#111 · Find · 10/9/2026

A Quiet Look at Bonjourr

A quiet look at Bonjourr, an open-source browser startpage built by two independent developers, focusing on its design, privacy stance, and recent updates.

On December 15, 2025, the open-source browser startpage Bonjourr released version 22, introducing a fresh user interface, a redesigned right-click context menu, and an integrated Pomodoro timer. This release represents the latest iteration of the lightweight tool, which replaces a browser's default new tab page with a clean layout. The startpage features dynamic backgrounds that rotate through a manually curated collection of high-quality photographs sourced directly from Unsplash. This update continues the project's focus on minimalist utility, offering a visual alternative to standard, often cluttered browser landing pages.

The project was created and is currently maintained by two independent developers, Tahoe Beetschen and Victor Azevedo. According to the developers, the visual aesthetic of Bonjourr draws its direct creative inspiration from the clean design guidelines of Apple's iOS. The creators explicitly state that the development of Bonjourr deliberately avoids the integration of any generative AI technologies. Furthermore, the creators assert that the extension functions without gathering private information or requiring users to set up and sign into a profile, though this complete lack of data collection remains a disputed point. The developers also attribute the discontinuation of the native Safari version of the extension to high maintenance costs and low usage.

Bonjourr serves as a clean alternative to the default pages shown in new browser tabs, appealing to users who prefer uncluttered digital environments. Because the design aesthetic is inspired by Apple's iOS design language, it provides a familiar, minimalist interface. The tool functions as an open-source startpage, allowing for community oversight of its codebase. Its reliance on a manually curated collection of photos from Unsplash ensures a high-quality visual experience without relying on automated or algorithmic feeds. By offering these features, the project attempts to demonstrate that utility tools can remain functional and aesthetically pleasing without adopting modern generative AI trends.

While the developers maintain a strict stance on user privacy, external verification of these claims remains a subject of dispute among broader industry observers. Additionally, the project's financial model is a point of contention; the developers claim the project is funded solely through user donations because it does not sell user data or display advertisements, yet this exclusive reliance on voluntary contributions is categorized as disputed. Some sources also note that Bonjourr was featured in Google Chrome's Favorites of 2023, a recognition that is similarly disputed by other parties. The native Safari extension is no longer supported on the App Store, which requires iOS and macOS users to seek alternative installation methods if they wish to use the tool.

Several aspects of Bonjourr's long-term viability and operational history remain unknown. It is unclear how the developers plan to sustain the project over time, given that it relies entirely on donation-based funding to cover ongoing development costs. The exact financial metrics, including the total volume of user donations and the precise maintenance costs that led to the discontinuation of the native Safari version, have not been publicly disclosed. Additionally, the future roadmap for the extension, including whether the developers will eventually port the tool back to Apple's native ecosystem or introduce other productivity features beyond the Pomodoro timer, remains unconfirmed.