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Head-to-head · Privacy Browsers

Tor Browser vs Waterfox

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Tor Browser #2 in Privacy Browsers 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Tor Browser
Waterfox #3 in Privacy Browsers 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit 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

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

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
  • Tor routing, multi-layer encryption, and fingerprinting resistance
  • Free access to onion services, bridges, and Connection Assist
  • Website isolation, NoScript, and configurable security levels
  • 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
Cons
  • No official iOS version
  • Additional browser extensions are strongly discouraged
  • Tor routing can make everyday browsing less convenient
  • Support channels are centered on documentation
  • No paid tier for users seeking premium browser features
  • No built-in AI features
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 →
  1. Tor BrowserPrivacy Browsers 9.3Free plan
  2. WaterfoxPrivacy Browsers 9.2Free plan

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

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update