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w3m

w3m is a pager that can also function as a web browser in text mode.

Place
#7 of 24
Score
6.3
w3m's website

What w3m is

w3m is a pager that can also function as a web browser in text mode. When reading HTML, it lets users follow links and open images through an external image viewer. Its internet message mode identifies a document from its header and displays documents marked as text/html as HTML. w3m can also convert URL descriptions in plain text into links. Linux is listed among the platforms where it is known to work, and it is classified for desktop use. Building it on MS-Windows requires Cygwin with development tools. The installation notes specify the GC library as a dependency and describe a process using configure, make, and make install. The project permits use, modification, and redistribution when copyright notices are included in copies, applications, and derived works. w3m is free and open source, with no paid plans or usage limits stated. Its documentation identifies poor online manuals as a current problem, and the GitHub releases page has no releases. The software is provided without express or implied warranty.

Good

  • Works as both a pager and text-mode browser.
  • Can follow HTML links and open images externally.
  • Can turn plain-text URL descriptions into links.
  • Free and open source.

Watch out

  • Building on Windows requires Cygwin and development tools.
  • Installation requires the GC library.
  • Documentation notes poor online manuals.
  • GitHub's releases page has no releases.

Who it suits

w3m may suit desktop users on Linux who want a text-mode browser and pager, including people comfortable with its documented build process. Windows users need Cygwin and development tools to build it.

Verdict

w3m offers basic web browsing alongside pager functions in text mode, with Linux listed among its working platforms. Consider the build dependencies and documentation limitations before choosing it.

Plans and prices

From w3m's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
w3mFreeNo paid plans or usage limits stated

The facts

Each one read from w3m's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Build dependency
The installation notes say w3m requires the GC library.checked 9 Oct 2026
Document detection
Its internet message mode determines document type from the header and displays documents with Content-Type text/html as HTML.checked 9 Oct 2026
HTML browsing
When reading HTML, users can follow links and view images using an external image viewer.checked 9 Oct 2026
Installation
The documented build process runs configure, make, and make install.checked 9 Oct 2026
Intended audience
The project describes w3m as a text-mode WWW browser and pager.checked 9 Oct 2026
License terms
The project permits use, modification, and redistribution provided the copyright notice is included in copies, applications, and derivations.checked 9 Oct 2026
Maintained distribution
The repository says this package is maintained for Debian and forked from the original SourceForge version.checked 9 Oct 2026
Open source
Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
Plain text links
It can turn URL descriptions in plain text into links.checked 9 Oct 2026
Product type
w3m is a pager that can also be used as a text-mode WWW browser.checked 9 Oct 2026
Release packaging
The GitHub repository's releases page states that there are no releases there.checked 9 Oct 2026
Support limitation
The documentation lists poor online manuals as a current problem.checked 9 Oct 2026
Warranty
The documentation says the software is provided as is without express or implied warranty.checked 9 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Linux support
The documentation lists Linux among the platforms w3m is known to work on.checked 9 Oct 2026
Supported platforms
desktopchecked 19 Sep 2026
Windows support
The documentation says building w3m on MS-Windows requires Cygwin with development tools.checked 9 Oct 2026

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