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OpenKiosk
What it is
OpenKiosk is open-source software for turning a machine into a remotely configurable public browser terminal. The maker describes it as a system-integrated browser based on Mozilla Firefox, with controls intended to keep public users focused on web browsing. Administrators can register devices for management through a web interface and adjust settings for individual devices or groups. The browser can be configured for fullscreen display, toolbar and address-bar visibility, an on-screen keyboard, and bookmark retention. Session settings include timers and control over whether cache, history, and cookies remain between sessions. URL allowlists and blocklists are available; strict filtering checks resources within pages and may disrupt pages if rules omit needed resources. The current beta documentation requires Debian 13 on x86_64 or aarch64 hardware and an existing system user named openkiosk; Raspberry Pi 5 installation instructions are included. Other Linux distributions are planned, while a separate download page lists Windows, macOS, and Linux packages for an earlier release. The maker labels the software beta and asks users to report issues. It is free under the Mozilla Public License and self-hosted.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under the Mozilla Public License
- Remote device management through a web interface
- Session timers and persistence controls
- URL allowlists and blocklists
Against
- Current beta requires Debian 13
- Current instructions require an openkiosk system user
- Strict filtering may disrupt pages
- The maker labels the software beta
The verdict
OpenKiosk offers configurable kiosk browsing, remote administration, and session controls for public terminals. The current beta’s Debian 13 requirement and filtering caveat are important considerations before deployment.
Who it suits
OpenKiosk suits organizations setting up public browsing terminals on supported Linux hardware. Its remote controls, session settings, and URL filtering may be relevant to administrators managing shared devices.
Plans and prices
OpenKiosk
Open source under MPL; donations accepted
Read 8 Oct 2026 · openkiosk.tech
On the record
- Beta status and support
- The maker labels the product Beta and asks users to test it and email bugs or issues.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Browser basis
- The maker describes OpenKiosk as a web browser based on Mozilla Firefox, designed for public terminals.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Content filtering
- URL filtering supports whitelist and blacklist modes; strict mode checks URLs for resources within a page and the documentation says it may break pages when rules omit resources.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Current beta
- The maker’s current homepage describes OpenKiosk as a beta that turns a machine into a secure public browser.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Current installation requirement
- The current beta documentation requires Debian 13 on x86_64 or aarch64 hardware and says other Linux distributions are planned for future support.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The documentation lists version 151.0.4 Beta as the latest release.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Custom branding
- A custom boot screen can use custom.svg and splash.png files placed in /etc as root.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Deployment history
- The maker says OpenKiosk has been deployed since 2005 in museums, schools, universities, libraries, hospitals, airports, hotels, governments, and businesses.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Kiosk controls
- Settings include fullscreen mode, toolbar and URL bar visibility, an on-screen keyboard, and options to retain bookmarks across sessions.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Legacy desktop downloads
- A separate download page lists Windows, macOS, and Linux packages for release 115.20.0 dated 2025-02-16.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The maker says the software is open source and released under the Mozilla Public License.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- License and deployment
- The software is open source under the MPL and the maker says it has been deployed since 2005 in public venues and businesses.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenKiosk is a Firefox-based web browser designed as a public terminal and kiosk solution.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Remote management
- A token can register devices for management through a web interface, where settings for one or all listed devices can be accessed.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security controls
- Settings can disable local terminal access, enable a clean browser profile at startup, and restrict downloads and file uploads, which the maker labels insecure when enabled.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security-related limits
- The settings documentation labels downloads and file uploads as insecure options, with uploads allowing web pages access to the terminal filesystem.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Session controls
- Administrators can set a session timer, show an ending countdown, and control whether cache, history, and cookies persist across sessions.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support contact
- The contact page lists [email protected] for inquiries and [email protected] for bug reports.openkiosk.tech · read 8 Oct 2026
