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Head-to-head · Web Browsers

Vivaldi vs Waterfox

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Vivaldi #6 in Web Browsers 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Vivaldi
Waterfox #9 in Web Browsers 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit 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

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 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
  • Deep tab organization with tiling, stacking, and workspaces
  • End-to-end encrypted synchronization across devices
  • Built-in productivity tools plus Chrome Web Store compatibility
  • 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
  • No AI features
  • Not fully open source
  • Chromium-based architecture may not suit non-Chromium users
  • No premium tier or payment options are offered
  • Synchronization depends on a Mozilla account and Mozilla Sync
  • No AI features are included
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 →
  1. VivaldiWeb Browsers 8.8Free plan
  2. WaterfoxWeb Browsers 8.5Free plan

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

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update