Head-to-head · Web Browsers
Vivaldi vs Waterfox
Vivaldi leads on 0 checks, Waterfox on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreVivaldi · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresWaterfox · 3 of 3
Vivaldi scores higher on our rubric for web browsers: 8.8 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #9.
On browser engine, Waterfox gives you Gecko where Vivaldi offers Chromium. Waterfox offers open source; Vivaldi doesn't.
Vivaldi is the better fit for power users who want extensive customization. Waterfox is the better fit for open-source users wanting strong privacy controls.
- Vivaldi fits best
Power users who want extensive customization
- Waterfox fits best
Open-source users wanting strong privacy controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Vivaldi 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Waterfox 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #6 in Web Browsers | #9 in Web Browsers |
| Best for | Power users who want extensive customization | 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 | Tickets, Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Vivaldi 2/3 · Waterfox 3/3 | ||
| Built-in ad blocking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cross-device sync | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Both | Both |
| Browser engine | Chromium | Gecko |
| Tracking protection | Not checked yet | Advanced |
| Extension support | Chrome_store | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Vivaldi is a free web browser for desktop and mobile users who want extensive control over interface design, tab organization, privacy controls, and built-in productivity tools. It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.… 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
Vivaldi — where it wins
- Deep tab organization with tiling, stacking, and workspaces
- End-to-end encrypted synchronization across devices
- Built-in productivity tools plus Chrome Web Store compatibility
Where it doesn't
- No AI features
- Not fully open source
- Chromium-based architecture may not suit non-Chromium users
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
- Vivaldi8.8/10 · Free plan
Vivaldi suits power users who want deep control over tabs, tools, and interface design.
Visit VivaldiFull verdict → - Waterfox8.5/10 · Free plan
Waterfox offers open-source browsing with detailed privacy controls at no cost.
Visit WaterfoxFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Google Chrome vs Vivaldi
- Microsoft Edge vs Vivaldi
- Mozilla Firefox vs Vivaldi
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- Opera vs Vivaldi
- Vivaldi vs Safari
- Vivaldi vs Tor Browser
All web browsers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update








