falkon Browser via Snap
Snap packages bundle every dependency and update automatically, behaving like a self-contained Microsoft Store app, which makes them a good fit when you want the latest Falkon release without touching system libraries.
Install Snapd on Ubuntu
Most Ubuntu spins ship with Snapd, but run the following command to confirm the service is present:
sudo apt install snapd -yThis installs and enables the Snap daemon so Falkon and future snaps can update in the background.
Install Falkon via Snap
With Snapd ready, install Falkon from the Snap Store:
sudo snap install falkonMethod 3: Install Falkon Browser via Flatpak and Flathub
Flatpak provides similar isolation but uses sandbox permissions you can fine-tune, comparable to running a portable Windows app with granular permission prompts, which is handy when you want Falkon separated from the host while still having control over portals like file access or theme integration.
If your system does not currently support Flatpak, install it first. Refer to our detailed guide on installing Flatpak for the most recent instructions.
Enable Flathub Repository
Start by enabling Flathub, the main Flatpak repository for desktop applications:
To incorporate the Flathub repository into your system’s configuration, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis only needs to be done once per system and unlocks Falkon plus the rest of the Flathub catalog.
Install Falkon via Flatpak
Next, install the Falkon Flatpak so every user on the machine can launch it:
sudo flatpak install flathub org.kde.falkon -yYou now have the newest Falkon build from upstream KDE maintainers, fully sandboxed from the base OS.
Starting Falkon Browser on Ubuntu
After successfully installing the Falkon Browser on your Ubuntu system, you can launch the application. Furthermore, you can start Falkon using the command-line interface (CLI), which functions like Windows PowerShell, or the graphical user interface (GUI), which behaves like the Start menu and application grid.
CLI Methods to Launch Falkon Browser
The command-line interface is an essential tool in the Linux environment and mirrors what Windows users do in PowerShell. This makes it easier to start applications like the Falkon Browser. Depending on your chosen installation method, whether APT, Snap, or Flatpak, the sections below outline how to launch Falkon Browser with specific command sets.
Launch via APT
falkonLaunch via Snap
snap run falkonLaunch via Flatpak
flatpak run org.kde.falkonProvided the installation is successful, this command sets Falkon Browser in motion.
Launch Falkon from GUI
If you prefer the GUI, press the Super key, type Falkon into the search field, and hit Enter. Falkon also appears in the Applications grid under the Internet category if you browse manually.
Additional Falkon Browser Commands
Use the following maintenance commands to keep Falkon current or remove it cleanly, depending on how you installed it.
Keep Falkon Browser Updated
Stick with the same channel you used for installation so you only touch the relevant package set when updating Falkon.
APT Update Command
sudo apt update
sudo apt install --only-upgrade falkonSnap Refresh Command
sudo snap refresh falkonSnap packages update automatically in the background by default, refreshing daily without manual intervention.
Flatpak Update Command
sudo flatpak update org.kde.falkonUninstall Falkon Browser
Use the matching removal command below to uninstall Falkon without leaving orphaned packages.
APT Removal Command
To uninstall Falkon Browser using APT, execute the command below:
sudo apt remove falkonSnap Removal Command
Removing Falkon Browser using Snap is as straightforward as issuing the following command:
sudo snap remove falkonFlatpak Removal Command
Lastly, to uninstall Falkon Browser using Flatpak, use the command below:
sudo flatpak uninstall org.kde.falkonClosing Thoughts
Falkon delivers lightweight browsing with built-in privacy tools through three flexible installation methods: APT for system integration, Snap for automatic updates, and Flatpak for sandboxed isolation. Your Ubuntu system now runs an open-source browser optimized for speed and resource efficiency.