Mozilla Firefox vs Waterfox

Mozilla Firefox9.1Visit Waterfox8.5Visit

Higher score Mozilla Firefox #3 in Web Browsers 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Firefox

vs

Waterfox #9 in Web Browsers 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Waterfox

• Mozilla Firefox fits best

  Open-source privacy-conscious everyday browsing

• Waterfox fits best

  Open-source users wanting strong privacy controls

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Side by side

Feature	Mozilla Firefox 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Waterfox 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.5
Ranking	#3 in Web Browsers	#9 in Web Browsers
Best for	Open-source privacy-conscious everyday browsing	Open-source users wanting strong privacy controls
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support	Community, Docs	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Mozilla Firefox 3/3 · Waterfox 3/3
Built-in ad blocking	✓	✓
Cross-device sync	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Specs
Supported platforms	Both	Both
Browser engine	Gecko	Gecko
Tracking protection	Standard	Advanced
Extension support	Own_store	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Enhanced Tracking Protection and Total Cookie Protection Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android Syncs bookmarks, passwords, history and open tabs across devices	Advanced tracking protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes Open source with built-in ad and tracker blocking Syncs bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, and preferences
Cons	Sync requires a Mozilla account Extensions and themes use Mozilla’s own add-on store No paid tier for additional browser features	No premium tier or payment options are offered Synchronization depends on a Mozilla account and Mozilla Sync No AI features are included
Our verdict	Mozilla Firefox is a free, open-source web browser for desktop and mobile users who want everyday browsing with built-in privacy controls. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, using Mozilla’s Gecko rendering engine. Core… Read the review →	Waterfox is a free, open-source web browser from BrowserWorks Ltd, based on Mozilla Firefox and the Gecko engine. It is designed for people who want detailed privacy controls alongside everyday browsing features. Available on Windows,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Mozilla Firefox — where it wins

  • Enhanced Tracking Protection and Total Cookie Protection
  • Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
  • Syncs bookmarks, passwords, history and open tabs across devices

  Where it doesn't

  • Sync requires a Mozilla account
  • Extensions and themes use Mozilla’s own add-on store
  • No paid tier for additional browser features

• Waterfox — where it wins

  • Advanced tracking protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes
  • Open source with built-in ad and tracker blocking
  • Syncs bookmarks, passwords, history, tabs, and preferences

  Where it doesn't

  • No premium tier or payment options are offered
  • Synchronization depends on a Mozilla account and Mozilla Sync
  • No AI features are included

• Mozilla Firefox9.1/10 · Free plan

  A mature, privacy-focused browser for everyday browsing across desktop and mobile.

  Visit FirefoxFull verdict →
• Waterfox8.5/10 · Free plan

  Waterfox offers open-source browsing with detailed privacy controls at no cost.

  Visit WaterfoxFull verdict →