Head-to-head · Privacy Browsers
Tor Browser vs Waterfox
Tor Browser leads on 0 checks, Waterfox on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreTor Browser · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
Tor Browser scores higher on our rubric for privacy browsers: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Tor Browser is the better fit for maximum anonymity and censorship resistance. Waterfox is the better fit for free privacy with everyday browser features.
- Tor Browser fits best
Maximum anonymity and censorship resistance
- Waterfox fits best
Free privacy with everyday browser features
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Side by side
| Feature | Tor Browser 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Waterfox 9.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in Privacy Browsers | #3 in Privacy Browsers |
| Best for | Maximum anonymity and censorship resistance | Free privacy with everyday browser features |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Tor Browser 1/4 · Waterfox 1/4 | ||
| Tracker blocking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Ad blocking | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Built-in VPN | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Fingerprint protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Both | Both |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Tor Browser is a free, open-source web browser based on Firefox that routes browsing through the Tor network. It is designed for people who want to reduce tracking, surveillance, fingerprinting, and censorship exposure, including… Read the review → |
Waterfox is a free, open-source web browser for privacy-conscious users who want control over tracking, browsing data, interface layout, and extensions. Built on Mozilla’s Gecko engine, it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Its… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Tor Browser — where it wins
- Tor routing, multi-layer encryption, and fingerprinting resistance
- Free access to onion services, bridges, and Connection Assist
- Website isolation, NoScript, and configurable security levels
Where it doesn't
- No official iOS version
- Additional browser extensions are strongly discouraged
- Tor routing can make everyday browsing less convenient
Waterfox — where it wins
- Built-in ad, tracker, pop-up, and overlay blocking
- Enhanced Tracking Protection with Standard, Strict, and Custom modes
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android with sync support
Where it doesn't
- Support channels are centered on documentation
- No paid tier for users seeking premium browser features
- No built-in AI features
- Tor Browser9.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source browser built for anonymity, censorship resistance, and onion access.
Visit Tor BrowserFull verdict → - Waterfox9.2/10 · Free plan
Waterfox combines advanced privacy controls, customization, and Firefox extension support at no cost.
Visit WaterfoxFull verdict →
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All privacy browsers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







